Class "Crr !.7.S Book_„,lE>^2_5 /^^ f r PREFACE. Authentic accounts of important events which hare ta- ken place in past ag-es are of much utility : especially to the eountries and people whose affairs are related. In a countrj like ours, it seems necessary to the existence of true and en- lightened patriotism, that every person should possess some knowledg-e of the history of his own country. By the aid of history, we, can call up past scenes and events in review-* we can see the effects they have had upon the nations before us, and from thence we can learn wisdom for the future. It is, in reality, interesting- and instructive to every intelli- gent mind, to be transported back to the time of the first settlement of our country, to observe the courage, fortitude, and self-denial of our forefathers, amidst many surrounding dangers, difficulties, and privations, — their unconquerable love of freedom, — the resistance they manifested to tyrannj in all its shapes, — and the final success of their efforts to preserve the freedom and independence of their country entire. This work is not designed for the information of those wha are conversant with the history of our country in all its parts; (this class of community is comparatively small;) hut for those who cannot spare the time or expense of reading or procuring a full and complete history. The object of the work is to give an account, in a short but comprehensive manner, of the most important and interesting events which have taken place in our country, nearly all of which are arranged in chronological order. Those events which- are deemed of minor importance, are inserted in the Chrtrf , Y PREFACE. nolo^ical Tables, at the end of the book, as every event which is mentioned could not be detailed, without swelling- the book to an expensive size. It is believed that this work will be found usi-ful as a Re- ference Book, for events recorded in American History, there being-, it is presumed, no event of any very considera- ble importance, which is not noticed in this work. In making- the selection of events, care has been taken to consult the most approved authorities, and the Compiler would here state, that he feels himself under particular obli- g-ations to Holmes'' American Annahy the most valuable work of the kind which has ever appeared in this country, — a work from which a g-reat proportion of late Histories of the United States have been benefitted, either directly or indirectly. Other authors have also been consulted, and extracts taken from them in many instances, as will be perceived in examining the work. The numerous engraving's intersper- sed throug-h the book, it is thought will be of utility in making the work interesting, and of fixing the facts more finnly in the mind. J. W, B* New Havbn, October, 1828. CONTENTll, North American Indians ExpeJitionsofSotoandJa Sal!e Introduction of the use of Tobacco Settlement of Jamestown locahontas Jamestown saved Plymouth settlers Discovery of Indian Corn iwassasoit, the Indian Sa- chem Exploits of Capt.Standish -tHst settlements m Con- . necticut Blue Lawsof Connecticut ■•earthquakes Indian cunning- and saga- city " Expedition against the "equots Elliot the Indian Mission- PAGE 12 14 15 16 17 18 20 20 21 23 24 First ciij^i^g of Rice in itch era ft ary Attack on Brookfieid Swamp fio-ht Beath of King- Philip •Bacon's insurrection in Virginia The Reg-icides William Penn Tyranny of Andros Preservation of the char- ter of Connecticut »estructiQQ of Schenec- tady Salem' „,^ Capt.Kidd, the pirate Great snow storm Dark days iNorthern Lig-hts Gov Fletcher and Capt. Wadsworth War with theTuscaroras H ai- with the Yamasees Inoculation introduced Father Ralle the Jesuit Natchez Indians extirpa- ted ^'egro insurrection ia ' Carolina 27 Invasion of Georgia Capture of Louisturg- 29 D'Anville's expedition ' umult in Boston 29 Braddock's defeat Massacre at fort William ->^ Henry 33 Abercrombie's defeat 35 Capture of Quebec 37 Expedition against the Spanish settlements in 38 the West Indies 39 Whitefield the celebrated 41 preacher 41 Col. Boon's first settle- , mentin Kentucky 43 Stamp Act Massacre in Boston 44 Destruction ©f Tea PAQE, 4S 46 48 49 50 51 52 54 5S 5T 69 61 63 64 65 67 68 70 SO 81 82 9^ xxtv COISTfiWTte. First Continental Con- gress Battle of Lexington Taking of riconderoga Battle of Bunker HIH Arnold's march through the wilderness Death of Gen. Montgom- ery Washington, commander in chief Attack on Sullivan's Island Declaration of Indepen- dence Battle on Long Island Death of Capt. Hate Battle of Trenton Battle of Princeton Battle of Brandy wine Battle of German town, and the attack on Red Bank Murder of Miss McCrea Battle of Bennington and capture of Burgoyne Treaty with France Battle of Monmouth Taking of Savannah and C'harleston BauiJones' naval battle Gen. Putnam's Escupe ^Storming of Stotiy Point Battle of Camden Murder of Mrs. and Mr. Caldwell Massacre at Wyoming Distress of the American army Capture of Andre, and Treason of Arnold Battle of the Cowpens Battle of Guilfoid Battle of Eut iw Springs Storming- of fort Gri&wolcj Surrender of Coniwallis Washington leaving the 86 army 89 Continental money OObhays' insurrection 93 Adoption of the Constitu- i tion 103 Inauguration of Washing- ! ton 104 Whiskey Insurrection Yellow Fever in Phila- 106' delphia 108 Gen. Wayne's victory Difficulties with the no French 112 Death of Washmgton 116 Dr.Franklin's experiment 172 118 Invention of steam boats 173 1 19 Wars with the Barbary 120 States Burr's conspiracy Lewis and Clarke's expe- 122 dition 123 Second war with Great i Britain, causes of the 124 war, embargo, &c 129 Mob in Baltimore 131 Hull's surrender 'Capture of the Guerriere 131 Battle of Queenstown 133 Massacre 7»t fort Mimms 135 Capture of York (U. C.) 193 136 Battle on I ake Erie 196 137,Deaih of Tecumseh 197 iBaltie of Niagara 198 139 Burning of Washington 202 141 Battle on Lake Champlain 203 i Hart ford Convention 204 143 Gen. Jackson's victory at ' New Orleans 156 157 159 161 162 164 165 163 169 170 174 178 180 182 184 187 188 189 191 14( 15(« 15i> 154 155 Bank of the U. State S'iracios in the West v'ies vVestern Antiquities Erie Canal Gen. Lafavette's visit In- 206 208 2U 216 217 213 LEJa21 'jjiteil &t'At'e§ 5. ■K^'T^'" ' r w ;=i HL"^ ZM i m ^ 1 ^^ M>IL^-^^^^^^ ^i m i 1 ^^^^^^^^^^p^^lflfg 1 ^'r^^''^^^itSi^lf^^^i('^f^^^S^r^^ m i A'- v//y'// ///•>• />//,/ f'df'i Sjhi/Ji INTERESTIJfG EVENTS, &a i {\,) North American Indians. It has long been a question agitated among the learned, how America was first peopled. The opinion best supported is, that the Indians of this country emigrated from the north-eastern parts of Asia, crossing over to this continent at Beering's Straits. This opinion is supported by the fact, that the figure, complexion, and customs of the nations of both continents are strikingly similar. With regard to the number of Indians inhabiting our country, at the time of the arrival of the Euro- pean settlers, no correct estimate can be made ; but according to the estimate of Dr. Trumbull, they could not much exceed 150,000, within the compass of the thirteen original States. It is beheved that they were formerly much more numerous, particu- larly on the Ohio river and its branches, and in New England. A hw years before the arrival of the Plymouth settlers, a very mortal sickness raged with great violence among the Indians inhabiting the eastern parts ot New England. « Whole towns were de- populated. The living were not able to bury the dead; and their bones were found lying above ground, many years after. The Massachusetts In- dians are said to have been reduced from 30,000 to 2 300 fighting men. In 1633, the small pox swept off great numbers"* The Indians of this country were divided into many small tribes, governed by their sachems, or kings, and were often at war with each other. In their persons the Indians were tall, straight, and well proportioned ; in their councils they were distinguished for their gi*avity, and eloquence; in war for bravery, stratagem, and revenge. Hunting, fishing, and war, was the employment cf the men. The women were compelled to till the field and to perform the common drudgery of their domestic affairs. Their dress in summer consisted chiefly of a slight covering about the waist ; in winter they clothed themselves with the skins of wild animals. They were extremely fond of ornaments, and on days of festivity and show they were painted with various colors, and profusely ornamented with shells, beads, and feathers* Their habitations, which were called by the Eng- lish, wigwams, were constructed by erecting a strong pole for the centre, around which other poles a few feet distant were driven, and fastened to the centre pole at the top, then covered with mats and bark of trees, which rendered them a shelter from the weather. Their warlike instruments and domestic utensils were few and simple; — a tomahawk, or hatchet of stone, bows and arrows, sharp stones and shells, which they used for knives and hoes, and stone mortars for pounding their corn. For money they used small beads, curiously wrought from shells, and strung on belts, or in chains, called ajampum* ♦Dr. Morse. The Indians of this country were generally Po- lytheists, or believed in a plurality of Gods. Some were considered as local deities ; yet they believed (hat there was one Supreme God, or Great Spirit^ the Creator of the rest, and of all creatures and things. Him, the natives of New England called Kichtan. They believed that good men, at death, ascended to Kichtan, above the heavens, where they enjoyed their departed friends and all good things ; that bad men also went and knocked at the gate of glory, but Kichtan bade them depart, for there was no place for such, whence they wander- ed in restless poverty. This Supreme Being they held to be good, and prayed to Him when they de- sired any great favor, and paid a sort of acknowl- edgment to Him, for plenty, victory, &:c. The manner of worship in many tribes, was to sing and dance around a large fire. There was another power which they called //oJ- hctmock, in English the Devil, of whom they stood in greater awe, and worshipped him merely from a principle of fear, and it is said that they Sfvmetimes even sacrificed their own children to appease him.* They prayed to him to heal their wounds and dis- eases. When found curable, he was supposed to be the author of their complaints; when they were mortal, they were ascribed to Kichtan, whose dis- eases none were able to remove ; therefore they never prayed to him in sickness. Their priests, which were called Powaws, and their chief warri- ors, pretended often to see Hobbamock in the shape of a man, fawn, or eagle, hut generally of a snalce^ who gave them advice in their difficult undertakings. The duty and office of the Powaws, was to pray to *Morse and Parish's Hist, of N. E, 12 Hobbamock for the removal of evils; the common poop e said amen. In his prayer the Powaw pro- mised skms, kettles, hatchets, beads, &c. as sacri- lices, if his request should be granted. The apparent insensibility of the Indians under pains and wounds is well known ; yet they had aw- lul apprehensions of death. When sick, and all hope of recovery was gone, their bursting sobs and sighs, their wringing hands, their flowing tears, and dismal cries and shrieks, were enough to excite sympathy from the hardest heart. Their affection was very strong for their children, who by indulgence were saucy and undu- titul. A father would sometimes, through grief and rage for the loss of a child, stab himself! Some tribes ol Indians would not allow of mentioning the name of a friend after death. When a person died, they generally buried him with his bow and arrows fiogs, and whatever was valuable to him while liv- ing, supposing he would want them in another world, as their ideas of the happiness of heaven cousistexi in finding plenty of game, feasting, &c. 1 he Indians appeared to have distinct traditions ot the creation and deluge, and some of their words, rites and ceremonies, bear a strong affinity to those of the ancient HebrewSo (2.) Expeditions of Ferdinand de Soto and M, de la Salle. The Mississippi was first discovered by Ferdinand de Soto m 1541, and Father Hennepin, (a French Catholic Missionary,) and Monsieur de la Salle were the first Europeans that traversed it. Soto had 13 served under Pizarro in the conquest of Peru, with such reputation that the King of Spain entrusted him with the government of Cuba, with the rank of Ge- neral of Florida, and Marquis of the lands he should conquer. Soto collected a body of 900 foot and 350 horse, for an expedition into Florida, where he landed in May, 1539. From the Gulf of Mexico, he pene- trated into the country northward, and wandered about in search of gold, exposed to famine, hard- ships and the opposition of the natives. He pursu- ed his course north to the country inhabited by the Chickasaws, whei-e he spent a winter. He then crossed the Mississippi, being the first European that had discovered that vast river. After a long march into the country westward, in which Soto di- ed, the remains of his troops returned to the Mis- sissippi. Here they built a number of small ves- sels, in which they sailed down the stream, and made the best of their way to Panuco, in Mexico, where they arrived in September, 1543. In this extraordinary expedition, of more than four years duration, in search of gold in the wilderness, and among hostile savages, more than half the men per- ished.* Father Hennepin, a missionary of the Francis- can order, and M. de la Salle, with a party of men, embarked from fort Frontenac, in Canada, in Nov, 1678. After having passed through Lakes Ontario, Erie, Huron, and Michigan, and carried their ca- noes over land to the head of the Illinois river, Hennepin passed down to the mouth of the Missis- sippi. He set out upon his return to Canada, where he arrived in 1681, after having passed through ma- ny hardships and ditiiculties , in this perilous enter* ♦Webster's Elements of Useful Knowledge, Vol. I. 9* 14 prize among the savages, who for some time detained, him as a prisoner. M. de la Salle returned to France ; and from the flattering account he gave of the country, and the advantages that would accrue from settling a colony in those parts, Louis XV, was induced to establish a company for that purpose. Salle embarked, with, an intention to settle near the mouth of the Missis- sippi. But through mistake he sailed 100 leagues to the westward of it, where he attempted to settle , a colony; but through the unfavorableness of the climate, most of his men miserably perished, and, he himself was villanously murdered, not long after-.- by two of his own men* (3.) Introduction of the use of. Tobacco, , This singular native American plant, appears to have been used by the Indians in all parts of Ameri- ca. It is said it was first discovered by the Span- iards in 1520, near the town of 7b6a5co, in Mexico. The Mexicans used it copiously, not only in smoke ^ in the mouth, but also in snufF at the nose. " In order to smoke it," says the historian, " they put the leaves, with the gum of liquid amber, and other hot and odorous herb&, into a httle pipe of reed, or wood, or some other more valuable sub- stance. They received the smoke by sucking the pipe and shutting the nostrils with their fingers, so that it might pass more easily, by the. breath, inta the lungs." It was such a luxury, that the lords of ~ Mexico were accustomed to compose themselves to - sleep with it. In the account of Cartier's voyage in 1535, we find it used in Canada ; it is thus described : — * There groweth a certaine kindeof herbe, whereof A'^a]i°«^^^5-.i't Zaiu7i7u/ at Flyjiionth 1620. Disr/)verin the most respectable families in Virginia, (7.) Plymouth Settlers. The colony at Plymouth, Mass. (the first Euro- pean settlement in New England,) was planted principally for the sake of the free and undisturbed enjoyment of religious and civil liberty. The colo- nists were originally from the north of England; and were of that class of people in those days cal- led Pw.n7a?i5, so named from their uncommon z<^al in endeavoring to preserve the purity of divine worship- Being persecuted by their enemies, during the reign of James I., they fled with their pastor, to Amsterdam in Holland, in 1608. They afterwards removed to Leyden, where they remained till they sailed for America. Having resolved upon a removal^ they procured- two small ships and repaired to Plymouth, (Eng.) and from thence they proceeded about 100 leagues on their voyage, when they were compelled to re- turn, in consequence of one of the ships being leaky. This ship was. condem:)ed, and the other, cal- led the May Flo7ver, being crowded with passengers, again put to sea, Sept. G; on the 9th of N-ovember, after a dangerous passage, they arrived at Cape Cod, and the next day anchored in the harbor which is formed by the hook of the Cape. Before they landed, having devoutly given thanks to God for their safe arrival, they formed themselves into a " body politic," and chose Mr. John Carver their Governor for the first year. 19 Their next object was to fix on a convenienC place for settlement. In doing this they encounter^ ed many difFicuIties — many of them were sick in consequence of the fatigues of a long voyage— « their provisions were bad — the season was uncom- monly cold — the Indians, though afterwards friend- ly, were now hostile — and they were unacquainted with the coast. These difficulties they surmounted ; and on the 2'2d of December, 1620, they safely landed at a place which they named Plymouth, The anniversary of their landing is still celebrated by the descendants of the Pilgrmis, as a religious festival. The whole company that landed consisted of but 101 souls. Their situation and prospects were tru- ly dismal and discouraging. The nearest Europe- an settlement was 500 miles distant, and utterly in- capable of affording them relief in time of famine or danger. Wherever they turned their eyes, dis» tress was before them. " Persecuted in their native land —grieved for profanation of the holy Sabbath, and other licentiousness in Holland — fatigued by their long and boisterous voyage — forced on a dan- gerous and unknown shore in the advance of a cold wijuer — surrounded with hostile barbarians, without any hope of human succor — denied the aid or fa- vor of the court of England — without a patent — > without a public promise of the peaceable enjoy- ment of their religious liberties — without convenient shelter from the rigors of the weather. — Such were the prospects, F»nd such the situation of these pious and solitary Christians. To add to their distresses, a very mortal sickness prevailed among them, which swept off forty-six of their nunvber before the ens«° ing spring* 20 '' To support them under these trials, they had need of all the aids and comforts which Christianity affords ; and these were found sufficient. The free and unmolested enjoyment of their religion, recon-r ciled them to their lonely situation- — they bore their hardships with unexampled patience, and perseve- red in their pilgrimage of almost unparalleled trials, with such resignation and calmness, as gave proof of great piety and unconquerable virtue." (8.) Discovery of Indian Corn. Before the Settlers landed at Plymouth, they sent out a number of parties to explore the country. -One cf these parties consisted of sixteen men, under Capt. Miles Standish, In their route they discover- ed several small hillocks which they conjectured to be the graves of the Indians, but proceeding still further they discovered many more, and on closer examination each hillock was found to contain a considerable quantity of Indian Corn! It was buried in the ear, and excited in no small degree their curi- osity. By a hw of the company it was thought a valuable discovery, others, who had tasted the corn in its raw state, thought it indifferent food and of but little value. This corn served them for seed in the ensuing spring. They were instructed by Sguanto, a friend- ly Indian, how to raise it, and it was probably the means of preserving them from famine. . (9.) Massasoit, the Indian Sachem, The infant colony at Plymouth were much in- debted to the friendship and influence of Massasoit Q as^i^'rliim^'iptll"^ \ K 1 V 1 i Ttk2bi7i Canninif. 21 1 powerful Prince or Sachem in those parts. Aboui three months after their estn[,lishnK.,u'th<.y received a v.sit from Massasoit with sixty of his men. They were cond.icted (o the Governor who received them w, h m,).ary parade. The Governor and Ma sa so k.ssed each others' hands as a sahuation and boh sat down. ^^ Strong v^aUr'^ was ahen given to the sachem "who drank a great draught that made hm, sweat all the while alter." Aftlr eatS hoy entered mto a frjondly treaty. They ag eel to avoid ,nj.nes on both sides, to restore lolen goods, to assist each other in all just wars, and o en" deavor to promote peace and harmony amor?heir neighbors. Th s treaty was faithfull/oLse fed by Massasoit and his successors for more than fortv years alter. •' In the year 1623, Massasoit was ta1^^~^"*^^s ^^^^^g 17 j^rlark on UrooktiM 33 Mr, Elliot began his labors about the year 1646. His first labor was to learn the language, which was peculiarly difficult to acquire ; for instance, the In- dian word Numjnatche^chodtantanioonganunnonask signified no more in English than our lusts.^ Elliot having finished a grammar of this tongue, at the close of which he wrote ^''Prayers and pains through faith in Christ will do any thing P'' with very great labor he translated the whole bible into the Indian language. This Bible was printed in 1664, at Cambridge, and was the first Bible ever printed in America. He also translated the Prac- tice of Piety, Baxter^s call to the Unconverted, be- sides some smaller works, into the Indian tongue. Having performed many wearisome journeys, and endured many hardships and privations, this indefa- tigable Missionary closed his labors in 1690, aged eighty-six years. The ardor and zeal of Elliot, Mahew, and others, were crowned with such success, that in 1660, there were ten towns of Indians in Massachusetts, who were converted to the Christian Rehgion. In 1695, there were not less than three thousand adult Indian converts in the Islands of Nantucket and Martha's Vineyard. (17.) King Philip's War. (attack on brookeield.) In the year 1675, Philip, Sachem of the Wamp- anogas, and grand-son of Massasoit, began the most general and destructive war ever waged by the In- dians upon the infant Colonies. He resided at * Mather's Magnalia, vol. 1. 4 34 Mount Hope, in the present town of Bristol, in ^'i°1s Supposed that his object was the entire ex- tlnction of the colonists, who were now rapidly ex- endin- their settlements. The .mmed,ate cause of he wa" was this : Sausaman, an Indmn Missionary, ad made a discovery of PhUip s plots to the En Xh, for which PhUip caused him to be murdered . fhe murderers were tried and executed by the Ea- .ifsh This roused the anger of Philip, who im- mediately commenced hostilities, and by his influ- ence drew into the war most of the Indian tribes .>» "^ pl^fit the Nipmucks, a tribe of Indians in that part of Massachusetts which .s novy called Worcester County, and persuaded them to assist him The English sent a party also to this tribe, to Sew a formet- treaty, but Phihp's influence pre- •1 J onrl ihk nartv were way-laid, and eight of r f numbe K Ve remai'nder fled to Brook- fi.U nursued by the Indians into the town. Every field, P"[^ued ey^i ^^^ ^^^.^^^ ^ ine'nto which theinhabitants'had fled for refuge, anSthis wa soon surrounded by their foes and for two day! they poured into its walls a shower of musket balls. ^ Only one person, however, was k.l- Td Brands and rags dipped in brimstone, a tach- ed to the ends of long poles, were used to fire the house arrows of fire were shot against it and a carTof tow and other combustibles, was with long ^nlrsDUshed against the house, and the savages Toodready tosfaughterall who should attempt to "ai'' Ais awful and critical moment a sudden tor- rent oain Extinguished the kindling Aa-es. Ma- jor WiUard soon after came to their assistance- 35 raised the seige, and after some slaughter of the en- emy, compelled them to retreat. (18.) Swamp Fight with the Narraganscts, Lest Philip sliould increase his power, by an alli- ance with the Narraganset Indians, the English had made a friendly treaty with them in July, 1675. But notwithstanding this, in December of the same year, it was discovered that they were secretly aid- ing Philip's party. This determined the English to undertake a winter expedition against them. For this object the colony of Massachusetts furnished five hundred and twenty-seven men, Plymouth one hundred and fifty-nine, and Connecticut three hun- dred ; to all these were attached one hundred and fifty Mohegan Indians. After electing Josiah Wins- low, Governor of Plymouth colony, to be their commander, the whole party met at Pettyquams- quot. About sixteen miles from this place it was found that the Narragansets had built a strong fort in the midst of a large swamp, upon a piece of dry land of about five or six acres. This fort was a circle of pallisadoes surrounded by a fence of trees which was about one rod thick. On the 19th of December, 1675, at dawn of day, the English took up their march through a deep snow, and at 4 o'clock in the afternoon attacked the Indians in their fortress. The only entrance which appeared practicable, was over a log or tree, which lay up 5 or 6 feet from the ground, and this opening was commanded by a sort of a block house in front. The Massachusetts men, led on by their Captains, first rushed into the fort, but the ene- my from the block house and other places opened 36 so furious a fire upon them that they were obliged to retreat. Many men were killed in this assault, and among them Captains Johnson and Davenport. The whole army then made a united onset. The conflict was terrible, some of the bravest Captains fell, and victory seemed doubtful. At this crisis, some of the Connecticut men ran to the opposite side of the fort, where there were no pallisadoes ; they sprang in and opened a brisk and well directed fire upon the backs of the enemy. This decided the contest. The Indians were driven from the block house, and from^ one covert to another, until they were wholly destroyed or dispersed in the wilderness. As they retreated the soldiers set fire to their wigwams, (about six hundred in num- ber,) which were consumed by the flames. In this action it was computed that about seven hun- dred fighting Indians perished, and among them^ twenty of their chiefs. Three hundred more died from their wounds — to these numbers may be add- ed many old men, women and children, who had retired to this fort as a place of undoubted security,' " The burning of the wigwams, the shrieks of the women and children, the yelling of the warri-- ors, exhibited a most horrid and afiecting scene, so that it greatly moved some of the soldiers. They were much in doubt whether the burning of their enemies ahve, could be consistent with humanity and the benevolent principles of the gospel." From this blow the Indians never recovered. The victory of the English, though complete, was dearly purchased; six of their Captains and eighty of their men were killed or mortally wounded; and one hundred and fifty were wounded who afterwards recovered. About one half of the loss of this bloody fight fell upon the Connecticut soldiers. 37 ( 1 9.) Death of King Philip. The finishing stroke was given to the Indian power in New England by the death of Philip, Au- gust 12th, 1676. Failing in his attempts to rouse the Mohawk tribe to war with the English, he returned to Mount Hope — the tide of war against him. The English had killed or captured his brother, councillors, and chief warriors, his wife and family, and he was obliged to flee from one lurking place to another, from the pursuit of his foes. Firm and unbroken amidst all his misfortunes, he would listen to no proposals of peace. He even shot one of his own men for daring to suggest it. Captain Church, who for his courage and enter- prise in this war had acquired renown, received in- formation that Philip was in a swamp near Mount Hope. To this place he marched immediately, with a party of men whom he placed in ambush about the swamp, with orders not to move until day- light, that they might distinguish Philip. Cap- tain Church, confident of success, took Major San- ford by the hand, exclaiming, " It is scarcely possi- ble that Philip should escape;" at this moment a bullet whistled over their heads, and a volley fol- lowed. Immediately Philip with his powder horn and gun ran fiercely towards a spot where lay con- cealed a white man and a friendly Indian. The Englishman levelled his gun at Philip, but it miss- ed fire. The Indian ally then fired. The bullet entered the heart of Philip, and he fell on his face in the mire of the swamp. By the order of Cap- tain Church his body was drawn from the place where he fell, beheaded and quartered. The In- dian who executed this order, taking his hatchet, 4^ m *M 38 thus 'addressed the body of Philip : — "You have been one very great man — you have made a many a man afraid of you — but so big as you be I will chop you in pieces." " Thus fell a brave chieftain who defended him- self, and what he imagined to be the just rights of his countrymen, to the last extremity." After the death of Philip, the war continued in the province of Maine, till the spring of 1678. But westward, the Indians having lost their chiefs, wigwams and provisions, and perceiving further contest vain, came in singly, and by tens, andby hundreds, and submitted to the English. Thus closed a melancholy period in the annals of New England history ; during which, 600 men, in the flower of their strength, had fallen; 12 or 13 towns had been destroyed, and 600 dwelling houses consumed. Every 1 1 th family was houselesSj and every 1 1th soldier had sunk to the grave.