^*^^,A ;-.^,^A,rA^^.,ft r,..\^M^r;.^,^', - -:!>'-r-::-?<^^!S- SP«S%? Wa^^ \^. /Kf\''m # LIBRARY OF ("«)NrTRESS.# * . $ f * t UNITED STATES OF 'AMKBICA.! !^'^:aAaa ^ ■■ "N - -■ .^'r AAa '"^i^' lAMi^^M 'hiff-m^. ,v-,.,-A,.M*^«i tmmm^;-'''. 1a:a' HaAA ^oroflA:/ AA^^AaaaOa,' ■KA A^ A /^Ia -^ HA -A(^i ,#^%A^*^-^' 'f/.:,::»H.>c^-' AM: -A A^ "■ A ^f^^*!^#:n^^ ^ Aa^A^S ^^^C^^;^^S5^;a.R:':" ^o^;:^^^??'^^^;^;^*^: THE HISTORY OF North and South America, FROM ITS DISCOVERY TO THE Wtatfi of a5eneral J©a.^Jjin0t0rt. EY RICHARD SNOWDEN, Esq. IN TWO VOLUME> VOL. I. ''^^fio '^mLADELPHIA . PUBLISHED BY BENJAMIN WARNER, AND rOR SALE AT HIS BOOKSTORES, IN PHII.ADEI.PHIA, AND RICHMOND, VIRGINIA. 1818. Wm. Greer.,..priiit. DISTRICT or T7.SSSTLYASIA, io tVli -■ ■BT. IT nEHEMP.r.nKD, That on the Iwelftli day of June, in the twentj-r ninth year of the Independence of the United States of America, Ai^ U: 1805, Jacob Jouxsox, of the said district, hath deposited in this office, the title of a book, the rig-ht whereof he claims us proprietor, in the words following, to wit : '\The History of North and South America, from its Discovery to the "Death of General Washing-ton. By Richard Snowden, Esq.' In two " volumes. Vol. I." In conformity to the act of tlie Cong-ress of tlie U. States, cntituled, '': An act for the encourag'cnient of learning-, by seciu-ing- tlie copies of Maps, Charts, and Books, to the autliors and proprietors of such copies iiuring the times tlierein mentioned :" And also to tlic act, entitled, -L\n act supplementary to an act, entitled, *An act for il.e encourag-e- mentof learning-, by securhig the copies of MAps, Ciiarts, and Books, TO the authors and proprietors of such copies during the times therein nientioned,' and extending the benefits thereof to the arts of designing. "2,Tavii^.fr, and etching historical and other ])rints." (h. S.) D. CALDWELL, Clerk of llie diBtrict of rer.nsvlyania. PREFACE. ro tiinnsii liie public with a cheap history of Arneiica, froiu its discovery, to its present state of civilization and importance, is an undertaking of such general utility, that the attempt, if it even falls short of complete execution, has a claim to a con-* siderable share of indulgence. This is more especially the case;^ when the writer has to follow a historian of such great and just celebrity as Dr. Robertson, in at least one half of the work. To compose such a historical epitome as is desirable, from, scattered materials, is a difficulty of such magnitude, as wholly to discourage the attempt; and to abridge the pages of so great an original, where there is nothing superfluous, nothing the reader would wish omitted, is a design, which to many will seem to border on temerity. But this abridgement has been preferred, as it is attended with the least chance of disappoint- ment ; and to borrow is not dishonourable, when the obligation is candidly acknowledged. In what relates to South America, Dii. Robertson's history has, therefore, been implicitly followed. His arrangement of the subject, his chronological order, and his very style have been adopted, as the best that can be chosen. To condense his details, to introduce only the most prominent and characteristic events:, has been the principal effort, and invariable purpose of the epitomiser: endeavouring as he progressed, to preserve un- broken, the connexion and continuity of events; and in the whole, to present the reader with a brief, but interesting view, of one of the most important seras in the annals of the world. So far the writer travelled with pleasure : but, in tracing th& subsequent part, the history of North America, he has cause to regret with all his contemporaries, the absence of so pleasing and faithful a guide.. ..being obliged td collect materials from 4 PREFACE. different sources, none of which are complete, of all the British settlements in north America, from their lirst landing to their final separation from the parent state; The settlement of these colonies heing made at different peri- ods, with charters of incorporation extremely variant, and "with governments as distinct as their geographical boundaries, jendered a history of the British empire in America, extremely complex and difficult. From this heterogeneous mass, however, the writer has endeavoured, with considerable labour, to educe a summary of those events that paved the way to the American Revolution ; and which will constitute the introduction to the future histories of the United States. In that portion of the work which succeeds the confederation of the colonies, and the consequent declaration of Indepen- dence, we set our feet on surer ground : we revive events that happened in our own memory; and of which there are faithful records within the reach of most of our readers. In treating ou this part of the subject, it is not a very easy task, wholly to avoid that collision of opinions which is inseparable from free governments, and which constitutes so great a part in the annals of United America. This, however difficult, the writer has endeavoured to avoid, confining himself, as much as possible, to a history of facts, and to those only that are of a national concern. His principal object has been to present his readers with a comprehensive view of the whole, without any respect to the polities of a single state or party ; and to excite, if possible, a zeal for the general welfare and honour of our common country. ...How tar he has succeeded in this, as well as other parts of the work, must be left to the candid reader; to whom it is now very respectfully submitted. CONTENTJ^ Oi? THE FIRST VOLUME. Page, Introduction to tlic discovery of America, - - ~ - '7 Talents and perseverance of Columbus, . - , j - jb^ Columbus applies to several powers for means to sai^^o the west- ward, -.- - -' ('olumbus sails from Palos. . . - . , . - Discovers land, one of the Bahama Islands, .... Columbus returns to Spain, .... ... Columbus proceeds on a second voyage, . . . . - Discovers one of tlie Leeward Islands, naming' it Deseada, Returns to Spain with g-reat treasures, ... . - Sails on his ibird voyag'e, Arrives at Trinidad, Mutiny of Roldan, - - Columbus sent to Spain in irons, - - - - - Ovando appointed g'overnor of Hispaniola, . . . - Columbus sails from Cadiz on his fourth voyag-e, and arrives off St. .# Domiu.^, Sails for Honduras, Yucatan, &c, - - - .. - . Shipwrecked on the coast of Cuba, ,....- Death of Columbus, Anacoana cruelly treated by Ovando, Balboa first discovers ibe great Pacific Ocean, - . . . Cortes- acconripanies Velasques to Cuba, . . - . . Cortes invades Mexico, -- Character of Montezuma, - Montezuma meets Cortes with great pomp, - . . , Montezuma made Prisoner, ~ - - - , - , Cortes gets entire possession of Mexico, Magellan sails from Seville for new discoveries-. Account of Pizarro, Conqiicst of Peru, . . . , CONTENTS OF THE SECOND VOLUME, Conjectures on peopling America, - - - - - ^y Character of the American Indians, ----.. 3 State of the British colonies in 1763, - 1 - - - 26 British parliament lay duties on goods imported into the colonies, 28 The Americans unite In ^ non-importation a^cement, . , ib. A-2 Vi. OOX'IRNTS. Fage. The slanip ac t passed, - - - - - - 29 Assembly of" New York oi)pose an act of paiiiament, - - 31 Violent tumult at Uostcii^ . - - - - 32 Troops arrive at Boston, - - - - - 33 Tea destroyed by the Bcstoniuiis, - ... 36 The tirst CongTess meet at rhiladdphia, - - - 39 Colonists prepare for war, - , • - - - 43 .Uattle at Lcxing-ton, ..._., 45 JJmikcr's UiU, . . . . . 46 Articles of confederation, . . , . . 48 Georg-e AN'ashinDlon appointed commander in chief, - - 53 Gt neral Montg-c-nury proceeds against Canada, - - SI- ^Norfolk, in \'irginia, burnt by the British, - - - - - 59 'I'he Eritish evacuate Boston, - - - - - 60 American declaration of Independence, - - - 61 33ritisli armament sent against Charleston, 6S Battle on Long- Island, near Flatbush, - - - - 71 at AVhite Plains, - - - - - 74 General "Washington takes the Hessians prisoners, at Trenton, - 77 Battle at Pnnceton. ...... 78 Erand} wine, - - - - - - 80 Cermantcwn, ----- . - . - 81 Captm-e of Burg'oyne at Saratoga, ... ^. 87 The British evacuate Philadelphia, ..... i>l Trench fleet arrives at Virg-inia, commanded by count D'Estaing", 92 I\urfield, Xorwalk, and Greeuficld bnint by the British, - 98 Stony point taken by General Wayne, - - - - ib. Tarleton defeated, - '- ~ .,- - - 101 Arnold attempts to deliver West Point to theiSritish, - - 105 Major Andre taken as a spy, - '^^" - - - . - 106 Henry Laurens, Esq, taken by ,the British, on his passag-e to Holland, 108 Battle of Guilford Court-House, . - .' . 109 Engag-ement between the British and French fleets in the Chesa- peake, - - - . .* - - - - 114 .Surrender of Cornwallls at York Town in Yirg-inia, - - 115 Treaty of peace ratiiied, - - - 116 Washir.g-ton takes leave of the avmy and of cong;ress, - 117 Washington elected president of the Cnitcd States, - - 118 His farewell address, - - .- - ^- - 120 HISTORY OF AMEllICA. THE discovery of America has led to events unrivalled in modern history, and we cannot sufficiently admire that stea- dy unconquerable ri-.olution, that amazing force of mind which carried the first bold discoverer through all opposition, and over innumerable obstacles, to the ultimate end of his grand design. The intelligent reader \viil be agreeably entertained in following this skilful navigator, through unknown seas, in search of a New AYorld ; every little incident during the voyage v»'ill ap(5eai' of sufficient magnitude to fix the attention, and excite a strong sympathy with the adventurous chief, in all the various turns of his fortune. This first volume will contain what Dr. Robertson calls the most spletidid portion of the American story: he is undoubtedly right as far as it respects South America, and it is so detached, as to form a perfect whole by itself. Most of the prominent facts are a faithful transcript from that accurate and elegant historian. According to his note. No. XI. Christopher Colum- bus \vas born, A. B. 1447 : the place of his birth is not ascer- tained, but it appears he was a subject of the republic of Genoa, and was allured into the service of the Portuguese by the fame of their discoveries : he was descended from an honourable family, though reduced to indigence by various misfortunes. Columbus discovered in his early youth, a strong propensity and talents for a sea-faring life: this propensity his parents encouraged by the education they gave him ; after acquiring some knowledge of tlie Latin tongue, the only language in vdiich science v/as taught at that time, he was instructed in ge- ometry, cosmography, astronomy, and the art of drawing. To these he applied vvilh such unremitted ardour, as they were so. intimately connected with navigation, his favourite object, that he advanced with rapid proficiency in the study of them. Thus qualified he ^\ent to sea at the age of fourteen, and began his career on that element, which conducted him to so much glory. His early voyages were to tliose ports in the Mediterranean which his countrymen, the Genoese, fret^uented. This being too narrow a sphere for his active mind, he made an excursion to the north- ern seas, and visited the coast of Iceland ; he proceeded beyond that island, (the Thule of the ancients) and advanced several degrees within the polar circle. This voyage enlarged his knowledge iu naval afiairs mor^* HISTORY OF than it improved his fortune ; afterwards he entered into these. vice of a famous sea-captain of his own name and famiU% Thfs man commanded a small squadron, fitted out at his own expense, and bj cruismt- against the Mahometans and Venetians, the rivals of his country m trade, had acquired both wealth and rep- utation. Columbus continued in the service of this captain foi- several years, distinguished both for his courage and experience as a sailor: at length in an obstinate engagement off the coast of Portugal, with some Venetian caravals, returning richly laden from the low countries, the vei=sel on board of which he was took fire, together with one of the enemy's ships, to which it was fast grappled. In this dreadfdl extremity his intrepidity and presence of mind did not forsake him ; for throwing himself into the sea, and lay- ing hold of a floating oar, by his own dexteritv in swimming, he reached the shore, though above two leagues distant. Thus was a life saved, reserved for great undertakingis. When he had recovered sufficient strength, he repaired to Lis- bon, where many of his countrymen resided, who warmly so- licited him to stay in that kingdom, where his naval skill and experience could not fail of procuring him that reward, which his merit entitled him to. Columbus listened with a favourable ear to the advice of his friends: married a Portuguese lady, and iixed his residence at Lisbon. By this alliance, the sphere of his naval knowledge was enlarged. His wife was a daughter of Bartholomew Perestrello, one of the -captains employed by prince Henry, and who, under his protection, had discovered and planted the islands of Porto Santo and Madeira. Columbus, from the journals and charts of this experienced navio;ator, learned the course which the Portuguese had held in makma; their discoveries. The study of these gratified and in- flamed his favourite passion ; and, while he contemplated the maps and read the descriptions of the new countries which Per- estrello had seen, his impatience to visit them became irresi^ta- ble. In order to indulge it, he made a voyage to Madeira, and continued ihnns; several years to trade with tliat island, with the Canaries, the Azores, the settlements in Guinea, and all the other places which the Portuguese had discovered on the conti- nent of Africa. He was now become one of the most skilful navigators in Eu- rope ; but his ambition aimed at something more. The mind of Columbus, naturally inquisitive, and capable of deep reflection, was often employed in revolving the principles upon which the Portuguese had founded their schemes of discovery, and the mode in which they had carried them on. The great object in view, at that period, was to find out a pas- srage by sea to theEa^t ladies, jfrom the time that the Portuguese AMERICA. 9 doubled Cape de Vcrd^ this was a point they were anxiously so- licitous to attain; in comparison with it, all discoveries in Africa appeared inconsiderable. But how intent soever the Portuguese were upon discovering a new route to those desirable regions, thej searched for it only by steering towards the south, in hopes of arriving at India, by turning to the east, after they had sailed round the utmost extremity of Africa. This course, however, was still unknown ; and if discovered, was of such immense length, that a voyage from Europe to India, must have appeared an undertaking extremely arduous, and of very uncertain issue. More than half a century had been employed in advancing from Cape Non to the equator ; a much longer space of time might elapse before the extensive navigation from that to India could be accomplished. These reflections upon the uncertainty, and the danger of the course which the Portuj;uese were pursuing, led Columbus to consider, whether a shorter and more direct passage to the East Indies might not be found out. After revolving long, and attentively, every circumstance suggested by his superior knowledge in the theory, as well as practice of navigation, after comparing the observations of modern pilots with the conjectures of ancient authors, he at last concluded, that by sailing directly tawards the west, across the Atlantic ocean, new countries which probably formed a part of the vast continent of India, must in- fallibly be discovered. The spherical figure of the earth was known, and its magni- tude ascertained with some degree of accuracy. From this it was evident, that the continents of Europe, Asia, and Africa, formed but a small portion of the terraqueous globe. It appear- ed likewise very probable that the continent n this side the globe was balanced by a proportional quantity of land in the other hemisphere. These conclusions concerning another conUnent, drawn from the figure and structure of the globe, were confirm- ed by the observations and conjectures of modern navigators. A Portuguese pilot having stretched farther to the west than usual at that time, took up a piece of timber artificially carved, floating upon the sea; and as it was driven towards him by a westerly wind, he concluded that it came from some unknown land situated in that quarter. Columbus's brother-in-law, also had found to the west of the Madeira isles, a piece of timber, fashioned in the same manner, and brought by the same wind ; and had seen likewise canes of an enormous size floating upon the waves, which resembled those described by Ptolmy, as pro- ductions peculiar to the East Indies. After a course of wester- ly winds, trees torn up vvith their roots, were often driven upon the coasts of the Azores, and at one time the dead bodies of two men, with singular features, which resembled neither the inhabi" tants of Europe, nor of Africa, were cast ashere there, 10 HISTORY OF To a mind capable of forming and executing great designs asi that of Columbus, these observations and authorities operated in full force with his sanguine andenterprizing temper : speeulalion led immediately to action, fully satisfied himself with respect to the truth of his system, he was impatient to bring it to the test of experiment, and to set out on a voyage of discovery. The first step towards this, was to secure the patronage of some of the considerable powers in Europe, capable of under- taking such an enterprize. His affection for his native country not extinguished by absence, he wished should reap the fruits of his labours and invention. With this view he laid his scheme before the senate of Genoa, and offered to sail under the banners of the republic, in quest of tiie new regions he expected to dis- cover. But Columbus had resided so many years in foreign parts that his countrymen were unacquainted with his abilities and character; they therefore inconsiderately rejected his proposal, as the dream of a chimerical projector, and lost forever the op- portunity of restoring their commonwealth to its ancient splen- dour. Columbus was so little discouraged by the repulse which he had received, that instead of relinquishing his object, he pursued it with fresh ardour. He next made an overture to John H. king of Portugal, whom he considered as having the second claim to his services. Here every thing seemed to promise hiui a more favourable reception. He applied to a monarch of an enterprising genius, no incom- petent judge in naval affairs, and proud of patronizing every at- tempt to discover new countries. His subjects were the most experienced navigators in Europe, and the least apt to be inti- midated either by the novelty or boldness of any maritime expe- dition. In Portugal the skill of Columbus in his profession, as well as his personal good qualities, were well known ; accordingly the king listened to him in the most gracious manner, and re- ferred the consideration of his plan to Diogo Ortiz, bishop of Ceuta, and two Jewish physicians, eminent cosmographers, whom he was accustomed to consult in matters of this kind. As he had in Genoa to combat with ignorance, in Lisbon prejudice, an enemy no less formidable, op})osed him ; the persons to whose decision his project was referred were the chief directors of the Portuguese navigation, and had advised to search for a passage to India by sieering a course directly opposite to that which Columbus recommended, as shorter and more certain. They could not, therelore, approve of his proposal, without submitting to the double mortification, of condemning the.ir own theory, and of acknowledging his superior sagacity. AMERICxV. U After a fruitless and mortifying attenJaiice, bein;^ teazed witU captious questions, and starting; innumerable objections, with a view of betraying him into such a particular explanation of his system, they "deferred passin^jjaifinal judgment, with respect to it; but secretly conspired to rob him of the honour and advantages which he expected from the suocess of his scheme, advising the king to despatch a vessel secretly, in order to attempt the pro- posed discovery, by following exactly the course which Colum- bus seemed to point out. The king, forgetting on this occasion, the sentiments becoming a monarch, meanly adopted this per- iidious counsel. But the pilot chosen to execute CoUimbus^s plan, had neither the genius nor tiie fortitude, of its author ; he returned, as might have been expected, without aecom- plishing any thing; execrating the project as equally ex- travagant and dangerous. Upon discovering this dishonourable action, he instantly quit- ted the kingdom, and landed in Spain, towards the close of the year 1484, when he determined to propose it in person to Ferdinand and Isabella, who at that time governed the united kingdoms of Castile and Arragon. But as he had already ex- perienced the uncertain issue of applications to kings and ministers, ne took tlie precaution of sending into England his brother Bartholomew to whom he had fully communicated his ideas ; in order that he might, at the same time, negociate with Henry VII, who was reputed one of the most sagacious, as well as opulent, princes m Europe. Columbus entertained doubts and fears with respect to the reception of his proposals in the Spanish court. Spain was engaged at that juncture, in a dangerous war with Granada, the last of the Moorish kingdoms. The cautious and suspicious temper of Ferdinand was not congenial with bold and uncommon designs. Isabella, though more generous and enterprizing, was under the influence of her husband in all her actions. The Spaniards had hitherto made no efforts to extend naviga- tion beyond its ancient limits, and beheld the amazing progress of discovery among their neighbours, the Portuguese, without making one attempt to imitate or rival them. Under circum- stances so unfavourable it was not likely that Columbus could make a rapid progress with a nation naturally slow and dilatorj in performing all its resolutions. His character, however, was well adapted to that of the people, whose confidence and protection he solicited. He was grave, though courtly in his deportment; circumspect in his words and actions ; irreproachable in his morals : and exem- plary in his attention to all the duties of religion. By these qualities he gained many private friends, and acquired such U' HISTORY OK general esteem, that he was considered as a person to whose propositions serious attention was due. Ferdinand and Isabella, though fully occupied by their opera- tions against the Moors, paid so much regard to Columbus as to refer the consideration of his plan to the queen's confessor, Ferdinand de Talavera. He consulted such of his countrymen is were supposed best qualified to decide upon a subject of this nature ; these pretended philosophers selected to judge in a natter of such moment, did not comprehend the first principles, ipoQ which Columbus founded his conjectures and hopes. Some )f them from mistaken notions, concerning ^he dimensions if the globe, contended that a voyage to those remote parts of * ^he earth, which Columbus expected to discover, could not be performed in less than three years, others concluded he {\'ould find the ocean to be of infinite extent, according to the )pinion of some ancient philosophers ; or if he should persist n steering towards the west, beyond a certain point, that the convex figure of the globe would prevent his return, and that le must inevitably perish in the vain attempt to open a commu- lication between the two opposite hemispheres which nature lad forever disjoined. Some contended that it was presump- ;uous in any person to suppose that he alone possessed know- edge superior to all the rest of mankind united : that if there -vere really any such countries as Columbus pretended, they lould not have remained so long concealed, nor would the saga- jity and wisdom of former ages have left the glory of this inven- :iou to an obscure Genoese pilot. Columbus's patience was put to the severest trial in listening :o these ignorant and malicious insinuations : after innumerable jonferences, and wasting five years in fruitless endeavours to nform and satisfy them, Talavera at last made such an unfa- vourable report to Ferdinand and Isabella, as induced them to acquaint Columbus, that until the war with the Moors should be Drought to a final period, it was impossible for them to engage M any new and expensive enterprize. This declaration Columbus considered as a total rejection of lis proposals. But happily for mankind superiority of genius is isually accompanied with an ardent enthusiasm, which can nei- her be cooled by delays, nor damped by disappointments. The nsolence of office may depress, but cannot extinguish it, as it loars above the littleness of human pride. Columbus was of a sanguine temper, though he felt deeply the ;ruel blow given to his liopes, and retired immediately from a :ourt where lie had been long amused with vain expectations. [lis confidence in the justness of hi^ own system did not forsake lim ; and his impatience to demonstrate the truth of it became greater than ever. AMERICA. 