* (^0.) Baeon^s Insurrection in Virginia, Virginia, while a Colony of Great Britain, often suffered from the oppressive acts of the mother country, and their essential interests were often sacrificed to individuals in Great Britain. These proceedings gave rise to a spirit of opposition in many of the colonists, which sometimes broke out into open acts of resistance. " The malcontents in Virginia, in 1676, taking ad- vantage of a war with the Susquehannah Indians, ex- cited the people to insurrection. Nathaniel Bacon, a bold, seditious, and eloquent young man, who had *Goodrich. KlnoiciLe Isliamd 21 Fc DMth of ICint^ Fhi7ip 1676 J"n7-s/n/i^/ //?.' i;,-,/i,'f,/t'.s- 39 been concerned in a recent insurrection, now offer- ing himself as a leader of the insurgents, was cho- sen their General ; and soon after entered James- town with six hundred armed followers. Having beseiged the grand assembly, then convened in the capital, he compelled them to grant whatever he de- manded. On finding himself denounced, after his departure, as a rebel, by a proclamation of Govern- or Berkley, he returned indignantly to Jamestown. The aged Governor, unsupported and almost aban- doned, fled precipitately to Accomack, on the east- ern shore of the colony ; and, collecting those, who were well affected towards his government, began to oppose the insurgents. Several skirmishes were fought with various success. A party of the insur- gents burned Jamestown. Those districts of the Colony, which adhered to the old administration, were laid waste. The estates of the loyalists were confiscated. Women^ whose fathers or husbands obeyed what they deemed the legal government, were carried forcibly along with the soldiers. The Governor, in retaliation, seized the estates of many of the insurgents, and executed several of their leaders by martial law. In the midst of these cala- mities, Bacon, the author of them, sickened and di- ed ; and the flames of war expired. This rebellion cost the Colony one hundred thousand pounds."* (21.) The Regicides, Soon after the restoration of monarchy in Eng- land, many of the Judges who had condemned King Charles 1. to death, were apprehended. Thirty were condemne4 and ten were executed as ^Holmes' American Annals, 40 traitors ; two of them, Colonels Goffe and Whalley made their escape to New England, and arrived in Boston, July, 1 660. They were gentlemen of worthy. and were much esteemed by the colonists for their un- feigned piety. Their manners and appearance were dignified, commanding universal respect. Whalley had been a Lieutenant General, and Gofte a Major General, in Cromwell's army. An or- der for their apprehension, from Charles II. reached New England soon after their arrival. The King's commissioners, eager to execute this order, com- pelled the Judges to resort to the woods and caves, and other hiding places ; and they would undoubted- ly have been taken had not the colonists secretly aid- ed and assisted them in their concealments.* Some- times they found a refuge in a cave on a mountain near New Haven, and at others in cellars of the houses of their friends, and once they were secre- ted under the neck bridge in New Haven, while their pursuers crossed the bridge on horseback. After many hair breadth escapes, the pursuit was given over, and tbey were finally suffered to die a natural death in their exile» * While Goffe was secreted ia Hadiey, in 1675, the Indians attacked the town, while the inhabitants were at public wor- ship. The people were thrown into the utmost confusion, till Goffe, entirely unknown to them, white with age, of a venerable and commanding aspect, and in an unusual dress, suddenly presented himself among them, encouraging the affrighted inhabitants, put himself at their head, and by his military skill, led them on to an immediate victory. After the dispersion of the enemy, he instantly disappeared. The wondering inhabitants, alike ignorant from whence he came, and where he had retired, imagined him to be an angel, sent for their deliverance Stiks^s Hist, Judges, 4t (22.) William Penn. The territory of Pennsylvania was granted t© William Penn, from whom it derives its name. This grant was made by King Charles II. of Eng- land, in 1681, in consideration of service rendered to the crown by the father of Penn, who was an admiral in the English navy. In October, 1682, William Penn arrived in the Delaware, with his col- ony of Friends or Quakers, He purchased, of the natives the land where he proposed to build his capital, which he called Philadelphia, or the seat of brotherly love, William Penn gave the Indians a satisfactory equivalent for all the lands which he obtained : and when he paid them, he administered such wholesome counsel and advice as proved salu- tary to the natives, and greatly endeared him to their affections. The treaty of peace, which he concluded with them in 1 682, lasted more than seven- ty years. He parcelled out lands at moderate rents, gpve free toleration to all religious sects, enacted mild and equitable laws, and thus invited a rapid settlement of the colony. The respect and affec- tion which the natives had for Penn, and those of his religious tenets, was so great that it is related as a fact, that in their wars with the whites, they never killed a Quaker^ knowing him to be such. (^23.) Tyranny of Andros, In the year 1684, it was decided in the high Court of Chancery that Massachusetts had forfeited her charter, and that henceforth her government should be placed in the hands of the King. This event was brought about chiefly by the instrumental- 42 ity of Edmund Andros. This man had beer* sent over as a kind of spy on the Colonies ; he made it his business to collect charges against the Colo- nies, and return to England and excite the jealousy of the British government. In this manner, the way was prepared for annulling the Colonial charters In December, 1686, Andros arrived in Boston being commissioned by King James as Gover- nor General, and Vice Admiral over New England, New York and the Jersies. Like all tyrants, Sir Edmund began his administration with professions of high regard for the public welfare. In a few months, however, the prospect was changed. — The press was restrained, liberty of conscience infringed^ and exorbitant taxes were levied. The charters being vacated, it was pretended all titles to lands were destroyed ; farmers, therefore, who had culti- vated their soil for half a century, were obliged to take new patents, giving large fees, or writs of intru- sion were bought, and their lands sold to others,' To prevent petitions or consultations, town meet- ings were prohibited, excepting once in a year for thp choice of town officers. Lest cries of oppres- sion should reach the throne, he forbid any to leav9 the country without permission from the govern- ment.* In J 689, King James having abdicated the throne,. William, prince of Orange, and Mary, daughter of James, were proclaimed in February. A report of the landhig of William in England, reached Boston, bi;t before the news of the entire revolution in the British government arrived, a most daring one was effected in New-England. * Morse's History of New England. 4^ The cdlonists had borne the impositions of /Andros's government about three years. Their pa- tience was now exhausted. On the morning of April 1 8th the pubHc fury burst forth like a volcanOc The inhabitants of Boston were in arms and the peo- ple from t\\e country poured in to their assistance Andros and' his associates fled to a fort, resistance was vainj he was made a prisoner, and sent to Eng- land. (24.) Preservation of the Charter of Cormecticuic Sir Edmund Andros, being appointed the first governor general over New England, arrived at Boston in December, 1686. From this place he wrote to the colony of Connecticut to resign their charter ; but without success. " The assembly met as usual, in October, and the government continue(l .according to charter until the last of the month. About this time, Sir Edmund, with his suit, and more than sixty regular troops, came to Hartford when the assembly were sitting and demanded the char- ter, and declared the government under it to be dis- solved. The assembly were extremely reluctant and slow with respect to any resolve to surrender the charter, or with respect to any motion to bring it forth. The tradition is, that Governor Tre^t strongly represented the great expense and hardships of the colonists, in planting the country, the blood and treasure which they had expended in defending it, both against the savages and foreigners ; to what hardships and dangers he himself had been exposed for that purpose ; and that it was like giv- ing up his life, now to surrender the patent and priv,- 44 ilcges, so dearly bought and so long enjoyed. The important affair was debated and kept in suspense until the evening, when the charter was brought and laid upon the table, where the assembly were sitting. By this time great numbers of people were assembled, and men sufficiently bold to enterprise •whatever might be necessary or expedient. The lights were instantly extinguished, and one Captain Wadsworth, of Hartford, in the most silent and se- cret manner, carried off the charter, and secreted it in a large hollow tree, fronting the house of the Honorable Samuel Wyllys, then one of the magis- trates of the colony. The people appeared all peaceable and orderly. The candies were offi- ciously relighted, but the patent was gone, and no discovery could be made of it, or the person who had conveyed it away* Sir Edmund assumed the government, and the records of the colony were closed in the folio-wing words : "At a general court at Hartford, October 31st, 1687, His excellency Sir Edmund Andros, knight, and captain general and governor of his Majesty's territories and dominions in New England, by order from his Majesty, James the II. king of England, Scotland, France, and Ireland, the 31st of October 1687, took into his hands the government of the Colony of Connecticut, it being, by his Majesty, an- nexed to Massachusetts and other Colonies under his Excellency's government. Fims." TrwnbulPs History of ComiceticuL (25.) Destruction of Schenectady, In the war between England and France, in tlie ^^ear 1689, the French, who then possessed Canada^ Jt'fiTi's TrdLrty with the' InJiening to be in the harbor, the inhabitants repaired Drecipitately on board, sailed for Charleston, and hus providentially escaped a massacre. A few amilies of planters on the island, not having timely lotice of the danger, fell into the hands of the sav^ iges. * Holmes' Annals 56 While some Indian tribes were thus advancing against the southern frontiers and spreading desola- tion through the province, formidable parlies from the other tribes were penetrating into the settlements on the northern borders ; for every tribe, from Flor- ida to Cape Fear, was concerned in the conspiracy. The capital trembled for its own perilous situation. In this moment of universal terror, although there were no more than one thousand two hundred men in the muster roll, fit to bear arms ; yet the Govern- or resolved to march with tliis small fo^^^e against the enemy. He proclaimed martial law ; laid an embargo on all ships, to prevent either men or pro- visions from leaving the country ; and obtained an act of assembly, empowering him to imp;-ess men, and seize arms, ammunition and stores, wherever they were to be found; to arm trusty negroes ; and to prosecute the war with the utmost vigor. Agents were sent to Virginia and England, to solicit assis- tance; and bills were stamped for the payment of the army and other expenses. The Indians on the northern quarter, about fifty miles from Charleston, having murdered a family on a plantation ; Capt. Barker, receiving intelli- gence of their approach, collected a party of ninety horsemen, and advanced against them. Trusting however to an Indian guide, he was led into an am- buscade, and slain with several of his men. The rest retreated in confusion. A party of four hun- dred Indians came down as low as Goose Creek; Avhere seventy men and forty negroes had surroun- ded themselves with a breast work, with the resolu- tion of maintaining their post. Discouraged, how- ever, almost as soon as attacked, they rashly agreed to terms of peace ; but on admitting the enemy Masf^j^'rHOT^Hft^ M ■ 1 F" ^^S 1' ^r ^ ^fr 3 ^^ ' ■:4 a^ r% « M im ttP ^ sm ^« -Ca&^^ M ^^^^ ^H ^^ ^,^J|p ter^P ^^ t^^i^ ^H ^ H ^ ^ Flrcfht of tlif Sptunards from (>oroin 29|-i Crcot ,'>'m>w m 17/7 51 within their works, they were barbarously murdered. The Indians now advanced still nearer to Charles- ton ; but were repulsed by the militia. In the mean time, the Yamasces, with their con- federates, had spread destruction through the par- ish of St. Bartholomew, and proceeded down to Stono. Governor Cravan, advancing towards the wily enemy, with cautious steps, dispersed their straggling parties, until he reached Saltcatchers, where they had pitched their camp. Here was fought a severe and bloody battle, from behind trees and bushes; the Indians with their terrible war whoops, alternately retreating, and returning with double fury to the charge. The Governor, undismayed, pressed elosely on them with his pro- vincials ; drove them from their territory ; pursued them over Savannah river; and thus expelled them from the province. In this Indian war, nearly four hundred of the inhabitants of Carolina were slain. The Yama- sees, after their expulsion, went directly to the Spanish territories in Florida, where they were hos- pitably received. — Holmes* American Ammls^ (35.) Inoculation Introduced, The inoculation of small pox was first perform- ■ed in the English dominions, in April, 1721, upon a daughter of the celebrated Lady M. W. Mon- tague, who had become acquainted with inocula- tion as practised by Turkish women, during hrr residence in Constantinople, About this time, Dr. Zabdiel Boyelston, of Boston, was induced to adopt the same expedient, from reading an account of inoculation, and made his 6 58 lirst experiment by inoculating his only son and two negro servants, on the 27th June, 1721. Probably there never was greater opposition to any measure of real public utility, than was exhibited on this occasion. Dr. Boyleston was execrated and persecuted as a murderer, assaulted in the streets, and loaded with every species of abuse. His house was attacked with violence, 50 that nei- ther himself nor his family could feel secure in it. At : one time he remained fourteen days in a secret apartment of his own house, unknown to any of his family except his wife. The enraged inhabitants patrolled the town in parties, with halters in theii' hands, threatening to hang him on the nearest tree, and repeatedly entered his house in search of him, during his concealment. Such was the niadness of the multitude, that even after the excitement had in some measure subsided. Dr. Boyleston only ven- tured *to visit his patients at midnight, and then in disguise. He had also to encounter violent opposi- tion from most of the members of his own profes- sion, and notwithstanding he invited them all to vi- sit his patients, and judge for themselves, received nothing but threats and insults in reply. Indeed, many sober, pious people, were deliberately of opinion, when inoculation was first commenced, that should any of his patients die, the Doctor ought to be capitally indicted. He was repeatedly sum- moned before the selectmen of Boston, and receiv- ed their reprehension. His only friends were Dr. Cotton Mather, and other clergymen, most of whom became zealous advocates for the new practice, and consequently drew upon themselves much odi- um from the populace. Some of them received personal injury ; others were insulted in the streets, and were hardly safe in their own dwellings; nor 59 were their services acceptable on Sunday to their respective audiences. A bill for prohibiting the practice of inoculation, under severe penalties, was brought before the Le- gislature of Massachusetts, and actually passed the House of Representatives, but some doubts exist- ing in the Senate, it failed of becoming a law. Dr. Boyleston lived to see the cause he espoused triumphant, and its utility generally appreciated. So prone are mankind to vacillate from one extreme to the other, that, on a subsequent appearance of the small pox in Boston, in the year 1792, the whole town was inoculated in three days, to ap- pease the infatuation of the inhabitants respecting the danger apprehended from this deadly pesti- lence. Persons were inoculated indiscriminately, to the number of 9,152; and such was the hurry and confusion with which it was done, and such the impossibility of rendering proper assistance and at- tention to so large a number, that 165 deaths was the consequence. — Connecticut Journal. (36.) Father Ralle\ the French Jesuit, During the war between England and France, and while Canada was in the possession of the latter power, the Indians were often instigated by them, to fall on the frontier settlements of the British Co- lonies. In these proceedings, the French Govern- or of Canada was much assisted by the Roman Catholic Missionaries, who had attained a great as- cendancy over the Indians. One of the most celebrated of these missionaries, was Father Sebastian Ralle\ a French Jesuit, who spent thirty-seven years among the Indian tribes, 60 in the interior parts of America; and learned most of their languages. He was a man of learning and address ; and by a gentle, condescending deport- ment, and a compliance with the Indian modes and customs, he obtained a complete ascendancy over the natives ; and used his influence to promote the interests of the French among them. " He even made the offices of devotion, serve as incentives to their ferocity; and kept a flag, on which was depict- ed, a ci'oss, surrounded by bozvs and arrows, which he used to hoist on a pole at the door of his church, when he gave them absolution, previous to their en- gaging in any warlike enterprize." A dictionary of the Norridgwock language was found among Ralle''s papers, composed by himself, and it was deposited in the Library of Harvard College. The English settlers, having for a number of years suffered from the depredations of the Indians in those parts, in the year 1722, sent Col, West, brook, with 230 men to seize Ralle', who was re- garded as the principal instigator ; but he escaped into the woods, and they^ merely brought ofl" his strong box of papers. The Indians, to revenge this attempt to carry off their spiritual father, commit- ted various acts of hostility, and at length destroy- ed the town of Berwick. This last act, determined the government to issue a declaration of war, and send an expedition against Norridgwock, and en- trust the execution of it to Captains Moulion and Harman. These officers, each at the head of one hundred men, invested and surprised that village, killed the obnoxious Jesuit, with about eighty of his Indians, recovered three captives, destroyed the chapel, brought away the plate and furniture of the ei altar, and a devotloi^ial flag, as trophies of their vie- (37.) Xaichez Indians Extirpated* In 17:29, the Natchez, an Indian nation on the Mis- sissippi, formed a general conspiracy to massacre the French Colunisls of Louisiana. M. de Chepar, who commanded at the post of the Natchez, had beeri somewhat embroiled with the natives ; but they so far dissembled, as to excite the belief, that the French had no allies more faithful than they. The plot having been deeply laid, they appeared in great numbers about the French houses, on the 28th of November, telling the people that they were going a hunting. They sang after the calumet, in honor of the French commandant and his company. Each having returned to his post, a signal was giv- en, and instantly the general massacre began. Two hundred Frenchmen were killed. Of all the people at Natchez, not more than twenty French, and five or six negroes, escaped. One hundred and fifty children, eighty women, and nearly as many negroes were made prisoners. M. Perier, Governor of Louisiana, resolved on an expedition against the Natchez, to revenge their massacre of the French. M. le Sueur, whom he had sent to the Choctaws, to engage their assist- ance, arrived in February near the Natchez, at the head of fifteen or sixteen hundred Choctaw war- riors ; and was joined in March by a body of French troops under M. de Loubois, King's Lieutenant, who had the chief command of the expedition. The army encamped near the ruins of the old *Holmes' .American Annals. 6* 62 French settlement ; and, after resting there live days, marched to the enemy's fort, which was a league distant. After opening the trenches, and firing several days on the fort without much effect, the French at last approached so near, that the Natchez sent conditional proposals of releasing all the French women and children in their possessipn ; but, gaining time by negociation, they silently eva- cuated the fort in the night, with all their baggage and the French plunder. The French prisoners however were ransomed ; the stockade fort of the Natchez was demolished ; a terrace fort built in its place ; and a garrison of a hundred and twenty mea left there with cannon and ammunition, M. Perier, learning afterwards, that the Natchez had retired to the wTst of the Mississippi, near the Silver Creek, about sixty leagues from the mouth of Red River, applied to the French court for suc- cors to reduce them. M. Perier de Salvert, brother of the Governor, arriving from France with a hun^ dred and fifty soldiers of the marine ; the two bro- thers set out with their army, and arrived without ob- struction near the retreat of the Natchez. The en- emy, terrified at their approach, shut themselves up in a fort which they had built ; but were soon forced, by the fire from the French mortars, to make signals for capitulation. The French army carried the Natchez to New Orleans, where they were confined .in separate prisons; and afterwards were transport- / ed, as slaves, to St. Domingo. Thus that nation, the most illustrious in Louisiana, and the most use- ful to the French, was destroyed. — Holmes^ Ameri^ 6;y sickness and mortality, they were not able to. el^ feet any thing of consequence. 7^ "•According to the accounts given of the sick- ness, it was nearly as nwrtal as the plague. More than a thousand men died in a day, for several days. Of nearly 1 000 men from New England, not 100 returned; of 500 men from Massachusetts, 50 only returned.'"* In 1762, Admiral Pocock with a fleet of thirty- seven ships of war, and about one hundred and fifty transmrts, with a land force of about 15,000 men, iinde 3^ e command of Lord Albemarle, arrived be- fore Havana, on the 5th June. On the 17th, the troops landed, and after a siege of more than two months, in which the beseiging army showed the most invincible courage, patience and perseverance, this important place capitulated to his 13ritannic Majesty. In this siege, before the middle of July, the aj-my in this unwholesome and burning region, was redu- ced to half its original numbei*. Many of the sol- diers dropped down dead, under the pressure of heat, thirst, and fatigue. — A considerable number of Colonial troops enlisted under their own ofiiccrs, and served in this arduous cnterprize. Of the troops from New England, scarcely any of the private soldiers, and but few of the olficcrs ever returned. Such as were not killed in the ser- vice, were generally swept away by tiie great mor- tality which prevailed in the army and navy. (18.) Whitfield^ the celebrated Preacher, The Rev. George Whitfield, a clergyman of the Church of England, first arrived in this country, in the year 1738. Fie landed in Savannah, Geo. and iaidtliC foundation of an orphan house, a few miles '^Dr. Trumbull. ?y from Savannah, and afterwards finished it at a great expense. He returned to England the same year. On the following year he returned back to America, and landed at Philadelphia and began to preach in different churches. Jn this and in his subsequent visits to America, he visited most of the principal places in the Colonies. Immense numbers of peo- ple flocked to hear him wherever he preached. " The effects produced in Philadelphia and other places, were truly astonishing* Number^J?f al- most all religious denominations, and many who had no connection with any denomination, were brought to in^ijuire with the utmost eagerness, what they should do to be saved. Such was the eager- ness of the multitude in Philadelphia, to listen to spiritual instruction, that there was public worship regularly twice a day for a year; and on the Lord's day it was celebrated thrice or four times.. During his visit to Philadelphia, he preached fre- quently after night, from the gallery of the court- house, in Market-street. So loud was his voice at that time, that it was distinctly heard on the Jersey shore, and so distinct was his speech, that every word he said was -understood on board a shallop, at Market-street wharf, a distance of upwards of 400 feet from the court-house. All the intermedi- ate space was crowded with his hearers." He was truly remarkable for his uncommon eloquence, and fervent zeal. His eloquence was indeed very great and of the truest kind. He was utterly devoid of all affectation. The importance of his subject, and the regard due to his hearers, engrossed all his con- cern. Every accent of his voice spoke to the ear, every feature of his face, every motion of his hands, and every gesture, spoke to the eye ; so that the most dissipated and thoughtless found their attention '^0 &Frestec3, and the dullest and most ignorant could r.ot but understand. He appeared to be devoid of the spirit of sectarianism ; his only object seemed to be to '' preach Christ and him crucified."* Mr. Whitfield died in Newburyport, Mass. on the 80th of September, 1770, in the fifty-sixth year of his age, on his seventh visit to America— having been in the ministry thirty-four years. (49.) Col. Booties Jirsi settlement of Kentucky, The country now called Kentucky, was well known to the Indian traders, many years before its setdement. It however remained unexplored by the Virginians till the year 1769, when Col. Daniel Boon, and a few others, who conceived it to be an interesting object, undertook a, journey for that pur- pose. After a long fatiguing march over a moun- tainous wilderness, in a westerly direction, they at length arrived upon its borders, and from the toj) of an eminence, with joy and wonder descried the beautiful landscape of Kentucky. "Here,^' says Col. Boon " Nature was a series of wonders and a *Tbe following anecdote respecting hisipanner of preach- ing, will serve to illustrate this part of his character. One day, while preaching from the balcony of the court-house, ia Philadelphia, he cried out, " Father Abraham, who have you got in heaven ; any £lj9WCopaZtans ?" "No!" " Any Pre*- bylerians?'' '^'^or "- Any Baptists P' "No!" "Have you any MethoMsts there ?" " No !" " Have you aqy /n- depencients or Seceders?" "No ! No !" " Why, who 'hav« you then ?" " We dont know those names here ; all (hat are here are Christians — believers in Christ- — men who have overcome by the blood of the Lamb, and the word of his testimony I" " O, is this the case ? then God help me. God help us all to forget party names, and rto become Christians in deed and in truth." ireiiMis^viL'yiiLain.i Mi) ^^p ^P ;1HI '■^ »^ iP^ ''/' 1'^ i ^^g^^gssy-^^^ J. ^j ^ 52 JM'.s/r/u//<>f/ (I)' T>'t/ IN Bosi.it H,irht>nr 81 fund of delight. Here she displayed her ingenuity and industry in a variety of flowers and fruits, beau- tifully colored, elegantly shaped, and charmingly flavored 5 and we were favored with numberless an- imals, presenting themselves continually to our view. The buffaloes were more numerous than cat- tle on other settlements, browsing on the leaves of the cane, or crossing the herbage on these exten- sive plains. We saw hundreds in a drove, and the numbers about the salt springs were amazing." Four years after, in 1773, Col. Boon and his family, with five other families, joined by forty men from Powell's valley, began the settlement of Kentucky. (50.) Stamp AcL The British Parliament, in the year 1765, forth^ purpose of raising a revenue from the Colonies, passed the famous stamp act^ which ordained that all instrum.ents of writing, as contracts, deeds, notes, «fec. should not be valid, unless .executed on stamped paper, on which a duty should bq paid. This alar- med the Colonies and awakened their indignation. They determined to resist the execution of the law. The 1st Nov. 1765, was the day on which this act was to take effect. '' In Boston, the bells tolled, the shops were shut, effigies of the royalists were carried about in derision and torn in pieces. At Portsmouth, the bells tolled, a coffin was made, on the lid was inscribed ''' Liberty, aged 145," and with unbraced drums and minute guns, a procession followed it to the grave. At the close of an ora- tion, the coffin was taken up, signs of life appear- ed in the corpse, " Liberty revived** was substitu- 8 icd, the bells struck a cheerful key, and joy sparks led in every countenance." In New York the stamp act was contemptuously cried about the streets, under the title of " The fol- ly of England and Ruin of America,'^'' The stamp papers having arrived, Gov. Colden, took them into the fort in order to secure them. Many of the citizens of New York, oflended at the conduct, and disliking the political sentiments of the Governor, as- sembled in the evening, broke open his stable, and took out his coach ; and after carrying it about the city, marched to the common, when a gallows was erected, on one end of which they suspended his effigy, with a stamped bill of lading in one hand^ and a figure of the devil in the other. After this, the populace took the effigy and the gallows entire, and carried it in procession, the coach preceding, to the gate of the fort, whence it was removed to the Bowling green, where the whole pageantry, with the coach, was comsumed in a bonnre, amidst the acclamations of thousands of spectators. Similar proceedings occurred in many parts of the country, and tl^e obnoxious act was shortly aftex repealed. (51.) Massacre in Boston, The inhabitants of Boston had suffered almost every species of insult from the British soldiery ; who, countenanced by the royal party, had gene- rally found means to screen themselves from the hands of the civil officers. Thus all authority rested on the point of the sword, and the partizans of the crown triumphed for a time in the plenitude of mil- itary power. Yet the measure and the manner of 83 posting troops in the capital of the province, had roused such jealousy and disgust, as could not be subdued by the scourge that hung over their heads. Continual bickerings took place in the streets be- tween the soldiers and the citizens ; the insolence of the first, which had been carried'so farfas to excite the African slaves to murder their masters, with the pro- mise 'of impunity, and the indiscretion of the last, was often productive of tumults and disorder that led the most cool and temperate to be appre- hensive of consequences of the most serious na- ture. On the second of March, 1770, a fray took place in Boston, near Mr. Gray's rope walk, be- tween a private soldier of the 29th regiment, and an inhabitant. The former was supported by his comrades, the latter by the rope-makers, till seve- ral, on both sides, w^ere involved in the consequen- ces. On the fifth a more dreadful scene was pre- sented. The soldiers, when under arms, were pressed upon, insulted and pelted, by a mob armed with clubs, sticks, and snow balls covering stones. They were also dared to fire. In this situation, one of the soldiers, who had received a blow, in re- sentment fired at the supposed aggressor. This was followed by a single discharge from six others. Three of the inhabitants w^ere killed and five dan- gerously wounded. The town was immediately in commotion. Such was the temper, force and num- ber of the inhabitants, that nothing but an engage- ment to remove the troops out of the town, togeth- er with the advice of moderate men, prevented the townsmen from falling on the soldiers. The killed were buried in one vault, and in a most respectful manner, in order to express the indignation of the inhabitants at the slaughter of their brethren, by 84 soldiers quartered among them^ in violation of their civil liberties. Captain Preston, who commanded the party which fired on the inhabitants, was com- mitted to jail, and afterwards tried. The Captain and six of the men, were acquitted. Two were "brought in guilty of man-slaughter. It appeared on the trial, that the soldiers were abused, insulted, threatened, and pelted, before they fired, h was also proved, that only seven guns were fired by the eight prisoners. These circumstances Induced the jury to make a favorable verdict. The result of the trial reflected great honor on John Adams, (the late President of the United States,) and Josiah Quincy, Esqrs. the counsel for the prisoners ; and also on the integrity of the jury, who ventured to give an upright verdict, in defiance of popular opinions. "The people, not dismayed by the blood of their neighbors thus wantonly shed, determined no long- er to submit to the insolence of military power. Col. Dalrymple, who commanded in Boston, was in- formed, the day after the riot in King-Street, " that he must withdraw his troops from the town within a a limited term, or hazard the consequences. The inhabitants of the town assembled at Faneuil Hall, where the subject was discussed with be- coming spirit, and the people unanimously resolved, that no armed force should be sutfered longer to re- side in the capital ; and if the Kmg's troops were not immediately withdrawn by their own officers, the Governor should be requested to give orders for their removal, and thereby prevent the necessity of more rigorous steps. A commiltee from this body was deputed to wait on the Governor, and request him to exert that authority which ihe exigencies of the times required from the supreme magistrate. Mr. Samuel Adams, the chairman ef the committer. with a pathus and address peculiar to himself, expo- sed the illegality of quartering troops in the town in the midst of peace ; he urged the apprehensions of the people, and the fatal consequences that might en- sue if their removal was delayed. But no arguments could prevail on Mr. Hutchin- son ; who from timidity, or some more censurable cause, evaded acting at all in the business, and grounded his refusal on a pretended want of autho- rity. After which Col. Dalrymple, wishing to com- promise the matter, consented that the twenty-ninth regiment, more culpable than any other in the late tumult, should be sent to Castle Island. This con- cession was by no means satisfactory ; the people, inflexible in their demands, insisted that no British soldier should be left within the town ; their requisi- tion was reluctantly complied with, and within four days the whole army decamped."* Morsels ^evohdion. (62.) Destruction of Tea in Boston. The British ministry still persisting in their right to tax the Colonies, had for this purpose given per- *The circumstances and probable consequences of the tra- gical affair just related, sunk deep into the minds of the peo- ple, and were turned to the advantage of their cause. Its anniversary, for many years was observed with great solem- nity, and the most eloquent orators were successively employ- ed to deliver an annnal oration to preserve the remembrance of it fresh in their minds. On these occasions, the blessings of liberty — the horrors of slavery — the dangers of a standing army — the rights of the Colonies, and a variety of such to- pics, were represented to the public view, under their moit pleasing and alarming forms. These annual orations ad- ministered fuel to the fire of Liberty, and kept it burniDg TTith an incessant flame.— i&. 8* mission ta the East India Company to ship a large quantity of Teas to America, charged with duty. The Americans fixed in their opposition to the prin- ciple of taxation in any shape, opposed the landing of the tea. In New York, and in Philadelphia, the cargoes sent out were returned without being en- tered at the Custom Houses. In Boston, the tea being consigned to the royal Governor, (Hutchin- son,) the populace, " clad like the aborigines of the wilderness, with tomahawks in their hands and clubs on their shoulders, without the least molestation, marched through the streets with silent solemnity, amidst innumerable spectators, and proceeded to the wharves, boarded the ships, de- manded the keys^ and without much deliberation knocked open the chests, and emptied several thousand weight of the finest teas into the ocean. No opposition was made, though surrounded by the king's ships ; all was silence and dismay. — This done, the procession returned through the town in the same order and solemnity, as observed in the outset of their attempt. No other disorder took place, and it was observed, the stillest night ensu- ed that Boston had enjoyed for several months." Intelligence of this transaction reached the British ministry, and in 1774, they passed an act to restrain all intercourse by water, with the town of Boston, by closing the port. They also removed the gov- ernment and public offices to Salem, (53.) First Continental Congress, The first General Congress met at Philadelphia in the beginning of September, 1774. It consisted 87 ©f fifty one delegates from twelve Colonies. They chose Peyton Randolph, President, and Charles Thonopson, Secretary. The Delegates were ap- pointed by the colonial legislatures, or where none existed, the appointments were made by select meetings and associations of citizens. " The nov- elty and importance of the meeting of this Con- gress excited universal attention, and their trans- actions were such as could not but tend to render them respectable. The first act of Congress was an approbation of the conduct of Massachusetts Bay, and an exhorta- tion to continue in the same spirit which they had begun. Supplies for the suffering inhabitants (whom the operation of the port-bill had reduced to, great distress) were strongly recommended ; and it was declared that in case of attempts to enforce the obnoxious acts by arms, all America should join to assist the town of Boston,; and, should the in- habitants be obliged, during the course of hostili- ties, to remove farther up the country, the losses they might sustain should be repaired at the publiq expense. Congress next addressed a letter to General- Gage; in. which having stated the grievances of the people of Massachusetts, they informed him of the fixed and unalterable determination of all the other provinces, to support their brethren, and to oppose the British acts of parliament ; that they themselves were appointed to watch over the lib- erties of America ; and entreated him to desist from Bailitary operations, lest suck hostilities might be brought on as would frustrate all hopes of recon- ciliation with the parent state. Their next step was to publish a declaration of rights. These they summed up in the rights belong- 88 ing to Englishmen ; and particularly insisted, that as^ their distance rendered it impossible for them to be represented in the British parliament, their pro- vincial assemblies, with a Goverrror appointed by the King, constituted the only legislative power within each province. They would, however, con- sent to such acis of parliament as were evidently calculated merely for the regulation of commerce, and for securinoj to the parent state the benefits of the American trade ; but would never allow that they could impose any tax on the Colonies, for the purpose of revenue, without their consent. They proceeded to reprobate the intention of each of the new acts of parliament, and insisted on all the rights they had enumerated as being unalien- able, and what no power could deprive them of. The Canada act they pointed out as being extreme- ly inimical to the Colonies, by whose assistance it had been conquered ; and they termed it, ''An act for establishing the Roman Catholic religion in Can- ada, abolishing the equitable system of English laws, and establishing a tyranny there." They further declared in favor of a non-importa- tion and non-consumption of British goods, until the acts were repealed by -which duties were impo- sed upon tea, coffee, wine, sugar and molasses, im- ported into America, as well as the Boston port act and the three others passed at the preceding ses- sion of parliament. The new regulations agairrst the importation and consumption of British commodities were then drawn up with great solemnity ; and they conclu- ded with returning the warmest thanks to those members of parliament who had with so much zeal, though without any success^ opposed the obnoxious acts of parliament. The next proceedings of Congress were to fraa>€ a petition to the King, an address to the British na- tion, and another to the Colonies ; all of which were in the usual strain of American language at that time, and drawn up in such a masterly manner as ought to have impressed the people of England with a more favorable opinion of the Americans, than they could at that time be induced to en* tertain."* After a session of eight weeks, Congress dissolved themselves, after recommending another Congress to be convened on the 10th of May ensuing, unless- thcir grievances should be previously obtained. Although the power of this Congress was merely advisory, their resolutions received the general sanc- tion of the provincial Congresses, and of the Colo- nial assemblies ; "and their recommendations were more generally and more effectually carried into^ execution, than the laws of the best regulated state." (54.) Battle of Lexington^ t)etermined to reduce the rebellious Colonies to .submission, the British ministry transported a force of 10,000 men, who were stationed at Boston. On the night of the 18th of April, 1775, Gen. Gage, the King's Governor of Massachusetts, de- tached a body of 800 men, with orders to marCh to Concord, and destroy tho military stores collected by the Americans at that place. Their movements were discovered, and the country was alarmed. Ear- ly in the morning, about 170 of the Lexington militia had assembled on the green. Major Pitcairn, who commanded the detachment of British troops, rod(> ^Williams' History of the RevoliStioD» 90 tip to the militia, and addressing them as rebels or- dered them disperse. Not being obeyed, Pitcairn discharged his pistol, and ordered his men to fire. Eight of the Americans were killed and several wounded. The British proceeded to Concord, destroyed the stores and returned to Boston, closely followed by the exasperated Americans, who from behind fences and walls, fired upon their rear. Had not the British had a reinforcement at Lexington, it is doubtful whether any of them had reached Boston. Thus began the contest which dismembered the British empire, and ended in the establishment of independence in our own country. (55.) Taking of Ticonderoga, hy Col, Allen, The seizure of the important fortress of Ticon- deroga by Col. Ethan Allen, on the 10th of May, 1775, is thus related by himself. — "The first sys- tematical and bloody attempt at Lexington, to en- slave America, thoroughly electrified my mind, and fully determined me to take a part with my country. And while I was wishing for an opportunity to sig- nalize myself in its behalf, directions were private- ly sent to me from the then Colony, now State of Connecticut, to raise the Green Mountain Boys, and if possible, with them to surprise and take the for- tress of Ticonderoga. This enterprise 1 cheerfully undertook; and after first guarding all the several passes that led thither, to cut off all intelligence between the garrison and the country, made a for- ced march from Bennington, and arrived at the lake opposite Ticonderoga, on the evening of the ninth .91 day of May, 1775, with two hundred and thirty valiant Green Mountain Boys ; and it was with the .utmost difficulty that I procured boats to cross the -.lake. However, I landed eighty three men near the garrison, and sent the boats back for the rear guard commanded by Col. Seth Warner ; but the day be- gan to dawn, and I found myself necessitated to at- tack the fort before the rcar could cross the lake ; and as it was hazardous, I harangued the officers and soldiers in the manner following ; '' Friends and fellow soldiers,- — You have for a number of years past been a scourge and terror to arbitrary .powers. Your valor has iaeen famed abroad, and acknowledged, as appears by the advice and orders to me from the general assembly of Connecticut, to surprise and take the garrison now before us. I now propose to advance before you, and in person conduct you through the wicket gate; for we must this morning either quit our pretensions .to valor, or possess ourselves of this fortress in a few minutes ; and inasmuch as it is a desperate attempt, which none but the bravest of men dare undertake, 1 do not urge it on any contrary to his will. You that will undertake voluntarily, poise your firelock." The men being at this. time drawn up in three ranks, each poised his firelock. 1 ordered them to face to the right ; and at the head of the centre file, march- ed them immediately to the wicket gate afotesaid, where I found a sentry posted, who instantly* nap- ped his fusee at me. I ran immediately towards him, and he retreated through the covered way'into the parade within the garrison, gave a halloo, and ran under bomb proof. My party, who follow;- ed me into the fort, I formed on the parade in such a manner as to face the barracks which faced each other. The garrison being asleep, except the sen- 92 tries, we gave three huzzas, which greatly surprised them. One of the sentries made a pass at one of my officers with a charged bayonet, and slightly wounded him. My first thought was to kill him with my sword, but in an instant I altered the design and fury of the blow, to a slight cut on the side of the head ; upon which he dropped his gun, and asked quarters, which I readily granted him ; and demanded the place where the commanding officer kept. He shewed me a pair of stairs m the front, which led up to a second story in said barracks, to which I immediately repaired, and ordered the commander, Capt. Delaplace, to come forth instant- ly, or I would sacrifice the whole garrison : at which time the captain came immediately to the door with his breeches in his hand, when 1 ordered him to deliver to me the fort instantly ; he asked me by what authority I demanded it. 1 answered him, "/n the name of the great Jehovah, and the Con- tincntal Congress.^' The authority of Congress be- ing very little known at that time, he began to speak again, but I interrupted him, and with my drawn sword near my head again demanded an im- mediate surrender of the garrison ; with which he then complied, and ordered his men to be torthwith paraded without arms, as he had given up the garri- son. In the mean time some of my officers had giv- en orders, and in consequence thereof, sundry of the barrack doors were beat down, and about one third of the garrison imprisoned, which consisted of said commander, a lieutenant Feltham, a conductor of artillery, a gunner, two sergeants, and forty four rank and file; about one hundred peices of cannon, one thirteen inch mortar, and a number of swivels. This surprise was carried into execution in the grey of the morning of the teyth of May, 1775. The 93 sun seemed io rise that morning with a superior lus- tre : and Ticonderoga and its dependencies smiled on its conquerors, who tossed about the flowing bowl, and wished success to Congress, and the hberty and freedom of America. Happy it was for me at that time, that the future pages of the book of fate, which afterwards unfolded a miserable scene of two years and eight months imprisonment, were hid from my view." (56.) Battle of Bunker Hill The following, "/m// and correct account^^ of the Batde of Bunker Hill, is taken from a pamphlet published in Boston, June 17, 1825. After the affair at Lexington and Concord, on the 19th of April, 1775, the people, animated by one common impulse, flew to arms in every direction. The husbandman changed his plowshare for a mus- ket, and about 15,000 men, 10,000 from Massachu- setts, and the remainder from New Hampshire, Rhode Island, and Connecticut, assembled under Gen. Ward, in the environs of Boston, then occu- pied by 10,000 highly disciplined, and well equip- ped British troops, under the command of Gen- erals Gage, Howe, Clinton, Burgoyne, Pigot, and others. Fearing an intention on the part of the British to occupy the important heights at Charlestown and Dorchester, which would enable them to command the surrounding country, Col. Prescott was detach- ed by his own desire, from the American camp at Cambridge, on the evening of the 16th of June, 1775, with about 1000 militia, mostly of Massachu- setts, including 120 men of Putnam's regiment from 9 94 Connecticut, and one Artillery company, to Bunk- er Hill, with a view to occupy and fortify that post. At this Hill the detachment made a short halt, byt concluded to advance still nearer the British, and accordingly took possession of Breed's Hill, a po- sition which commanded the whole inner harbor of Boston. Here, about midnight, they commenced throwing up a redoubt, which they completed, not- withstanding every possible effort from the British ships and batteries to prevent them, about noon the next day. So silent had the operations been conducted through the night, that the British had not the most distan^t notice of the design of the Americans, until day-break presented to their view, the half for- formed battery and daring stand made against them. A dreadful cannonade, accompanied with shells, was immediately commenced from the British batte- ry at Copps' Hill, and the ships of war and floating batteries stationed in Charles River. The break of day on the 1 7th of June, 1 775, pre- sented a scene, which for daring and firmness could never be surpassed — 1000 unexperienced militia, in the attire of their various avocations, without disci- pline, almost without artillery and bayonets, scanti- ly supplied with ammunition, and wholly destitute of provisions, defying the power of the formidable British fleet and army, determined to maintain the liberty of their soil, or moisten that soil with their blood. Without aid, however, from the main body of the army, it seemed impossible to maintain their posi- tion — the men having been without sleep, toiling through the night, and destitute of the necessary food required by nature, had become nearly ex- hauStcil. Representations were repeatedly made. S5 through the morning, to Head Quarters,, of the ne- cessity of reinforcements and supplies. Major Brooks, the late revered Governor of Massachu- setts, who commanded a bultalion of minute-men at Concord, s€t out for Cambridge about 9 o'clock, on foot, it being impossible to procure a horse, so- liciting succor; but as there were two other points exposed to the British, Roxbury and Cambridge, then the Head Quarters, at which place all the Tit- tle stores of the army were collected, and the loss of which would be incalculable at that moment, great fears were entertained lest they should march over the neck to Roxbury, and attack the camp there, or pass over the bay in boats, there being at that time no artificial avenue to connect Boston with the adjacent country, attack the Head Quarters and destroy the stores ; it was therefore deemed im- possible to aftbrd any reinforcement to Charlestown Heights, till the movements of the Briti&h rendered evidence of their intention certain. The fire from the Glasgow frigate and two float- ing batteries in Charles River, were wholly direct- ed — with a view to prevent any communication — across the isthmus that connects Charlestown with the main land, which kept up a continued shower of sxnssiles, and rendered the communication truly dan- gerous to those who should attempt it. When the intention of the British to attack the heights of Charlestown became apparent, the remainder of Putnam's regiment. Col. Gardner's regijnent^ bo^.h of which, as to numbers, were very imperfect, and some New Hampshire Militia, marched, not- withstanding the heavy fire across the neck, for Charlestown Heights, where they arrived much fa- tigued, just after the British had moved to the first .attack. 