13 Having thus failed of success with sovereign states, he next ap- plied to peG&ons of inferior rank, and addressed the dukes of Medi- na, Sidonia.and Medina Celi, who. though subjects, were possessed of pow-er and opulence sufficient for the enterprize which he pro- jected. His proposals to them were, however, fruitless ; they did not choose to countenance a scheme which Ferdinand had reject- ed, even if they had approved of the enterprize. They were afraid of alarming the jealousy, and offending the pride of Ferdinand, by acting counter to his judgment. Such a succession of disappoint- ments excited the most painful sensations; and his distress was augmented by his not having received any accounts from his bro- ther, whom he had sent to the court of England. In his voyage to that country Bartholomew fell into the hands of pirates who strip- ped him of every thing, and detained him a prisoner several years. At length he made his escape, and arrived in England, but in such extreme indigence, that he was compelled to employ a considera- ble space of time in drawing and selling maps, in order to obtain as much money as would enable him to purchase a decent dress, in which he might venture to appear at court. He then laid before the king the proposals with w hich he had been entrusted by his brother; and, notwithstanding Henry's excessive caution and parsimony, which rendered him averse to new and expensive un- dertakings, he received the overtures of Columbus with more approbation, than any monarch to whom they had hitherto been presented. Columbus, in the meanwhile unacquainted with his brother's fate, and all hopes of succeeding in Spain being vanished, he re- solved to visit the court of England in person. He had already- made preparations for this purpose, -and taken measures for the disposal of his children during his absence, when Juan Perez, the Prior of the monastry of liibada near Palos, in which they had been educated, earnestly solicited him to defer his journey for a short time. Perez was a man of considerable learning, and of some credit with queen Isabella, to whom he was personally known. Warmly attached to Columbus, and prompted by curi- osity or friendship, he entered upon an accurate examination of his system, in conjunction with a physician, who vy^s. a good mathematician. \i. * This investigation satisfied them so thoroughly wfth respect to the principles upon which Columbus founded his opinion, that Pe- rez fearing his country would lose the glory and benefit of so grand an enterprize, ventured to write to'lsabella, conjuring her to consider the matter over again, and with the attention it merited. Isabella was so far moved by this representation, that she desired Perez to repair immediately to the village of Santa Fe. in which on account of the siege of Granada, the court resided B 4 HISTORY OF it that time, that she n^ight confer with him upon this important iiiil interesting; subject. The first efrect of their interview was a gracious inl^itation of Columbus back to court, accompanied with the present of a small um to equip him for the journey. As there was a near pros- )ect that the war with the Moors would be speedily brought to L happy issue, by the reduction of Granada, which would leave he nation at liberty to engage in new undertakings ; this, as well >s the mark of royal favour with which Columbus had lately been lonoured, encoura£;ed his fticnds to appear with greater confi- lence than formerly, in support of his scheme. Of these Alonzo deQiiintanilla, comptroller of the finances in Castile, and Luis de Santangel, receiver of the ecclesiastical re- 'enues in Arragon, whose zeal in promoting this great design, entitles their names to an honourable place in history ; these gen- lemen introduced Columbus to many persons of higii rank, and nterested them warmly in his cause. Ferdinand's distrustful )rudence conid net easily be overcome, he considered the pro- eet as extravagant and chimerical: and in order at once to lestroy the efforts of his partizans, and render them inefteetual, le employed in the new negociation persons who had formerly )ronoiinced his scheme impracticable. To their astonishment Columbus appeared before them with he same confident hopes of success as formerly, and insisted ipon the same high recompense. He proposed that a small lleet hould be filted out, under his command, to attempt a discovery, ind demanded to be appointed perpetual and hereditary admiral did viceroy of all the seas and lands he should discover, and to lave the tenth of the profits arisirg/rom tbem, settled irrevoca- ily upon him and his descendants. At the same time lie ofiered o advance the eighth part of the sumnccessary, for aecomp'ish- ng the design, on condition of his enjoying a proportional share if benefit from the adventure. If the enterprize should totally iiiscarry, he made no stipulation for any reward or emolument thatevcr. Instead of viewing this last proposition as the clearest evidence if his full persuasion, with respect to the truth of his osvn system, r beir.g struck with admiration \\ilh th.at magnanimity which fter so many delays and repulses, would stoop to nothiijg inf • lor ft its Oiiginal claims, the persons with whom Columbus treated, neanly objected to the expense of the expedition, and the value f tlie rewaM whicli he demanded. The expense tiiey aiiirmeil would be too great for Spain, in he present exhausted state of its finances. They contended the lonours and emoluments claimed by Columbus, were exorbitant, ;ven if he should perform the utmost oL ^^hat he had proposed ; nd that if the expedition should j^rove abortive, such vast con- AMERICA. io e«.sions to an adventurer would be deemed inconsiderate and ridiculous. These cautious objections were so consonant with the natural disposition of Ferdinand, that he cordially approved uf them, and Isabella discouraged, declined giving any countenance toColum- lus, and abruptly broke oft" the conference. The liiind of Columbus, firm as it was, could hardly support the shock of such an unforeseen reverse. He withdrew in deep &no;uish from court, v.ith an intention of prosecuting his voyage to England, as his last resource. About that time Granada surrendered, and Ferdinand and Isabella, in triumphal pomp, took possession of a city, the reduc- tion of which rendered them masters of all the provinces extend- ing from the bottom of the Pyrenees to the iVontiers of Portugal. Quintanilla and Santangel taking advantage of this favourable event, made one more eftort in behalf of their friend. They addressed themselves to Isabella, and after expressing their sur- prize that she who had always been the liberal patroness cf gen- erous undertakings, should hesitate so long to countenance the most splendid scheme that had ever been proposed to any mo- narch ; they represented to her, that Columbus was a man of sound understanding and virtuous character, well qualified by his experience in navigation, as well as his knowledge of geome- try, to form just ideas with respect to the structure of the globe, and the situation of its various regions : and that by offering to risk his own life and fortune in the executi(m of his scheme, they gave the most satisfying evidence both of his integrity and hope of success; that the sum requisite for equipping such an arma- ii>.ent was inconsiderable, and the advantages that might accrue from his undertaking, were immense: that he demanded no re- compense for his invention and labour, but what was to arise from the countries which he should discover ; that as it was wor- thy of her magnanimity, and to make this noble attempt to extend the sphere of human knowledge, and to open an intercourse with regions liitherto unknown ; that Columbus was on his way to foreign countries, where some prince would close with his pro- posals, and Spain would forever bewail thQ fatal timidity which had e^xcluded her from the glory and advantages that she had once in her power to have enjoyed. These powerful arguments urged by persons of such authority, and at a juncture so well chosen, had the desired effect. Isabella's doubts and fears were all dispelled; s!ie ordered Columbus in- stantly to be recalled, declared her resolution of employing him on his own terms, and regretting the low state of her finances, generously offered to pledge her own jev/els in order to raise as much money as would be wanted for making the necessary pre- parations for the voyage, bantangel transported with gratitudt 16 liiSTOHY OF kissed the queen's hand, and nather than slic should have re- course to sufch a mortifjin* expedient for procuring money, en- gaged to advance immediatelj the sum that was requisite. Columbus, ignorant oftliis c!ianp;e in his favour, had proceeded some leagues on his journey, v. hen the messenger overtook him; lipon receiving i\\e account so flattering to his hopes, he returned directly to Santa Fe, not without some diiridence mingling with !iis joy. fiut the cordial reception which he met with from Isabella, together with the near prospect of setting out upon that voyage ^vhich had so long engrossed his thought and wishes, soon etric- ed the remembrance of past suflerings, during eight years tedi- ous solicitation and anxious suspense. The negocialion now went on with facility and despatch ; and a treaty with Columbus was siji^ned on the seventeenth of April 1492. The chief articles of it were. 1. Ferdinand and Isabella, as sovereiijns of the ocean, consti- tuted Columbus their high admiral in all the seas, islands, and continents, which should be discovered by his industry; and stipulated, that he, and his heirs, forever, should enjoy this office, w'lih the same powers and prerogatives, which belonged to the high admiral of Castile, within the limits of his jurisdiction. ^!. They appointed Columbus their viceroy in all the islands and continents he should discover; but if, for the better adminis- tration of affairs, it should hereafter be necessary to establish a separate governor in any of those countries, tliey authorized Columbus to name three persons, of whom they would clioose one for thatoflice : and the dignity of viceroy, with all its immuni- ties, ^vas likewise to be hereditary i,n the family of Columbus. S. They granted to Columbus, .and his heirs forever, the tenth of the free profits accruing from the productions and commerce of the countries, which he should discover. 4,. They declared, that if any controversy or law-suit, shall arise with respect to any mercantile transaction, in the countries which should he discoverd, it should be determined by the sole authority of Columbus, or of judges to be appointed by him. 5. They permitted Columbus to advance one eighth part of "what should he expended in preparing for the expedition, and in carrying on connnerce with the countries which he should discov- er; and entitled him in return to an eighth part of the profit. Notwithstandina; the name of Ferdiiiand appears conjoined with that of Isabella in this transaction, his distrust of Columbus was so violent that he refused to take any part in the enterprise, as king of Arragon. As the whole expense of the expedition, excepting the part Columbus was to furnish, was defrayed by the crown of Castile, Isabella reserved for her subjects af that kingdom, an exclusive right to all the benefits which might re- dou nd from its success. AMERICA. 17 When the treaty was signed, Isabelis. endeavoured to make some reparation to Columbus for the time he had lost in fruitless solicitation, by her attention and activity in forwarding the pre- parations. By the twelfth of May, all that depended on her was adjusted ; and Columbus waited on the king and queen, in order to receive their linal instructions. Every thing respecting the destinatioa and conduct of the voyage was committed entirely to his wisdom and prudence. But that they might avoid giving any just cause of offence to the king of Portugal, they strictly enjoined him not to approach near to the Portuguese settlements on the coast of Guiaea; nor in any of the other countries, to which they claiffi- ed ri2;ht as discoverers. The ships of which Columbus was to take the command, were ordered by Isabella to be fitted out in the port of Palos, a small maritime town in the province of Andalusia. The prior Juan Perez, to whom Columbus had been so greatly indebted, resided in the neighbourhood of this place; he, by the influence of that good ecclesiastic, as well as by his own connexion with the in- habitants, not only raised among them what he wanted of the sum that he was bound by treaty to advance, but engaged several of them to accompany him in the voyage. The chief of these asso- ciates were three brothers of the name of Pinzon, of considerable wealth, and of great experience in naval atfairs, who were wil- ling to hazard their lives and fortunes in the enterprize. But, notwithstanding all the endeavours and efforts of Isabella and Columbus, the armament was not suitable to the dignity of the nation by which it was equipped, or to the importance of the service for which it was destined. It consisted of three vessels only ; the largest a ship of no considerable burden, was com- manded by Columbus, as admiral, who gave it the name of Santa Maria, out of respect to the blessed virgin, whom he honoured with singular devotion. Of the second, called La Pinta, Martin Alonzo Pinzon was captain, and his brother Francis, pilot. The third, named La Nigna, was under the command of Vincent Yanez Pinzon : those two \weve hardly superi(5r in burden and force to large boats. 'Ihis squadron, if it merits the name, was victualled for twelve months, arid had on board ninety men, mostly sailors, together with a few adventurers, who followed the fortune of Columbus, and some gentlemen of Isabella's court, whom she appointed to accompany him. Though the expense of the undertaking was one of the circumstances that chiefly alarm- ed the court of Si>ain, and retarded so long the negociations with Columbus, the sum employed in fitting out this squadron did not exceed four thousand pounds. The art of ship building in the fifteenth century was extremely Elide, and the bulk and construction of vessels were accomuj^a:;^ 18 HISTORY OF dated to the short and easy voynges along (he coast, which they were accusstomed to perform. It is a proof of the genius and courage of Columbus* that he ventured with a fleet so unfit for a distant navigation, to explore uiiknown seas, where he had no chart to guide him, no knowledge of the tides and currents, and no experience of the dangers to winch, in all probability, he would be exposed. His ea£;erness to accomplish his great design made him overhjuk every danger and difiiculty. He pushed for- ward the preparations with such ardour, and was so well se- conded by Isabella, that every thing was soon in readiness for the voyage. But as Columbus was deeply impressed with a sense of the su- perintendance of divine Providence, over the affairs of this life, he would not set out upon this expedition without publicly implor- ing the protection of heaven. With this view, he, together with all the persons under his command, marched in solenin proces- sion to the monas^tery of Rabida. After confessing their sins, and obtaining absolution, they received the sacrament from the hands of the prior, u ho joined his prayers to theirs for the suc- cess of an entcrprize which he had so zealously patronized. Next n)ornirg being the third day of August, in the year of our Lord 149^^, the fleet sailed a little before sun rise. A vast crowd of spectators assejibled on the shore, and sent up their supplications to heaven for the prospjerous issue of their voyage, which they rather hoped than expected. Columbus steered for the Canary islands, and arrived there without an occurrence worth remarking or that would have been taken notice of on any other occasion. But in this expedition every thing claimed attention. The rudder of La Pinta broke loose, the day after thev left the harbour; the crew superstitious and uni-kilful, considered this as a bad omen, in this short run, the ships were found so crMzy, as to be very unfit for a navigation which was expected to be long and dangerous. Columbus re- paired them the best in his power; and after taking in a sup- ply of fresh provisions, at Gomera, he took his departure on the sixth day of September. He immediately left the usual track of navigation, holding his course due west, and stretched into un- frequented seas. The calmness of the weather prevented them from makin» much progress the first day ; but on the second he lost sight of land. The sailors dejected and dismayed at the koldness of the undertaking, beat their breasts, and shed tears, as if they were never again to see the land. Columbus, confident cf success, comforted them with assurances of a happy issue of the voyage, and the prospect of vast wealth. This pusillanimous spirit of the crew, taught Columbus that h& should have to struggle with other difficulties besides what was, Rjltural lor him to expect from the nature of the undertaking, AMERICA. 19 Fortunately for himself and for the country which employed him, to an ardent inventive genius, he joined other virtues but rarely united wilh them : he possessed a perfect knowledge of mankind, an insinuatinc; address, a patient perseverance, in ex- ecuting any plan, the full and entire government of his own passions, and the art of acquiring the direction of other men's. These qualities which eminently formed him for command, were accompanied with that experience and knowledge in his profession, which begets confidence in times of difficulty and danger. The Spanish sailors accustomed only to coasting voyages in theMedilerranean ;theknowledgeof Columbus, thefrnitof thirty years experience, improved by the inventive skill of the Por- tuguese, appeared immense. When they were at sea, he superintended the execution of every order; and allowing himself only a few hours f(»r rest, he was ainiost constantly on deck. His course Iving throuvfiich had sunk in that place. Columbus persuaded them that, instead of alarming, it ought rather to encourage them, to consi- der it as a sign of approaching land. At the same time a brisk gale sprung up, and carried them forwards. Several birds were seen hovering about the ship, and directing their flij^ht towards the west. The despairing crew resumed some degree of spirit, and began to entertain fresh hopes. Upon the first day of October they were advanced seven hun- dred and seventy leagues west of the Canaries ; but he persuaded his men that he had only proceeded five hundred and eighty-four leagues; and fortunately for Columbus, neither his own pilot, nor those of the other ships could discover the deceit. Three weeks had now elapsed and no land appeared, all their prognostics had proved fallacious, and their prospects of success were now as distant as ever. These reflections made strong im- pressions, at first, on the timid and ignorant, and axtended, by degrees to those who were better informed, or more resolute. The contagion spread, at length, from ship, to ship. From secret whispers and murmurings, they proceeded to open cabals and loud complaints. They charged their sovereign with foolish credulity, in rely- ing on the vain promises and rash conjectures of an indigent for- eigner. They affirmed that they had fully performed their duty, by venturing in a hopeless cause, and that they would be justifi- able in refusing any longer to follow such a desperate adventurer to certain destruction. They contended that it was high time to think of returning to Spain, while their crazy vessels were still in a condition to keep the sea, but they feared the attempt would be impracticable, as the wind which hitherto had been favoura- ble in their course, would make it impossible to sail in an oppo- site direction. They all agreed that Columbus should be compelled by force to adopt a measure, on which their safety depended. Some were for throwing him overboard, and getting rid of his remonstran- ces, being persuaded that, upon their return to Spain, his death would excite little concern, and be inquired into with no curi- osity. Columbus was not ignorant of his perilous situation ; he saw that the disaffection of his crew was ready to burst forth into- open mutiny. He att'ected to seem ignorant of all their designs, and appeared with a cheerful countenance like a man fully satis- fied with the progress he had made, and confident of success. Sometimes he endeavoured to work upon their ambition and avarice^ by magniticeat descriptions of the fame and, wealth which AMERICA. Jil they would in all probability acquire. On other occasions he as- sumed a lone of authority, and threatened them with vengeance from their sovereign, if by their co'wardly behaviour, they should defeat the most noble effort to promote the glory of God and ex- alt the Spanish name over ever}" other nation. The words of a man, they were accustomed to obey and rever- ence, were weighty and persuasive. They not only restrained them from violent excesses, but prevailed with them to accompa* ny their admiral some time longer. As they advanced in their course, signs of approaching land were frequent. Birds appeared ih tlocks, and directed their flight towards the south west. In imitation of the Portuguese, who in their several discoveries were guided by the motion of birds, Co- lumbus altered his course from due west, to that quarter whither they pursued their flight. Holding on in this direction several days, but with no better success than formerly, and having seen no land for thirty days tlieir hopes subsided quicker than they had arisen ; iheir fears revived with additional force ; impatience, rage, and despair, were visible in every countenance. All subor- dination was lost ; the ofllicers had hitherto concurred in opinion with Columbus, but now took part with the men ; they assembled and mixed threats with expostulations, and required him instant^ ]y to tack about, and return to Spain. Columbus perceived it would be in vain to practise his former arts, or to endeavour to rekindle any zeal for the enterprize in men, in whose breasts fear had extinguished every noble senti- ment. It was therefore necessary, to soothe passions, which it was impossible to command, and give way to a torrent too impe- tuous to be checked. He therefore solemnly promised them, that if they would continue to obey his commands, and accoaipany him three days longer, and if during that time, land were not discovered, he Mould then abandon the enterprize, and direct his course towards Spain. This proposition did not appear to them unreasonable : en- raged as they were, they yielded to the proposition. Columbus saw the presages of approaching land so numerous and certain, that he did not hazard much in confining himself to so short a term. For some days ihe sounding line reached the bottom, and the soil which it brought up was a strong indication that the land was at no great distance. The land birds which made their ap- pearance, confirmed their hopes. "J'he crew of La Pinta observed a cane floating, which seemed to be newly cut, and likewise a piece of timber artificiallj' carv- ed The sailors onboard La Nigna, took up the branch of a tree with red berries, perfectly fresh. The air was more mild and warm, and the clouds around the setting sun assumed ^ new appearance. 