96 The British commenced crossing troops from Boston about 12 o'clock, and landed at Morcton's Point, S. E. from Breed's Hill. At 2 o'clock, from the best accounts that can be obtained, they had landed between 3 and 4,000, men under the immedi- ate command of Gen* Howe, and formed, in appa- rently invincible order, at the base of the hill. The position of the Americans at this time was q redoubt on the summit of the height of about eight rods square, and a breastwork; extending on the left of it, about seventy feet down the eastern de- clivity of the hill. This redoubt and breastwork was commanded by Prescott in person, who had superintended its construction, and who occupied \i with the Massachusetts Militia, of his detachment, and a part of Little's regiment, which had arrived about one o'clock. They were dreadfully defi- cient in equipments and ammunition, had been toil- ir\rr incessantly for many hours, and it is said by some accounts, even then were destitute of provis- ions. — A little to the eastward of the redoubt, and northerly to the rear of it, was a rail fence, extend- ing almost to Mystick river, — to this fence another had been added during the night and forenoon, and some newly mowMi grass thrown against them, to af- ford something like a cover to the troops. — At this fence the 120 Connecticut Militia were posted. The movements of the British made it evident their intention was to march a strong column along the ftiargin of the Mystick, and turn the redoubt on the north, while another column attacked it in front; accordingly, to prevent this design, a large force be- came necessary at the breastwork and rail fence. The whole of the reinforcements that arrived, amounting in all to about 800 or 1000 men, were ordered bv Gen. Putnam, who had been extremelv 97 active throughout the night and morning, and who had accompanied the expedition to this point. At this moment thousands of persons of both sex- es had collected on the Church steeples, Beacon Hill, house tops, and every place in Boston and its neighborhood, where a view of the battle ground could be obtained, viewing with painful anxiety, the movements of the combatants — wondering, yet ad- miring the bold stand of the Americans, and trem- bling at the thoughts of the formidable army mar- shalled in array against them. Before 3 o'clock the British formed, in two col- umns, for the attack — one column, as had been an- ticipated, moved along the Mystick River, with the intention of taking the redoubt in the rear, while the other advanced up the ascent directly in front of the redoubt, where Prescott was ready to re- ceive them. Gen, Warren, President of the Pro- vincial Congress and of the Committee of Safety, who had been a})pointed but a few days before a Major General of the Massachusetts troops, had vol- imteered on the occasion as a private soldier, and was in the redoubt with a musket, animating the men, by his influence and example, to the most daring de- termination. Orders were given to the Americans to reserve their fire till the enemy advanced sufficiently near to make their aim certain. Several vollies were fired by the British with but little success; and so long a time had elapsed, and the British were allow- ed to advance so near the Americans without their fire being returned, that a doubt arose whether or not the latter intended to give battle — but the fatal moment soon arrived : — when the British had ad- vanced to within about eight rods, a sheet of fire was poured upon them and continued a short time 9* 98 with such deadly effect that hundreds of the assai-1- ants lay weltering in their blood, and the remainder retreated in dismay to the point where they had first landed. From day light to the time of the British advan- cing on the works, an incessant fire had been kept up on the Americans from the ships and batteries — this fire was now renewed with increased vigor. After a short time the British officers had succeed- ed in rallying their men, and again advanced in the same order as before, to the attack. Thinking to divert the attention of the Americans, the town of Charlestown, consisting of 500 wooden buildings, was now set on fire by the British — the roar of the flames, the crashing of falling timbers, tho ^wful appearance of desolation presented, the dreadful shrieks of the dying and the wounded in the last at- tack, added to the knowledge of the formidable force advancing against them, combined to form a scene apparently too much for m^n bred in the qui- et retirement of domestic life to sustain — but the stillness of death reigned within ihe American works — and nought could be seen but the deadly presen- ted weapon, ready to hurl fresh destruction on the assailants. The fire of the Americans was again reserved till the British came still nearer than be- fore, when the same unerring aim was taken, and the British shrunk, terrified, from before its fatal ef- fects, flying, completely routed, a second lime to the banks'of the river, and leaving, as before, the field strewed with their wounded and their dead. Again the ships and batteries renewed their fircj and kept a continual shower of balls on the works. Notwithstanding every exertion, the British officers found it impossible to rally the men for a third at- tack ; one third of their comrades had fallen ; ajitj finally it was not till a reinforcement of more ihaii 1000 fresh troops, with a strong park of artillery, had joined them from Boston, that they could be in- duced to form anew. In the mean time every effort was made on the part of the Americans to resist a third attack ; Gen. Putnam rode, notwithstanding the heavy fire of the ships and batteries, several times across the neck, lo induce the militia to advance, but it was only a few of the resolute and brave who would encounter the storm. The British receiving reinforcements from their formidable main body — the town of Charles- town presenting one wide scene of destruction — the probability the Americans must shortly retreat— the shower of balls pouring over the neck— pre- sented obstacle^ loo appalling for raw troops to sus- tain, and embodied too much danger to allow them to encounter. — Yet, notwithstanding all this, the Americans on the heights were elated with their success, and waited with coolness and de- termination the now formidable advance of the enemy. Once more the British, aided by their reinforce^ ments, advanced to the attack, but with great skill and caution — their artillery was planted on the eastern declivity of the hill, between the rail fence and the breast work, where it was directed along the line of the Americans, stationed at the latter place, and against the gate way on the north east- ern corner of the redoubt — at the same time they attacked the redoubt on the south eastern and south western sides, and entered it with fixed bay- onets. The slaughter on their advancing, was great ; but the Americans, not having bayonets to meet them on equal terms, and their powder being exhausted, now slowly retreated, opposing and ex- 100 tncating themselves from the British with the butts of their pieces. The cohiiiiM that advanced against the rail fence was received in the mo^st dauntless manner. The Americans fought with spirit and heroism that could not be surpassed, and had their ammunition have held out, would have secured to themselves a third time the palm of victory ; as it was, they eiiectually prevented the enemy from accomplishing his purpose, winch Avas to turn their Hank and cut the whole of t!ie Americans oil*; but having become perfectly ex- hausted, this body of the Americans also slowly re- tired, retreating in much better order than could pos- sibly have been expected from undisciplined tDops, and those in the redoubt having extricated them- selves from a host of bayonets by which they had been surrountled. The British followed the Americans to Bunker Hill, but some fresh militia at this moment coming up to the aid of the latter, covered their retreat. The Americans crossed Charlestown Neck about 7 vi'clock, having in the last twenty hours performed deeds which seem almost impossible. Some of ihem proceeded to Cambridge and others posted them- selves quietly on Winter and Prospect Hills. From the most acurate statements that can be found, it appears the British must have had nearl}'' 5,000 soldiers in the battle ; between 3 and 4000 having first landed, and the reinforcement amount- ing to over 1,000. The Americans, throughout the whole day, did not have 2,000 men on the field. The slaughter on the side of the British was im- mense, having had nearly 1,500 killed and wounded; twelve hundred of which were either killed or mor- tally wounded, — the Americans about 400. 101 Had the Commanders at Charlestown Heights become tcrrifH^d on being cut ofi' from their main body and su|)})lies, and surrendered their army, or even retreated before they did, from the terrific force that opposed them, where would have now been that ornament and example to the world, the Independence of the United States ? — AVhen it was found that no reinforcements were to be allowed them, the most sanguine man on that field could not have even indulged a hope of success, but all deter- mined to deserve it — and although they did not ob- tain a victory, their example was the cause of a great many. — The first attempt on the commence- ment of a war is held u[), by one party or the other, as an example to those that succeed it, and a Victory or Defeat, though not, ]>erhaps, of any great magni- tude in itself, is njost powerful and imj)oi1ant in its efFects. Had such conduct as was here exhibited, been in any degree imitated by the immetlintc Com- mander in the first military onset of the last war^ how truly diflerent a result would have been eflcct- cd to the fatal one that terminated that unfortunate expedition. From the immense superiority of the British, at this stage of the war, having a large army of highly disciplined and well ecjuipped troops, and the Amer- icans possessing but few other munitions or weap- ons of war, and l)ut little more discipline, than what each man possessed when he thj-ew aside his plough and took the gun that he had kept for pastime or for pi-ofit, but now to be employed for a different purf)ose, from oil' the hooks that held it, — perhaps it would have been in their f)o\>er, by pursuing the Americans to Cambridge, and destroying the few stores that had bern collected there, to implant a blow which could never have been recovered from, but they were completely terrified. The awful lesson they had just received, filled them with horror, and the blood of 1,500 of their com^ panions, who fell on that day, presented to them a warning which they could never forget. From the Battle of Bunker Hill, sprung the protection and the vigor that nurtured the Tree of Liberty, and to it, in all probability^ may be ascribed our Indepen- dence and Glory* The name of the firs-t martyr that gave his life for the good of bis country on that day, in the impor- tance of the moment was lost, else a Monument, in connection with the gallant Warren, should be rais- ed to his memory. The manner of his death was thus related by Col. Prescott : " The first man who fell in the Battle of Bunker Hill was killed by a cannon ball, which struck his bead. He was so near me that my clothes were besmeared with his blood and brains, which I wiped off in some degree, with a handful of fresh earth. The sight was so shocking to many of the men, that they left their posts and ran to view him. I ordered them back, but in vain. I then ordered him to be buried instantly. A subaltern officer expressed surprise that 1 should allow him to be buried with- out having prayers said ; I rephed, this is the first man that has been killed, and the only one that will be buried to day. I put him out of sight that the men may be kept in their places, God only knows who, or how many of us, will fall before it is overo To your post, my good fellow, and let each man do his duly." The name of the patriot who thus fell is suppo- sed to have been Pollard, a young man belonging to Billerica. He was struck by a cannon ball thrown from the liae of battle ship Somerset, 103 \b7.) ArnoWs march through the Wilderness, About the same time that Canada was invadad by the usual route from New York, a considerable de- tachment of the American army was brought tn.ither by a new and unexpected passage. Arnold, who conducted this -bold undertaking, acquired thereby the name of the American HannJbal, He was sent, by General Washington, with a thousand men, from Cambridge, with orders to penetrate into that province, by ascending the Kennebec, and iben, after crossing the mountains which divide Canada from Maine, by descending the -Chaudiere, to the St, Lawrence. Great were the di>fficullies, and se- vere the deprivations, they had to encounter, in marching three hundred miles, by an unexplored way, through an uninhabited -country. Jn ascend- ing the Kennebec, they v>^ere consta^ntly obliged to struggle against an impetuous current ; they were often compelled, by cataracts, to land, and haul their batteaux up rapid streams, and over falls of riv- ers. They had to contend with swam-ps, woods, and craggy mountains. At some places, they had to cut their way, for miles together, through forests, 50 embarrassed, that their progress was only four or five miles a day. One third of their number were, from sickness and want of food, obliged to return. Provisions grew at length so scarce, that some of the men eat their dogs, cartouch boxes, leather small clothes, and shoes. Still they pro- ceeded with unabated fortitude. They gloried in the hope of completing a march which would rival the greatest exploits of antiquity ; and on the third of November, after thirty-one days spent in traver- sing a hideous desert, they reached the inhabited parts of Canada, where the people were struck with 104 amazement and admiration, when they saw this ai- med force emerging from the wilderness. Grimshaw^s Hist, U, S, (58.) Death of Gen, Montgomery, Richard Montgomery, a Major General in the ar- my of the United States, was born in the north of Ireland, in the year 1737. He possessed an excel- lent genius, which was matured by a fir^e education. Entering the army of Great Britain,- he successfully fought her batdes with Wolfe, at Quebec, in 1759, on the very spot, where he was doomed to fall, when fighting against her, under the banners of freedom. After his return to England, he quitted his regiment, in 1772, though in a fair way to pre- ferment. He had imbibed an attachment to Ameri- ca, viewing it as the rising seat of arts and freedom. After his arrival in this country, he purchased an estate in New York, about a hundred miles from the city, and married a daughter of Judge Livingston. He now considered himself as an American. When the struggle with Great Britain commenced, as he was known to have an ardent attachment to liberty, and iiad expressed his readiness to draw his sword on the side of the Colonies, the command of the continental forces in the northern department, was entrusted to him and General Schuyler, in the fall of 1775. By the indisposition of Schuyler, the chief com- mand devolved upon him in October. He reduced fort Chamblee, and on the third of November, cap- tured St. Johns. On the 12th, he took Mont- real. In December, he joined Col. Arnold, and marched to Quebec. The city was besieged, and i05 on the last day of the year it was determined to make an assault. The several divisions were ac- cordingly put in motion, in the midst of a heavy fall of snow which concealed them from the enemy. Montgomery advanced at the head of the New \?'ork troops, along the St. Lawrence, and having assisted with his own hands in pulling up the pick- ets, which obstructed his approach to one of the barriers he was determined to force, he was pushed forwards, when one of the guns from the battery was discharged, and he was killed, with his two aids. This was the only gun that was fired, for the enemy had been struck with consternation and aU but one or two had fled. But this event probably prevented the capture of Quebec. When he fell, Montgomery was in a narrow passage, and his body rolled upon the ice, which formed by the side of the river. After it was found the next morning among the slain, it was buried by a few soldiers, without any marks of distinction. He was thirty-eight years of age. He was a man of great military talents, whose measures were taken with judgment, and executed with vigor. With undisciplined troops, who were jealous of him in the extreme, he yet in- jnspired them with his own enthusiasm. He shared with them in all their hardships, and thus prevent- ed their complaints. His industry could not be wearied, nor his vigilance imposed upon, nor his courage intimidated. To express the high sense entertained by his.coun- try, of his services, Congress directed a monument of white marble, to his memory, should be placed in front of St. Paul's Church, New York. The remains of General Montgomery, after rest- ing 42 years at Quebec, by a resolve of the State of New York, were brought to the city of New 10 106 York, on the 8th of July, 1818, and deposited with ample form and grateful ceremonies, near the afore- said monument in St. Paul's Church.— ./V/or^e'^ Rev. (59.) Washington, Commander in Chief of the American Army, In May, 1775, Congress met agreeable to adjournment. Hostilities having commenced, it was a point of vital importance to the American cause, to select a proper person for Commander in Chief of the American forces, George Washington,* a delegate from Virginia, *For three years subsequent to the defeat of Braddock, Washington superintended the troops of Virginia; in which Jiighly dangerous service, he continued until peace was giv- en to the frontier of his native Colony, by the reduction of fort Duquesne; an enterprize undertaken in conformity with his repeated solicitations, and accompanied by himself, at the head of his own regiment. The arduous duties of his situation, rendered irksome by the invidious treatment e:s^- perienced from the Governor, and by the unmanageable dis- position of the officers and privates under his command, were related by himself, in a highly ioterestiog narrative, and fully acknowledged by the assembly of Virginia. Soon afterwards, he retired to his estate at Mount Vernon, and pursued the arts of peaceful life, with great industry and success. When the proceedings of the British Parliament had alarmed the colonists with apprehensions that a blow was levelled at their liberties, he again came forward to serve the public; was appointed a delegate to Congress; and in that body, was chairman of every committee selected to make arrangements for defence. He was now in his forty- fourth year, possessed a large share of common sense, and was directed by a sound judgment. Engaged in the busy scenes of life, he knew human nature, and the most proper method of accomplishing his plans. His passions were sub- dued, and held in si>fejection to reason. His mind was supe- rior to prejudice and party spirit ; his soul too generous io burthen his country with expense; his priqciples too just to 107 was, by the unanimous voice of Congress, appoint- ed to fill this important station, on the 15th of June, 1775, '* To Washington's experience in mihtary affairs were united sound judgment, extensive know- ledge of men, perfect probity, pure morals, a grave deportment, indefatigable industry, easy manners, strict politeness, a commanding person, cool bravery, unshaken fortitude, and a prudence that baffled and confounded his enemies." Soon after his appointment, General Washing- ton repaired to the army, who were besieging Bos- ton ; he was received with profound respect and joyful acclamations by the American army. The Americans having so closely invested Boston, the British commander judged it prudent to evacuate the town, which they did on the 17th of March, 1776, taking with them 1500 of the inhabitants, allow his placing military glory in competilion with the pub- lic good. On the President of Congress announcing his commission, lie replied : " Though I am truly sensible of the high honor done me in this appointment, yet, I feel a deep distress, from a consciousness, that my alailities and military experience may not be equal to the extensive and important trust. However, as the Congress desire it, I will enter on the mo- mentous duty, and exert every power I possess, in their ser- vice for the support of the glorious cause. I beg they will accept my most cordial thanks for this distinguished testimo- ny of their approbation. But, lest some unlucky event should happen, unfavorable to my reputation, I beg it may be remembered by every gentleman in the room, that I this day declare, with the utmost sincerity, I do not think myself equal to the command I am honored with. As to pay, sir, I beg leave to assure the Congress, that, as no pecuniary consideration could have tempted me to accept this arduous employment, at the expense of my domestic ease and happi- ness, I do not wish to make any profit from it. I will keep an exact account of my disbursements ; those, I doubt not, they will discharge, and that is all I desire." — Grimshaw^^ HUt. U. S. 108 who dared not stay, on account of their attachment to the British cause. General Washington immediately entered the town, to the great joy of the inhabitants. (60.) Attack on Sullivaii's Island. In the months of June and July, in 1776, the British commanders, Gen. Clinton and Sir Peter Parker, attempted to destroy the fort on Sullivan's Island, near Charleston, S. C. Their force con- sisted of two 50 gun ships, and four frigates of 28 guns each, besides several smaller vessels, with 3000 troops on board. The fort was commanded by Col. Moultrie, with a garrison of but 375 regu- lars, and a few militia. This fort, though not en- tirely finished, was very strong. " However, the British Generals resolved, with- out hesitation, to attack it ; but though an attack was easy from the sea, it was very difficult to obtain a co-operation of the land forces. This was at- tempted by landing them on Long Island, adjacent to Sullivan's Island on the east, from which it is separated by a very narrow creek, said to be not above two feet deep at low water. Opposite to this ford, the Americans had post- ed a strong body of troops, with cannon and en- trenchments, while Gen. Lee was posted on the main land, with a bridge of boats betwixt that and Sullivan's Island, so that he could at pleasure send reinforcements to the troops in the fort on Sulhvan's Island. On the part of the British, so many delays oc- curred, that it was the 24th of June before matters were in readiness for an attack ; and by this time, the Americans had abundantly provided for their 109 reception. On the morning of that day, the bomb ketch began to throw shells into Fort Sullivan, and about raid-day, the two fifty gun ships, and thirty gun frigates, came up, and began a severe fire. Three other frigates were ordered to take their station between Charleston and the fort, in order to enfilade the batteries, and cut olf the communica- tion with the main land; but through the ignorance of the pilots, they all stuck fast ; and though two of them were disentangled, they were found to be to- tally unfit for service. The third was burnt, that she might not fall into the hands of the Americans. The attack was therefore confined to the five ar- med ships and bomb-ketch, between whom and the fort a dreadful fire ensued. The Bristol sufl^red excessively; the springs on her cable being shot away, she was for some time entirely exposed to the enemy's fire. As the Americans poured in great quantities of red hot balls, she was twice ia flames. Her Captain, Mr. Morris, after receiving five wounds, was obliged to go below deck, in or- ^er to have his arm amputated. After undergoing this operation, he returned to his place, where he received another wound, but still refused to quit his station. At last, he received a red hot ball in hjs belly, which instantly put an end to his life. Of all the officers and seamen who stood on the quarter-deck of the Bristol, not one escaped with- out a wound, excepting Sir Peter Parker alone-; whose intrepidity and presence of mmd on this oc- casion, were very remarkable. The engagement lasted till darkness put an end to it. Little damage was done by the British, as the works of the Amer- icans lay so low, that many of the shot flew over ; and the fortifications, being composed of palm tre#s 10* no mixed with earth, were extremely well calculateci to resist the impression of cannon. During the height of the attack, the American batteries remained for some time silent, so that it was conchided that they had been abandoned; but this was fouFid to proceed only from want of pow- der ; for as soon as a supply of this necessary arti- cle was olHained, the firing was resumed as brisk as before. During the whole of this desperate en- gagement, it was found impossible for the land for- ces to give the least assistance to the lleet ; the Ame- rican works were found to be much stronger than they had been imagined, and the depth of water eftectu- ally prevented them from making any attempt. In this unsuccessful attack, the killed and woun- ded on the part of the British, amounted to about two hundred. The Bristol and Experiment were 30 much dam.aged, that it was thought they could not have been got over the bar ; however this was at last accomplished, by a very great exertion of naval skill, to the surprise of the Americans, who had expected to make them both prizes. On the American side, the loss was judged to have been Revolutio7u (61.) Declaration of Indepejidence. The American people, exasperated by the pro- ceedings of the British Government, which placed them out of their protection, and engaging foreign mercenaries to assist in subduing them, began to broach the subject of Independence from the British crown. Accordingly, the subject was brought before Con- gress ; but some of the members of that body being absent, they adjourned its consideration to the first of July. Ill They accordingly met, and appointed Thoma* Jefferson, John Adams, Benjamin Franklin, Roger Sherman, and Philip Livingston, to frame the De- claration of Independence. They agreed that each of their number should draft a declaration, and read it next day, in rotation, to the rest. They ac- cordingly met, and Mr. Jefferson was fixed upon to " read first ^^ his gave such satisfaction that none other was read. Their report was accepted, and Congress declared " the thirteen United States Free and Independent^'^'' July 4, 1776, '' This declaration was received by the people with transports of joy. Public rejoicings took place in various parts of the Union. In New York, the statue of George III. was taken down, and the lead of which it was composed was converted into mus- ket balls." The Declaration of Independence was, by order of Con- gress, engrossed, and sig-ned by the following members: JOHN HANCOCK. JVeu) Hampshire. Francis Lewis, Josiah Bartlett, Lewis Morris, William Whipple, J^ew Jersey, Matthew Thornton. Richard Stockton, Massachusetts Bay, John Witherspoon, Samuel Adams, Francis Hopkinson> John Adams, John Hart, Robert Treat Paine, Abraham Clark. Elbridge Gerry. Pennsylvania. Rhode Islandj S^c. Robert Morris, Stephen Hopkins, Benjamin Rush, William EUery. Benjamin FrankliDj Connecticut. John Morton, Roger Sherman, George Clymer, Samuel Huntington, James Smith, William Williams, George Taylor, Oliver Wolcott. James Wilson, J^ew York. George Ross, William Floyd, Thomaa M'Kean., Philip Livingston, lis Delaware. Carter BraxtoB. Caesar Rodnej' , jYorth Cat'olinit. George Rt*ad. William Hooper, Maryland. Joseph Hewes, Samuel Chase, John Fenn. Wil|ic-m Paca, South Carolindi. Thonia,s Stone, Edward Rutledge, Charies Carrol!, of Carrollton.Thomas Hey ward, Jc Fiyginia. Thomas Lynch, Jr. Georg-e Wythe, Arthur Middieton. Richard Henry Lee, Georgia:, Thomas Jefferson, Button Gwinnett, Benjamin Harrison, Lyman Hall, Thomas Nelson, Jr. Georgia Walton* jf rancis Lightfoot Lee, (62.) Battle on Lo)ig Island. The command of the British lorce, destined to operate against New York, was given to Admiral Lord Howe and his brother Sir Wilham, who, in addition to their military powers, were appointed commissioners for restoring peace to, the Colonics. General Howe, after waiting two months at Hahfax for his brother^ and the expected reinforcements from England, sailed with the force which he had previously commanded in Boston ; and directing his course towards New York, arrived in the latter end of June, oft' Sandy Hook. Admiral Lord Howe, with part of the reinforcement from England, arri^ ved at Halifax, soon after his brother's departure ; and without dropping anchor, followed and joined him near Staten Islands These two royal commis- sioners, before they commenced military operations, attempted to effect a re-union between the Colonies and Great Britain; but both the substance and the form of their communications for that purpose, were too exceptionable, to be for a moment seriously re- garded-. 113 The British forces waited so long to receive ac^ cessions from Halifax, South Carohna, Florida, the West Indies and Europe, that the month of August was far advanced before they were in a condition ta open the campaign. Their commanders, having re- solved to make their first attempt on Long Island, landed their troops, estimated at about twenty-iour thousand men, at Gravesend Bay, to the right of the Narrows. The Americans, to the amount of htteen thousand, under Major General Sullivan, were T30sted on a peninsula between Mill Creek, a little above Red Hook, and an elbow of East River, cal- led Whaaleboght Bay. Here they had erected strong fortifications, which were separated trora New York by East River, at the ^'stance of a mile. A line of entrenchments from the Mil Creek enclosed a large space of ground, on ^vh.ch stood the American camp, near the village ot Brooklyn. This line was secured by abattis, and flanked by ?;trong redoubts. The armies wei;e separated by a ran-c cf hills, covered v;;th a thick ^22^1, v;:;;C« intersect the country from west to east, terminating on the east near Jamaica. Through these hills there were three roads ; one near the Narrows, a second on the Flatbush road, and a third on the Bedford road ; and these were the only passes from the south side of the hilln to the American lines, ex^ eeptinf' a road, which leads to Jamaica round the easterly end of the hills. General Putnam, agree- ably to the instructions of General Washington, had detached a considerable part of his men to occupy the woody hills and passes; but in the performance of this service there appears to have been a deficien- cy, either of skill or of vigilance. , , , , When the whole British army was landed, the Hessians, under General De Heister, composed the 114 centre atFlatbush ; Major General Grant cominand- ed the left wing, which extended to the coast; and the principal army, under the command of General CHnton, Earl Percy, and Lord Cornwallis, turned short to the right, and approached the opposite coast at Fladand. The position of the Americans having been reconnoitered. Sir William Howe, from the intelligence given him, determined to attempt to turn their left flank. The right wing of his ar- my, consisting of a strong advanced corps, com- manded by General Clinton and supported by the brigades under Lord Percy, began at nine o'clock at night, on the 26th of August, to move from Flat- land; and, passing through the New Lots, arrived en the road that crosses the hills from Bedford to Ja- maica, Having taken a patrol, they seized the pass without alarming the Americans, At half after eight in the morning, the British troops, having pas- sed the heights and reached Bedford, began an at- tack on the left of the American army. In the cen- tre, General De Heister, soon after day light, had tegun to cannonade the troops, which occupied the direct road to Brooklyn, and which were command- ed by General Sullivan in person. As soon as the firing towards Bedford was heard, De Heister ad- vanced and attacked the centre of the Americans, who after a warm engagement, were routed and driven into the woods. Tlie firing towards Bedford giving them the alarming notice, that the British had turned their left flank, and were getting completely into their rear ; they endeavored to escape to the eamp. The sudden route of this party, enabled De Heister to detach a part of his force against those who were engaged near Bedford. There also the Americans were broken and driven into the woods ; and the front of the British column, led by General 115 Clinton, continuing to move forward, intercepted lind engaged those whom De Heister had routed, and drove them back into the woods. They again met the Hessians, who drove them back on the British. Thus alternately chased and intercepted, some forced their way through the enemy to the lines of Brooklyn ; several saved themselves in the coverts of the woods ; but a great part of the de- tachment were killed or taken. The left column, led by General Grant, advan- cing from the Narrows along the coast, to divert the attention of the Americans from the principal attack on the rights had about midnight fallen in with Lord Sterling's advanced guard, stationed at a strong pass, and compelled them to relinquish it. As they were slowly retiring, they were met on the summit of the hills about break of day, by Lord Sterling, who had been directed with the two nearest regi- ments, to meet the British on the road leading from the Narrows. Lord Sterling having posted his men ad- vantageously, a furious connor.ade commenced on both sides, which continued several hours. The firing towards Brooklyn, where the fugitives were pursued by the British, giving notice to Lord Ster- ling, that the enemy had gained his rear, he instant- ly gave orders to retreat across a creek, near the Yellow Mills. The more eflectually to secure the retreat of the main body of the detachment, he de- termined to attack in person, a British corps under Lord Cornwallis, stationed at a house somewhat above the place where he proposed crossing the creek. With about four hundred men, drawn out of Smallwood's regiment for that purpose, he made a very spirited attack, and brought up this small corps several times to the charge, with confident expecta- tions of dislodging Lord Cornwallis from his post; 116 but the force in his front increasing, and General Grant now advancing on his rear, he was compelled to surrender himself and his brave men prisoners of war. This bold attempt, however, gave opportuni- ty to a large part of the detachment to cross the creek and effect an escape.