520 lilSTpRY OF Columbus was now so confident of being near land, that on the evening of the Seventh of October, after public prayers for suc- cess, he ordered the ships to'lie by, and a strict watch kept, lest they should be driven on shore in the night. During this interval of suspense, and anxious expeclation, no man closed his eyes : but all kept on deck looking intently towards that part from whence they supposed land would appear, which had been so long the object of their most anxious wishes. About two hours before midnight Columbus, standing on the forecastle, observed a light at a distance, and privately pointed it out to Pedro Guttierez, a paj^e of the queen's wardrobe. Gut- tierez perceived it, and called to Salcedo, comptroller of the fleet, all three saw it move from place to place. A little afler mid- night, the joyful sound of Land! Land I was heard from La Pinta, which always kept a-headof the other ships. Deceived so often by fallacious appearances, they were slow of belief, and waited in anxious suspense for the return of day. When the morning dawned, all their doubts and fears were dispelled ; they discovered an island about two leagues to the north, whose verdant fields and woods watered with many rivu- lets, presented to them the aspect of a delightful country. The crew of La Pinta instantly began the Te Deum, as a hymn of thanksgiving to God , and were joined by the crews of the other ships, with tears of joy, and transports of congratula- tion. This act of devotion, was followed by an act of justice to their commander : they fell at his feet with feelings of self-con- demnaiion, inspired with reverence. They implored his pardon for their ignorance, incredulity, and insolence, which had creat- ed him so much unnecessary disquiet, and passing from one ex- treme to another, in the warmth of their imagination they now pronounced liim, whom they had lately reviled and threatened, to be a person divinely inspired with sagacity and fortitude more than human, that could accomplish a design beyond the ideas and conceptions of all former ages. ;* When the sun arose, the boats were all manned and armed, with colours displayed, warlike music, and other m.artial pomp; they rowed towards the shore: as they appiuached, they saw a multitude of people, whose gestures expressed wonder and as- tonishment at the novel and strange objects which presented themselves to their view. Columbus was the fust European that set his foot on the new world. He landed in a rich dress, and, with a drawn sword in his hand. His men followed, with the royal standard displayed, and kneeling down, kissed the ground they had so long desired, to see. They then erected a crucifix} and prostrating them- selves before it, returned thanks to God, for thus conducting their voyage to so happy an issue. AMERICA. 23 i'hey then, iii a solemn manner, took possession of the country for the''crovvn of Castile and Leon, with all the lormalities usual v/ith the Portuguese to observe in all their discoveries. While the Spaniards were thus employed, they were surrounded by the ?)atives, who in silent admiration, gazed uuon actions, the mean- ing of which they could not comprehend, or foresee the conse- quences. The dress of the Spaniards, the whiteness of their skin, their beards, arms and accoutrements, appeared strange and surpriz- ing. The vast machines in which they traversed the ocean, that appeared to move upon the waters with wings uttering a dreadful sound, like thunder accompanied witli ligiituing and smoke, fill- ed them with terror, and inspired them with a belief that their new guests were a superior order of beings, concluding they were children of the sun, who had descended to visit the earth. The Spaniards were as much amazed at the scene before them. The trees, the shrubs, the herbage, were all different from those whith were of European growth. The( climate was warm, though extremely delightful. The inhabitantVappeared in the sim- ple innocence of nature, entirely naked. Their black hair, long and uncurled, floated upon their shoulders, or was hound in tres- ses round their heads. They had no beards, and every part of their bodies was perfectly smooth, of a copper colour, their fea- tures not disagreeable, ofa gentle and timid aspect. They were well shaped and active. Their faces and bodies were painted in a fantastical tnanner, with glaring colours. They appeared shy at first, but soon became familiar, and with transports of joy received glass beads and other baubles, in return for which they gave such provisions as they had, and some cotton yarn, the only commodity of value they had to trade with. In the evening Columbus returned to his ships in company with many of the islanders in their canoes, which they managed with surprizing dexterity. - Every circumstance relating to this first interview, between the inhabitants of the old and new world was conducted with harmony and satisfiiction. The former enlightened, and influ- enced by ambition, formed vast ideas respecting the future ad- vantages that would likely accrue from the discovery. The lat- ter, simple and unsuspecting, had no forethought of the calami- ties and dessolation v,^hich were soon to overwhelm the country. Columbus, as admiral and viceroy, called the island San Salva- dor, it is nevertheless better known by the name of Guanahani, which the natives gave to it, and is one of the Bahama isles. It is situated above three thousand miles to the west of Gomera, from Vv'hich the squadron took its departure, and only four de- grees south of it. Columbus emj>lo>ed the first day in "^siting the coast of the island, and from the general poverty of the 24 HISTORY OF inhabitants, he was assured Ihat this was not the rich countrj that he sought. "^ Having observed small plates of gold, which most of the peo- ple wore by way of ornament, pendent in their nostrils, he ea- gerlv inquired where they found that precious metal. They pointed tov^ards the south and south west, and made him com- prehend by signs, that there was abundanceW gold in countries situated in that quarter. Animated with liope, he determined to direct his course thith- er, in full expectation of finding those wealthy regions which had been the main object of his voyage. With this view he again set sail, taking with him seven of the innocent natives, to serve as interpreters, who esteemed it a mark of distinction when they were selected to accompany him. In his course he parsed several islands, and touched at three of them which he called Mary, Ferdinand, and Isabella. But as the soil and inhabitants resembled those of San Salvador, he made no stay there. He inquired every where fur gold, and was answered as before that it was brought from the south. Fol- lowing that course he soon discovered a country of vast extent diversified with risina: grounds — hills, rivers, woods and plains. He was uncertain whether it would prove an island or part of the continent. The natives he had on board called it Cuba ; Colum- bus gave it the name ef Juanna. He entered the mouth of a large river with his squadron, and the natives all fled to the mountains as he approached the shore, Ihtending to careen his ships in that place, Columbus sent some Spaniards, together with one of the San Salvador Indians, to view the inter ioi" parts of the country. Having advanced above sixty miles from the shore, they re- ported upon their return, that the soil was richer and more cul- tivated, than what they had already discovered; that besides scattered cottages, they had found one village, containing one thousand inhabitants; that the people, though naked, were more inielligent than those of San Salvador, but had treated them with the same respectful attention, ki&siug their feet, and honouring them as sacj e^ beings allied to Heaven ; tliat they gave them a certain root, which in taste resembled roasted chesnuts, and likewise a singular species of corn, called maize, that was ve- ry palatable : and that there seemed to be no four footed animals, except a species of dogs that could not bark, and a creature re- seoib'inga rabbit, butsmallw; that they had observed some or- naments of «old among the people, but of no great value. Some of the natives accompanied these messengers ; they in- formed Columhusas vhe others had done, that the gold he was so au:».iously soUcitous about, was to he found to the southward ; of- the word Cubanacan, by which they meant th-^ A^IEHICA. 25 iniaiKl part of Cuba; Columbus ignorant of their pronunciation, and believing the country he had discovered, to be a part of the East Indies. Under the^^inlluence of this idea, he thought they spoke of the £;reat Ivahn, and imagined the opulent kingdom of Cathay was not very remote. The natives as mucii astonished, at the eagerness of the Span- iards for gold, as the Europeans were at their ignorance and simplicity, pointed towards the east, where was an island called llayti, in which that metal was more abundant. Columbus or- dered hi3S(iuadron to steer its course thither ; but Martin Alonzo Pinzon, eager to be the first in takinp; possession of the rich trea- sure, which the island was supposed to contain, quilted his com- panions, and paid no regard to the admiral's signals to slacken sail, until they should come up with him. Retarded by contrary vinds, Columbus did not reach Hayti, until the sixth of Decem- ber, lie called the port where he first landed St. Nicholas, and the island itself Espagnola, in honour of the kingdom by whieli he was employed ; and it is the only country which he discovered j that still bears the name which he gave it. As he could not have any intereourse with the inhabitants, who fled in great consternation, he soon left St. Nicholas, and sailed along the northern coast of the island : he ent2red another har- bour which he called Conception. Here he was more fortunate ; a woman who was flying from them was overtaken ; and after treat- ing her kindly, she was dismissed with presents of such toys as to an Indian were considered most valuable. VV^hen she returned to her countrymen with her imagination heated with what she had seen, she gave such a flattering descripiion of the new comers; at the same time producing the trinkets she had received; that they were eager to partake of the same favours. I'heir fears being removed, many of theni repaired to the harbour. Here theit curiosity and wishes were amply gratified. They nearly resem- bled the other natives they had already seen, naked, ignorant,, and simple, credulous and timid to a degree, which made it easy to acquire an ascendancy over them ; they were led into the same error as the other inhabitants who believed them to be more thaa mortals, descended immediately from Heaven. Tliey possessed, gold in greater abundance tlian their neighbours, which they cheerfully parted with for bells, beads, or pins; and in this une- qual traflic, both parties were higidy pleased, each con3iderin^ themselves as gainers by the transaction. A prince or caziqueot' the country made Columbus a visit at this place. He appeared in all the pojop of Indian magnificence ; he was carried in a sort of palan(|uin by four men, and a numerous train of attendants, who approached him with respectful attenti(m. His deportment was grave and stately : to his own people very reserved, but to ihQ .Spaniards open and extremely courteous. He gave the ad^ ,S6 HISTORY OF miral some thin plates of gold, and a girdle curiously wrougld after the Indian fashion. Columbus in return, made him pre- «-:ents of small value to a European, but highly prized by the savage chief. Columbus's thouglif.s continually occupied with the prospect of discovering gold mines, interrogated all the na- tives he met »ith concerning their situation. All his interroga- tives were answered by their pointing to a mountainous country ^vhich in their language was called Cibao, at some distance iVom the sea, towards the east. Struck with the name, he no longer doubted but that it was Cipango, a name by which Mar- jt:o Polo distinguished the islands of Japan : which strengthened him in that erroneous opinion he had embraced, that the country iie had discovered was a remote part of Asia. In full confidence of the rectitude of his opinion, he directed jiis course towards the east. He put into a commodious harbour Avhich he named St. Thomas : this part of the country was governed by a powerful cazicjue named Guacanahari, who was one «f the five sovereigns'among whom the whole island was divided. lie immediately sent messengers to Columbus with a present of a mask of beaten gold, curiously fashioned, and invited him to his town near the harbour, now called cape Francois. Colum- bus returned the cazi(iue's civilities by a deputation of some of his own people; who returned with such favourable accounts of the countiy and people, as made Columbus impatient for that interview which Guacanahari had dessired. For this purpose he sailed from St. Thomas on the twenty- fourth of December with a fair wind and smooth sea; and as he •had not slept for two days, at midnight he retired to take some repose, committing the helm to the pilot, strictly enjoining him not to quit it for a moment. But he dreading no danger, incau- tiously gave the helm in charge to the cabin boy, and the ship ^vas carried av^ay by the current, and dashed against a rock. The violence of the concussion awakened Columbus. He imrne- diately went upon deck, and there he found all was confusion Hud despair. He alone retained presence of mind. He imme- diately ordered some sailors to take a boat and earry out an an- chor astern ; but they, instead of complying with the orders of their admiral, niade olf to La Nigna, about half a league dis- tant. He then commanded the masts to be cut down, but all bis endeavours were too late ; the vessel filled so fast with water, that it v^as impossible to save her. The smoothness of the sea, and the timely assistance from La Nigna, enabled the crew to save their lives. The natives as soon as they henrd of this disaster, crowded to the shore with Guacanahari at their head, Slid lamented their mist'crtu Tie with tears of sincere condolence. P.ut they did not rest si)ti?lied with this uruwailing expression (»f their soirovv : they launched a vast LUUiber ol' canuts. and uuder AMERICA. '27 the diicctiun of Spaniards rendered important services, in saving the property out of the wreck ; Guacanahari in person took char.2;e of the goods as they were landed; and by his order* were all deposited in one place, and posted sentinels to keep the n»ultitude at a distance. Next morning; this prince visited Columbus, who was on board of La Ni«;na, and in the warmth of atiectlon offered ail he had to repair his loss. Such tender a«siduitj and sincere condolence in a savage, afforded Colutnbus that relief his agitated spirits, stood in need of. Columbus hitherto had heard no account of La Pinta, and suspected not without cause, that his treacherous associate had set sail for Europe, tliat he might claim the merit of carrying the first tidings of the discoveries to Spain, and so far. gain the attention of his sovereign as to rob Columbus of the glory and reward to which he was justlj entitled. But one ves- sel now remained, and that the smallest and most crazy of \!\\q squadron: in which they were compelled to traverse a vast ocean, with so many men, back to Europe. To remedy this last inconvenience, he proposed to his men the great advantages that would accrue by leaving some of them on the island, to learn the language of ihe natives, study their dis- position, examine the country, search for mines, and prepare for the commodious settlement of the colony, for which he proposed to return, and secure those advantages which it was reasonable to expect from his discoveries. To this proposal all his men assented, and many offered voluntarily to remain behind. Gua- canahari was pleased with the proposition, as he conceived that with such powerful allies, he should be able to repel the attacks of a warlike and fierce people he called Caribeans, who some- times invaded his dominions, delighted in blood, and devoured the flesh of the prisoners, who unhappily fell into their hands. Guacanahari, as he was speaking of these dreadful invaders, dis- covered such symptoms of terror, as well as consciousness of the inability of his ov^n people to resist them, that led Columbus to believe such a proposal would be very agreeable. Guacanahari, closed instantly with the proposal, and thought himself safe un- der the protection of beings sprung from heaven, and superioc in power to mortal men. The ground was marked out for a small fort, which was called, by Columbus, Navidad, because it was Christmas-day when he landed there. A deep ditch was drawn around it : the ram- parts were fortified, and the great guns saved out of the admi- ral's ship were planted upon them. In ten days the work was completed; the simple unsuspecting Indians, laboured with in- considerate assiduity, in erecting this first monument of their own servitude. ^The high opinion the natives had of the Span- Sards, was increased by the caresses and liberality of Columbus :' £S lllSTOUY OF but wbile be wished to inspire tbcm ^vitll conf.dfiice in titeir di;;- position to do gcod, lie also wished to give them some striking jdca of their power to puT.ishand destroy such as provoked their ^^ust indignation. With this view, he drew vp his men in order of battle, in ^ iew of a vast concourse i^\' people, and made an ostentatious dis[iiav of ihe force of the Spani^li arms. These rude people, strargers to any hostile weapons, but "wooden swords, javelins hardened in the fire, and reeds pointed with the hones of fishes, admired and trcmhied, but t!ie sudden explosion of the c;rcat guns, struck them with such terror and «stonishment, that ll.ey fell fiat to the ground, and covered their faces with their hands : and v. lien they beheld the effects of the . balls, they were persuaded that it was impossible to resist men vho came armed wiih thunder and lightning against their ene- '*inies. After giving such powerful impressions of tlie power and beneficence of the Spaniards, Columbus chose out thirty eight of his people to remain on the island. The command of these \vas j2;iven to Diego de Arada, a gentleman of Cordova; Colum- bus investins: him with the same powers. which be had himself received from hisro^^al patrons, after furnishing him with every thing requisite for this infant colonj'. He strongly insisted oti their preserving concord amonEjst" themselves, a prompt and ready obedience to their commander, and the maintenance of ;\ friendly intercourse v, ith the natives, as the surest means of their preservation. That they should cultivate the friendship of Gua- canahari, but not jnit tl.emselves in liis power by straggling' in F.mall paities from the fort. lie then toiik his lea\ e, after pro- mising lo revisit them seon with a reinforcement sufficient to take full possession (»f the country. He further promised to rlace their merit in a cons{ icuous liu;lit to the king and queen. llavinjr thus taken every precaution to secure the colony, he loft Navidad the ftuntli day of January, 149:1, and steering to- v^ards the east, on the sixth* he discovered J.a Pinta, after a sep- r^ration of more tlian six weeks. Pinzon endeavouicd tojustify liis conduct, pretending be had been driven from Ids course bv stress of weather, and prevented from returning by contrary vinds. Colunfbus. though no stranger to liis perfidious intentions, rs well as the falsehood lie urg^d in his defence, was so sensible that it was not a proper time for exerting his authority, and was so pleased with joining bis consort, as it dnlivered him from some ^measy apprehensions, that be admitted the apology without difbcullv. and restored him to favour. Columbus now found it reeessaiy, from the eagerness which his men bhovyed to visit their native country, and the cra/.y coudilioii of his ships, to basten his return to Europe. "With this view, on the sixteenth of January, be directed bis course totheuorlb-cast, and was soon out of sight of his newly AMERICA. 29 discovered country, lie hadsome of the native?, whom he had taken from (he diiVerent i^;lands, on board ; and besides the gold,^ which was the principal o»)joct of research, he had specimens of ail the produi^tions whicJi were likely to become subjects of com- merce, as well as many strange hiids and other natural curiosi- ties, which niii;ht attract the attention, and excite the wonder of the people. The vovao;e was prosperous to the fourteenth of February, at which time they had advanced five hundred lea.2;ues, when the wind began to rise, and blow with increasing ra^e, till it termi- nated in a violent hurricane. Columbus's naval skill and experi- ence was severely put to the proof; destruction seemed ineviia- ble ; the sailors had recourse to prayers, and to (he invocatioa of saints, to vows and charms, to every thing that religion ot» superstit/on suivgests to the niVfighted mind. No prospect of deliverance appearing, despair was visible in every counte- nance, and they expected every moVnent to be swallowed up by the waves. Columbus had to endure feelings peculiar to him- self. He dreaded that all the knowledge of his discoveries >^ould be lost to the world, and that his name would descend to posterity as that of a rash deluded adventurer, instead of being transuiitted with the honour due to the author and conductor of the noblest enterpri'^e that had ever been underlaken. Reflec- tions like these extini^uished all sense of his own personal dan- ger. More solicitous to preserve the memory of what he had achieved, than the preservation of his own life, he retired to his cabin, and wrote upon parchment a short account ot the voyage lie had made, the course he had taken, and of the riches and situation of the country he had discovered, and of the small colony he had left there. Having wrapped this up In an oiled clotn, whicb he enclosed in a cake of wax, he then carefully put it into a cask, eit'ectu- ally stopping it to keep out the water, he threw it into the sea, in hopes that some fortunate accident might preserve a deposit of so much importance to the world. Providence at lenp;th inter- posed to save so valuable a life. The wind abated, the sea became calm, and on the evening of the fiHeenth they discovered land, which they soon knew to be St. Mary, one of the Azotes, or Western islands, subject to the crown of Portugal. There he obtained a supply of provisions, and snch other things as he had need of. There was one circumstance that greatly disquieted him: La Pinta had separated from him during the hurricane ; he was apprehensive that she had foundered, and that all her crew had perished : afterwards, his former suspicions revived, that Pinzon had borne away for Spain, that he might reach it before him, and give the first account of his discoveries^ In C-2 50 TVIISTORY OF order to prevent this he proceeded on his voyage as soon as the veatlier would permit. At no o-rrat distance from the coast of Spain, another st(»rm arose little inferior to the former in violence ; and after driving before it durino; two dajs and two nights, he was forcctl to take shelter in the river Tagus. Upon application to the kina; of Por- tugal, he was nllowed to come op to Lisbon; Columbus was re- reived vith all the n'aiks of distinction due to a man who had performed things so extraordinary and unexpected. The king r.dmitted him into his presence, treated him vith great respeet, Tvnd listened to the accourit he gave of his voyage, with admira- tion min2;lod with regiet. Columbus was now al^le to prove the solidity of his schemes, to those very persons, v. ho with an igno'ance disgraceful to them- Folves, and fatal to their country, had lately rejected them as the projects of a visionary adventurer. Columbus was so impa- tient to return to Spain, that he remained only five days at Lis- bon, and on tiie fifteentb (>f March, he arrived at the port of Falos, just seven njonthsand eleven days, from the time he set rut from thence upon his voyage. The inhabitants all ran eager- jytothe shore to welcome their relations, and fellow-citizens, and to hear tidings of their voyage. AVhen the successful issue of it was known, wh.en they beheld the strange appearance of the Indians, the unknown animals, and s-ingular productions, of the newly discovered countries, the ef- fusin.pan!ed hiin and hi< erew, in solemn proces- sion, tochuich, vhere they returned thanks to heaven, which 1 ad so v(>ndeifuliy conducted, and crowned wiih success, {V voyage of greater length, and of more importance, than had been attempted in any former age. To add to the general joy La 1 inta, on the eveniiig of the day entered the harbour. Ferdi- rand and Isabella were at Barcelona, they were no less astonish- ed than delighted with th.e unexpected event: sent a messenger requesting him in terms tl«e most respectful, to repair immedi- ately to court, that from himself they might receive a full detail of his extraordinary services and discoveries. During his journey to Barcelona, the people flocked from the r.djacent country, following him with admiration and applause. }hs entrance into the city,"was conducted, by order of Ferdi- rand and Isabella with extreme pomp, suitable to the great event vhich added such distinguishing lustre to their reign. The peo- ple whon. he hrou^^ht along with him, the natives of the coun- tries he had discovered, marched first, and by their singular com- pkxion, th.e wild peculiarities of their features, and uncouth Jinejy, appeared like men of another species. Next to them were AMERICA, 31 tarriedlthe ornaments cf gold, fashioned by the rude art of the lalives, grains of gold found in the mountains anf West Indies, was therefore given to them, bv Ferdinand and Isabella even after the error was detected, and the true po.^ition of the new world know n : the nan e still re- mains, and the appciiaiion of West Indies is o;iven b} all the ' people of Europe to the country, and that of Indians to its in- habitants. Tiie specimens of riches and the productions of the new country which Columbus produced were so aluring ; and the exao-iierated accour>ts of his companions (so natural to travellers) excited a wonderful spirit of enterprze amono; the J^paiiiards. Thoui;h unaccustomed to naval expeditions, they were easier to set out upon another voyage. Volunteers of all ranks v. ere anx- iously solicitous to be employed. The vast prospect which open- ed to their imau;inHtion, flattered their ambition and th.eir ava- rice : neither the danj^er, nor leno;th of the navi«iation intimidat- ed them. Feidinand's natural caution gave way to the torrent of public opinion : he seemed to have caught the same spirit w ith his subjects Another expedition was carried on with a rapidity unusual to the Spaniards. A fleet consistinj^ of seventeen ships was equip- ped : some of which were of j^ood burden : they had on b(»ard fittcen hui.dred persons, amon^ whom were many of noble finnilics, who had served in honourable stations. Most of these intend- ing to remain in the country, were t\jrnished with every thing necessary for corquest or settlement, with all kinds of domes- tie animals, and also seeds and plants, that were likely to thrive in the climate of the \\ est Indies, together with such utensils as mi.2;ht be useful in an infant colony : and artiticers were engag- ed to attend the expedition. But formidable and well provided as the fleet was, Ferdinand and Isabella, (slaves to the superstition of the fourteenth centu- ry) were not willinar to rest tiieir title to the possession of the newly discovered countries until they applied to the Romaa pontift*, who in that age was supposed to have a right of domin- ion over all the km^^doms of the earth. Alexander VI, a pontiff, infamous for every crime that dis- graces humanity, filled the papal throne at that time ; as he wag bora Ferdinand's subject; and solicitous to procure that monarch^* AMERICA, 23 j;rotectiuu, in prosecuting his ambKious schemes, in favour of i.is own fiimil}', he instantly cofnpiietl with his recjuest. l?yan ?.ct of liberality vhich cost him nothing, he bestowed upon Fer- dinand and Isabella all the countries inhabited by infidels which they had discovered, or should discover. And by virtue of that power which he pretended he derived from Jesus Christ, he vest- ed in the Crown of Castile a rij^ht to vast regions, to the posses- sion of v.'hich he was so far from having any title, that he was unacquainted with their situation, and even with their existence ; but that this grant should not seem to interfere with one he had made to the c?own of Portugal, he appointed that a line supposed to be draw n from pole to pole one hundred leagues to the westward cf the Azores should serve as a limit between'them : and in the pleriitude of his power, conferred all on the east of this imagi- nary line to the Portuguese, and all on the w^st of it upon the Spaniards. Zeal for propagatinj^ the Christian faith was the con- sideration employed by Ferdinand in soliciling this Bull, and pretended by Alexander to be his chief motive for granting it. Several friars, under the direction of Father Boyle, a Cataloni- an monk of great reputation, as apostolical vicar, were appoint- ed to accompany Columbus in this second expedition, who were to devote themselves to the instruction and conversion of the jiatives. Those who came over wiili Columbus, after being im- perfectly instructed in the Christian knowledge, were baptized with great solemnity : the king liimself, his son, and the chief pers(>ns of his court, standlns^ as their S]»onsers. Ferdinand and Isabella having now acquired a title, which ia that age was deemed completely valid, tiiere was nothing now retarded the departure of the iieet. Columbus was impatient to revisit the colony he had left, and pursue that career of glory, upon which he liad entered, lie set sail from the bay of Cadi/, on tl^e twenty-fifth day of September, 1493, and steered farther towards the south than in tiie fust expedition : by which he en- joyed more steadly the benefit of the regular winds, which pre- dominate between the tropics, and was carried towards a large cluster of Islands, situated considcra!)ly to the east of those which he had formerly discovered. On the second of November he made land, it w^as one of the Caribee or Leward islands, to which he gave the name of Dc- seada, on account of the impatience of his crew to discover some part of the New World. After this he touched successively at Domifiica, Marigalante, Guadaloupc, Antigua, St. John de Porto liico, and several other islands as he advanced towards the northwest. All these he found inhal)ited by that fierce race of people, whom Guacanahari had represented in such frightful rolours. From them the Spaniards met with such a reception as convinced tliem of their martial and daring sjsi/ it : and ther 34 HISTORY OF found in their iiabitations the relics of those horrid feasts, vvhicli they had made upon the bodies of their enemies taken in war. Columbus, eager to know the state of the colony he had left, proceeded directly to Uispaniola. When he arrived oftNavidad, where he had left the thirty-eight men under the command of Arada, he was astonished that none of them appeared; and expected every moment to see them running with transports of joy to welcome their countrymen. Foreboding in his mind what had befallen tliem, he rowed in- stantly to land. All the natives from whom he mii^ht have re- ceived information, fled at his approach. The fort which he had built was demolished, and the tattered garments, the broken arms and utensils scattered about it, left no room to doubt con- cerning the unhappy fate of the garrison. Whde the Spardards w^re lan,enting over the sad memorials of their countrymen, a brother of the cazique Guacanahari ar- rived, who gave Columbus a particular detail of what had hap- pened after his departure from the island. The conduct of the Spaniards, and their familiar intercourse with the Indians, tend- ed to diminish that veneration with which they at first inspired them. As soon as the powerful restraints, which the presence and ftuthority of Columbus imposed was withdrawn, the garrison threw off all subordination to the officer whom he had leftin com- mand. They roamed as freebooters through the country ; the g(dd, the women, the provisions, were all the prey of these licen- tious oppressors : they extended their rapacity to every corner of the island. Gentle and timid as the inhabitants were, unpro- voked injuries at length rouzed their courage. The cazique of Cibao, whose territories the Spaniards chief- ly infested, on account of the gold which they contained, sur- prized and cut off several straggling parties. He next assembled his subjects, surrounded the fort, and set it on fire. Some of the Spaniards were killed in defending it, the rest peiished in at- tempting to escape, by crossing an arm of the sea. Guacanahari, who still retained his affection for the Spaniards, took up arms in their defence, and received a wound, by which he was still con- fined. Columbus, although he entertained some suspicions of the fidelity of Guacanahari, yet he consideted that this was not a proper time to inquire into his conduct: he, therefore, reject- ed the advice of several of his officers, who urged him to seize the person of that prince, and revenge the death of their country- men by attacking his subjects. He considered it necessary ta secure the friendship of some potentate of the country, in or- der to facilitate the settlement which he inteaded. Therefore, in order to prevent any future injury, he made choice of a more AMERICA. 35 lieaUhj situation than that of Navidad. He traced out the plan of a town in a large plain before a spacious; ha>, «ind ku^M' eve- ry person put his hand to work on which their cofuinoii h^fety depended : the houses and ramparts were soon so far advanced by their united labour, as to afford theni shelter and se^'uitv. This beino; the first city founded in the ne\v world, by the Eu- it)peans, Columbus named it Isabella, in honour of his patroness, the queen of Castile. Columbus had to sustain all tliQ hardships in carrying on this necessary work, and encounter all the diffi- culties to which infant colonies are exposed, when they settle in an uncultivated country: he had also to contend with what was more difficult and insuperable, the laziness, the impatience, and the mutinous disposition of his followers. The natural inactiv- ity of the Spaniards, seemed to increase under the enervating' influence of a hot climate. Some of them were gentlemen un- used to bodily fatigue; they had engaged in the enterprize with the sanguine hopes, excited by the splendid and exaggerated ac- counts, of those who had returned with Columbus from his first voyage, conceiving that it was either the Cipango of Marco Polo, or the Ophirfrom whence Solomon imported those precious com- modities, which suddenly ditiused such immense riches through his kingdom. But when instead of that golden harvest, which they expected to reap without much toil or pains, they found their prospect of wealth was remote and uncertain : and, if attained, it must be by slow and persevering efforts of industry; the disappointment of their hopes occasioned such dejection of mind, as led to gen- eral discontent. In vain did Columbus endeavour to revive their spirils by expaciating on the fertility of the soil, and displayino- the specimens of gold daily brought in from the different parts oi the island. Their patience was too much exhausted to wait the gradual returns of the former, and they despised the latter as scanty and inconsiderable. A conspiracy was formed, which threatened fatal consequen- ces to Columbus, and the colony. Fortunately he discovered it, and seized the ringleaders; some of them he punished, and sent the others prisoners to Spain ; with these he sent twelve ships, which had served as transports, with an earnest request for a reinforcement of men, and a large supply of provisions. That the people might not have leisure to brood over their dis- appointments, and nourish a spirit of discontent, he sent them on several expeditions into the interior pnrt of t!ie country. One detachment he sent under the command of Alonzo de Ojeda. an enterprising officer, to visit the district of Cibao, Which was said to 3 ield the greatest quantity of gold ; and foliovved himself with the main body of the troops. He displayed in this expedition, all the pojnp of n.ilitary parade, in order to strike the ima- $a HISTORV Oi^ gination of the natives : he marched with colours flying, mariiai luusie and a small body of cavalry, that sometimes appeared in front and sometimes in the rear. The horses were objects of terror, no less than admiration, to the Indians, who were unac- quainted with that vast accession of power, which man had ac- quired by subjecting them to his dominion. They considered them as one animal with their riders : they were astonished at their speed, and deemed iheir strength and impetuosity irresista- ble. Notvvithstandinaj this display of power, wisely intended to in- spire the na'ives with a high idea of the strength of the Span- iards, Columbus did not neglect the art of gaining their love and confidence He adhered strictly to the principles of in- legfity and justice, in ad his transactions with them, and treat- ed them on every occasion, with humanity and indulgence. The district of Cibao was mountainous and uncultivated : in every brook and river gold was gathered, either in dust or grains; some of which were of considerable size. The Indians had never penetrated into (he bowels of the earth, in search of gold ; they had neither capacity nor inclination to refine the rude ore ; these were operations too complicated for their talents or industry: neiiher did they wish to put their ingenuity and inven.* tion upon the stretch, in order to obtain it. The Spaniards, however, no longer doubted that the country contained rich treasures in its hovvels, of whicii they soon expect- ed to he masters. The account of these promising appearances of wealth, in the country of Cibao, comforted the desponding colony, which was afilicted with distresses of various kinds. Pro- visions became scarce, and what remained was corrupted by the heat and humidity of the climate, so as to render it unfit for use. The ground the natives cultivated, was insuflicient for their own subsistence, and the Spaniards had neither time nor leisure, to reap any considerable fruits from their own industry. They now became afraid of perishing with hunger, and were reduced to live at short allowance. Diseases prevalent in the torrid zone, began to spread amongst them ; alarmed at their violence and unusual symjjitoms, they exclaimed against Colum- bus and the cou.'panions of his former voyuge, who, by their exag- gerated descriptions of HispaTiK.la, had allured them from their native country, to bcttle in a barbarous uncultivated land, to die either by famine or of unknown distempers. I'hese complaints came not only from the con^mon people, but several officers and persons of note, joined i^n these , seditious complaints: father Eoyle, the ajiusiolic vicar, was one of the most tuibulent and outrageous. It lequired all the authority and address of Colum- bus, to re-e.^tabiish order ard trancjuilitj m the colony. But the prospect of wealth, from the mines of Cibao, contributed to AMERICA. S7 soothe the malecontents, which they hoped would be a recompense for all their suiferings, and efface the memory of past disappoint- ments. When concord and order, were in a good degree estab- lished, Columbus resolved to pursue his discoveries, that he might be able to ascertain whether those new countries with which he had opened a communication, were connected with any region of the earth already known, or whether they were to be consid- ered as a separate part of the g;lobe, hitherto unvisited. He appointed his brother, Don Diego Columbus and a council of officers, to assist to govern the island in his absence. To Don Pedro Margarita, he gave the command of a body of troops, with whom he was to visit the different parts of the island, and endea- vour to establish the authority of the Spaniards. Having left them particular instructions vith respect to their conduct, he weighed anchor the twenty fourth of April, taking with him one ship and two small vessels. Durin* this voyage, he experienced all the hardships to which persons of his profession are commonly exposed, and notwith- standing he was out five months, made no additional discovery, except the island of Jamaica, which appeared beaudful in the ex- treme. As he sailed on this unknown course, he was entangled among rocks and shelves, retarded by contrary winds, assaulted by furious storms, and with terrible thunder and lightning, which is almost incessant, between the tropics. To add to his distress, his provisions fell short. His crew exhausted with fatigue and hunger, murmured and threatened : and were ready to proceed to Ihe most desperate extremities against him. Danger appearing in various forms, kept him on continual watch ; to issue every order, and superintend the execution of it. At no time were his skill and experience more severely tried ; to these the squadron owed its safety. Though naturally of a vigorous and robust constitution, such unremitted fatigue of body, and intense application of mind, brought on a pestilential fever, terminating in a lethargy, which considerdbiy impaired his reason and his memory, and nearly deprived him of his life. In this dilemma, the crew determined to return with all possible haste to Isabella, which they effected in five days : Coluuibus recover- ed his senses, on the abating of the fever, but he remained a con- siderable time in a feeble state. Here, to his inexpressible joy, he found his brother Bartholomew, which greatly contributed to his recovery. It was now thirieen years, since the two brothers had separated, and during that space had no intercourse with each other. Bartliolomew, after concluding his negociation at the court of England, had set out for spam, by the way of France. At Paris he first received the account of the discoveries his brother had made, in his first voyage, and that he was preparing to embark D 5S HlSTOUy OF > on a second expedition. This intelligenc^j^iade iiim pursue his journey with the utmost despatch : but Columbus hatl sailed be- fore he reached Spain. Ferdinand and Isabella received hira, with the respect due to the brother of a man, wliose services and merit had rendered him so conspicuous: and as they knew what consolation it would afford Columbus, they persuaded him to take the command of three ships, which they had appointed to carry provisions to the new colony. Columbus never stood more in need of such a friend to assist him, with his counsel, or of dividing with him liie cares of gov- ernment. "For although the provisions, now brought from Eu- rope, proved a temporary relief, from the calamities of famine, the quantity was too small to last them long, and the produce of the island was insufiicient to support them. They were also threatened with a datiger more formidable than the return of scarcity : and which demanded more immediate. attention. When Columbus was absent from the island, on this last expe- dition, the soldiers under the command of Margarita, contemned all subordination, but dispersed in straggling' parties over the island, lived at discretion on the natives, wasted their provisions, seized their women, and treated those inoffensive people, with all the insolence of military oppression. Wiiiie the Indians retained any hopes of their sufferings couiing to an end, by the voluntary departure of their invaders they submitted in silence, and dissem- oled their indignation : but, now that they discovered the yoke would be as permanent as it was intoleral3le ; self preservation, prompted them to assume courage, and attack their oppressors with united force, and drive them from the settlements, of which they had violently taken possession. Such were the sentiments, which universally prevailed amongst the Indians, when Colum- bus returned to Isabella, froni his last expedition. Inflamed, and justly irritated, by the outrages of the Spaniards, with a degree of rage, of which their gentle natures seomed hard- ly susceptible, they waited only for a signal from their leaders, to lall upon the colony. Some of the caziques had already sur- prised, and cut off several stragglers. The dread of impending danger united the Spaniards, and re-established the authority of Columbus, as they saw no prospect of safety, but in committing themselves to his prudent guidance. It was now become necessary, to have recourse to arms; an event, Columbus had