*— Ho/mes* Annals, '- After this severe defeat, Gen. Washington, wUh ihe advice of a council of officers, ordered a retreat from Long Island. On the night of the 29th, this was effected, with a success that was deemed a mer- ciful interposition of heaven. Within a smgle night, an army of 9,000 men, with their artillery, tents, and baggage, was transported to New York, over a difficutt ferry, a mile in width, while the British army was encamped within 600 yards, and did not discover the retreat, till too late to annoy the Amer- icans." (63.) Death of Capt, Hale, After General Washington, by his retreat, had left the British in complete possession of Long Island, and not knowing what would be their future opera- tions, he ap|)lied to General Knowlton, commander of a regiment of light infantry, to devise some means for gaining necessary information of the de- sign of the British in their future movements. Cap- tarn Hale nobly offered himself for this hazardous *The loss of the British and Hessians, is stated by Ameri- can historians at about 450 ; Stedman says, '' it did not exceed 300 killed and wounded." The loss of the Ameri- cans was not admitted by General Washington to exceed 1000 men ; " but in this estimate, he could only have inclu- ded the regular troope." General Howe states the prisoner^ to have been 1097;' among whom were Major General Sul- livan, and Brigadiers Lord Sterling and Woodhull. ;£j(e.w:T©iL"llv' jVmrlt-r or' MiA-- M-': Vvv/ i 117 and important service. His amiable, pious, intel- ligent, and patriotic character, and the sacrifice of his life in the manner in which he made the sacrifice, entide him to a distinguished rank among the first patriots of the revolution. The particulars of this tragical event, sanctioned by General Hull, who was knowing to them at the time, are related by Miss H, Adams, in her History of New England. " The retreat of General Washington, left the British in complete possession of Long Island, What would be their future operations, remained uncertain. To obtain information of their situation, their strength, and future movements, was of high importance. For this purpose, General Washing- ton applied to Col. Knowlton, who commanded a regiment of light infantry, which formed the van of the American army, and desired him to adopt some mode of gaining the necessary information. Col. Knowlton communicated this request to Nathan Hale, of Connecticut, who was then a Captain in his regiment. This young officer, animated by a sense of duty, and considering that an opportunity presented itself by which he might be useful to his country, at once offered himself a volunteer for this hazardous service. He passed in disguise to Long Island, examined every part of the British army, and obtained the best possible information respect- ing their situation and future operations. In his attempt to return, he was apprehended, carried before Sir William Howe, and the proof of his object was so clear, that he frankly acknowledg- ed who he was, and what were his views. Sir William Howe at once gave an order to the provost marshal to execute him the next mornino-. The order was accordingly executed in a most unfeeling manner, and by as great a savage as ever n 118 disgraced humanity. A clergyman, whose attend- ance he desired, was refused him ; a bible, for a mo- ment's devotion was not procured, though he re- quested it. Letters, which on the morning of his execution, he wrote to his mother and other friends, were destroyed ; and this very extraordinary reason was given by the provost marshal, " that the reb- els should not know that they had a man in their army, who could die with so much firmness." " Unknown to all around him, without a single friend to offer him the least consolation, thus fell as amiable and as worthy ayoung man as Americacould boast, with this as his dying observation, "that he only lamented he had but one life to lose for his country." (64.) Battle of Trenton, The summer and fall of 1776, was the most gloomy period of the American revolution. Gen. Washington had been obliged to retreat from Long Island to New York, thence over the Hudson to New Jersey, and through New Jersey to Pennsyl- vania, vigorously pursued by an enemy flushed with a series of success. The retreat through New Jersey, was attended with circumstances of a pain- ful and trying nature. Washington's army, which had consisted of 30,000 men, was now diminished to scarcely 3,000, and these were without supplies, without pay, and many of them without shoes or comfortable clothing. Their footsteps were stain- ed with blood, as they fled before the enemy. The affairs of the Americans, seemed in such a despe- rate condition, that those who had been most con- fident of success, began despairingly to give up all as lost. Many Americans joined the British and 119 took protections from them. In this season of gen- eral despondency, the American Congress recom- mended to each of the states, to observe " a day of solemn fasting and humihation before God." Gen. Washington saw the necessity of making a desperate effort for the salvation of his country. On the night of the 25th of December, 1776, the American army recrossed the Delaware, which was filled with pieces of floating ice, and marched to at- tack a division of Hessians, who had advanced to Trenton. The sun had just risen as the tents of the enemy appeared in sight. No time was to be lost — Washington rising on his stirrups, waved his sword towards the hostile army, and exclaimed, " There, my brave friends, are the enemies of your country 1 and now all I have to ask of you is to remember what you are about to fight for ! March ! /" The troops animated by their commander, pres- sed on to the charge — the Hessians were taken by surprise, and before they could form, the contest was decided; about 1000 were taken prisoners, and 40 killed, among whom was their commander, fa German officer,) Col. Rahl. {QS,) Battle of Princeton. On the 2d of January, 1777, Lord Cornwallis ap- peared near Trenton, with a strong body of troops. Skirmishing took place, and impeded the march of the British army, until the Americans had secured their artillery and baggage ; when they retired to the southward of the creek, and repulsed the ene- my in their attempt to pass the bridge. As General Washington's force was not sufficient to meet the enemy, and his situation was critical, he detcrmin- 120 ed, with the advice of a council of war, to attempt a stratagem. He gave orders for the troops to light fires in their camp, [which were intended to deceive the enemy.] and be prepared to march. Accord- ingly, at twelve o'clock at night, the troops left the ground, and by a circuitous march eluded the vigi- lance of the enemy, and early in the morning ap- peared at Princeton. A smart action ensued, but the British troops gave way. A party took refuge in the college, a building with strong stone walls, but were forced to surrender. The enemy lost, in killed, wounded, and prisoners, about five hundred men. The Americans lost but few- men ; but among them was a most valuable officer, General Mercer, Webster^ s Elements Useful Ktiowledge, (6G.) Battle of Brayidi/zvine. The British General Howe, with a force of 16,000 men, on the 15th of August landed at the head of Elk river. It being obvious that his design was the occupation of Philadelphia, General Washing- ton immediately put the American army in motion towards that place, to prevent its falling into the liands of the enemy. The two armies met at Bran- dywine, in Delaware. " At day break on the morning of the eleventh, the royal army advanced in two colunms ; the one commanded by Lieutenant General Knypausen, and the other by Lord Cornwallis. While the first col- umn took the direct road to Chadd's Ford, and made a show of passing it in front of the main body of the Americans, the other moved up on the west side of the Brandy wine, to its fork, crossed both its branches about two in the afternoon, and marched down on 121 its eastern side, with the view of turuing the right wing of their adversaries. General Washington, on receiving intelligence of their approach, made the proper disposition to receive them. The divis- ions commanded by Sullivan, Sterling, and Stephen, advanced a little farther np the Brandywine, and fronted the column of the approaching enemy ; Wayne's division, with Maxwell's light infantry, re- mained at Chadd's Ford, to keep Knypausen in check ; Green's division, accompanied by General Washington, formed a reserve, and took a central position between the right and left wings. The di- visions detached against Cornwallis, took posses- sion of the heights above Birmingham church, their left reaching towards the Brandywine ; the artillery was judiciously placed, and their flanks were cov- ered by woods. About four o'clock. Lord Cornwallis formed the line of battle, and began the attack. The Americans sustained it for some time with intrepidity ; but the right at length giving way, the remaining divisions, exposed to a galling fire on the flank, continued to break on the right, and the whole line was soon completely routed. As soon as Cornwallis had commenced the attack, Knypausen Grossed the ford, and attacked the troops, posted for its defence ; which, after a severe conflict, were compelled to give way. The retreat of the Ameri- cans, which soon became general, was continued that night to Chester, and the next day to Philadel- phia. The loss sustained by the Americans in this action, is estimated at three hundred killed and six hundred wounded. Between three and four hun- dred, principally the wounded, were made prison- ers. The loss of the British was stated to be rath- er less than one hundred killed, and four hundred vvounded. — Holmes^ Annals, 11* 122 Among the wounded were two general officers ; the Mar- quis de Lu Fayette, and General Woodford. The first of these was a French nobleman, who at the age of 19 years only, left France and offered his services to Congress, which gave him the rank of Major General in their army. Count Pulaski, a Polish nobleman, fought also with the Americans i in this battle. — lb. (67.) Battle of Germantown, and the Attack on Red Bank. After General Howe had taken possession of Phil- adelphia, it became necessary for him to take the forts on the Delaware, in order to open a commu- nication with the Atlantic. Accordingly, a part of the royal army w'ere detached for that purpose. Gen. Washington seized this opportunity to attack the remainder, at Germantown. On the morning of the 4th of October, Washington attacked the enemy with such judgment and fury, that they gave way in every quarter. ^' The tumult, disordcry and despair in the British armyy'' says Washington, '''' loere unparalleled.'^^ But unfortunately, an un- common thick fog, occasioned many mistakes in the American army ; and after a severe action, they were obliged to retreat, with the loss of about 1000 men in killed and wounded ; among them was Gen. Nash, and his aid, Major VVitherspoon. The Brit- ish lost upwards of 500 men, with Qen. Agnew and Col. Bird. The detachment of the British army, sent to at- tack the fort at Red Bank, on the Jersey shore, was commanded by Count Donop, a brave and high spirited German officer. The fort was defend- ed by about 400 men, under Col. Green. Count Donop, with undaunted firmness, led on his men to an assault. After a few well directed fires, Green 123 and his men artfully retired from the outworks. The enemy now supposing the day their own, rush- ed forward in great numbers, along a large opening in the fort, and within twenty paces of a masked battery, of eighteen pounders, loaded with grape shot and spike nails. Immediately the garrison opened a tremendous fire upon their assailants, which swept them down in great numbers. Count Donop was mortally wounded and taken prisoner^ In this expedition, the enemy are supposed to have lost about 400 men. (68.) Murder of Miss McCrea, Previous to the American revolution, there resi- ded near fort Edward, an accomplished young man, named Jones, and a young lady by the name of McCrea, between whom a strong attachment sub- sisted. Upon the breaking out of war, Mr. Jones, who favored the royalists, fled into Canada. Thence he accompanied the expedition of Bur- goyne into the States. When the British army were within about three miles of fort Edward, Mr. Jones found means secretly to inform Miss Mc- Crea of his approach ; he entreated her not to leave the place, and informed her, that as soon as the fort had surrendered, he would seek an asylum where they might peacefully consummate the nuptial cere- mony. Confiding in her lover. Miss McCrea hero- ically refused to follow the flying villagers. The tears and intreaties of her parents and friends avail- ed nothing. Mr. Jones, anxious to possess his in- tended bride, despatched a party of Indians to con- vey her to the British army, and ofl^ered to reward them for their service with a barrel of rum. The 124 Indians brought a letter from her lover, and also his horse to convey Miss McCrea ; she scrupled not to place herself under their protection, and ac- cordingly set out for the British camp. When about half way, a second party of Indians hearing of the captivating offer made by Mr. Jones, deter- mined to avail themselves of the reward. A bloody strife ensued, in which some Indians w^ere killed, when the chief of the first party, to decide the con- test, with his tomahawk knocked the lady from her horse, tore off her scalp, and bore it as a trophy to her anxious and expectant lover ! This atrocious and cruel murder, roused the American people, and produced one general burst of horror and indigna- tion throughout the States, against the British and their savage allies, and probably hastened the downfall of Burgoyne. (69.) Battle of Bennington and Capture of Burgoyne, In the spring of 1777, it was determined in Eng- land that an invasion of the States should be at- tempted from the north, and a communication form- ed between Canada and the city of New- York, and thus cut off the communication between the New England and more southern States. '" The troops destined for this service were up- wards of seven thousand ; with a train of artillery, the finest, and the most efficiently supplied, that had ever been assigned to second the operations of an equal force. Arms and accoutrements were provi- ded for the Canadians, and several nations of In- dians induced to take up the hatchet under the royal banners. The command was given to General Bur- goyne \ an officer whose abilities were well knowi). 125 and whose spirit of enterprise, and thirst of military fame, could not be exceeded. The British had the exclusive navigation of Lake Champlain. Their marine force on that inland sea, with which, in the preceding campaign, they had destroyed the Ameri- can flotilla, was not only entire, but unopposed. " Having gained possession of Ticonderoga, as well as of the other defences which had served to prevent or to impede the advance of an enemy into the United States on the side of Canada, and with a degree of alacrity and perseverance not to be excel- led, they reached Fort Edward, on the Hudson, Bur- goyne proceeded, in the beginning of August, to force his passage down towards Albany. In the meantime, every obstruction had been thrown in his way, by Schuyler, Arnold, St. Clair, and other vi- gilant commanders ; who, at this period, owing to the evacuation of the northern forts, and the exer- tions of the leading patriots in New-York and the contiguous provinces, had in that quarter an army of thirteen thousand men. " In his advance to Albany, Burgoyne formed a plan to draw resources from the farms of Vermont. For this purpose, he detached five hundred Hessians and one hundred Indians, with two field-pieces, under the command of Colonel Baum ; a force deemed sufficient to seize a magazine of provisions collected by the Americans at Bennington. But he proceeded with less caution than his perilous situa- tion required. On the 16th of August, Colonel Starke attacked him, near that place, with about eight hundred New-Hampshire militia, — undisci- plined, without bayonets, or a single piece of artil- lery ; killed or capiured the greater part of his de- tachment, and got possession of his cannon. This was a brilliant service. Another achievement, 126 scarcely less conspicuous, immediately succeeded^ Colonel Breyman, who had been sent by General Burgoyne to support that party, arrived on the same ground, and on the same day, not, however, until the action was decided. Instead of meeting his friends, he found himself vigorously assailed. This attack was made by Colonel Warner ; who, with his continental regiment, had come up, also to support his friends, and was well assisted by Starke's militia, which had just defeated the party of Colonel Baum. Breyman's troops, though fatigued with the prece- ding march, behaved with great resolution ; but were at length obliged to abandon their artillery, and retreat. In these two actions, the Americans took four brass field-pieces, four ammunition wagons, and seven hundred prisoners. " The overthrow of these detachments was the first, in a grand series of events, that finally involved in ruin the whole royal army. It deranged every plan for continuing, or even holding, the advantages previously obtained ; inspired the Americans with confidence, animated their exertions, and filled them with justly-formed expectations, of future victory. " After the evacuation of Ticonderoga, the Ame- ricans had fallen back, from one place to another, until they at last rested at Vanshaick's island. Soon after this retreating system was adopted. Congress removed their commanding officers, and placed General Gates at the head of the northern army. His arrival, on the 19th of August, gave fresh vigor to the inhabitants. Encouraged by a hope of cap- turing the whole British forces, a spirit of adventure burst forth fron every quarter, and was carried into various directions. An enterprise was undertaken by General Lificoln, to recover Ticonderoga and the ©ther posts in the rear of the British army ; and, 127 though the first object was not accomplished, yet with so much address did Colonel Brown, who was despatched to the landing at LakeGeorge, proceed, that, with five hundred men, he not only surprised all the out-posts between the landing at the north end of the lake and the body of that fortress ; took Mount Defiance and Mount Hope, the old French lines, and a block-house ; also two hundred bat- teaux, several gun boats, besides two hundred and ninety prisoners ; but at the same time, released one hundred Americans. " Burgoyne, after crossing the Hudson, advanced along its banks, and encamped about two miles from General Gates, a short distance above Still Water* The Americans thought no more of retreating ; and, on the 19th of September, engaged him with firm- ness and resolution. The conflict, though severe, was only partial, for the first hour and a half; but, after a short pause, it became general, and continu- ed for three hours without intermission. A constant blaze of fire streamed forth, and both sides seemed determined on victory or death. The Americans and British were alternately driven by each other, until night ended the eftusion of blood. The enemy lost five hundred men, including killed, wounded, and prisoners ; the Americans, three hundred. ^' Every moment made the situation of the British army more critical. Their provisions were lessen- ing, their Indian and provincial allies deserting; whilst the animation and numbers of the Americans increased. From the uncertainty of receiving fur- ther supplies, Burgoyne curtailed the soldiers' ra- tions. His opponents pressed him on every side. Much hard fighting ensued. The British were again defeated. One of Burgoyne's Generals, together with his aid-de-camp, was killed, and he himself 128 narrowly escaped ; as a ball passed through his hat, and another through his waistcoat. The American Generals Arnold and Lincoln were wounded. To avoid being surrounded, General Burgoyne left his hospital to the humanity of Gates, and retreated to Saratoga. He was still followed, and harassed ; driven on one side and straitened on another. The situation of his army was truly distressing : aban- doned by their allies, unsupported by their fellow- soldiers in New- York, worn down by a series of in- cessant efforts, and greatly reduced in number ; without a possibility of retreat, or of replenishing their exhausted stock of provisions : a continual cannonade pervaded their camp, and grape-shot fell in many parts of their lines. " The 12th of October arrived ; the day until which hope had bidden the afflicted General wait for the promised assistance from New- York. But ex- pectation vanished with the departing sun. He took an account of his provisions. There was only a scanty subsistence for three days. A council of war declared that their present situation justified a capitulation on honorable terms ; and a negotia- tion was commenced. After various messages pass- ed between the hostile armies, it was stipulated, that, on the 1 7th, the British were to march out of their camp with the customary honors of w^ar ; the arms to be piled by word of command from their own officers ; and an undisturbed passage allowed them to Great Britain, on condition of their not serving again in North America during the war. "By this convention, were surrendered five thou- sand seven hundred and ninety, of all ranks ; w^iich number, added to the killed, w^ounded, and prison- ers, lost by the royal army during the preceding part of the expedition, made, altogether, upwards pf T^>p^ir^¥oi'k. Sfornnjuf of Sft>nfv Bunt 129 ten thousand men 5 an advantage rendered still more important to the captors, by the acquisition of thirty- five brass field-pieces, and nearly five thousand muskets. The regular troops in General Gates'S( army were nine thousand; the militia, four thousand: but, of the former, two thousand were sick or on furlough ; and of the latter, five hundred. " The celebrated Polish pa trio., Kosciuski, was chief engineer in the army of General Gates. " On learning the fate of Burgoyne, the British on the North river retired to New York. Those who had been left in his rear destroyed their cannon, and, abandoning Ticonderoga, retreated to Canada ; so that this whole country, after experiencing for several months the devastations of war, was now restored to perfect tranquility. * GrimskavPs Hist. U. S, (70.) Treaty with France. On the 16th of March, 1 778, Lord North intima- ted to the House of Commons, that a paper had been laid before the King by I he French ambassador, in- timating the conclusion of an alliance between the court of France and the United States of Anierica. The preliminaries of this- treaty had been concluded in the end of the year 1777, and a copy of them sent to Congress, in order to counteract any pro- posals that might be made in the mean time by the British ministry. On the 6th of February, 1 778, the articles wf re formally signed, to the great satisfac- tion of tht French nation. They were in substance as follows : 1. If Great Britain should, in consequence of this 12 130 treaty, proceed to hostilities against France, the two nations should mutually assist one another. 2. The main end of the treaty was, in an effectual ma^nner to maintain the Independence of America. 3 Should those places of North-America still sub« ject'to Britain, be reduced by the States, they should be confederated with them, or subjected to their ju- risdiction. , ,. T 1 11 J 4. Should any of the West-India Islands be redu- ced by France, they should be deemed its property. 5. No formal treaty with Great Britain should be concluded, either by France or America, without the consent of each other ; and it was mutually agreed, that they should not lay down their arms till the In- dependence of the States had been formally acknow- ledged. J 6. The contracting parties mutually agreed, to jnvite those powers that had received injuries from Great Britain, to join in the common cause. 7. The United States guaranteed to France ail the possessions in the West-Indies which she should conquer ; and France, in her turn, guaranteed the absolute Independence of the States, and their su- preme authority over every country they possessed, or might acquire during the war.* This treaty was signed, on the part of France, by M. Gerard ; on the part of the United States, by Benjamin Franldin, Silas Deane, and Arthur Lee. On the 20th of March, the American commissioners were received at the court of France, as the repre- sentatives of a sister nation ; an event which was considered in Europe at that time, as the most im- portant which had occurred in the annals of America, since its first discovery by Columbus. * Williams' Revolution. 131 (71.) Battle of Monmouth or Freehold, At the opening of the campaign in 1778, General Howe went to England, and left the command to Sir Henry Chnton. in June the British army left Phil- adelphia, and marched towards Staten Island. In their march they were annoyed by the Americans, andim the 28th of June, a division of the army, under General Lee, was ordered, if possible, to bring therai to an engagement. The order was not obeyed — General Washington arrived, and riding up to Gene- ral Lee, addressed him in terms that implied cen- sure. General Lee answered with warmth and dis- respectful Imguage. General Washington led the troops in person, and a smart action took place, in which both parties claimed the victory, but the ad- vantage was clearly on the side of the Americans. The loss in killed and wounded amounted to three or four hundred, on each side ; but the British left the field of battle in the night and pursued their re- treat. This battle happened at Freehold, in Mon- mouth county, during a period of extreme heat, the mercury being above ninety degrees by Fahrenheit's scale. Many of the soldiers died on the spot, by heat, fatigue, or drinking cold water. General Lee was tried by a court martial for disobedience, and his command suspended for one year. Webster^s Elements of U» Knowledge, . {T2.) Taking of Savannah and Charleston, In 1778, Lieutenant Colonel Campbell, an oiBcer ©f courage and ability, embarked on the twenty- seventh of November from New -York for Savan- nah, with about two thousand men, under the con- 132 voy of same ships of war, commanded by Commodore Hyde Parker ; and in about three weeks landed near the mouth of Savannah river. From the landing place, a narrow causeway of six hundred yards ii4 length, with a ditch on each side, led through a swamp. At this causeway a small party was posted^ under Captain Smith, to impede the passage of the British ; but it was almost instantly dispersed. General Howe, the American officer, to whom the defence of Georgia was committed, had taken his station on the main road, and posted his little army, consisting of about six hundred continentals and a few hundred militia, between the landing place and the town of Savannah, with the river on his left, and a morass in front. While Colonel Campbell was making arrangements to dislodge his adversaries, he received intelligence from a negro, of a private path, on the right of the Americans, through which his troops might march unobserved ; and Sir James Baird, with the light infantry, was directed to avail himself of this path, in order to turn their right wing, and attack their rear. As soon as it was judged that he had cleared his passage, the British, in front of the Americans, were directed to advance and en- gage. General Howe, finding himself attacked both in front and rear, ordered an immediate retreat. The British pursued, and their victory was entire. Upwards of one hundred of the Americans were kill- ed ; and thirty-eight officers, four hundred and fif- teen privates, the town and fort of Savannah, forty- eight pieces of cannon, twenty-three mortars, the fort with its ammunition and stores, the shipping in the river, and a large quantity of provisions, were in a few hours in possession of the conquerors. The whole loss of the British, during the day, amounted te no more than seven killed and nineteen wounded. Holmes'' American Annals ^ 1^3 Sir Henry Clinton, finding it more easy to make an impression on the southern States, which were less populous than the northern, and being a level country, rendered the transportation of artillery less difficuh, determined to make them the seat of war. Agreeable to this resolution, he sailed from New- York, with a large force, in the severe winter of 1779 — 80; and after a tempestuous passage, in which he lost some of his transports, arrived at Sa- vannah the latter part of January. From Savannnh the army proceeded to Charleston, and in April laid siege to that city. The enemy made regular ap- proaches, and finally being prepared to storm the town, General Lincoln was compelled to capitulate. About two thousand five hundred men, besides the militia and inhabitants, became prisoners, and all the cannon and military stores. This happened on the 12th o- May, 1780. General Clinton left Lord Cornwallis to coDjmand the troops in the southern army, and returned to New- York. Great numbers of the people in South-Carolina, being left delence- less, returned to their allegiance, and the British commander represented the state as subdued. Webster^s Elements of U. Knowledge, (73.) FaulJones* Naval Battle. On the 22d of September, 1778, occurred on the coast of Scotland, "that unexampled sea-fight, which gave to the name of Paul Jones such terrific eclat. This man was a native of Scotland, but engaged in the service of the United States. His flotilla was composed of the Bon-homme Richard, of forty guns, the Alliance, of thirty-six, (both American ships,) the Pallasj a French frigate of thirty-two. in the pay 12* 134 of Congress^ and two other smaller vessels. He fell in with a British merchant fleet, on its return from the Baltic, convoyed by Captain Pearson, with the frigate Sera pis, of forty-four guns, and the Countess of Scarborough, of twenty. Pearson had no sooner perceived Jones, than he bore down to engage him, while the merchantmen endeavored to gain the coast. The American flo- tilla formed to receive him. The two enemies joined battle about seven in the evening. The British having the advantage of cannon of a longer reach, Paul Jones resolved to fight them closer. He brought up his ships, until the muzzles of his guns came in contact with those of his enemy. Here the phrcnzied combatants fought from seven till ten. Paul Jones now found that his vessel was so shat« tered, that only three effective guns remained » Trusting no longer to these, he assailed his enemy with grenades ; which, falling into the Serapis, set her on fire in several places. At length her maga- zine blew up and killed all near it. Pearson, enra- ged at his officers, who wished him to surrender^ commanded them to board. Paul Jones at the head of his crew, received them at the point of the pike ; and they retreated. But the flames of the Serapis had communicated to her enemy, and the vessel of Jones was on fire. Amidst this tremen- dous night-scene, the American frigate Alliance came up, and mistaking her partner for her enemy, fii-ed a broad-side into the vessel of Jones. By the broad glare of the burning ships she discovered her mistake, and turned her guns against her exhausted foe. Pearson's crew were killed or wounded, {jis artillery dismounted, and his vessel on fire ; and he could no longer resist. The flames of the Serapis- wcre however arrested : but the leaks of the Good- 135 man Richard could not be stopped, and the hulk went down soon after the mangled remains of the crew had been removed. Of the 375 who were on board that renowned vessel, only sixty-eight left it alive. The Pallas had captured the Countess of Scarborough ; and Jones, after this horrible victory, ■wandered with his shattered, unmanageable vessels for some time ; and at length, on the 6th of October, had the good fortune to find his way to the waters of the TexeV—Willard's Hist. U. States. (74.) Gen, Putnam'' s Escape at Horseneck, About the middle of the winter of 1778, General Putnam, a bold and veteran officer, was on a visit to his outpost at Horseneck, where he found Tryon, the British Governor, advancing upon that place with a corps of fifteen hundred men. To oppose this force General Putnam had only a force of one hun- dred and fifty men, with two iron field pieces, with- out horses or drag-ropes. Having planted his can- non on an eminence, he fired until the enemy's horse (supported by infantry) were about lo charge ; he then ordered his men to shelter themselves in a neighboring swamp inaccessible to the enemy's cavalry — and putting spurs to his horse, he plunged down a precipice so steep that about one hundred stone steps or stairs had been constructed for the accommodation of foot passengers. The British dragoons, who were but a sword's length from him, not daring to follow, stopped, and before they could gain the vall^^y, Putnam was far beyond their reach. Gen. Putnam was much disting-uished, both in the FrencU and Revolutionary wars, for his bravery and a spirit of daring eaterprise. He also rendered himself famous by a noted ex- t3« ploiE in a wolf's den. When he removed to Pomfrct, Con, that part of the country was much infested with wolves. Iq his immediate vicinity a she-wolf committed considerable de- predations for several years. After many unsuccessful at- tempts were made to destroy this ferocious animal, Putnam and his neighbors tracked her to her den, and endeavored by fire and smoke, dog-s, &c. to expel her from her habitation. These means proving ineffectual, Putnam at leng-th came to the hazardous resolution of attacking the wolf in her den. With a torch in one hand and his gun in the other, he crawl- ed a considerable distance into a subterraneous cavity, and discovered the wolf by the glare of her eye-balls, evidently at the point of springing at him. Putnam fired : upon this he was drawn out of the cave by his neighbors, by means of a rope he had attached to one of his legs Putnam again de- scended, and finding the wolf dead, took hold of her eacs, and the people above, with much exultation, dragged them out together. (75.) Storming of Stoney Point, The reduction of this place, July 15., 1779, was one of the most bold enterprises which occurred in the Revolutionary war. (Stoney point is 40 miles north of New- York, on the Hudson.) " At this time Stoney Point was in the condition of a real fortress ; it was furnished with a select gar- rison ef more than 600 men, and had stores in abundance, and defensive preparations which were formidable. Fortified- as it was^ Gen. Washington ventured an attempt to reduce it. The enterprise was committed to Gen^ Wayne, who, with a strong detachment of active infantry, set out towards the place at noon. His march of fourteen miles over high mountains, through, deep morasses, and difficult defiles, was accomplished by eight o'clock in the- Evening. At the distance of a mile from the point, Gen3, covered the left. A corps de reserve was formed of the cavalry, under Lieut. Col. Washington, and 'he De'-nvare- troops, under Capt, Kirk wood. As the Americans came forward to the attack, they fell in with some advanced parties of the enemy, at about two or three miles ahead of the main body. These being closely pursued were driven back — and the of tion soon became general. The militia were at length forced to give way, but were bravely supporten by the second line. In the hottest part of the engage- * Holmes' Annals. 153 ment, Gen. drccne ordered the Maryland and Vir- jrjnia continentals to charge with trailed arms. This decided the fate of the day. ' i^othing,' says Dr. Ramsay, ' could surpass the intrepidity of both officers and men on this occasion. They rushed on, in good order, through a heavy cannonade, and a shower of musketry, with such unshaken resolution, that they bore down all before them.' The British were broken, closely pursued, and upwards of five hundred of them taken prisoners. They however made a fresh stand, in a favorable position, in im- penetrable shrubs and a picquetted garden. Lieut. Col. Washington, after having made every eftbrt to dislodge them, was wounded and taken prisoner. Four six pounders were brought forward to play upon them, but they fell into their hands; and the endeavors to drive them from their station being found impracticable, the Americans retired, leaving a strong picquet on the field of battle. Their loss was about five hundred ; that of the British up- wards of eleven hundred. Gen. Greene was honored by Congress with a British standard, and a gold medal, emblematic of the engagement and success, ' for his wise, decisive and magnanimous conduct, in the action of Eutaw Springs, in which, with a force inferior in number to that of the enemy, he obtained a most signal vic- tory.' In the evening of the succeeding day, Col. Slew- art abandoned his post, and retreated towards Charleston, leaving behind upwards of seventy of his wounded, and a thousand stands of arras. He was pursued a considerable distance — but in vain. The batde of Eutaw produced most signal conse- quences in favor of America. The British, who had for such a length of time, lorded it absolutely in 14 154 Soiuh Carolina, were, shortly after that event, obli- ged to confine themselves to Charleston. J Morsels Revolution^ (84.) Storming of Fort Gristvold, While the combined armies were advancing to the siege of Yorktown, General Arnold, who had lately returned from Virginia, was appointed to conduct an expedition against New London. The iroops employed in this service, were landed on each side of the harbor, in two detachments ; the one commanded by Lieutenant Colonel Eyre, and the other by General Arnold. New London is a seaport town, situaled near the mouth of the Thames, on the west side of that river. For the defence of the place, therei had been constructed, below the town, and on the western side of the harbor, a fort, called Fort Trumbull, with a re- doubt; and opposite to it, on Groton Hill, another fort, called Fort Griswold, a strong square fortifi- cation, insufficiently garrisoned. Fort Trumbull, the redoubt, and the town of New London, being totally untenable, were evacuated on the approach of Arnold, who took possession of them with in- considerable loss. Fort Griswold was defended by Colonel Ledyard, with a garrison of about one hundred and sixty men, some of w.hom had just evacuated the works on the opposite side of the river. On the rejection of a summons to surrender, the British marched up to the assault on three sides ; and, though the ascent was steep, and a continued fire was directed against them, they at length made a lodgement on the ditch and fraized work,' and en- tered the embrasures with charged bayonets. An 155 officer of the conquering U-oops, ^^ ^-^J^ into his own bosom, .^^^"f '..fe^^^^^ con- ":roi ^tt A^lcSr: i^ss ,..f^, Th h '' wasicpt up until the greater, part^otl^e garrison was killed or ^vounded." H c own o^ ^T T ^r^Ar^r^ ^n(\ the Stores contained in u, ^^y^ ^Tn^rfo^shes- and General Arnold, havn.g i , le'ed th" ohj'eet of the expedition, returned in eight days to New York.-Ho/mc.' Annals. (85.) Surrender of Cornwallis. The 19th of October, 1781, was rendered mc- hl. hv the surrender of the British army, con- "'°, of 7000 men under Cornwallis, atYorlUown, Va'"S- ilTy""'— ' ^-•"'^') '''' KevoluUonary \„'.rst and laul the foundation for a general peace. Abou .'he las of August, Count de Grasse w,th a F,^ eh fleet, arrived tn the Chesapeake and block- ed up the British troops who had fortified themselves " Eour "; this, the American and French troops, „n k r Ge",eral Washington, had moved to the sou h- " ad and as soon as°he heard of the arrival of a French fleet, made rapid marches to the head of F k riv r, where embarking, the troops soon arri- ved at Yorktown. A close siege was now commen- lod and earned on with such ardor and delermm- ai by Tile A>nerican and French troops, that Cornwallis was forced to surrender. Idd The spectacle of the surrender was impressive and airect.ng. The road through which the cp! t,ve army marched was hned with spectators. On st.ffM \^r"''' Washmgton, with the American stafl took then- station; on the opposite side, was the Count de Rocha.nbeau, with the French staff. 1 he captive army approached, moving slowly in columns, wuh grace and precision. Universal silence was observed amidst the vast concourse, and the utmost decency prevailed; cxhibitinrr, in de- meanor, an awful sense of the vicissitude of human /lie, mingled with commiseration for the unhappv '^ Lord Cornwallis, unable to endure the humilia- tion of mnrch.ng at the head of his troops, apjxjint- ed General O'Hara his representative, who deliver- Gd up the sword of Cornwalhs to the American Com- mander in Chief. (86.) Washington taking have of the Army, The storm of the revolution having subsided, the Uehnitive treaty was signed on the 30th of Septem- ber 1783, and the 3d of November was fixed on ')y Congress, lor disbanding the United States' Ar- my. On the day preceding. General Washington gave an allectionate farewell to the soldiers, who cluring '^ the tunc thai tried men's souls,'' had foudit by his side. - Being now," he said in his addrtss to the army, " to conclude these, my last public or- (iei;s, to take my ultimate leave in a short time of the military character, and to bid a final adieu to the ai:mies 1 have so long had the honor to command, I can only again offer in your behalf, my recommend- ations to our grateful country, and my prayer to the God ©f armies.~-31ay ample justice be done vou 157 here, and may the choicest favors bo h here and creafter, attend those, who nndor the d,v,no ausp.- ce 'have secured .nnumerable blessmgs for others ! Wilh these wishes and this benediction, the com- mander in chief is about to retire fro'n.^^^y'^'^- ,\he curtain of separation w.li soon be d awn, and the raihlary scene will be closed forever. The^officers of the army assembled at Now York. Washington was there also, and f Parting, thus addressfd them : " Wuh a heart full of lovo and gratitude, I now take my leave of you I"^"^! de- voutly wish, that your latter days may be as p.os- IcroL and happ/, as your former o"<^« l>«ve been glorious and honorable." Taking each by the Lnd, he bade them farewell. They then accom- panied him to the shoreof the Hudson, where he was received in a barge, magnificently .lecoraied and manned with thirteen ^^=>^='P^=l'"^-,^"tv?s"hl his hat, while the tears started from his eyes, he bade a silent adieu to the companions of his glory. (87.) Continental Money, The expedient of supplying the deficiencies of specie, by emissions of paper bills, was adopted Try early in the Colonies. In many instances, Remissions produced good effects These bills were generally a legal tender, in all colonial or privati contracts, and the sums issued did not gene- ?ally exceed the granted requisite lor a medium of trade ■ they retained their full nominal value in the purchase ot commodities. . But as they were notre-. reived by the British merchants, in payment for their goods, there was a great demand lor specie lnd blls, which occasioned the latter, at various- 14* 15^ times, to depreciate. Thus was introduced a difi fereace between the Enghsh sterling money, and the currenaes of the different States, which remains to this day.* The advantages the Colonies had derived from paper currency, under the British government sug- gested to Congress, in 1775, the idea of issuing bills, for the purpose of carrying on the war. And this, perhaps, was their only expedient. They Gould not raise money by taxation, and it could not be borrowed. The first emissions had no other ef- fect upon the medium of commerce, than to drive the specie from circulation. But when the paper substituted for specie, had, by repeated emissions, augmented the sum in circulation, much beyond the usual sum in specie, the bills began to lose their value. The depreciation continued, in proportion to the sums emitted, until one hundred paper dol- iars, were hardly an equivalent for one Spanish m\U ied dollar. With this depreciated paper was the army paid,— and from 1775 to 1781, this currency was almost the only medium of trade; until the sum ni circulation amounted to two hundred milhons of dollars. But about the year 1780, specie began ta fee plentiful, being introduced by the French army, a private trade with the Spanish islands, and an ii hcit mtercourse with the British garrison in New York. This circumstance accelerated the depreci- ation of the paper bills, until their value had sunk *A dollar in sterling money, is 4s. 6d. But the price of a dollar rose, in Neir England currency to 6*.; in JSew York, to 3s.; m New Jersey, Pennsylvania, and Maryland, to 7*. «tf. ; m Virginia, to 6s.; in North C^arolinia, to 8*.; in South Carolina and Georgia, to 4s. Bd, This difference, originating between paper and specie, or bills, continued after^ Tpards to exist m the nominal estimation of gold and silver. FranklinU JUiscelianeous fForf^l \B9 to aknosl nothing. In 1781, the merchants and brokers of the southern States, apprehensive ot the approaching fate of the currency, pushed im- mense quantities of it suddenly into New England- made vast purchases of goods in Boston— and in- stantly the bills vanished from circulation. The whole history of this Continental paper, is a history of public and private frauds. Old specie debts were often paid in a depreciated currency — and even new contracts, for a few weeks or days, were often discharged with a small part of the val- ue received. From this plenty, and the fluctuating state of the medium, sprang hosts of speculators^ and itinerant traders, who left their honest occupa- tions for the prospect of immense gains, in a fraud- ulent business, that depended on no fixed princi- ples, and the profits of which, could be reduced to no certain calculations. — Morsels Geography, 1789, (88.) Shays*^ Insurrection in Massachusetts^ In the year 1786, an insurrection took place iii Massachusetts. " A heavy debt lying on the State, and almost all the corporations within it; a relaxa- tion of manners ; a free use of foreign luxuries ; a decay of trade ; with a scarcity of money ; and above all, the debts due from individuals to each other ; were the primary causes of this sedition. Heavy taxes, necessarily imposed at this time, were the immediate exoitement to discontent and insur- gency."* The leader of the malcontents in Massachusetts,, was Daniel Shays. At the head of three hun- dred men, he. marched to Springfield) where ths *HoInae8* Aonalfer 160 Supreme Judicial Court was in session, and took possession of the couil-house. He then appointed a committee, who waited on the Court with an order, couched in the humble formof a petition, requesting them not to proceed to business ; and both parties re- tired. The number of insurgents increased ; the post- ure of affairs became alarming; and an army of 4000 men was at length otdered out for their dispersion. This force was placed under the command of Gener- al Lincoln. His first measure was to march to Wor- cester ; and he afforded such protection to the Court at that place, that it resumed and executed the judicial functions. Orders were given to Gene- ral Shepard, to collect a sufficient force to secure the arsenal at Springfield. Accordingly, he raised about 900 men, which were reinforced by 300 mili- tia from the county of Hampshire. At the head of this force, he marched, as directed, to Springfield. On\he 25th of January, Shays approached, at the head of 1100 men. Shepard sent out one of his aids to know the intention of the insurgents, and to warn them of their danger. Their answer was, that they would have the barracks, and they pro- ceeded to within a few hundred yards of the arse- nal. They were then informed, that the militia were posted there by order of the Governor ; and that they would be fired upon, if they approached nearer. They continued to advance, when Gene- ral Shepard ordered his men to fire, but to direct their fire over their heads ; even this did not intimi- date them, or retard their movements. The artille- ry was then levelled against the centre column, and the whole body thrown into confusion. Shays at- tempted in vain to rally them. They made a pre- cipitate retreat to Ludlow, about ten miles from Springfield* Threo men were killed and on?J 16-1 wounded. They soon after retreated to Petersham; but General Lincoln pursuing their retreat, they finally dispersed. Some of the fugitvies retired to their homes; but many, and among them their principal officers, took refuge in the States of New Hampshire, Vermont and New York.* (89.) Adoption of the Federal Constitution, In pursuance of the request of Virginia, most of the States appointed delegates, who assembled at Annapolis, September 14, 1786. But on examin- ing their commissions, it was judged that their pow- ers were too limited to enable them to accomplish any desirable purpose. They therelore adjourned, with instructions to advise the States to appoint agents with more ample powers, to meet at Phila- delphia, the next year. Accordingly, delegates- from the several States, assembled in that city, in May 1787, and appointed the venerable Washing- ton for their President. That gentleman had reti« red to his farm in 1783, with a fixed determination never more to engage in public affairs; but he was selected by Virginia as one of the delegates, on this important occasion, and pressed to accept the appointment. After four months deliberation, the convention agreed to a frame of government for the United States, and recommended it to the seve* ral States for adoption. The States referred the question of adopting the frame of government, to conventions appointed for that express purpose. On that occasion, popular jealousy appeared in all its force. It was object- ed, that the plan of government proposed, abridge *Mr6. Willara's liistory U. ^, 164 his creatures, was so very important. Under this impression, when the Chancellor pronounced, in a very feeling manner, ' Long live George Washings ton,^ my sensibility was wound up to such a pitch, that I could do no more than wave my hat, with the rest, without the power of joining in the repeated acclamations which rent the air." (91.) Whiskey Insurrection in Pennsyhqnia. The year 1794 is distinguished by an Insurrection in Pennsylvania, commonly called the Whiskey In- surrection, "In 1791, Congress had enacted laws, laying duties upon spirits distilled in the United States, and upon stills. From the commencement of the operation of these laws, combinations were formed in the four western counties of Pennsylvania to defeat them ; and violences were repeatedly com- mitted. In July of the present year, (1794.) about one hundred persons, armed with guns and other weapons, attacked the house of an inspector of the revenue, and wounded some persons within it. They seized the marshal of the district of Pennsyl- vania, who had been previously fired on, while in the execution of his duty, by a party of armed men, and compelled him to enter into stipulations to forbear the execution of his office. Both the inspector and the marshal were obliged to fly from that part of the country to the seat of government. These, and many other outrages, induced President Washington, on the seventh of August, to issue a proclamation, commanding the insm-gents to disperse, and warning- all persons against aiding, abetting, or comforting, the perpetrators of these treasonable acts, and re- q'uiring all officers, and other citizens, according t© F>ew-Yor]li >/W?w Bririr;ipal depot for the Niagara frontier, and Dftroit. Gen. Sheafl'e's baggage and papers were taken. Jrj the government hall a human scalp was found, suspended over the speaker's chair with the mace and other emblems of power. This buil- ding was burned, contrary to the orders of the American General, — Perkina^ History of the, War, 1«6 (108.) Battle on Lake Erie, The American fleet consisted of nine vessels, car- rying fifty four guns, commanded by Commodore Perry, a young officer. The British (leet of six ves- sels and sixty three guns, under Commodore Bar- clay, an old and experienced ollicer, who had served under Nelson. The line of battle was formed at n o'clock, (Sept. 10, 1813.) At fifteen minutes before 12, the enemy's flag ship, "Queen Charlotte," opened a furious fire upon the "Lawrence," (he flag ship of Com. Perry. The wind being light, the rest of the squadron were unable to come to his as- sistance, and he was compelled for two hours to sus- tain the fire of two of the enemy's ships, each of equal force. By this time the Lawrence had be- come unmanageable, every gun was dismounted, her crew except four or five were all killed or wounded. In this desperate condition, Commodore Perry, with great presence of mind, formed the bold design to shift his flag, and leaping into an open boat, wa- ving his sword, he passed unhurt through a shower of balls to the Niagara of twenty guns. At this critical moment the wind increased, and Perry bore down upon the enemy, passing the "Detroit," ^' Queen Charlotte," and "Lady Provost," on one side, and the "Chippewa" and "Little Belt" on the other, into each of which while passing he pour- ed a broadside. He then engaged the "Lady Pro- vost," which received so heavy a fire that the men ran below. The remainder of the American squad- ron now one after another came u[). After a con- test of three hours the American fleet gained a com- pleie victory, and captured every vessel of the en- emy. Commodore Perry announced this victory in the following \^cou]r f^iylei^^^^We have met the tnemy, and they are oursl^^ 197 lihe Americans lost in this action twenty scyeu killed and ninety six wounded. The British had about two hundred killed and wounded — the Amer- icans took six hundred prisoners, which exceeded the whole number of Americans engaged iu the action. (109.) Death of Tecumseh. On the 5th of October, a battle was fought be- tween the American army under Gen. Harrison, and the British, under Gen. Proctor, in which the Brit- ish were defeated, and Detroit fell into the hands of the Americans. The British were assisted by a body of 1200 or 1500 Infliari warriors, led on by Tecumseh, a cele- brated Indian chieftain. Upon the left, the onsef was begun by Tecumseh, with great fury. He was opposed by Col. Johnson, of Kentucky. The In- dians seemed determined to conquer or die. The terrible voice of Tecumseh was heard encouraging his warriors ; although beset on every side, they fought with determined courage. Col. Johnson now rushed towards the spot, where the savage war- riors were gathering round their undaunted chief- tain. In a moment a hundred rifles were aimed at the American, the balls pierced his dress and accou- trements, and himself and his horse received a num- ber of wounds. At the instant his horse was about to fall under him, he was discovered by Tecumseh: having discharged his rifle he sprang forward with his tomahawk, but, struck with the appearance of the brave man before him, he hesitated for a moment, and that moment was his last. Col. Johnson level- led a pistol at his breast, and they both, almost at 18 103 the same instant, fell to the ground. CoL Johnson^^ men now rushed forward to his rescue, and the In- dians, hearing no longer the voice of their chiefy soon after fled. ''Thus fell Tecumseh, and with him, fell the last hope of our Indian enemies." Since the year 1 790, he had been in almost every engagement with the whites; he was a determined enemy to the attempts to civilize the Indians, and had for years endeavor- ed to unite the tribes in opposing the progress of the settlement of the whites, any farther to the west- ward. On the opening of the last war, he visited many tribes, and by his uncommon eloquence and address, roused his countrymen to arms against the United States. '• Tecumseh had received the stamp of greatness, from the hand of nature, and had his lot been cast in a different state of society, he would have shone as one of the most distinguish- ed of men. He was endowed with a powerful mind, and with the soul of a hero. There was an uncommon