anxiously wished to avoid. The vast su- periority of the natives in number, compensated in a great mea- sure their want of lire arms; one unforeseen event, might have proved fatal to the Spaniards. Conscious that success depended on the rapidity and vigour of his operations, Culumbus instantly assembled his forces, whicliwere reduced to a very small niun- Ai\iERlCA. Gb her. two [iuntlreti ibot, twenty horse, and as many large dogs, were all the force he could muster, against (agreeable to the Span- ish accounts,) one hundred thousand Indians. Although it may seem strange, to mention dogs as composing part of a military force, they were perliaps, as formidable and destructive as so many men in arms, when employed against naked and timifl Indians. All the caziqucs of the island, (Guacanahari excepted, who still retained an inviolable attachment to the Spaniards,) were in. arms to oppose Columbus. Instead of attempting to draw the Spaniards into the woods and mountains, they were so imprudent, as to take their station in the most open plain in the country, Columbus did not allow them time to perceive their mistake, or to alter their position. He attacked them during the night, and obtained an easy and bloodless victory. The noise and havoc made by the iire arms ; the impetuous force of the cavalry, and the fierce onset of the dogs, was so great that the Indians were filled with consternation : they threw down their arms, and fled without making any resistance: many of them were slain, more were taken prisoners, and reduced to slavery. From that moment they abandoned themselves to des- pair, and relinquished all thouglits of contending with aggressors, whom they deemed invincible. Humanity must lament the sad reverse of that unhappy race, who had enjoyed the free and un- molested enjoyment of their native woods ; their wants were sup- plied by the spontaneous productions of the earth ; but now a race unknown had invaded their country, and forced them to submit to exactions unthought oi", and arbitrary impositions, which they were by no means enabled to comply with, consistent with their ideas of perfect liiDcrty. Columbus employed several months in the year 1495, in march- ing through the island, and in subjecting it to the Spanish govern- ment without meeting with any opposition. He imposed a tax upon all the inhabitants above the age of fourteen : each person who resided in the district where gold was to be found, was obliged to pay quarterly as much gold dust as would fill a hawk's bill; from others, twenty-fi.ve pounds of cotton were demanded. This served as a precedent for exactions still more oppressive. Contrary as these exactions were to the maxims which Columbus had hitherto inculcated, yet the intrigues carried on at the court of Spain at this juncture, with the manifest design to undermine his power, and discredit his operations, constrained him to de- part from his own system of administration. Several unfavourable accounts of his conduct, as well as the eountries, discovered by him, had been transmitted to Spain. Margarita and Father Boyle were at court, and in order to gratifv their resentment, v/atched with malevolent attention for oppor- 40 HiSTORl Oh V ■ -^■--^ tunities to spread insinuations tohisdisad^^tage. Several others about the court viewed his arrowing reputHtibh with envious eyes. Fonscca, the archdeacon of Seville, vvho was intrusted with the chief direction of Indian affairs, for some reasons not made pub- lic, listened with impartiality to every inveciive. ft was not easy for an uniViended stranger, unpractised In the courtly arts, to counteract the mathir.ations of such pow erful ene- mies. There remained but one mrthod to support tiis credit, and silence his enemies, he nvust produce such a (luantity (»f gold, as would justify his reports, with respect to the richness of the coun- try ; the necessity of obtaining it, forced him not only to impose this heavy tax upun the Indians, but to exact payment of it with extreme rigour; ,and furnished him with a plausible excuse for departingfrom that mildness and humanity, with which he had uniformly treated that unhappy people. This imposition appeared the mcsst intollerable of all evils ; ac- customed to pass their days in a careless m.anner, tins restraint upon their liberty was so grievous, that they had recourse to an ' expedient to deliver themselves from a yoke, imposed upon them by a handful of strangers ; to whom tliey were under no obligations. Their impatience and despair prompted them to fall upon an expedient, which to them appeared an infallible method to rid them of their troublesome neighbours. They agreed to suspend all agricultural operations, and from the voracious appetites of the Spaniards, concluded the execution of it very practicable. They pulled up the Manioc roots that were planted, and plant- ed no Maize ; and retired to the most inaccessible parts of the v/oods, leaving the uncultivated plains to their enemies. This desperate resolution produced some of the eiFects intend- ed ; the Spaniards were reduced to great want; but they re- ceived some seasonable supplies from Europe, and found so many resources in their own ingenuity and industry, that they suffered no great loss of men. The Indians were ihe greatest sufferers by this ill concerted policy. Shut up among barren mountains, without sny food but the wild productions of the earth, distressed by famine, conta- gious diseases were the consequence: and in the course of a few months, more than a third part of the inhabitants perished. ' Columbus now began to have serious thoughts of returning to Spain. His enemies at court had gained considerable influence : they represented his prudent care to preserve discipline and sub- ordinati(m, as excess of rigour ; the punishments he inflicted upon the mutinous and disorderly, were imputed to cruelty ; and he was represented as inconsiderately ambitious: these accusations obtained such credit in a jealous court, that a commissioner was appointed to repair to Hispaniola, to inspect into the conduct of Columbus. AMEttiCA. 41 By the inlluciice of.iils enemies, Aguado, a groom of tlie bed chamber, was made choice of, upon this occasion ; a man whose capacity was by no means fit for the station. Pulled u[) with such sud(ien*^and unexpected elevation, Aouado disphiyed all tliat fri- volous self importance and insolence, natural to little minds, in the exercise ot his ofrice. He listened with eagerness to every accusation against Columbus, and encouraged, not only the evil disposed among the Spaniards, but also the Indians; by v/hich partial conduct he fomented jealousies and dissentionsin the col- ony, wthoute^taiilishino; any regulations for the public good : and \shile he wished to loaracti(*e, from wliich pernicious consequen- ces have f(»lio\ved, and can be imputed to no other cause. Columbus easily obtained the royal apnrol)ation to every mea- sure and regulation he proposed : but his endeavours to carry them into execution, were lony; retarded, and must have tired out any man of less paiience than hiiaself. Those delays were occasioned, partly by that tedious procrastination, so natural to the Spaniards; partly by tha exhausted state of the treasury, wh/ich at that time was drained by the celebration of the marriage of Ftrtiinand and Isabella's only son, uith iSlargaret of Austria; and that of Joanna, their daughter, with Philip of Austria: but tlie chief source of all these delays, must principally be imputed to the malice of his ene»iiies. These, astonislied at the reception Columbus had met with, and overawed by his presence, gave way for some time, to a tide of favour too strong for them to oppose. Their enmity hovvever, was too strong to remain long inactive: but by the assistance of Fonseca, minister for Indian atfairs, w!io was now promoted to be bishop of Badajos, they threw in so many obstacles, that the pre- parations were retarded one whole year, befoi-e he could procure tv. ships, to send over a part of the supplies intended for the col- ony ; and near two years were spent before the small squadron was ready, of which he waste take the command. This squad- ron consisted of six ships of no great burden, and indifterently provid'rid for a long voyage. He now meditated a dillerent course from v/hat he had before undertaken: stili possessed with those erroneoiis ideas, which at iirst induced hiin to consider the country he had discovered, as a part of the coniinent of India : he expected to find those fertile regions to the south-west of the countries he had discovered. He therefore proposed, as the niost certain for finding out these to stand directly for the Cape de Yerd islands, until he came under the equinoctial line, and then to stretch to tlie west before a fa- vournble wind vvhich blows invariably betv/een the tropics. Full of this idea he sel sail for his third voyage, on the thirtieth of Mavj 1498, and touched at the Canaries and Cape de Veid Inlands; from Ferro he despatched three of his ships with a sup- ply of provisions for the colony of Hispaniola, with the other three he pursued his course to the south. No remarkable occurrence happened until they arrived within five degrees of the line, when they were becalmed, and the heat was so excessive that the Spaniards were apprehensive the ships, would lake fire j their fears were relieved by a shower of raiP;, 44 HISTORY OF but did not much abate the heat. The adojiral was so fatigued by unremittino- care and loss of sleep, that^e was seized with a violent fit cf the gout and a fever. These ciicumstances induced him to listen to the remonstran- cesi of his men, and to altar his course to the north west, that he nii;:i»i reach some of tiie Caribre islands, where he might refit, and obtain a fresh supj3ly of provisions. On the first of August, the man stationed in the round-top, sur- prized them wiih the joyful cry of Laud.' Coluuibus named it Trinidad, which nan)e it still retains; it lies near the mouth of i\\Q river Oronoco, on the coast of Guiana. This river rolls to- wards the ocean such a vast body of water, and with such an impetuous force, that when it meets ihe tide, which on that coast rises to an uncommon height, occasions such a swell and agita- tion, that it is both surprising and formidable. Columhus, before he was aware of the danger, was entangled A^ith those adverse currents, and OMcd his safety by boldly ven- turinj? through a narrow strait which appeared so tremendous, tliat he called it La Boca del Drag-o: no sooner was the con- sterr.ation subsided, than Columbus drew conifort and consolation from a circumstance, so full of peril. He wisely concluded that such a vast body of water, could not be supplied bj any island, but must fio'v through a country of immense extent, and that he had now in consequence, arrived at that country, which had been the main object of Ins pursuit. Full of this idea, he stood to the west along the coast of those provinces, now known by the names of Paria and Cumana. He landed in several places, and found the inhabitants resembled those of Hispaniola,; tliey wore, as ornaments, small places of gold and pearls of considerable value, which they willingly ex- changed for Kuropean toys. Their understanding and courage appeared superior to the inhabitants of the islands. This country produced four-footed animals of different kinds, and a great variety of fowls and fruit. The admiral v\as so much delighted with its fertility, that with the warm enthusiasm of a discoverer, he imajiined it to be the paradise described in Scrip- ture, vyhich the Almighty had chosen for the residence of man, \\hile he was innocent and worthy of such a possession. Thus., Columbus had the glory of discovering a new world, making considerable progress towards a perfect knowledge of it, and was the first man who conducted the Spaniards to that vast settlement, which has been the chief seat of their empire, and source of their treasures. The weak situation of his ships, scar- city of provisions, and his own infirmities, together with the im- patience of his crew, made it necessary for him to steer away for Hi'-paniola. On the thirtieth of August, 1498, he reached that island J and fouu'4 the colony in such a siiuation, as left him no AMERICA. 46 prospect oi enjoying that repose, which he stood so much in need of. Many changes had happened, during his absence. His bro- ther, the Adelantado, agreeable to former instructions, had re- moved the colony from Isabella, to a more convenient station, on the opposite side of the island, and laid the foundation of the town of St. Domingo. As soon as they were established in this new settlement, the Adelantado, to prevent the people from forming new cabals, marched into other parts of the island, which his brother had not yet reduced to obedience ; as the people were unable to resist, they submitted every where to the tribute imposed. While the Adelantado was thus employed, an alarming mutiny broke out, among the Spaniards : the ring-leader was Francis Roldan, who was placed by Columbus, to be the guardian of order and tran- quility, in the colony. The arguments he employed to seduce his countrymen, were frivolous and ill-founded. He accused Columbus and his three brothers of arrogance and severity. He insinuated that they aimed at establishing an independent dominion in the country : for this purpose, they designed to cut off part of the Spaniards, by hunger and fatigue, that they might, the more easily, reduce the remainder to subjection; he said, it was unworthy of Cas- tilians, to be the tame and passive slaves of three Genoese ad- venturers. By these insidious means, strengthened by his rank, a deep impression was made on the minds of his countrymen, already prepared to receive unfavourable impressions. A considerable number made choice of him, foi-* their leader, and took up arms against the Adelantado and his brother, seized the king's maga- zine of provisions, and endeavoured to surprize the fort at St. Domingo. This was preserved by the vigilance of Don Diego Columbus. The mutineers were obliged to retire to the province of Xaragua, where they continued, not only to oppose the Ade- lantado's authority themselves, but excited the Indians to throw off the yoke. Such was the distracted state of the colony, when Columbus arrived. He was astonished to find that the three ships, which he had despatched from the Canaries had not yet arrived. By want of skill in the pilots, and the violence of Ihe currents* they had been carried one hundred and sixty miles west of St. Domingo, and forced to take shelter in the harbour of the pro- vince of Xaragua, where Roldan and his seditions followers were cantoned. Roldan carefully concealad from the commanders, Ins insurrection against the Adelantado, and employed all his art to gain their confidence, persuaded them to set on shore, a con- siderable part of the new settlers, whom they brought over, that they might proceed by land to St. Domingo. 4(i tllSTORY OF It required no great- argument \vith those men, to espouse his cause. They were the refuse of the jails oi" Spain. These were familiariztd to deeds of violence, and eagerly returned to a course of life to which the^^ had been accnstonied. The commanders of the ships were convinced, when it was too late, of their impru- dence, and stood away for St. Domingo, and got safe into port a few days after their admiral. - ^ Ihese ships brought but small relief to the colony, their pro- visions beins,' much reduced, by the length of the voyage. Roldan, by the additional force of his new assDcfates, became extremely formidable, and ex-ravapnt in his demands. Columbus, filled with resentment at bis ingratitude, and highly incensed at the insolence of his followers, yet appeared in no haste to take the field. He trembled at the thoughts of kindling the fiames of ci- vil war. He saw wilh regret, that the prejudices and passions which had excited the rebels to take arms, had infected those who still adhered to him, and were all cold to the service. He therefore chose to negociate rather than fight. By a seasonable proclamation, oft'ering free pardon to such as returned to their duty, he made impressions on some of the malecontents. To those who were desirous of returning to Spain, he gave full liberty : by this he allured all those that were disgusted With the country, and disappointed in their views. He soothed Roldan's pride, by promising to restore him to his former ofliee ; and by complying with the commands of others, he satisfied their avarice. Thus gradually, and without bloodshed, after several tedious negoci- ations, he dis&olved a confederacy that threatened ruin to the colony, and restored order and regular' 2;overnment. This mutinous disposition in the people, prevented Columhus from prosecuting his discoveries on the continent. As soon as his attairs would permit, he sent some of his ships to Spain, with an account of the voyage he had made, together Mith a descrip- tion of the countries, which he had discovered ; a chart of the coast along which he sailed; also specimens of the gold, pearls, and other curiosities f(»und there. At the same time he trans- mitted an account of the insurrection in Hispaniola. Roldan and his followers, did not neglect to convey to Spain, by the same ships, an apology for their conduct, and recriminated upon the admiral, and his brothers. ,^ / Unforfunately for the honour of Spain, and the happiness of Columhus, Roldan gained the most credit at court, and produc- ed unexpected events. The perpetual occupation and disquiet, which the malecontents in the colony gave him, prevented him from attending to the machinations of his enemies, in the court of Spain. Several of these had embraced the opportunity of re- turning to Europe, in the ships Columbus had despatched from. St. Domino;o. ^AMEIliCA. 4? Inflamed with ra2;e at the disappointment of all their hopes, heir poverij and distress excited compassion, and gave their ac- Jiisations the appearance of probability, and made tiieir com- jlaints interesting. They teazed Ferdinand and Isabella, with nemorials, containing an account of their own grievances, and charges against Columbus. Whenever the king and queen ap- peared in public, they were surrounded by a crowd of petitioners, Icmanding payment of arrears due to them, and vengeance on Columbus, as the author of their sufferings. The admiral's sons tvere insulted wherever they met theuj. reproaching (hem as the jifspring of a projector, whose fatal curiosity had discovered those pernicious regions, which drained Spain of its wealth, and would prove the grave of its people. Tljcse endeavours to ruin Colunjbus, were powerfully second- ed by that party of courtiers, who had always thwarted his schemes, and v/ere stu?ig with envy at his success and credit. Ferdinand listened with a willing and partial ear to every accusation : time had now diminished the first sensations of joy, which the discovery of the New World had occasioned, and fame alone was not suHicient to satisfy the cold and avaricious mind of Ferdinand. lie considered Spain as a loser by the enterprize bf Columbus, and imputed it to his incapacity for government, that a country abounding in gold, had not yielded a greater val- ue to its conquerors. Even Isabella began to give way to the uumber and boldness of his accusers, and concluded, that there must have been some occasion, on his part, thatcaused such heavy complaints against him. This was no sooner known than a lesoluiion fatal to Columbus was taken. . Francis de Bovadilla, a knight of Calatrava, was appointed to repair to Hispaniola, with fuli powers to inquire into the conduct of Columbus; and if he found the charge of mal-administration proved against him, to supercede him in the government. It was impossible for Columbus to escape condemnation, when this pre- j posterous commission made it the interest of the judge to find him guilty. ] Though Columbus had restored tranquility in the island, though :he had brought both Spaniards and Indians, to submit quietlylo [his government, y^it the interested Bovadilla, without attending to the merit of^^^hose services, shewed a determined purpose of treating him stik criminal. He seized the admiral's house in St. Dotningo, when he was absent, with all his efleets; he rendered himself master of ihe fort and the king's stores, by violence; and required all persons to aeknowledgie him as supreme governor: 'he set at liberty all the prisoners cOnlined by the admiral ; and summoned him to appear before his tribunal to answer for his conduct, sending him at tlie same time a copy of toe royal mandate,., by whicli^Columbus was enjoined to yield implicit obe- dience to his commands.. 4S HISTORY OF Columbus, though deeply affected with the ingratitude and in- justice ut Ferdinand and Isabella, submitted with a respectful saeuce to the will of his sovereigns, and repaired directly to the court of that violent and partial judge. Bovadilla, without ad- mitting him to his presence, ordered him instantly to be arrested^ loaded with chains, and hurried on board a ship. Under this hu- miliating reverse of fortune, that firmness of mind which had hitherto supported him did not* forsake him. Conscious of his own integrity, and solacing himself with the s;reat ihings he had acnieyed, he endured this insult, not only with that composure, but dignity that surprized and overawed his enemies. BovaiiiUa, to excuse his own conduct and to load Columbus wi(h infamy, encouraged all persons, however infamous, to lod^e in- formations, though false and inconsistent, against him ; outot these Bovadilla collected materials to support an accusation, which he transmitted to {Spain, at the same titne that he ordered Columbus and his two brothers to be carried thither in fetters. And added the cruel insult of confining the brothers in diiferent ships, ex- cluding them from that friendly intercourse, which might have soothed them under sucli accumulated distress. But although the Spaniards in Hispaniola approved of the arbi- trary and cruel proceedings of Bovadilla, there was one man who still remembered how much his countrymen were indebted to Columbus ; and was touched with pity for the man who had performed such great actions. This was Alonzo de Valejo, the captain ot the vessel on board of which the admiral was confined. ' As soon as he was clear of the island, he approached his prisoner with great respect, and offered to r^ease him from the fetters with which he was so unjustly loaded. " No," replied Columbus, with a noble indignation, " 1 wear these irons in consequence of " an order froni luy sovereigns ; they shall find me as obedient to *' this, as to their other injunctions. By their command I am " brought into this situation, and their command alone, shall set '• meat libert}'." The vo}dge to Spain was fortunately very short. As soon as % Ferdinand and Isabella were informed that Columbus was brought * hoiiic a prisoner, in chains, they felt the necessity of disavowing all such inhuman proceedings. They saw that all Europe would be tilitd with indignation at such ungenerous conduct towards a man lo whom they were so much indebted, and who had per- form ed actions v.orthy of the highest recompense. Ashamed of thei. own ccnduct, and eager tu make some reparation for this injury, as wcil as to efface the stain upon their own characters, thej insiaiiil^ issued orders to set Columbus at liberty; invited hiui tu cuuit . and remitted money to enable him to appear there in a Oidmici suitaOie to tiis rank W hen he c»ihe inio the rojal presence, the various passions AMERICA. 