dignity in his countenance and manners, and by the former he could be easily distinguished, even after death, among the slain, for he wore no insignia of distinction." (110.) Battle of Niagara. On the 25th of July, 1814, Gen. Scott arrived at the Niagara cataract, and learned that the British were in force directly in his front, separated only by a narrow piece of wood. Having despatched this intelligence to Gen. Brown, he advanced upon the enemy, and the action commenced at six o'clock in the afternoon. Although Gen. Ripley, with the '^^ODd brigade, Major Hendraan, with the corps of 199 artillery, and Gen. Porter, with the volunteers, pres- -sccl ibrward with ardor ; it was an hour before they could be brought up to his support: during this time his brigade alone sustained the conflict. Gen. Scott had pressed through (he wood, and engaged the British on the Queenston road, with the 9th, llth., and 12(h regiments, the 25th having been thrown on the right. The fnsh troojxs, under Gen. Ripley, having arrived, now advanced to relieve Gen. Scott, who*>e exhausted brigade formed a reserve in the rear. The British artillery had taken post on a commanding eminence, at the head of Lundy's lane, supported by a line of infantry, out of the reach of the American batteries. This was the key of the whole position ; from kence they poured a most deadly fire on the American ranks. It became ne- cessary either to leave the ground, or to carry this post and seize the height. The latter desperate task was assigned to Col. Miller. On receiving the order from Gen. Brown, he calmly surveyed the position and answered, '*/ will try sii\''^ which expression was afterwards the motto of his regi- ment. The first regiment, under the command of Col. Nicholas, were ordered to menace the British infantry, and support Col. Miller in the attack. This corps, after a discharge or two, gave way and left him without support. Without regarding this occurrence, Col. Miller advanced coolly and stead- ily to his object, amid a tremendous fire, and at the point of the bayonet, carried the artillery and the height. The guns were immediately turned upon the enemy ; Gen. Ripley now brought up the 23d regiment to the support of Col. Miller ; the first re- giment v.as rallied and brought into line, and the British were driven from the hill. At this time Ma- jor Jcssup, v.'ith the 25th regiment, was engaged in 200 a most obstinate conflict, with all the British that I'je- mained on the field, lie had succeeded in turning ihe British left ilank. Capt. Ketchum, with a de- lachment of this regiment, succeeded in gnining the rear of the British lines at the point where Gen- erals Drummond and Riall, with their suites, had la- ken their stations, and made them ail prisoners. The British ofticers, mistaking this detachment for a company of their own men, were ordering them to to press on to the combat, when Capt. Ketchum step})ed forward, and coolly observed, that ho had the honor to command at that time, and im- mediately conducted the olRcers and their suites, in- to the rear of the American lines ; General Drum- mond, in the confusion of the scene made his escape. The British rallied under the hill, and made a des- perate attempt to regain their artillery, and drive the Americans from their position, but without suc- cess ; a second and third attempt was made with the like result. Gen. Scott was engaged in repelling these attacks, and though with his shoulder fractur- ed, and a severe wound in the side, continued at the head of his column, endeavoring to turn the en- emy's right ilank. The volunteers under Gen. Por- ter, during the last charge of the British, precipita- ted themselves upon the lines, broke them, and took a large number of prisoners. Gen. Brown, during the whole action, was at the most exposed points, directing and animating his troops. He received a severe wound on the thigh, and in the side, and would have given the command to Gen. Scolt, but on inquiring found that he was severely wounded. He continued at the head of his troops until the last eftbrt of the British was repulsed, when loss of blood obliged him to retire ; he then consigned the comrnand lo Gen. Rijilcy. At twelve o'clock, both iOi panics retired from the field, to their respective en- campmonts, fati^^^ucd and satiated with slaughter. The battle continued with little intermission, IVom six in the afternoon until twelve at night. After Col. Miller had taken the battery, and driven the British from the heights, and Gen. Riall and suite had been taken, there was a short cessation, and the enemy appeared to be about yielding the ground, when reinforcements arrived to their aid, and the fiattle was renewed with redoubled fury for another space of two hours ; much of this time the combat- ants wevQ within a few yards of each other, and sev- eral times, oflicers were found commanding enemy platoons, Capt. Spencer, aid to Gen. Brown, was de-spatched with orders to one of the regiments ; when about to deliver thciu, he suddenly found him- self in contact with a British corps; with great coolness and a firm air, he inquired v/hat regiment is this? On being ansu'(Ted, the Roijal Scolts, he immediately replied, Royal Scoits., remain as you are! the commandant of the corps, supposmg the orders eame from his commanding General, immediately halted his regiment, and Capt. Spencer rode off. Col. Miller's achievement, in storming the battery, was of the most brilliant and hazardous nature ; it was decisive of the events of (he battle, and enti- tled him and his corps to the highest apjjlause; most of ihc officers engaged in that enterprise were killed or wounded. The battle was fought to the west of, and within half a mile of the Niagara cat- aract. The thunder of the cannon, the roaring of the falls, the incessant discharge of m.uj^ketry, the groans of the dying and wounded duririg the >ix hours in which the parties were engaged in close combat, heightened by the circumstance of its being night, afforded such a scene, as is rarely to be met 262 with, in the history of human slaughter. The eve- ning was calm, and iho moon shone with lustre, when not enveloped in clouds of smoke froui the firing of the contending armies. Coiibidering the numbers engaged, few contests have ever been more sanguinary.* This was one of the most severe and bloody bat- tles, which was fought during the war, iiie British force cngag(^d in this battle amounted to 5,000 men : many of their troojjs were selected from the llower of Lord Wollinglon's army. The American lorce consisted of 4,000 men. — The loss of Americans in killed, wounded, and missing, was 860 men ; that of the British was 878 men. (111.) Burning of Washington City, In August, 1814, a body of about GOOO British troops, command<'d by Gen. Ross, landed at Bene- dict, on the Patuxent, 47 miles Irom Washmgton ; on the 21st of August, he marched to Nottingham. He met with little opposition on his njarch, until within about six miles of VVashingion, at Bhidens- burg. Mere Gen, Winder, with the American forces, composed mostly of militia, hastily collected, op- posed them. The Americans, however, lied at the beginning of the contest. Com. Barney, with about 400 men, made a brave resistance; but the enemy, superior in numbers, compelled him to surrender. Leaving Bladensbm-gh, Gen. Ross went to Wash- ington, wiiere he arrived in the evening of the 23d of Aui;ust, about 8 o'clock, with 700 men, having left fhe main body about a mile and a half from the ^Perkins' Late War. 203 Capitol. Immediately on his arrival, (jfeii, IvOi.S' issued orders to set on fire l!ie public buildings.* The Capitol and the President's house, two noble buildings, were burnt; the valuable libraries in the Capitol ivere also destroyed. The great Bridge across the Potomac — a splendid Hotel, and many other private buildings. On the 25th they retired by rapid marches, and regained their shipping, leaving behind them seve- ral oflicers of rank, and 130 non-commissioned offi- cers and privates, whose wounds did not admit of a removal. Their whole loss during this expedition was 400 in killed nnd wounded, besides 500 more, who were made prisoners or deserted. (112.) Baltic on Lake Champlain, In September, 1814, an army of 14,000 men, under the command of Sir George Pre vost. Governor General of Canada, and a licet on Lake Champlain, * According- to the account of a British officer, who was io this expedition, the sole object of the disembarkation was the destruction of tlie American flotilla. When lliat flotilla re- treated from Nottingham, Admiral Cockburn urged the ne- cessity of a pursuit, and finally prevailed on Gen. lloss to proceed on to attack Washington. When he arrived near the city. Gen. Ross sent in a flag of truce with terms. Hcarce- ly had the party with the flag entered the city, when they were fired upon from the windows of one of the houses. Two corporals of the 31st, and the horse of the General himself, who accompanied them, were killed. This outrage roused the indignation of every individual of the army. All thoughts of accommodation were instantly laid aside ; the troops ad- vanced forthwith into the city, and having first put to the sword all who were found in the house from whence the shots were fired, and reduced it to ashes, they proceeded without delay, to burn and any civil office under the authority of the United States : — and, seventhly, that no person shall be elected twice to the Presidency, nor the President be elected from the same State two terms in suc- cession. The report of the Convention concluded with a resolution, providing for the calling of another con- vention, should the United States " refuse their consent to some arrangement whereby the New England States, separately, or in concert, might be empowered to assume upon themselves the defence of their territory against the enemy," appropriating a reasonable proportion of the public taxes for this purpose ; or, " should peace not be concluded, and the defence of the New England States be neglected as it has been since the commencement of the war."* The committee appointed to conmuuiicate these resolutions to Congress, met al Washington the news of peace : and owing to this event another Con- vention was not called. The proposed amendments. of the Constitution w^ere submitted to the several States, and rejected by all except Massachusetts^. Rhode-Island, and Connecticut. (114.) GerirJciclison^s Victory at .Kew-Orleans^ In the month of Dec. 1814, fifteen thousand British troops, under Sir Edward Packenham, were landed for the attack of New-Orleans. The de- fence of this place was entrusted to Gen. Andrew Jackson, whose force was about 6000 men, chiefly raw militia. Several slight skirmishes occurred before the enemy arrived before the city : during this time Gen. Jackson was employed in makingi * Goodrich. ^&7 ' " ' preparation for his defence. Ilis front was % straigfit line of 1000 yards, defended by upwards of three thousand Infantry and Artillerists. *l'he ditch contained five fe(^t of water, and liis front, from having been flooded by ofx-iiin^ the levees, and by- frequent rains, was rendered slippery and muddy. Eight distinct batteries were judiciously disposed, mounting in all 12 guns of different calibres. On the opposite side of the river was a strong battery of fifteen guns. On the 8th of January, Gen. Packenham, with u}) wards of 12,000 men, deliberately advarjced in solid colunms, to the attack, over an even plain, in li'ont of the American intrenchments^ his men carry- ing, besides their muskets, facines, and ladders. Entire silence prevailed through the American lines until the British were within reach of their batteries, when a destructive cannonade was opened ; yet they advanced, closing up their ranks as fast as they were opened by the ^wit of the Americans. But when within the reach of musketi-y and rifles, the Americans poured in such a tremendous and de- structive fire, that the British columns were literally swept away. Unable to stand the shock, confusion followed, and Gen. Packenham, in the attempt tp rally his troops, was killed. 1'he two Generals, Gibbs and Kean, succeeded in pushing forward their coliJmns the second time, but this was more fatal than the first. The continued rolling fire from the American lines resembled peals of thunder. A few platoons only reached the ditch, lo meet a more certain destruction. A third attempt was made to lead up the troops, which proved equally unavailing. Gen. Gibbs and Kean were severely wounded, the former mortally. The plain before the American lines now pre- -208 sented a wide field of blood. Seven hundred of the British were killed, I4OO wounded, and 500 were taken prisoners ; making the whole of their loss, nearly 3000 men. The loss of the Americans did not exceed seven killed, and they had only six wounded ! ! The enemy, soon after, with great secrecy, em- bai-ked on board their shipping, (115.) Bank of the United Skites. The Bank of the United States was established hy an act of Congress of April 10th, 1816, and con- tinues to March 3d, I S36. Its stock consists of three hundred and fifty thousand shares, of one hundred dollars each, constituting a capital of thirty-five mil- lions of dollars. Seventy thousand shares, or seven millions of the stock, was. taken by the United, States, and the remaining two hundred and eighty thousand shares, amounting to twenty. eight millions of dollars, by individuals, companies, &.C. Of this twenty-eight millions of dollars, seven was required by the charter to be paid in gold or silver coin, and twenty-one milhons in gold or silver coin, or funded debt of the United States. The property of the Bank, including its whole capital, is not to exceed ?n value, fifty-five millions of dollars. The Bank is located in Philadelphia, governed by twenty-five Directors, chosen annually ; five of whom, being stockholders, are appointed by the, President of the United States, by and with the advice and consent of the Senate; and twenty are annually elected at the Banking-house, in Philadel- phia, by the qualified stockholders of the capital, (other thain the United States,) on the first Monday 209 of January. No person can be a Director in the Bank of the United States at the same time that he is a Director in any other Bank. At the first meet- ing after their election, the Directors choose a Pre- sident. The President is selected from the Di- rectors. The number of votes to which stockholders arc entitled, are, for one share and not more than two, one vote ; for every two shares above two, and not exceeding ten, one vote ; for every four shares "kbove ten, and not exceeding thirty, one vote 5 for every six shares above thirty, and not exceeding sixty, one vote; for every eight shares above sixty, and not exceeding one hnndred, one vote ; and for every ten shares above one hundred, one vote ; but no person, co-partnership, or body politic, is entitled to more than thirty votes. No share or shares con- fer the right of voting, that shall not have been held three calendar months previous to the day of elec- tion. No stockholders but those actually resident within the United Slates, can vote by proxy. By the act of March 3d, l upon judgments for such debts. The total amount of debts, of every description, which the Bank shall at any time owe, must not ex- ceed thirty-five millions of dollars, unless authorised hy law to exceed that amount. In case of excess, ■the Directors under whose administration it takes place, fwe liable in their private capacities. This provision, however, does not exempt the property of the Bank from being, also, liable. Directors who may disseni, or be absent, when such excess is crea- ted, on giving notice thereof to the President of the United States, and to the Stockholders, are exone- rated from such liability. The Bank is prohibited from dealing- or trading- in any thing-, except bills of exchange, goid and silver buiiion, or sales of goods pledged for moneys lent by ihe Bank, it can-T not become the purchaser of an\^ public debt, nor take more than six per centum per annum for or upon its loans or dis- counts. The Bank cannot loan more than five hundred thousand dollars to the United States; or to any particular State ao amount exceeding titty tliousand dollars ; or to any foreign Prince or State, unless previously authorised by a law of the United States. The Stock is assignable and transferrable, according to rules established \^' the Bank. Bills obligatory and of credit, under the seal of the Bank, made to any person, are assignable by the endorsement of such person. But the Bank is prohibited from making any bill obligatory, &c. under its seal, for a sum less than five thousand dollars. All hills issued by order of ihe Bank, and signed by the President and Cashier, are bidding as if made by priva.te persons. All bills or notes so issued, are payable on demand, except such as are lor the piyment of a sum not less than one hundred dollars, wbioh may be made payable to ofder, at any time not exceeding sixty days from date. 212 Half-yearly dividends of the profits may be made. And once in three years the Directors must lay before the Stock- holders an exact and particular statement of the situation of the Bank. The Directors of the Bank are authorised to es- tabhsh Offices of Discount and Deposite whereso- ever they shall think fit, within the United States, or the Territories thereof. Or, instead of establishing such offices, it is lawful for the Directors to employ any other Bank or Banks, to be first approved by the Secretary of the Treasury of the United States, to transact business other than discounting. Not more than thirteen, nor less than seven Directors of every Office of Discount and Deposite, shall be an- nually ap[)ointed by the Directors of the Bank, to serve for one year : each shall be a citizen of the United States, and a resident of the State or Terri- tory where the Office is established : not more than Ihree-fourths of those in office, shall be appointed for the next succeeding year ; and no Director caa hold his office more than three years out of four in succession ; but the President may be always re^ appointed. The Secretary of the Treasury of the United States, must be furnished, as often as he gpay require, not exceeding once a week, with full statements of the concerns of the Bank, and ho has a right to exa- mine such of the books of the Bank as relate to said statement. No Stockholder, unless he be a citizen of the United States, has a vote in the choice of Directors. No note can be issued of less amount than five dollars. If the Bank, or any person on its account, shall deal or trade, in any respect coiitrary to its charter, every person concerned as agent or party therein, 21S Vnall forfeit treble the value of the goods, &:c. in which such dealing shall have been ; one half there- of to the informer, the other to the United States ; to be recovered in any action of lavv^, with costs of suit. The bills or notes of the Bank, are receivable in all payments to the United States, until otherwise directed by act of Congress. The Banks must, whenever required by the Secretary of the Treasury, give the necessary facilities for transferring- the public funds from place to place, within the United States, for ♦he payment of public creditors, without charging- commis- sions ; and also perform the duties of Commissioners of Loans. The deposites of moneys of the United States, in places in which the Bank or its branches are established, must be made in the Bank or its branches, unless the Secretary of the Treasury shall otherwise direct ; in which case he must im- mediately lay before Congress, if in session, and if not, imme- diately after the commencement of the next session, the rea- sons of such direction. The Bank is prohibited from suspending pay- ments in specie. Iji case of suspension^ the holder of any bill, &c. can recover the amount thereof, and until it is paid, is entitled to interest at the rate of twelve per centum per annum. Forging, counterfeiting, &c. the Notes, &,c. of the Bank, is felony, and punishable by imprisonment and hard labor, or im- prisonment and fine. Jf any person shall engrave, or have in his possession, any metallic plate, similar to the plates from which the notes, &c. of the Bank are printed, or shall cause or suffer the same to be used, &c. shall, upon conviction, be sentenced to imprison- ment at hard labor not exceeding five years, or imprisoned not exceeding five years, and fined in a sum not exceeding one thousand dollars. No Other Bank shall be chartered by Congress during tlie continuance of the charter of the Bank of the United States, except within the District of Columbia. And the Corporation of the Bank shall 20* 214 exist for two years after the expiration of its charter, for the close of its concerns. Committees of either House of Congress have power to inspect the books of the Bank, and to ex- amine into its- proceedings, &:c. and whenever there is reason to believe the charter has been violated, a scire facias may be sued out of the Circuit Court for the District of Pennsylvania, in the name of the United States, and the Bank compelled to show cause why the charter should not be declared for- feited ; and it is lawful for the said Court to examine into the truth of the alleged violation, and if such violation be made appear, then to pronounce the charter forfeited. The final Judgment of the Court aforesaid is examinable in the Supreme Court of the United States. — l^orcePs National Calendar, 1823, (116.) Piracies in the West Indies-^ The American commerce had for several years, suffered severely, in consequence of the depreda- tions committed by pirates. The West Indian Seas were infested with these marauders, and transactions of the most flagrant and outrageous character had become frequent. Great quantities of property were seized by them, and their captives were often murdered in the most inhuman manner. They re- spected no law, and the flag of no nation.. An event occurred in 1822, which excited general attention, and showed that the evil had become so alarming as to call loudly for the strong arm of Government to. interpose for the protection of its citizens. The AI-. ligator, United States schooner, was about entering the harbor of Matanzas, when information was re-, r^eived that two American vessels, which the pirate^. 215- had just captured, were lying a short distance frora that place. The Alligator was immediately ordered to their relief. An engagement with the pirates en- sued, in which the Americans were victorious. They recaptured five American vessels which were m possession of the pirates, and took one piratical schooner. But Allen, the brave commander of the Alligator, was wounded in the engagement, and died in a few hours. His death excited much feeling throughout the United States.. -The pirates made the island of Cuba their general rendezvous, and they carried their depredations to such an extent, that it was extremely dangerous for vessels to enter or leave the port of Havana. Con- gress at length passed a law appropriating a sum of money to fit out an expedition for the suppression of piracy. Commodore Porter, to whom was given the command of this expedition, sailed for the West Indies, and after touching at Porto Rico, arrived at Matanzas with a squadron consisting of a steam- frigate, eight schooners, and five barges. No cap- tures were made by this squadron, as the pirates had obtained knowledge of their movements ; but the object of their going out was accomplished in the protection afforded to commerce. The American squadron remained near the islands, and afforded convoys to merchant vessels ; and in consequence of this protection of the sea, the pirates were com- pelled to remain upon the islands, where they com- mitted depredations upon the inhabitants. But one vessel was taken from the Americans during this time, and that was recaptured by Commodore- Porter Willard's HisL U. S^ 216 (ll7.) Western Jlntiquities, The numerous remains of ancient fortifications, mounds, &;c. found in the Western States, are the admiration of the curious, and a matter of much speculation. They are mostly of an oblong form, situated on well chosen ground, and near the water. One of the fortifications or towns at Marietta, (Ohio,) contains forty acres, accompanied by a wall of earth from six to ten feet high. On each side are three openings at equal distances, resembling gate- ways. The works are undoubtedly very ancient, as there does not appear to beany difference in the age or size of the timber growing on or within the walls, and fehat which grows without; and the In- dians have lost all tradition respecting them. Dr. Culler, who accurately examined the trees on the works at Marietta, thinks from appearances, that they are on the second growth, and that the works must have been built upwards of 1000 years. At a convenient distance from these works al- ways stands a mound of earth, thrown up in the form of a pyramid. Upon examination some of these mounds are found to contain an immense number of human skeletons. The ancient works on the western branches of the Muskingum river, extend nearly two miles, the ramparts of which are now in some places more than eighteen feet in perpendicular height. There must have been a dense population to have erected such works as these, and a people more devoted to labor, than the present race of Indians. The most probable conjecture respecting these people is, that they were of Tartar origin, and G'ame across to this continent near Beering's Straits?. 217 and going southward, followed the course of the great rivers — finding the soil fruitful on the Ohio and Mississippi, resided there for a while, till at length fol- lowing each other they established themselves in the warm and fertile vales of Mexico. (118.) Erie Canal, ^This Grand Cnnal, the longest in the world, (if we except the Irnporial Canal of China,) was commen- ced July 4th, 1817, and completed Oct. 26iJi, I8;.'5, at the expense of about eight millions' of dollars. This Canal extends from Albany on the Hu ison, to Buffalo on Lake Erie, a distance of 350 miles. From the Lake to the River there is generally a de- scent, though in some places there is an ascent : so that the aggregate of rise and {'all is 6G2 feet, and the difference of level between the Lake and River is 564 feet. The Canal is 40 feet wide on the surface, 28 at the "bottom, and 4 feet dee}>. It contains 80 locks, with several considerable embankments and aqueducts. Il is the property of the State of New York, and will probably afford a large revenue for public pur- poses. When the Canal was completed, October 26, a Canal Boat from Lake Erie entered the Canal, which event was annouiiced by the firing of cannon placed at suitable disrances, from Lake Erie to the city of New York, and from thence back again to Lake Erie, On the 5th of November, when the Cnnal Boat ar- rived at the city of N' mv York, thp day was celebra- ted by splendid processions, military parades, n. Lii Favette's l^tt A CHRONOLOGICAL. TABLE^ OF THE DISCOVERIES, SETTLEMENTS, WARS, AND RE- MARKABLE EVENTS, IN THE UNITED STATES* DXSCOVSRISS A.1TJ} SETTZiBMUlTTS. t492 America first discovered by Columbus. 1497 North America first discovered by Sebastian Cabot, a Venetian, in the service of England. 1512 John Ponce de Leon discovered and named Florida, from its being discovered on Easter day, or feast of flowers. 1528 P. de Narvaez, with 400 men, lands in Florida, and at- tempts the conquest of the country. He is defeated by the natives. 1535 Cartier, a Frenchman, first attempts a settlement in Canada. 1539 Ferdinand de Soto, a Spaniard, landed in Florida, with 1200 men, in search of gold. He penetrated into the country, and discovered the Mississippi. 1562 Ribault, with a colony of French Protestants, began a settlement on the Edisto. It was abandoned. 1584 Sir Walter Raleigh obtains a patent for making dis- coveries. Araadas and Barlow, by order of Raleigh, landed on Woconon and Roanoke. On their return, QueeB Elizabeth named the country Virginia. 15B5 Sir R. Grenville sent with 7 vessels to settle Virginia* A colony left at Roanoke, under Gov. Lane. Tk^ colony returned to England the next year. 1 if CHRONOLOGICAL TABLE. 1586 Grenville left a second colony at Roanoke, which was destroyed by the natives. 1587 A third colony, under Gov. White, left at Roanoke- Gov. White returned to ling-land for supplies. He came back in 1590, but not finding the men he had left, he returned to England. 1602 Bartholomew Gosnoid sailed to America, named Cape Cod, discovered Martha's Vineyard, and the adjacent Islands, built a fort and store-bouse, but returned to England the same year. 1607 Capt. Newport arrived in Virginia, and began the first permanent British settlement in North America, at Jamestown, in Virginia. 