49 which agitated his mind, for a time suppressed the power of ut- terance. He at length recovered himself, and justified his con- duct by producing the fullest proof of his innocence and integri- ty: and exposed the evil designs of his enemies. Who, not con- tented with having ruined his fortune, aimed adeadlj blow at his honour and fame. He was treated by Ferdinand with decent civility : by Isabella with tenderness and respect. They con- curred in expressing their sorrow for the treatment he had so un- justly received, disavowed their knowledge of it, and promised him protection and future favour. Bovadilla was instantly degraded, that all suspicion might be removed from themselves, as authors of such disgraceful and vio- lent proceedings : yet they refused to restore to Columbus those privileges before granted him as viceroy : and -which he so just- ly merited. Though willing to appear the avengers of Colum- bus's wrongs, a mean illiberal jealousy still subsisted. To a man who had discovered and put them in possession of a country, that was the source of envy to all Europe, they were afraid to trust: they retained him at court, under various pretexts; and appointed Nicholas de Ovando, a knight of the military order of Alcantara, governor of Hispaniola. This ungenerous conduct exasperated Columbus to such a decree, that he could no longer conceal the sentiments which it excited. Wherever he went, he carried about with him the fetters with which he had been loaded. He had them hung up in his chamber, and he gave orders that when he died, they should be buried with him. Notwithstanding this ungenerous treatment of Columbus, the Spirit of discovery continued active and vigorous. Roderigo de Bastidas, and John de la Cosa, fitted out two ships in company; the latter having served under Columbus in two of his voyages, was deemed the most skilful pilot in Spain. They peered di- rectly for the continent, and arrived on the coast of Paria, and continuing from thence west, discovered the coast of the pro- vince now called Terra Firuia, from Cape de Vala, to the gulf of Darien. Not long after Ojeda, with Amerigo Vespucci, set out on a se- oond voyage, and held the same course with the former, and touched at the same places. The voyage of Bastidas was prosperous and lucrative: that of Ojeda unfortunate. But both tended to increase the ardour of discovery ; for, in proportion as the Spaniards becaoie ac- quainted with the extent of the American continent, their ideas of its opulence and fertility, increased. Before these adventurers returned, a fleet was equipped at the public expense, for carrying over Ovando, the new governor, to Hispaniola. His presence was very necessary, that a period might be put to the imprudent administration of Bovadilla, which E 50 HISTORY OF thieat'^ned tlie destruction of the colony : who conscious of tb irjusiice and violence of hisproceedin2:s against Columbus, matle it his sole study to gain the favour of his countrymen, by grati- fying their passions, and accommodatrng himself to their preju- liices. With this intent he established regulations in every respect Ihe reverse of those which Columbus had deemed essential to the welfare of the settlement. Instead of that severe discipline, which was necessary to habituate the dissolute and corrupt mem- bers of society, and restrain them within proper bounds, he suffered them to enjoy such uncontrolled liberty, as led to the most extravagant excesses. So far from protecting the Indians, he gave a legal sanction to the oppressi,9n of that unhappy peo- ple. He divided them into distinct classes, and distributed them amongst his adherents: reducing them to a state of complete servitude. The rapacity and impatience of the Spaniards after gold, was such, that in their pursuit of it, they neglected all other means of acquiring wealth. The Indians were driven in crouds to the mountains and eomj?elled to work in the mines, by masters who imposed their tasks without mercy or discretion. Labour so dis- proportioned to their strength and former haMts of life, wasted that feeble race of men, with such rapid consumption, as must soon have exterminated the ancient inhabitants of the island. The necessity cf providing a remedy for these evils, hastened Ovando's depart-tire. He commanded the most respectable ar- mament hiti>erto futed out foi* the new world. It consisted of ihirty-tvvo ships, having on boai-d two thousand five hundred per- ^;ons, with an intention of settling the'country. ^ Upon (lie arrival of the new governor, Bovadilla resigned his charge, and was commanded to return instantly to Spain, to i^nswer for*bis conduct. I^oldan and the other ringleaders of the mutineers, who had be^n so active in opposing Columbus, were ordered to leave the island at the sauie time. The natives \vere declared free subjects of Spain, by public proidamation : of whom no service was' required, without paying them the full j)riie of their labour. Various regulations were made tending uvsuppress the licentiousness of the Spaniards, which had been ;,o fatal to th^ colony. To limit the exoibitant gain which private persoi^" were sup- posed to make by working the mines, an order was published, directing all the goldf to be brought to a public smelting house ; undone half of it vvas declared to he the property of the ero\yn. While these steps were taking for thes.icurity and tranquility of the colony. Columbus was enga.j;ed in the fruitless and un- pleasant employment of holiciting an ungrataful court to fulfil its a"^i eements : and demanded, according to the orij^inal capit* AMERICA. 51 ulation in the year 1492, to be reinstated in his office of viceroy ater the countries which he had discovered : but he solicited in vain. The greatness of his discoveries, and the prospect of their increasing value, made the jealous Ferdinand consider the con- cessions in the capitulation as extravagant and impolitic ; he in- spired Isabella, with the same sentiments : and under various pre- texts, equally frivolous and unjust, they eluded all the requi- sitions of Columbus to perform that, which a solemn treaty » bound them to accomplish. After attending the court of Spain near two years, as an humble suppliant, at length he was convinced that he laboured in vain. But even this ungenerous return did not discourage him from pursuing the great object which first ci^lled forth his inventive genius, and excited him to attempt discovery. To open a new passage to the East Indies was his original and favourite scheme. This continued to engross his thoughts : he conceived an opinion that beyond the continent of America, there was a sea which ex- tended to the East Indies, and hoped to find some Strait or nar- row neck of land, by which a communication might be opened ; and from the part of the ocean already known, by a very fortu- nate conjecture, he supposed this strait or isthmus to be situated near the gulph of Darien. Filled with this idea, though now far advanced in age, worn out with fatigue, and broken with infirmities, he offered cheer- fully to undertake a voyage which would ascertain this impor- tant point, and perfect the grand scheme which from the begin- ning, he proposed to accomplish. Ferdinand and Isabella willingly came into the proposal: they were glad of some honourable employment that would remove from court a njan, with whose demands they were determined not to comply, and whose services it was indecent to neglect. Though unwilling to reward Columbus, they were sensible of his merits, they were convinced of his skill and conduct, and had reason to confide in his success. To these considerations there was a still more powerful influ- ence. About this time (1502.) the Portuguese fleet under Cabral, arrived from the Indies ; and by the richness of its cargo, gave the people of Europe a more perfect idea, than they had hither- to been able to form, of the opulence of the east. The Portu- guese had been more successful in their discoveries than the Spaniards. They opened a communication with countries where industry, arts, and elegance, flourished, and where commerce had been long established, and carried to a greater extent than in any region of the earth. Their voyages thither yielded immediate and vast profit, in commodities that were extremely precious and in great request. Lisbon became the seat of commerce and of wealth : while Snain 5-2 HISTORY OF had only the expectation of remote benefit, and future gain, from the western world. *■ Columbus's offer to conduct them to the E^ast by a route which tte expected would be much shorter and less dangerous, was very acceptable to the Spaniards. Even Ferdinand was roused by s,uch a prospect, and warmly approved of the undertaking. Notwithstanding the importance of the object of this fourth voyage to the nation, Columbus could procure only four small barks: the largest of which did not exceed seventy tons burden : accustomed to brave danger, he did not hesitate to ac- cept the command of this pittifu! squadron. His brother Bartho- lomew, and his second son Ferdinand, the historian of his ac- tions, accompanied him. tie sailed from Cadiz on the ninth of May, 1502, and touch- ed as usual at the Canary islands : from thence it was his inten- tion to have directed his course for the continent ; but his larg- est vessel was so heavy a sailor, and unfit for the expedition, that he was obliged to bear away for liispaniola, that he might, if possible, exchange her for some ship of the fleet that had car- ried over Ovando. "When he arrived off St. Domingo, he found eighteen of these ships read^ loaded, and on the eve of their departure for Spain. Columbus immediately accjuainted the governor with the desti- r.alion of his voyage, and the accident which had obliged him to alter his route. He requested to enter the harbour, not only that he might have permission to negociate the exchange of his ship, but that he might take shelter, during the violent hurricane vh'- i he discerned was approaching: on that account he also ad- vised the governor to put otT the departure of the fleet bound for Spain. But Ovando refused his request and de:-? ised his coun- sel. Under circumstances in which humanity would have af- forded refuge to a stranger, Columbus was denied admittance into a country of which he had discovered the existence, and liad acquired possession. He was regarded as a visionary pro- phet, arrogating to himself the power to predict beyond the reach of human foresight. ^ -'^^ 'r The fleet set sail June 29lh, 1502, for Spain : and the ensu- ing night the hurricane came on, with dreadful impetuosity and violence. Columbus alone, aware of the danger, took precau- tions against it ; and saved his little squadron. The fleet bound to Spain met with the fate which the rashness and obstinacy of its commanders merited. Of eighteen ships, two or three only escaped. In this general wreck perished Bovadilla and Roldan, and the greater part of those who had been the most active in persecuting Columbus and oppressing the Indians ; together with all the wealth which they had acquired by injustice and cru- elty. It exceeded in value two hundred thoMsand Pesos j an im- AMERICA. 5.0 mense sum at that period, and would have been sufficient to screen them from punishment, and secure them a gracious re- ception at the Spanish court. One of the ships that escaped had on board all the effects of Columbus, which had been recovered from the wreck of his for- tune. Historians universally attribute this event to an imme- diate interposition of divine Providence, in order to avenge the wrongs of an injured man, as well as to punish the oppressors of an innocent people. The ignorant and superstitious formed an opinion, which the vulgar are apt to entertain with respect to persons acting in a sphere far above their comprehension ; they believed Columbus, to possess supernatural powers, and that he had conjured up this dreadful storm by magical art, and incantations, in order to be revenged on his enemies. The inhospitable reception which Columbus met with at His- paniola hastened his departure for the continent. He set sail July 14th, I0O2. and after a tedious and dangerous voyage, he discovered Guanara, an island not far from Honduras. * There he had an interview with some of the inhabitants, who arrived in a large canoe. They appeared more civilized, and had ac- quired more knowledge in the arts than any he had hitherto conversed with. In return to the eager inquiries of the Spaniards concerning the places where they got the gold, of which their ornaments were made; they directed them to countries situated to the west, which they described as abounding in that precious metal, in such profusion as to be made use of in common domestic ma- terials. ^ Instead of steering in search of a country so inviting, which would have conducted them along the coast of Yucatan, to the rich empire of Mexico, Columbus was so intent upon his favour- ite scheme of discovering that inlet to the Indian ocean, that he bore away to the east towards the gulf of Darien. In this navigation he discovered all the coast of the continent, from cape Gracios a Dios, to a harbour which, for its beauty and security, he named Puerto Bello. He searched in vain for the imaginary strait or inlet, through which he expected to make his way into an unknown sea : and though he went on shore several times, and advanced into the country, he did not penetrate so far as to cross the narrow isthmus which separates the gulf of Mexico from the great southern ocean. He was, however, so delighted with the country, and conceiv- ed such an idea of its wealth, from the specimens of gold pro- duced by the natives, that he resolved to leave a small colony upon the river Belem, in the province of Veragua, under the command of his brother, and to return himself to Spain, in order to procure what was requisite to render it a permanent estab?- 54 HISTOUi Ol!» libhmcTit. But'the ungovernable spirit of the people umier his command, deprived Columbus of the glory of planting the first colony on the continent of America. Their insolence and rapaciousness provoked the natives to take arms, and as they wore a more hardy and warlike race of men than the inhabitants of the islands, they cut ofF.apartof the Spaniards, and obliged the rest to abandon a station they were no longer able to maintain. •/# This was not the only misfrrtnne that befell Columbus : it was fcl owed by a succession of disasters. Furious hurricanes, with violent storms of thunder and lightning, threatened his leaky vessels with destruction ; m hile his disconsolate crew, exhaust- ed with fatigue, and destitute of provisions, were unwilling, or unable, to execute his commands. One of his ships was lost; he was obliged to abandon another totally unfit for service; and with the two \\hich remained, he quitted that part of the conti- nent which in his anguish he named the coast of vexation, and bore away for Hispaniola. New distresses awaited him in this voyage; he was driven back by a violent tempest from the coast of Cuba ; his ships fell ii)u I of each other, and \^ere so much shattered by the shock, that with the utmost difficulty they reached Jamaica, where he v/as obliged to run them aground to prevent them from sinking. The measure of his calamities seemed now to be fulL He was cast on shore upon an island at a considerable distance from the only settlement of the Spaniards in Am.erica. His ships were disabled beyond the possibility of repair. To convey an account of his situation to Hispaniola seemed impracticable ; and with- out this it w as in vain to expect relief. His genius ever fertile in resources, andmost vigorous in.those perilous extremities, when \vcakm,inds abandon themselves todespair^ discovered the only expedient which aiiibrded any prospect of deliverance. He had re- course to the hospitality of the natives, who considering the Span- iards as superior beings, were eager on all occasions to adminis- ter to their wants : from them he obtained tvv'o of their canoes f. in these, which were only fit for creeping along the coast, or crossing from one bay to another, Mendez, a Spaniard, and Fie- ^cbi, a Genoese, two gentlemen particularly attached to Colum- :jus, gallently cliered to set out for Hispaniola : a voyage of above iliirty leagues. This they accomplished in ten days, after encoun- reiiiig incredible dangers, and sufi'h fatigue that several of the Indians who accompanied them, sunk under it and died. The attcntuin paid them by the governor of Hispaniola, was nekher such as their courage merited, or the distress of Columbus and his associates required. Ovando, from a mean jealousy of Columbus,^ was afraid of permitting him iB^et his foot on ths islu.id uiider his government. AMERICA, qi? This ungenerous passion absorbed every lender sentiment for the njisfortunes of that great man ; and his own fellow citizens were involved in the same calamity. Mendez and Fieschi, spent eight months in fruitless petitions, and seeking relief for their commaiiH^rsind associates. During this period, the mind of Columbus was agitated by va- rious passions. At first the speedy deliverance expected from the success of Mendez and Fieschi's voyage, cheered the spirits of the most desponding; after some time, they began to suspect that they had miscarried in the attempt. At length they all con- cluded, that Mendez and Fieschi had perished. Hope, the last resource of the wretched, now forsook them and made their situ'ution appear more dismal. The only alter- native that appeared, w^as to end their miserable days among naked savages, far from their native country and friends. The seamen transported with rage, rose in open mutiny, threatened the life of Columbus, whom they reproached as the author of their calamities; seized ten canoes, which he had purchased of the Indians, and despising his remonstrances and entreaties, made oti with them to a distant part of the island At the same time, the natives murmured at the long residence of the Span- iards in their country. Like their neighbours, in Hispaniola, they considered the sup- porting so many strangers to be an intolerable burden. They brought in provisions with reluctance, and with a sparing handj and threatened to withdraw these supplies altogether. Snch a resolution would have been fatal to the Spaniards. Their safety depended upon the good-will of the natives ; and, unless thev coujd revive the admiration and reverence with which these simple people at first beheld them, destruction appeared una? voidable. Though the disorderly proceedings of the mutineers had, in a great measure, effaced those favourable impressions, the inge- nuity of Columbus suggested an artifice that completely answered their purpose : and not only restored, but encreased, the high opinion which the Indians had formerly conceived of them. By his skill in'astronomy he knew there would be a total ec- lipse of the moon. He assembled ail the principal persons of the district around him on the day before it happened : and after re- proaching them for their fickleness in v^^ithdrawing their affection and assistance from men, whom they lately had revered; he told them the Spaniards were servants to the great Spirit, who dwells in heaven, who made and governed the world ; that he was of- fended at their refusing to support men who were tli€ objects of his peculiar favour : was preparing to punish this crime witfi exemplarjr severity 5 and that very night the moon should with- hold her light, and appear of a bloody hue, as a sign of divine ^vrathj and an emblem of the vengeance ready to faU on them* 5i> fllSTORY OF To this marvellous prediction some of them listened with carfi* less indifference, others with credulous astonishment. But when the moon began gradually to be darkened, and at length appear- ed of a red colour, all were struck with terror. They ran with consternation to their houses, and returning instantly to Colum- bus loaded with provisions, threw them at his feet, conjuring him to intercede with the great Spirit to avert the destruction with which they were threatened. Columbus seeming to be moved by their entreaties, promised to comply vvith their desire. The eclipse went off, the moon recovered its splendour, and from that day the Spaniards were not only profusely furnished with provisions, but the Indians avoided every thing that could give them oftence : and paid a superstitious attention to them as long as they staid upon the island. During these transactions, the mutineers enraged at their dis- appointments, marched to that part of the island where Columbus remained, threatening him with new dangers and insults. While they were advancing, an event more cruel and affliictinj* than any which he dreaded from them, happened. The governor of Hispaniola, still under the influenee of dark suspicion, sent a small bark to Jamaica, not to relieve Columbus, or deliver his distressed countrymen, but to spy out their condition. ,^, Fearing the sympathy of those whom he sent would operate too powerfully in favour oif their countrymen, he sent Escobar, an in- veterate enemy of Columbus, who adhered to his instructions, with malignant accuracy; cast anchor at some distance from the island, approached the shore in a small boat, took a view of the wretched state of the Spaniards, delivered a letter of emp- ty compliment to the admiral, received his answer, and departed* When the Spaniards first descried the vessel standing towards the island, every heart exulted, expecting; the hour of their de- liverance had arrived ; but when the vessel disappeared, they sunk into the deepest dejection, and all their hopes were lost. Columbus alone, though he felt this wanton insult, retained such composure, as to be able to cheer his followers. He assured them that Mendez and Fieschi. had reached Hispaniola in safety ! and that they would speedily procure ships to carry them off; and as Escobar's vessel could not carry them all, he had refused to go with her, because he was determined not to abandon his faithful companions in distress : soothed with the expectation of speedy deliverance, and delighted with his apparent generosity, in at- tending more to their preservation than his own, their spirits revived, and he regained their confidence. The mutineers were now at hand. All his endeavours to re- claim those desperadoes, had no effect, but to increase their phrenzy. Their demands became more extrayagant. and their intentions more violent and bloody. It became necessary to opr ^ose them with open force. AMERICA. 57 f*^ Columbus, who had been long afflicted with the gout, could not take the field. His brother, the iVdelantado, marched against them. They quickly met. The mutineers rejected with scorn, all offers of accommodation, and rushed on boldly to the attack. They were repulsed at the first onset, and several of their most daring leaders were slain. The Adelantado, whose strength was equal to his courage, closed with their captain, wounded, dis- armed him, and made him a prisoner. This disconcerted the rest who fled with a dastardly fear, equal to their former inso- lence. Soon after they submitted in a body to Columbus, and bound themselves in the most solemn oaths, to submit to his com- mands. • Hardly was tranquility established, when the ships appear- ed, whose arrival Columbus had promised. With transports of jm the Spaniards quitted an island, in which the mean jealousy of Ovando had suffered them to languish above a year, exposed to misery in various forms. When they arrived at St. Domingo, the fourteenth of Au- gust, 1504, the governor with that mean artifice usually at- tending vulgar minds, that labours to atone for insolence with servility, now fawned on the man he had attempted to ruin. He received Columbus with the most studied respect, lodged him in his own house, and distinguished him with everjr mark of hon- our. But, amidst those overacted demonstrations of regard, he could not conceal the malignity latent in his heart. He set at liberty the captain of the mutineers, whom Columbus had brought over in chains, to be tried for his crimes, and threat- ened those who hadsadhered to the admiral, with proceeding to judicial inquiry into their conduct. Columbus submitted in silence to what he could not redress 5 but was impatient to quit a country und^r the jurisdiction of a man who had treated him with such inhumanity and injustice. His preparations were soon finished, and he set sail for Spain with two ships. Disasters still continued to accompany him| one of his vessels was so disabled, as to be forced back to St. Domingo; the other shattered by violent storms, sailed seven hundred leagues with jury masts, and reached with difficulty, the port of St. Lucar. There he received an account of an event, the most dis- couraging that could have happened. This was the death of his patroness, queen Isabella, in whose justice, humanity, and favour, he confided as his last resource. Not one was now left to redress his wrongs, or to reward him for bis services and suf- ferings, but Ferdinand, who had so long opposed, and so often had injured him. To solicit a prince, prejudiced against him, was irksome and hopeless. In this, however, was Columbit^ doomed to employ the close of his days. 58 HISTORY, &c. As soon as his health would permit, he repaired to cour where he was received with civility barely decent : he present ed petiiion after petition, demanded the punishment of his 0| pressors, and the rights and privileges bestowed upon him, I the capitulation of one thousand four hundred and ninety twt Ferdinand continued to amuse him with fair words and unmeai ing promises. Instead of granting his claims, he proposed e> pedients in order to elude them. The declining health of Columbus, flattered Ferdinand wit the hopes of being soon delivered from an importunate suitor : nor was he deceived in his expectations. Disgusted with the in gratitude of a monarch, whom he had served with such fidelity and success, worn out with fatigue and hardships, and broke? with infirmities, which these brought upon him, Columbus end- ed his life at Valladolid, on the twentieth of May, one thousaali five hundred and six, in the fifty-ninth year of his age. He died with composure of mind, suitable to the magnanimity which distinguished his character, and with sentiments of pietv becoming that supreme respect for religion, which he manifested jn every occurrence of his life. HISTORY OF AMERICA. BOOK II. WHILE Columbus was employed in his last voyage, the colo- vT of Hispaniola was pjradually acquiring the form of a regular jvernment : the humane solicitude of Isabella to protect the In- ans from oppression, and the proclamation, by which the Span- rds were prohibited from compelling them to work, retarded, r some time, the progress of improvement. The natives, who jnsidered exemption" from labour as supreme happiness, reject- I, with scorn, every alurement by which they were invited to 01 k. The Spaniards, accustomed to the service of the Indians, litted the island : many of those who came over with Ovando ere seized with distempers pecu^liar to the climate; and in a sort time near a thousand of them died. At the same time, the emand of one half of the product of the mines claimed by the own, was found to be an exaction so exorbitant, that there was -^ne to be found that would engage to work them upon such terms. >vando, to save the colony from ruin, relaxed the rigour of the )yal edict% and again distributed the Indians among the Span- rds, compelling them to work for a stated time, in digging the lines, or in cultivating the ground : to cover this breach of his istructions, he enjoined their masters to pay them a certain sum s the price of their work. He reduced the royal share of the .Id found in the mines to one fifth, and was so fortunate as to erHuade the court to approve of these regulations. The Indians, after enjoying a short respite from servitude, now elt the yoke of bondage to be so galling, that they made several ttempts to regain their freedom. This the Spaniards considered iS rebellion, and took arms in order to reduce them to obedience : considering them not as men fij^hting in defence of their liberty, out as slaves, who had revolted against their masters. Their ca- ziques when taken, were condemned like the leaders of a ban- ditti, to the most cruel and ignominious punishments; and all their subjects, without regard to rank, were reduced to the same abject slavery. Such was the fate of the cazique of Higuey, a province in the eastern extremity of the island. This war was occasioned by the perfidy of the Spaniards, in vi- olating a treaty, began and concluded by them with the natives: and was terminated by hanging up the cazique, who defended his people with a bravery that deserved a better fate. But his treatment of Anacoana, a female cazique, was still more treacherous and cruel. The province anciently called Xaragua, which extends from the fertile plain where Leogane is now sita- CO HISTORY OF aie- -b^ v^p^t^^j-n evtre-. ity ot the ^chtiid, was suHject to her autiiorst^ > at jjavtia with Vvhich tlie vvv.irt«?a of Ameica itrftolht- riMiiatl ahvavs crtUrted the frientlship of tne r^paniart^s, and cU ne them gf-od offices. But some uf tiie adherents of Roldan, having settled in her country, were so exasperated at her eiideavourine: to restrain their ex- cesses, that they accused her of a design of thro wing off the yoke, and destroying the Spaniards. Ovando, thou2;h he knew that little credit was due to such profligate characters, marched without further inquiry towards Xaragua, with Ihree hundred foot and seventy horsemen. To prevent the Indians from taking alarm at the hostile appearance, he gave out that it was his sole intention to vi-it Anacoana, to whom his countrymen had been so much indebted, and to regulate with her the mode of levying the tribute payable to the king of Spain. Anacoana, in order to receive this illustrious guest with due honour, assembled the principal men in her dominions, to the number of three hundred, and advancing at their head, accom- panied by a vast crowd of the lower rank, she welcomed Ovando with songs and dances, and conducted him to the place of her residence. There he was entertained for several days, with all the kindness of simple hospitality, and amused with'^games and spectacles usual among the natives, upon occasions of mirth and festivity. "... Amidst the security which this inspired, Ovando was meditat- ing the destruction of his unsuspicious and generous entertainer, and her subjects : and the manner in which he executed his scheme, discovered such meanness and barbarity, as must shock every lover of humanity. Under colour of showing the Indians an European tournament, he advanced with his troops in battle array. The infantry took possession of all the avenues which led to the village, while the horsemen encompassed the house in which Anacoana and her chiefs were assembled. These movements were beheld with ad- miration, without any mixture of fear, until upon a signal, the Spaniards drew their swords, and rushed upon the Indians, who were defenceless, and astonished at an act of treachery, which exceeded their conception. Anacoana was instantly secured ; all her attendants who were in the house, were seized and bound. Fire was set to the house ; and without examination, all those un- happy persons, the most illustrious in their own country, were consumed in the flames. Anacoana was reserved for a more ig- nominious fate. She was carried in chains to St. Domingo : and, after the formality of a trial before Spanish judges, she was con- demned upon the evidence of those ^ery men who had betrayed her, to be publicly hanged. AMERICA. GI The Indians, overawed and humbled by the destruction of their chief and principal men, submitted to the Spanish yoke. Ovando distributed them among his friends on the island. The exactions of their oppressors no longer knew any bounds. But barbarous as their policy was, and fatal to the natives, it produced considerable consequences, by calling forth the exertion of a whole nation, pointing it in one direction. The working of the mines was carried on with amazing success. During several years the gold brought into the royal smelting houses in Hispaniola, amountedannually to sixty thousand pesos, above one hundred thousand pounds sterling : an immense sum at that time. Although Ovando had treated the Indians with cruelty and treachery, he governed the Spaniards with v/isdom and justice : he established equal laws, and executed them impartially : he en- deavoured to turn the attention of the Spaniards to industry, more useful than searching the mines for gold. Some slips of the sugar- cane having been brought from the Canaries by way of experi- ment, were found to thrive with such increase in the rich and warm s«»ilof Hispaniola, that the cultivation of them became aa object of commerce : and in a few years, the manufacturing this commodity became the great object of the inhabitants, and most certain source of their weallh. But notwithstanding this prosperous appearance of the colony, a calamity impended, which threatened its dissokitios. The na- tives, on whose labour the Spaniards depended, wasted so fast, that the extinction of the whole race appeared to be inevitable. When Columbus discovered Hispaniola, the number of the inhab- itants was computed to be at least a million. They were now reduced to sixty thousand in the space of fifteen years. This amaz- ing consumption of the human species, was the effect of several concurring causes. The inactive indolence in which they w^ere used to pass their days, as it was the eff'ect of their debility, con- tributed to increase it ; their food aftbrded but little nourishment, and taken in such small quantities, as was not sufficient to invig- orate a languid frame, and render it equal to the efforts industry required. The Spaniards without attending to those peculiarities in the constitution of the Indians, imposed such tasks upon them, that many sunk under the fatigue, and ended their wretched days. Others in despair cut short their own existence with a violent hand. Diseases of various kinds completed the desolation of the island. The Spaniards thus deprived of their slaves found it impossible to extend their improvements, or even carry on the works which they had already begun. Ovando, in order to provide an immediate remedy for an evil so alarming, proposed to transport inhabitants of the Lucayo islands F 62 - HISTORY OF to Ilispanioiii, under pretence they mij^ht be civilized with more facility, and instructed to greater advantage in the christian faith, if they were united to the Spanish colony, and under the imme- diate inspection of the missionaries settled there. Ferdinand deceived by this artifice, or willing to connive at an act of violence which policy represented as necessary, assented to the proposal. Several vessels were fitted out for the Lucayos, the^commanders of which informed the natives, with whose lan- guage they were now acquainted, that they came from a delight- ful country, in which their departed ancestors resided, by whom they were sent to invite them to partake of that bliss which they enjoyed. The simple people listened with wonder and credulity; and delighted with the idea of visiting their relations and friends in that happy region, followed the Spaniards with eagerness. By this artifice, above forty thousand were decoyed into Hispa- iiiola to mingle their groans and tears with its naiive inhabitants. The ardour with which the Spaniards pursued their operations in the mines, and tlie success attending their pursuit seemed to have engrossed their whole attention : no enterprize of any moment iiad been undertaken since the last voyage of Columbus. But the japid decrease of the Indians rendered it impossible to aco^uire wealth with that facility as formerly ; ihey began to form new schemes of aggrandizement, and the spirit of discovering new countries revived. Juan Ponce de Leon, who corrmanded under Ovando in the eastern district of Hispaniola, passed over to the island of St. John de Puerto Rico, which Columbus had discovered in his second voyajrf^, aiw^penetrated into the interior part of the country. As lie found the soil fertile, and expected from the information of the inhabitants, \o discover gold mines in the mountains, Ovando per- mitted hin> to make a settlement. This was easily effected by that officer, who was eminent for his conduct and courage. In a few years Puerto Rico was sulyect to the Spanish govern- ment; the natives were reduced to servitude, and treated with the same inconsiderate rigour as those of Hispaniola; and were soon exterminated. About this time, Juan Diaz de Solis, in conjunction with Vin- cent Yanez Pinzon, one of Columbus's original companions, made a voyage to the continent. They held the same course which Columbus had taken, as far as to the Island of Guanicos ; but, standing from thence to the west, discovered a new and extensive province, afterwards known by the name of Yucatan, and pro- ceeded along the coast of that country. This led to discoveries of greater importance. Sebastian de Ocampo, by the command of Ovando, sailed round Cuba, and first discovered that this country, which Columbus once supposed to be part of the continent, was a large island. This was one of the last occurrences of Ovando's admimstration. AMERICA. - 60 Ever since the death of Columbus, his son Don Die^o, ..ad been employed in soliciting Ferdinand to grant him the offices of vice- roy and admiral, in the New World, together with all the other immunities and profits, which descended to him by inheritance, in consequence of the original capitulation with his father. But if these dignities and revenues appeared so considerable to Fer- dinand, that at the expense of being deemed unjust as well as ungrateful, he had wrested them from Columbus, it is not sur- prising that be should withhold them from the son. Don Diego, after wasting two years in fruitless solicitation, brought his suit against Ferdinand, before the council that man- aged Indian atlairs, and that court with that integrity, which re- flects honour upon its proceedings, decided against the king, and confirmed Don Diego's claim of the viceroyalty, and all the other privileges, stipulated in the capitulation. The sentence of the council of the Indies, gave him a title to a rank so elevated, and a fortune so opulent, that he found no difficulty in concluding a marriage with Donna Maria, daughter of Don Ferdinand de Toledo, great commendator of Leon, and brother of the duke of Alva, a grandee of the first rank, and nearly related to the king. The duke and his family so vvarmly espoused the cause of their new ally, that Ferdinand could not resist their solicitations. He recftlled Ovando, and appointed Don Diego his successor, in lo09: in conferring this favour, he could not conceal his jealousy; for he aUowed him only to as- sume the title of governor, and not that of viceroy, which had bsen adjudged to him. He soon repaired to Hispaniola, attended by his uncles, his wife, (v\honj the courtesy of the Spaniards honoured with the title of vice-queen) and a numerous retinue of persons of both sexes descended of good families. He lived with a splendour and magnificente liitherto unknown in the New VV^orld ; and the family of Columbus seemed now to enjoy the honours and re- wards due to his superior genius: and of which he had been cru- elly defrauded. The colony acquired new lustre by the accession of so many inhabitants of a different rank and character, from those who had hitherto emigrated to America: and many of the most il- lustrious families in the Spanish settlements, are descended from the persons who attended Don Diego at that time. Though it was above ten years since Columbus had discovered the main land of America, the Spaniards had hitherto made no settle- ment in any part of it : but Alonzo de Ojeda, who had former- ly made two voyages as a discoverer, by which he acquired considerable reputation, but no wealth; his character for intre- pidity and conduct, easily procured him associates, who advanc- ed the money requisite to defray the charges of the expedition 64 HISTORY OF About (he same time, Diego de Nicuessa, who had acquired a large fortune in Hispaniola, revived the spirit of his countrymen. Ferdinand eneouraged both ; and though he refused to advance the smallest sum, was very liberal of titles and patents. He erected two governments on the continent; one extending from the Cape de Vela, to the gulf of Darien, and the other from that to Cape Gracios a Dios. The former was given to Ojeda, the latter to Nicuessa. Ojedd fitted out a ship and two brigantines with three hundred men : Nicuessa, six vessels, with seven hundred and eighty men. They sailed about the same time from St. Domingo, for their respective governments. There is not in the history of mankind, any thing more singular or extravagant, than the form and cer- emony they made use of in taking possession of the country. They endeavoured to convince the natives of the articles of the Christian faith, and in particular, of the jurisdiction of the pope over all the kingdoms of the earth; and that he had grant- ed their country to the king of Spain : they required them to Jiubmit to his authority, and embrace the Catholic religion. If they refused to comply, Ojeda and Nicuessa, were authorized to attack with sword and fire; to reduce them, their wives, and children to a state of servitude, and compel them by force to submit to the authority of the king, and jurisdiction of the church. The Indians of the continent spurned with indignation at propositions so extravagant : they could not conceive how a foreign priest, of whom they had no knowledge, could have a right to dispose of their country ; or how a prince, altogether a stranger to them, should claim the right of commanding them as his subjects. They turned to ridicule such extravagant pro- posals, and fiercely opposed the new invaders of their territo- ries. Ojeda and Nicuessa, endeavoured to effect by force, what they could not accomplish by persuasion. They found the natives of the continent different from their countrymen in the islands : they v' ere fierce and brave. Their arrows were dipped in poison so deadly, that every wound was followed with certain death. In one encounter, they cut off" se- venty of Ojcda's followers, and the Spaniards were for the first time, taught to dread the inhabitants of the New World. No- thing could soften their ferocity. Though the Spaniards practis- ed every art to soothe them, and gain their confidence, they re- fused to hold any intercourse or exchange any friendly office: they considered them as enemies come to deprive them of their liberty and independence. Though the Spaniards received two considerable reinforce- ments, the greater part of those engaged in this unhappy enter- prize, perished in less than a year. A few who survived set" AMERICA. 65 tied a feeble colony, at Santa Maria el Antigua, on the guU of Barien, under the command of Vasco Nugnez de Balboa, who. in the most desperate extremities, displayed such courage and conduct as gained him the confidence of his countrymen, and marked him out for a leader, in more splendid and successful un- dertakings. Nor was he the only adventurer, who will appear with lustre in more important scenes. Francis Pizarro, who was one of Ojeda's companions, after- wards performed many extraordinary actions. Ferdinand Cor- tes, whose name still became more famous, had engaged early in this enterprize, which roused all the active youth of Hispani- ola to arms ; but the g;ood fortune which attended him in his sub- sequent adventures, interposed to save him from the disasters, to which his companions were exposed. He was taken ill at St. Domingo, before tlie departure of the fleet, and there detained. The unfortunate issue of this expedition in 1511, did not de- ter the Spaniards, from engaging in new schemes of a similar Kature. Don Diego Columbus proposed to conquer the island of Cuba, and to establish a colony there. Many persons of dis- tinction in Hispaniola entered with alacrity into the measure. The command of the troops sent on this expedition, was giv- en to Diego Velasquez, one of his father's companions in his se- cond voyage, whose ample fortune, long residence in Hispaniola, and reputation for probity and prudence, qualified him for con- ducting an expedition of importance. Three hundred men were deemed sufficient for the conquest of an island, seven hundred miles in length and filled with inhabitants. But as they were of the same un warlike people as those of Hispaniola, the un- dertaking was not very hazardous. The only obstruction the Spaniards met with, was from Ka- tuey, a cazique who had fled from Hispaniola and taken posses- sion of the eastern extremity of Cuba. He stood upon the de- fensive when they first landed and endeavoured to drive them back to their ships. His feeble troops, were soon broken and dispersed ; and he himself made prisoner. He was soon con- demned to the flames. While he was fastened to the stake, a Franciscan friar labouring to convert him, promised him the im- mediate joys of heaven if he would embrace the christian faith; *• Are there any Spaniards," said he after some pause " in that re- *'gion of bliss which you describe?" Yes, replied the monk, bat only such as are worthy and good. <* The best of them," repli- ed the indignant cazique, "have neither worth nor goodness : " I will not go to a place where I shall see one of that accursed race." With this dreadful example, the natives were so intimi- dated, that they submitted to their invaders, and Velasquez, without the loss of one man, annexed this large and fertile island to the Spanish monarchy. F-2 GG HISTORY OF Juan Ponre de Leon, about tiie year 1512, discovered Florida 3- lie attempted to land in different places, but was repulsed with such vifi^our bj the nauves, as convinced hirn that an increase of force v^as necessary, to make a settlenient with safety. But the priniary (bject v>hich induced him to undertake this vovHge, was a ,ple uninstructed Indians is not surprising : but that it should make an impression on enlightened people, ap- pears in the present age, altogether incredible. The fact how- ever is certain, end Robeitson, in his history of America, says, the most authentic Spanish historians mention this extravagant attempt of their crednlous c«untrytnen. Soon after the expedition to Florida a discovery of much great- er consequence was made in another part of America. Balboa having been raised to the government of Santa Maria in Darien, made frequent inroads into the adjacent country. In one of these excursions, the Spaniards contended with such eagerness about the division of some gold, that they weie upon the point of pro- ceeding to violence, A young cazique astonished at the high value they set upon a thing of \shich he did not discern the use,. tumbled the gold out of the balance with indignation ; and turn- ing to the Spaniards, " ^Vhy do you quarrel (said he) about such a trifle ? if you are so fond of gold as to abandon your own coun- try, and to disturb the tranquility of ottier nations for its sake, I v.ill conduct you to a region where this metal is in such abun- dance, that the most common utensils are made of it." Trans- ported with what they heard, Balboa and the rest inquired ea- gerly vhere (his country lay, and how they might arrive at it. He informed them that at the distance of six suns, (that is of six days' journey) they should discoveranother ocean, near to which this wealthy kingdom was situated ; but he told them if they in- tended to attack tliat pov\crful state, they must have forces far superior in number to those with which they now appeared. Balboa had now before him objects equal to his boundless am- bition, and the ardour of his genius : but previous arrangements and preparati(ms were requisite to insure success. It was his primary object to secure the friendship of the neighbouring ca- ziques ; he sent some of his officers to Kispaniola with a large quantity of gold. By a proper distribution of this they secured the favour of the governor, and allured volunteers into the ser- vice. A considerable reinforcement from that island joined him. and with these he attempted a discovery. The isthmus of Darien is not above sixty miles in breadth ; this neck of land atrciii^thened by a chain of lofty mountains^ AMERICA. (Tr stretching- through its s^hjAe extent, binds together the continents of North and 8(^uth America, and (ova^^ a i^ufficient barrier to re- sist the impulses of two opposite oceans. The mountains are co- vered with forests aliuost inaccess.ibie. The low lands are marsh V and frequently ove!flov^ed, so that the inhabitants find it necessary, in many places, to build their houses on trees, to avoid the damps from the soil, and the odious reptiles which breed in the putrid waters. To march across this unex[)lored country ^^ith Indian guides, of whose fideiity tiiey were doubtful, was the boldest ent^rprize undertaken by tlie Spaniards, since the first discovery of the New World. But tlie intrepidity and prudent conduct (if Bal- boa surmounted every obstacle. With only one hundred and ninety men and some of those fierce dogs, which were no less formidable to their naked enemies, and one thousand Indians, he set out on this expedition in the year 1513. No sooner did he begin to advance, than he was retarded by manv obstacles which he had reason to a|)prehend, from the na- ture of the country, and the hostility of its inhabitants. Some of the cazicjues fled at his approndi, with all their people to the mountains. Others collected their subjects in order to oppose his progress. When they had penetrated a considerable distance into the mountains, a powerful cazique appeared in a narrow pass, with a numerous body of troops to oppose them. The Spaniards, who had surmounted so many obstacles, de.