1608 Capt. Smith first explored the Chesapeake. Canada settled by the French, Quebec founded July 3d, 1610 Capt. Henry Hudson, an Englishman, in the service of the Dutch, discovers the Manhattan, now HudsoQ river. 1611 Champlain, a Frenchman, discovered the lake which now hears his name. 1614 Capt. bmith made a Ashing voyage to the northern part of America. Made a chart of the coast, which he presented to Prince Charles, who named the country JSTew England. Settlements commenced by the Dutch, at Manhattan, now New- York, at Albany, and in New-Jersey. 1619 Capt. Dermer, the first Engli hman who sailed through Long-Island Sound. 1620 Plymouth settlers arrived at Plymouth, Dec. 22. 1623 First settlement of New-Hampshire, at Dover, and at Little Harbor. 1627 Delaware and Pennsylvania settled by the Swedes and Fins. 1629 Salem settled by Gov. Endicott. 1630 Charlestown, Boston, Watertown, and Dorchester, set<^ tied by Gov. Winthrop and others. 1633 Maryland settled by Lord Baltimore and a colony of Roman <^atholics. The Dutch erect a fort on Connecticut river, in the present town of Hartford. The Plymouth people erect a trading house in the present town of Windsor, Con. iS34 Wethersfield, Con. settled by people from Dwchesteiri CHRONOLOGICAL TABLE. lU 1.G35 Windsor settled by people from Dorchester. Saybrook fort built by J. Winthrop's men. 1636 Hartford settled by iVlr. Hooker and his cong-reg-ation. Providence, K. I. settled and named by Kog-er Williams. 1638 New Haven settled by Messrs. Davenport, Eaton, and others. Exeter, Nev7-Hampshire, founded. }639 Newport, Rhode-Island, settled. Milford, Guilford, Stratford, and Saybrook, in Con.- settled. 1640 Southampton, on Long-Jsland, settled by people from Lynn, Mass. >1642 T. Mcxyhew and others settle Martha's Vineyard, 1648 New- London, Con. settled. 1654 Col. Wood, of V^irg-inia, sent a company of men to ex* plore the country of the Ohio. 1658 Northampton and Hadley, Mass. settled by people from Connecticut. 1663 Carolina planted. 1664 Elizabethtown, New-Jersey, settled. 1665 Sir J. Yeamans settled o". the southern banks of Cape Fear river, with a colony from Barbadoes. 1677 Burlington, N. J. settled by a number of families from Yorkshire, Eng-. 1680 Charleston, South-Carolina, settled. 1682 Pennsylvania settled by William Penn and other*, Philadelphia founded. 1683 Geriuantown, Pa. settled by a number of Quakers from German}'. 1682 M. de la Salle descended the Mississippi to its mouthy took possession of the country in the name of Louis 14th, the French King", and named the country Louisiana. 1692 A fort byilt at Pemaquid by Sir William Phips. 1702 The French send colonies into Louisiana. 1710 2700 Palatines, from Germany, arrived and settled in New- York and Pennsylvania. 1717 New-Orleans founded by the French. 1 7 22 Gov Burnet, of N. Y. erects a trading- house at Oswegh, 1723 First settlement in Vermont. 1"24 Trenton, N. J. founded by William Trent. 1731 Fort at Crown Point built by the French. 1733 Georgia seftie.i by Mr. Og-lethorpe and others; A colony of Swiss came to Carolinah ■iV •HRONOLOGieAL TABLE, 1740 Tennessee explored by Col. Wood, Patton, Br. Walker and others. 1741 The Moravians, or United Bretkrm^ beg-an the settle- ment of Bethlehem, Pennsylvania. 1749 Halifax, Nova Scotia, settled by the British. 1756 Fort Loudon, on the Tennessee river, built. 1764 A large body of German settlers arrive in Garolin^. 1765 The settlement of Tennessee commenced. 1771 Nootka Sound, the north-west coast of America, disco- vered by Capt. Cook. 1773 Kentucky settled by Col. Boon and others. 1774 Connecticut formed a township on the Susquehanna, 40 miles square, called Westmoreland, and annexed it to the county of Litchfield. 1787 — 8 Twenty thousand settlers, men, women, and chil- dren, passed the Musking-um river in Ohio. 1804 Capt. Lewis and Clarke explored the Missouri to its source, crossed the Rocky mountains, arrived at the Pacific Ocean in November, 1805, returned to the United States in 1806. .1812 First house in Rochester, N. Y. built IXTAZtS, MILITAIL^ EVENTS, &0 1614 The Dutch built a fort at Manhattan, (near New- York.) 1622 The Indians massacred 319 of the Virginia colonists^ March 22. Narrag-ansett Indians threaten war. 1623 Massasoit disclose.-^ an Indian conspiracy. 1634 The ladians in Connecticut began hostilities. 1635 Fort built at Say brook, Con. 1637 War with the Pequots in Connecticut ; their fort taken by surprise and destroyed. May 26. 1638 Uncas, sachem of the Mohegans, makes a treaty with the English. 1642 The Dutch Fort at Hartford, seized by the inhabit- ants of Connecticut. Indian war in Maryland. 1643 War between the Mohegans and Narragansetts. 1645 Action between a New England ship, and an Irisk man of war. 1646 Battle fought between the Dutch and Indians, near the confines of Connepticut ; great numbers slain (Jn both sideff« CHRONOLOGICAL TABLE* V 1651 Dutch trading house on the Delaware taken by the Swedes. 1654 The Iroquois Indians exterminate the Eries. The Dutch extirpate the Swedes from the Delaware. 1664 JN'ew York and Albany taken Irom the Dutch. 1669 War between the IN. England Indians and the Mohawks 1673 INew York and xNew Netherlands taken by the Dutch-- they were restored to the English, the next year. 1675 King Philip''s War commenced; action at Swanzey, June; Brookfield burnt, Deertield burnt, Sept. 1 ; Hadley assaulted ; Springfield burnt ; Capt. Lathrop, with SO men, surprised by the Indians — almost eve- ry man slain, September 18. Gov. Winsiow, with 1000 men, attacked the Narragan- setts, (the alHes of Philip,) in their fort : the fort de- stroyed, and their country ravaged, December. 1876 Lancaster burnt ; Capt. Pierce and his company, slain; Capt. Wadsworth, and about 50 of his men killed ; Fall fight — the Indians surprised in the night, — they lost 300 men, women, and children. May 18; Hat- field and Hadley attacked. King Philip killed, August 12 — which ends the war. Bacon's Insurrection in Virginia; Jamestown burnt. 1677 Insurrection in Carolina; the insurgents exercised au- thority for two years in that colony. 1678 Fort built at Pemaquid ; treaty at Casco with the In- dians. 1686 Port Royal, Carolina, broken up by the Spaniards from St. Augustine. 1687 The French, under Denonville, make war upon the Seneca Indians. 1683 Gov. A ndros' expedition against the eastern Indians. 1690 A body of French and Indians, from Montreal, burn Schenectady, and massacre the inhabitants, Feb. 8. Salmon Falls surprised by the French and Indians. Casco fort destroyed ; fort at Pemaquid taken Port Royal taken by Sir William Phips — he makes an expedition against Quebec, but is unsuccessful. 1691 Major Schuyler, with a party of Mohawks, attacks the French settlements on Lake Champlain. 1692 The French and Indians attack York and WeJIs. 1693 Count Fronteoac, Governor of Canada, makes an ex- pedition against the Mohawks. 3694 Gor. Fletcher makes a treaty with the Five Nations' 2 VI CilR0>"OL0GICAL TABLE; 1696 The French destroy the fort at Pemaquid and lay waste Nova Scotia. 1700 Carolina infested with Pirates. 1702 Gov. Moore's expedition ag-ainst the Spaniards, at St. Augustine — it proves abortive. 1703 Gov. Moore subdues the Apalachian Indians. 1704 Deerfield burnt and most of the inhabitants carried captive by the French and Indians, I'eb 28. 1705 The French ravage Newfoundland. 1706 The Spaniards and French invade Carolina — they are defeated. 1707 The New England troops make an unsuccessful expe- dition against Port Royal. 1708 Haverhill surprised by the French and Indians. 1710 Port Royal, in Nova Scotia, tnken by General Nichol- son, Oct 2. 1711 Expedition against Quebec — failed by the loss of trans- ports in the St. Lawrence, August. J712 War with the Tuscaroras in North Carolina — they are defeated. 1715 A general conspiracy against the CaroUnians, by the Yamasees, Cherokees, and other tribes — Governor Craven attacks and defeats them in their camp. 1719 Pensacola taken by the French from the Spaniards,. 1724 "War with the eastern Indians. 1730 The Natchez Indians extirpateil by the French. 1736 The Chickasaw Indians defeat the French. 1740 General Oglethorp, with 2,000 men, makes an unsuc- cessful expedition against St. Augustine. 1741 Expedition against Cuba. 1742 Spanish expedition against Georgia — failed. 1745 Louisburg and Cape Breton taken by the New Engv land troops, aided by a British squadron, June 17. 1746 French expedition under Duke D'Anville, which threatened New England, failed, by means of storms, sickness in the fleet, &c. 1747 Saratoga village destroyed, the inhabitants massacred by the French and Indians, 1753 The French erect forts on the back of the colonies. 1754 Colonel Washington with 400 men, in fort Necessity surrendered to the French, July 4. 1755 Expedition against Nova Scotia ; the French are sub- dued, the inhabitants bronght away and di^ersed 'srmong' ihe colonrers; CHRONOLOGICAL TABLCi ^J,i 1'755 General Braddock defeated by the French and In- dians, July 9 Battle of Lake Gcorg-e ; the French under baron Di- eskau defeated, Dieskau mortally wounded. Sept 8,, 1756 Osweg-o taken by the French under Montcalm. 1757 I'ort William Henry capitulated to the French, many" of the g-arrison massacred by the Indians. 1758 Louisburg- taken by the British, July. General Abercrombie defeated at Ticonderoga with great loss ; Lord Howe killed, July. Fort Frontenac taken from the French by Colonel Bradstreet. Fort du Qucsne abandoned by the French, taken by the Eng-lish, and named Pittsburg-, Nov. 25. 1759 Ticonderoga and Crown Point taken by Gen. Amherst Niag'ara taken by the Eng-lish, Gen. Prideaux killed The Eng-lish repulsed at Montmorency near Quebec. Battle of Quebec^ Gen. Wolfe, the Eng-lish command- er, and Montcalm, the French commander, killed ; the French defeated and Quebec taken, September, 1760 M, de Levi attempts to recover Quebec, he is com^ pelled to retire. Montreal capitulated to the Eng-lish, September, and Canada is subdued. The Cherokecs take fort Loudon and treacherously massacre the g-arrison. 1761 The Cherokecs defeated by Col. Grant and compelled to make peace. 1762 Havana taken by the British and provincials. 1763 Treaty of peace sig-ned at Paris between Great Brit-, ain and Franco; ( anada. Nova Hcotia, and Cape Breton, confirmed to ihe British king-. 1768 Two British reg-imcnts stationed at Boston, Sept. 1770 Massacie in Boston ; the British troops fired upon the inhabitants, and killed three and wounded five, March 5. 1773 Tea thrown overboard at Boston, December 16. 1775 Battle at Lexington-, which beg-an the revolutionary war, April 19. Ticonderog-a taken by Col. Allen, May 10. George Washington appointed commander in chief of the American array, June 15, took command of the^ troops investing- Boston, July 2. Generals Howe, Clinton, and Burg-oyne, with a Te\v>: ^Viii GHROKOLOOIC^AL TlBXEi forcement from Eng-land arrived at BostoQ) May ^^,, BaUle of Bunker I-J illy June 17. General Monlg-omery penetrated into Canada, took fort Chambiee, St. John's, and Montreal, Nov. Colonel Ethan Allen captured near Montreal and sent in irons to England. Colonel Arnold, with 3,000 men, penetrates through the wilderness to Canada. Assault upon Quebec; General Montgomery killed^ and the Americans defeated, December 31. 1776 Norfolk, Va. burnt by the British, January 1. Boston evacuated by the British, March 17. Loyalists defeated in North Carolina by general Moore, Febuary 27. Blockade of Quebec raised by the Americans, May 5. A body of Americans at the Cedars surrendered, May. The Americans evacuate Canada, June 18. The British defeated in their attack on Sullivan's Isl- and, July 20. General Howe and Admiral Lord HoAve, with 24,000 men arrive at Sandy Hook, June. declaration of Lidepcndence, July 4. Battle on Long Island, August 27. American army withdrawn from Long- Island, Aug. 30. Captain Nathan liale, of Con. executed as a spy. New York evacuated by the Americans, taken posses- sion of by the British, September 15. General Arnold defeated on Lake Champlain, Oct. 12. Battle at the White Plains, October 28. Fort Washington taken with about 2,000 prisonere,^ November 16. Fort Lee evacuated, November 10. Americans attack fort Cumberland, Nova Scotia, but are repulsed, November 20. American army retreated through New Jersey, and crossed the Delaware, pursued by the British, No- vember and December. The British take possession of Rhode Island, Dec. 8. Congress adjourn to Baltimore, December 12. General Lee s»jrprised and taken prisoner, Dec . Battle of Trenton, 1000 Hessians taken, Dec. 26. 1777 Battle at Princeton, General Mercer killed, Jan. 3. W^ashington retires to Morristown. More thrin 20,000 stands of arms and lOQO barrels (ff: powder ai'rive from France. CHRONOLOGICAL TABLfi. JX Daiibury Con. burnt, General Wooster killed, April 28. Colonel Meigs crosses over to Lon^ Island from Con. and captures 90 of the British, without the loss of a man, May 23. General Prescott surprised and taken prisoner by Co- lonel Barton, of Rhode Island. Battle of Brandywine, General Lafayette wounded, September 11. General Wayne surprised and defeated with the loss of about 300 men, Feptember 28. The British takep ossession of Philadelphia, September 27. Ticonderog-a evacuated by the Americans, July 6* Battle at Bennington, August. Battle of Germantown, October 4. Burgoyne encamps at Saratoga, September 14. General Burgoyne surrendered to General Gates, Octo- ber 17. Assault on Red Bank ; British defeated ; Count Donop killed. 3778 Treaty of Alliance, with France, signed, Feb. 6. The British evacuate Philadelphia, June 18. Battle of Monmouth ; many soldiers died of the heat, June 28. Count D'Estaing arrives with a French fleet off New port, July. Massacre at Wyoming, July. Battle on Rhode Island, August 29 ; Americans re- treat from Rhode Island, August 30. Paul Jones' Naval Battle, on the coast of Scotland, Sept. 22. Col. Bayton's regiment of Cavalry surprised by Gen. Grey, Sept. 28. Expedition of the Americans against East FloridSj failed. Savannah taken by the British, under Col. Campbell, Dec. 29. The American Frigate Randolph, of 36 guns, and 300 men, blown up in an engagement; otily 4 n»en saved. •T1779 Gen. Ash surprised and defeated by the British at Brier Creek with the loss of 300 men, March 3. Engagement at Rtono Ferry ; Americans obliged to retreat, June 20. Unsuccessful assault on Savannah ; Count Pula«ki, a 3 X CHRONOLOGICAL TABLt, Polish officer in the service of the Americans, mc/r^ tally wounded, October 9 The British make incursions into Virg-inia; propertj' to an immense amount destroyed. The British plunder New Jersey, June. Gov. Tryon invades and plunders New Haven, July 5 : Fiiirfield and Norwalk burnt. Stony Point taken by Gen. Wayne, July 15. The Americans made an unsuccessful attempt against the British post at Penobscot. Gen. Sullivan ravag-es the country of the Six Nations. 1780 Gen. Lincoln capitulated and Charleston, S. C. sur- rendered to Sir Henry Clinton, May 12- Col. Bnford defeated at the Wexhaws by the British under Col. Tarleton ; the Americans lost about 300 men, in killed, wounded, and prisoners, May 29. Col. Sumpter defeats a party of British at Williamson's plantation, July 12 ; and a body of Tories at Hang- ing- Rock, August 6. Gen. Rochambeau arrives at Newport, R. I. with a French fleet and army, July 10. Battle of Camden ; the Americans under Gen. Gates defeated August 16 ; Baron de Kalb, a German offi- cer, killed. Gen. Sumpter surprised and defeated by Col. Tarleton, August 18. Treason of Arnold ; Major Andre taken and execu- ted, October 2. Action at Kings Mountain; the British and Tories, un- der Major Furguson, defeated with the loss of 150 killed, and 800 prisoners, October 7. Incursion of the British Gen. Kniphausen, into New Jersey; action near Springfield, N J. June 23. 1781 Mutiny in the Pennsylvania line of troops, Jan. 1. Gen. Greene takes command of the southern Ameri- can army. Battle of the Cowpens ; Gen. Morgan defeats Col. Tarleton, January 17. Battle of Guilford, N. C. between Gen Greene, and Lord Cornwallis, March 15. Gen. Marion takes fort Watson, April 23. Fort Cornwallis, at Augusta, taken June 5. Gen. Greene lays siege to Ninety Six, but is repulse^, June 18. CHRONOLOGICAL TABLE. Ifil I'be combindd armies under Gen. Washington, decamp from the Hudson and march for Virginia, August 19. New London, Con, l>urnt, fort Griswold stormed, and the garrison put to the sword by Arnold, Septem- ber 8. Battle of Eutaw Springs; Gen. Greene defeats the British, with the loss of 1000 men, September 8. Lord Cornwallis pursues the Marquis de La Fayette, in Virginia. Count de Grasse, with a French fleet, and 3,200 troops, enters the Chesapeake, September. Yorktown invested, and batteries opened against it, October 9. The British army under Lord Cornwallis, surrendered at Yorktown, Va., to Gen Washington, October 19 ^ this event decided the Revolutionary war. 1782 The British evacuate Savannah, July. Provisional articles of peace, signed. Independence of the United States acknowledged, November 30. 1783 Definitive treaty signed, Septembers. The army disbanded, October 18. Farewell address of Gen. Washington to the army, November 2. Gen. Washington resigned his commission, Dec. 23. 1790 Gen. Harmer defeated by the Indians in Ohio. 1791 Gen. St. Clair defeated by the Indians, 1794 Gen. Wayne gains a decisive victory over the Indians on the Miami, August 20. 1797 Collisions with the French Republic. 1798 Gen, Washington appointed to command the armies of the United States. July 7. 1799 Capt. Truxton, in the Constellation, took the French Frigate Insurgent, February 10. 1 800 Treaty of Peace with France, September 30. 1803 War with Tripoli. 1004 Com. Preble makes an ineffectual attack on Tripoli. 1805 Gen. Eaton, takes possession of Derne, a Tripolitan city, and a peace with Tripoli soon after ensues. The American frigate Chesapeake fired into by the British frigate Leopard, off the capes of Virginia, 4 men killed, and 16 wounded, June 22. 1809 Non-intercourse with Great Britain and France, estab- lished by Congress, March 1. i^M Engagement between the Amrrican frigate President, 1807 XU CHRONOLOGICAL TABLE*. Capt. Rogers and Ihe British sloop of war LittJe Feli; Capt. Bing-ham, May. Battle of Tippacanoe between Gen. Harrison and the Indians, November 7. J312 I>e§taration of War by the United States, against Great Britain, June 18. Gen. Hull surrendered his army, and the fort of De- troit to the British, August 16. U. S. frigate Constitution, Capt. Hull, captured the British frigate Gurriere, Capt. Dacres, August 19. 400 men, women, and children, massacred at fort Mimms, on the Alabama, by the Indians, August 30. U. S. frigate United States, Com. Decatur, captured the Macedonian, October 25. Battle of Queenstown,U. C; Gen. Brock killed,Oct 3. U. S. frigate Constitution, Com. Bainbridge, captured the Java, December 29. r813 Bloody action at the river Raisin^ between Americans under Gen. Winchester, and the British and Indians under Gen. Proctor: Gen. Winchester killed, and the American prisoners massacred by the Indians, January 22. 13. S. sloop of war Hornet, Capt. Lawrence, captured the British sloop of war Beacock, Capt. Peak, who was killed. York (Upper Canada) taken by the Americans ; Gen. Pike killed, April 27. U. S. frigate Chesapeake, Capt. Lawrence, captured by the British frigate Shannon, Capt. Lawrence kil- led, June 1. Gallant defence of fort Stephenson, by Major Croghan, August 1. The American fleet on Lake Erie, under Com. Perry, capture the British fleet under Com. Barclay, Sejf)- lember 10. Gen. Harrison defeats the British and Indians under Gen. Proctor ; Tecumseh killed, October 5. Detroit fell into the hands of the Americans. 1813—14 War with the Creek Indians ; March 26, 1814, Gen. Jackson obtains a decisive victory over the Creeks ; upwards of 500 warriors slain at the Great Bend of the Tallapoosa. >814 U. S. frigate Essex, Capt. Porter, captured by a aupe- rier force, March 28. GHRdNOLOGflCiL TABLE, Xm Fort Erie taken by the Americans, July. Battle of Chippewa, July 6. Battle of Niagara, July 25. Washington captured and burnt by the British under Gen. Ross, August 23. Attack on Baltimore ; Gen. Ross killed, Sept. 12. Unsuccessful attack by the British, under Gen. Drura- mond, on fort Erie, August 14. Castine taken by the British, September 1. Com. Macdonough captures the British fleet on Lake Champlain : retreat of Gen. Provost, from Platts^ burg, September 11. i&\B Memorable victory of Gen. Jackson over the British, before New-Orleans, January 8. Treaty of peace between the United States and Great Britain, signed at Ghent, December 24, ratitied by the President and Senate, February 17, 1815. Massacre of American prisoners at Dartmoor, Eng. April 6. War declared against Algiers ; Com. Decatur cap- tures the Algerine frigate Maaouda, June 17 ; ar- rives with a squadron before Algiers, and compels the Dey to a treaty of Peace. IB 18 War with the Seminole Indians. 1822 Com. Porter sent against the Pirates in the West In- dies. REI«IARKiLBZ.S EXTENTS. 1587 Virginia Dare, born— the first child of Christian pa- rents born in the United States. 1608 John Laydon, married to Ann Burras, — the first Chris- tian marriage in Virginia, and in the United Statesv 1610 Starving time in Virginia, of nearly 500 colonists, all perished but 60, in the course of six months. 1613 Rolfe, an Englishman, married Pocahontas, daughter of Powhattan the Indian king. 1616 Tobacco first cultivated by the English settlers in VirG^inia. 1617 Pocahontas died in England, aged about 22. 1618 A great pestilence destroyed most of the Indians froto §^rragansett to Penobscot. 311* €5HR0N0L0GICAC TABLED. 1619 20,000 pounds of Tobacco, exported from Virginia iiy- England. 1620 African slaves first brought into Virginia by a Dutch ship and sold to the colonists. Peregrine White, the first English child born in New- England. 1621 Edward Winslow and Susanna White, married, — the first Christian marriage in New England. 1623 George Sandys, of Virginia, translated Ovid's Meta- morphosis, — the first literary production of the En- glish colonists in America. 1624 The first cattle brought into New England by Edward Winslow, agent for the Plymouth colony. 1630 Gov. Winthrop first abolished the custom' of drinking healths. John Billington executed for murder, — the first exe- cution in Plymouth colony. 1631 First vessel built in Massachusetts, called the Blessing of Bay^ launched July 4. 1632 Magistrates of the colony of Massachusetts, first cho- sen by the freemen in the colony. The magistrates of Massachusetts, ordered that no to- bacco should be used publicly. The Genera! Court of Plymouth passed an act, that whoever should refuse the office of Governor should pay a fine of j^20, unless he was chosen two years sucessiveh". 1633 Virginia enacted laws for the suppression of religious sectaries. Messrs. Cotton, Hooker, and Stone, three eminent ministers, arrived at Boston, from England.. A specimen of Rye, first brought into the Court of Massachusetts, as the first fruits of English grain. 1634 Roger Williams, minister of Salem, banished on ac- count of his religious tenets. First merchant' s shop in Boston opened. •1635 Great storm g^ wind and rain in New England ; the tide rose twenty feet perpendicularly, August 15. 1636 The Desire, a ship of 120 tons, built at Marblehead, the first American ship that made a voyage to Eng- land. The first court in Connecticut, held April 26. 1637 Ann Hutchinson holds lectures in Massachusetts for the propagation of her peculiar religious sentiments^ —she gains many adherents. CHRONOLOGICAL TABLE. r. lb. Geoii^e- Waskingf.on born in Westmoreland County, Virginia, Feb. 22d. 1733 First MAsonic Lodge held in Boston. 1737 ILarthquake in New-Jersey. 1738 College at Princeton, N. J. founded. 1740 George v\ hiteiield, a celebrated preacher, first arrives in America. He died in Newburyport, iyiass.Sep.1770. Hard winter; severe cold. 1741 Four white per:ions executed, 13 negroes burnt, 18 hanged, and great numbers transported, for a con- spiracy to burn the city of New-York. 1745 Indigo piaot discuverc! in v'oulh- Carolina. 3746 First ordination among tliu Separate ministers in New England. ^ bout 30 congregations of this order were formed from 1740 to s'?50. 1749 Severe drought in ^ew England ; causes great distress; some of the inliabitants sent to t ■ngland for hay. 3750 Mass. enacts a law against 11 eatricji. entertainments. 1752 jVeiv Style mtroduced into Britain and America ; Sept. 2d reckoned 14th. Charleston, S. C. laid under water by n tempest. Sept. Dr. Trankiin makes his Eiertrical expeririit'-.ts 1754 ConvtmiLm at Albany of delegate s from seven of the coloiiies, agree on a plan of union — never carried into effect. S755 Great Tarthquake in North America, Nov. 18. 1753 Jonathan Edwards, a celebrated Theologian, died, aged 55. 1759 Lotteries granted by the Legislature of Mass. for the benefit of public works. 1761 Violent whislwind rt.ear Charleston, S. C. 1762 Severest L':o>:^ht known in America, no rain from May to Septembej;. 'XX CHRONOLOOrCAL TABLB? 1764 Spanish Potatoe introduced into New England. Medical Lectures first read in Philadelphia. 1769 Dartmouth College, N. Hampshire, receives its charted It was named from the Earl of Dartmouth, its bene^ factor. American Philosophical Society, at Philadelphia, founded. 1771 R. Sandeman, founder of the Sandemanians, died, at Danbury* Con. 1774 The Shakers first arrived from England ; they settle near Albany. First Congress, at Philadelphia. ti775 Peyton Randolph, first President of Congress, died, aged 52. The first line of Post Offices established ; Dr. Franklia appointed Post Master. 1776 Declaration of Independence, July 4. 1777 Vermont declares herself an Independent State. 1780 A\merican Academy of Arts and Sciences incorporated. Dark day in the Northern States, I9th of May ; candles necessary at noon. 1781 Massachusetts Medical Society incorporated. 1782 First English Bible printed in America, by Robert Aiken, of Philadelphia. The America launched at Portsmouth, N. H. Nov. 5th, the first 74 ever built in America. 1783 Slavery abolished in Massachusetts. 1783 — 4 Severe Winter, great floods in March. 1784 Empress of China, a ship of SCO tons, sailed from New- York for Canton ; the first vo\age from the United States to China. Anthony Benezet, a distingiiished philanthropist, died* The towns of Hartford, New-Haven, Middletown, New- London, and Norwich, in Con. constituted cities by the Legislature. 1785 First instance of Instrumental Music in the Congrega- tional Churches in Boston. 1786 Shay's Insurrection in Massachusetts. Universalist Church founded in Boston. ,1788 Federal Constitution ratified.and became the Constitu- tion of the United >tutes. 1789 George Washington inaugurated first President, April 30th. Convention of Episcopal Clergy in Philadelphia; the itret Episcopal Convention in America. CSIRONOLOGICAC TABLir. %mt l>r. Carrol, of Maryland, consecrated Bishop of the Roman Catholic C'hurch ; the first Catholic Bishop in the United States. 1790 Dr. FrankJin died, ag-ed 85. 1792 Rational Mint established at Philadelphia. 1793 Yellow Fever in Philadelphia, 4,000 persons died. John Hancock, Henry Laurens, Arthur Lee, and Ilog-er Sherman, died this year. 1794 Whiskey Insurrection in Pennsylvania. Dcsiructive frost in New England, May 24th. 1796 Detroit given up by the Biitish to the United States. 1797 John Adams elected President. 1798 Yellow Fever in Philadi^phia. 1799 Washington died, aged 68. 1800 Seat of government transferred from Philadelphia to Washington, The Inoculation of the Kine Pock introduced into America by Professor Waterhouse, of Cambridge, Massachusetts. 1801 Thomas Jefferson elected Presidentof the United States. 1802 Merino sheep introduced into the United States, bj Mr. Livingston and Gen. Humphreys. 1803 Louisiana purchased of the French Government, for 15 millions of <^ollr.rs. 1804 Gen. Hamilton killed in a duel, by Col. Aaron li urr, Vice President of the United States. 1807 First Steamboat built in tfiis country. Col. A. Burr arr sted on charge of Treason. Several Meteoric stones fell in the County of Fairfield, (.'on. one weighing 35 pounds, Dec. 4th. 1809 James Madison elected President. 1811 Richmond Theatre burnt, Dec. 26 ; many persons lost their lives. 1814 Meeting ot the * -artford <^ invention, Dec. 15. 1816 American Bible Society formed, May 8th. Colonization Society formed. Cold t-'ummer. Frost every month in the year, in the Northern States. Bnrik of the United States^ with a capital of 35 millions of dollars, incorporated in April. 1817 Grand Canal in the ^^tate of New- York commenced. James Monroe electerl President. 1820 First Mariner's Chu;cl! erected u.t New-York. 182 1 Fiprida ceded to the United States., jHtii eJHROKOLO&iaAL TABMT. 1824 Gen. La. Fayette arriver^ at New-York. 1825 John Qninc\ Adams elected President. 1826 Thomi^s Jefferson and John Adams, two Ex-Presidents , died July 4th, on the fiftieth anniversary of Amerieaa Independence.