-pised the opposition of such feeble enemies. They attacked them with such impetuosity, that the Indians gave way at the fir^t onset, and- many of them were slain ; after which the Spaniards continued their march. Though their guide had told them it was but six days' journey across the isthmus, yet they had now been twenty-five days ia forcing their way thioue;h the woods. Many of them were ready to sink under the fatigues they had undergone, and all began to be impatient to reach the period of their suff'erings : atlenij;th the Indians assured them that fronj the top of the next mountain they could discover the ocean which was the object of their wishes. "Wlien they had, with infinite toil, ascended the a;reater part of that steep ascent, Balboa commanded his men to halt, and he alone advanced to the sumnnt, that he might be the first to be- hold a spectacle which he had so long been in quest of. As soon as he beheld the South Sea stretching in endles prospect below him, he fell on his knees, and lifting- up his eyes to Heaven, re- turned thanks to God, who had conducted him to a discovery sa beneficial to his country, and so honourable to himself. His fol- lowers observing his transports, rushed forward and joined to.his- wonder, exultation and gratitude* 68 HISTORY OF They descended with alacrity to the shore, and Balboa ad- vancing u|) to his middle in the waves, with his buckler and fev>ord, took possession of that Ocean, in the nanpe of the king his n\aster, and vowed to defend it against all his enemies. That part of the great Pacific or Southern Ocean which Bal- boa first discovered, still retains the name of the gulf of St. Michael, which he gave it; and is situated to the east of Pa- nama. From several of the petty princes, who governed in districts adjacent to that gulf, Balboa extorted provisions and gold, by force of arms. Others supplied him voluntarily. To these ac- ceptable piesents some of the caziques added some valuable pearls : and he l^^arned from them that pearl oysters abounded in the ocean he had discovered. The people on* the coast of the South sea concurred in informing him that there was a mighty and wealthy kingdom situated eastwardly, the inhabitants of which made use of tame animals to carry their burdens. They drew upon the sand the figure of the Lamas or sheep v/hich the Peruvians had taught to perform such services as they described. Talboa led his followers baok by a different route, that he , might acquire a better knowledge of the isthmus. This route be found no less dangerous and difficult, than that which he had already taken. But being now elated with success, they sur- Biounted every difficulty, and returned to Santa Maria in safety. In this expedition none of Balboa's officers distinguished them- selves more than Francisco Pizarro in opening a communication ■with those countries in which he afterwards acted such an illus- trious part. The first care of Balboa was to send information to Spain of the dist;>very he had made, and to demand a reinforce- ment of a thousand men to attempt the conquest of that opulent cotintry, of which he had been informed by the Indian natives. The first account of the discovery of the New World did not excite grtater sensations of joy than that of a passage being at iast discj'vered to the great southern ocean, through which a passage to the East Indies, by a line to westward of the line of demarkation drawn by the Pope, seemed almost certain. Fer- dinand now expected to come in for a share of the vast wealth that flowed into Portugal ; his eagerness to obtain it made him willing to make greater efforts than Balboa n^quired. But his jealous disposition, and the fatal antipathy of Fonseca, now bi- shop of Burgos, to every man of merit, who distinguished him- self in the New World, were conspicuous. Notwithstanding the merit and recent services of Balboa, F'er- dinand was so ungenerous as to overlook those, and appointed Pe- drarias Davilla governor of Darien. He gave him the command of fifteen large vessels and twelve hundred soldiers ; these were fitted out with a liberally, at the public expense, which Ferdi- AMERICA. 69 Hand had never displayed in any former armament, destined for the New World ; and such was the ardour of the Spanish gen- tlemen to embark to a country where, as fame reported, they had only to cast their nets into the sea and draw out gold. Fifteen hundred of these accompanied Pedrarias : many more, had they been permitted, would have engaged in the expedition. Pedrarias arrived at the gulf of Darien without any remarkable accident, and immediately sent some of his principal officers on shore to inform Balboa of his arrival, with the king's commission to be governor of the colony. Balboa received them with dignity. The fame of his discoveries had drawn so many adventurers from the islands, that he could muster four hundred and fifty men : with these hardy veterans, who murmured loud at the injustice of the king in superceding their governor, Balboa was able to have defeated the forces Pedrarias brought with him ; but he submitted with implicit obedience to the commands of his sove- reign, and received Pedrarias with all the deference due to his character. The moderation of Balboa to which Pedrarias owed the peace* able possession of his government, did not screen him from the envy his merit had excited in the breast of the new governor. Pedrarias appointed a judicial inquiry to be made into his con- duct, and imposed a considerable fine upon him for certain irreg- ularities he had committed. Balboa felt his mortification sensi- bly in a place where he had held the chief command. Pedrarias could not conceal his jealousy of his superior merit, which gave rise to dissentions exti-emely prejudical to the colony. Balboa saw with concern, that the governor, by his ill-judged proceedings, retarded the execution of his favourite scheme, sent strong remonstrances to Spain against the imprudent government of Pedrarias, who had alienated the friendship of the natives from the Spaniards, by countenancing his troops to plunder and oppress them at pleasure. Pedrarias, on the other hand, accused j him of having deceived the king by magnifying his own exploits, and the opulence and value of the counl;ry. i Ferdinand was now sensible he had acted imprudently in su- \ perceding the most active and enterprising officer in the New j World, and to make Balboa some compensation, he appointed i him Adelantado,or lieutenant governor, of the countries upon the I South Sea, with very extensive privileges and authority. At the same time, he enjoined Pedrarias to support him in all his en- terprizes, and to consult with him in any measures he himself ' ])ursued. But Ferdinand's power was not sufficient to eradicate J that enmit} which Pedrarias had for Balboa. j The interposition and exhortations of the bishop of Darien, ( produced a short-lived reconciliation ; and Pedrarias agreed to I give his daughter in marriage to Balboa. The first effijct of their ;0 HISTORY OF concord was, that Balboa was permitted to make several excun- sions into the country. These were conducted with such pru- dence, as added to his reputation. Many adventurers resorted to him, and with the support of Pedrarias, he began to prepare for his expedition to the »South Sea. After surmounting many obstacles, he finished four brigan- tines; in these, with three hundred chosen men. (a force superior to ihat with which Pizarro afterwards undertook the same expe- dition) he was ready to sail towards Peru, when he received an unexpected messaj^e from Pedrarias, who began to dread the prosperity of a man, whom, (notwithstanding his late reconcilia- tion) he envied and feared; and so violently did the passions of hatred, fear, and jealousy operate upon his mind, that, in order to gratify his venejeance, he scrupled not to oppose the orders of his sovereign, and defeat an undertaking of the utmost impor- tance to his country. Under false but plausible pretexts, he desired Balboa to put off his voyage for a short time, and to repair to Aela, in order that he might have an interview with him. Balboa, conscious of no crime, instantly obeyed the summons 5 but, no sooner had he arrived, than he was instantly arrested, by order of Pedraiias, whose impatience to satiate his revenge, did not suffer him long to languish in confinement. Judges were immediately appointed to proceed on his trial. Disloyalty to the king, and an intention to revolt against the governor, were the crimes he was accused of: sentence of death 'was pronounced ; and notwithstanding the judges who passed it, seconded by the principal inhabitants of the colony, interceded warmly for his pardon, Pedrarias was inex- orable : and to the sorrow and astonishment of the whole colony, they beheld the public execution of a man, whom they univer- sally esteemed more capable than any who had command in America, of forming and executing great designs. After the death of Balboa, several officers who had served un- der Pedrarias, entered in to an association to undertake a voy- age of discovery. They persuaded Francisco Hernandez Cor- dova, a wealthy planter in Cuba, and a man of distinguished courage, to join with them in the enterprize Velasquez, governor of Cuba, approved of the design, and as- sisted in carrying it on ; he and Cordova advanced money for purchasing three small vessels, and furnished them with every thing necessary, either for traffic or war. One hundred and ten men embarked on board of them, and sailed from Cuba, on the eighth of February, 1517. They stood directly west, relying on the opinion of Columbus, v,ho uniformly maintained, that a westerly course would lead to the most important discoveries. On the twenty-first day after their departure from Cuba, they saw land ; which proved to be Cape Catoche, the eastern point AMERICA. 71 fti that large peninsula projecting from the continent, which stili retains its original name of Yucatan. >^ As they approached the shore, five canoes came off, filled with people decently clad in cotton garments; an astonishing specta- cle to the Spaniards, who had been accustomed to see nothing but naked savages, in all their former excursions. The natives, though amazed at the Europeans, invited them to visit their hab- itations, with the appearance of great cordiality. They landed accordingly ; and as they advanced into the country, they were surprized at the sight of large houses built with stime. Not- withstanding their improvements in the arts of civilized life, above their countrvmen, the Spaniards found them also more art- ful and warlike. For, though the cazique received Cordova with many tokens of friendship, he had placed a large body of his countrymen in ambush behind a thicket, who, upon a signal giv- en by him, rushed out and attacked the Spaniards with great boldness, and in some degree of martial order. At the first flight of their arrows, fifteen of the »Spaniards were wounded. But the Indians were struck with such terror, by the sudden explosion of their fire arms, and so intimidated not only ! by them, but by the cross-bows, and other weapons of their ene« I miej, that they fled precipitately; and Cordova was willing to I leave a country, where he had met with such a fierce reception, ( carrying olf two prisoners, together with the ornaments of a small I temple, which he plundered in his retreat. 1 He continued to pursue a westerly course keeping the coast in * view, and on the sixteenth day arrived at Campeachy. There ' the natives received them with more hospitality. They proceed- * ed further along the coast, and discovered the mouthof a river I at Pontonchon, some leagues beyond Campeachy. Cordova land- I ed all his troops to protect the sailors, who were employed in fill- i ing their casks with water. The natives, nevertheless, rushed i down upon them with such fury, and in such numbers, that forty- j seven of the Spaniards were killed upon the spot, and but one man among them escaped unhurt. Their commander, though Uvounded in twelve different places, directed the retreat with prudence equal to the courage with which he had led them on to i the engagement, and with much difficulty they regained their ships. Nothing remained now but to hasten back to Cuba with their shattered forces. They suti'ered extremely for want of water, especially the wounded and sickly who were exposed to the heat of th« torrid zone. Some of them died, and Cordova, their com- jmander, expired soon after they landed in Cuba. I Notwithstanding the unfortunate issue of this expedition, they liad HOW discovered an extensive territory not far from Cuba ; the circumstances related by the adventurers with exaggeiration r2 HISTORY OF natural to men desirous to spread the merits of their own exploits, were sufficient to raise romantic hopes and expectations. Great numbers offered to engage in anew expedition. Velasquez, eager to distinguish himself by some brilliant undertaking, as might en- title him to c'aim the government of Cuba, independent of the admiral, at his own expense fitted out four ships for the voyage. In these embarked two hundred and forty volunteers, among whom were several persons of rank and fortune. The command was given to Juan de Grijalva, a young officer of distinguished merit and courage. He sailed from Cuba on the , eighth of April 1518: they held the same course as in the former voyage ; but the violence of the currents carried them farther south. The first land they made was the island of Cozumel, to the east of Yucatan : and without any remarkable occurrence, they reached Pontonchon on the opposite side of the peninsula. The desire of revenging their countrymen who were slain there, as well as from policy, they were eager to land. But though they embarked all their troops, as well as some field pieces, the In- dians fought wiih such courage, that the Spaniards gained the victory with difficulty. From Potonchon they continued their voyage towards the^est, keeping near the shore. During the day their eyes were con- stantly towards the land, with surprize and wonder at the beauty of the country, and the novelty of objects around them. Many villages were scattered along the coast, in which they could dis- tinguish houses of stone that appeared white and lofty at a dis- tance ; one of the soldiers remarked that this country resembled Spain at a distance. Grijalva, with universal applause, called it New Spain, the name which still distinguishes this extensive and opulent province. On the ninth of June they landed at a river which the natives called Tobasco, and the fame of their victory at Potonchon hav- ing reached this place, the cazique received them amicably, and bestowed presents upon them, of such value as inspired them with high ideas of the wealth and fertility of the country. These ideas were confirmed at the next place at whveh they touched ; this was at the west of Tobasco, in the province since known by the name of Guaxaco. They were received with respect paid as to superior beings. The people perfumed them as they landed, with incense of gum copal, and offered them the most choice deli- cacies of their country : and in six days the Spaniards obtained ornaments of gold of curious workmanship to the value of fifteen thousand pesos, in exchange for European toys of small value. As the Spaniards could not understand the language of the na- tives, they learned from them by signs that they were the subjects of a great monarch called Montezuma, whose dominion extend- ed over that and many other provinces. AMERICA. to Leaving this place they landed on a small island which they called the island of Sacrifices ; because there they beheld, for the first time, human victims which the natives had offered to their gods. Some of the officers contended that it was requisite to es- tablish a colony in the country they had discovered. Grijalva judged it more prudent to return to Cuba. This was the most successful voyage the Spaniards had hitherto made in the New World. Velasquez had been informed of the success of the entorprizfe by an ofiieer despatched for that purpose by Grijalva, who imme- diately sent an account to Spain of the success of the voyage ; without waiting for the orders of his sovereign, he prepared for another expedition. This terminated in conquests of greater moment than any they had hitherto achieved, and will be related in the next book. When Grijalva returned to Cuba, he fou*nd an armament in readiness to attempt the conquest of that coun- try, which he had discovered. Ambition and avarice urged Velas- quez to hasten his preparations; and the alluring prospect of gratifying both, made him cheerfully advance considerable sums from his private fortune, to defray the expense. Soldiers eager to embark in any daring enterprize soon appeared. The diffi- culty lay in finding a person fit to take the command. Velasquez was solicitous to ciioose a commander intrepid, and one who possessed superior abilities ; but at the same time from a jealousy natural to little minds, he wished him to be so tame and obsequious as to be entirely dependent upon his will. But he was soon convinced that it was impossible to unite such incompatible qualities in one person. Those who were conspicuous fcr courage, were too high spirited to be his passive tools ; and those who ap- peared gentle and tractable, were deficient of the necessary qual- ifications requisite for such an undertaking. He deliberated long, and still continued irresolute until Amado de Lares, the royal treasurer in Cuba, and Andres Duero, his own secretary, in whom he placed great confidence, proposed Fernando Cortes, and supported their recommendation with such address and assi- duity as proved successful, Cortes was born at Medellin, a small town in Estremadura, in the year 1485, and descended from a noble family ; but of very moderate fortune. He was sent early by his parents to the university of Salamanca, where he made some progress in learning. An academic life not suiting his ar- dent and restless genius, he retired to Medellin, where he gave himself up entirely to active sports, and martial exercises. At this period of his life, he was so impetuous and overbearing, and so dissipated, that his father was glad to comply with his incli- nation, and sent him abroad as an adventurer inarms. The Spanish youth who courted military glory, had an oppor- tunity to display their valour either in Italy, under the command G ^"'^ HISTORY OF of the great captain, or in the New World. Cortes preferred the former, but was prevented by indisposition from embarking with a reinforcement of troops sent to Naples. Then he turned his views towards America, where he hoped to advance himself un- der the patronage of Ovando, who was at that time governor of Hispaniola, and his kinsman. His reception was such as equalled his most sanguine hopes ; and the governor employed him in se- veral honourable and lucrative stations. But his ambition was not to be satisfied with the moderate jneans of acquiring wealth or fame. It was in the stormy and active scenes of a military life, that he wished to distinguish liimself. With this view he requested permission to accompany Velas- ques in his expedition to Cuba. In this service he acquitted him- self so well, that notwithstanding some violent contests, occa- sioned by trivial causes, with Velasquez, he was at length taken into favour, and received an ample share of lands and Indians. Though Cortes had not hitherto acted in high command, he bad displayed such abilities in scenes of difficulty and danger, as raised universal expectation, and turned the eyes of his country- men to\vards him, as one capable of executing great designs. The turbulence of youth, as soon as he found objects suited to the ardour of his mind, gradually subsided into a regular habit of indefatigable activity. The impetuosity of his temper, when he oame to act with his equals, abated, and mellowed into a cordial soldierly frankness, These qualities were accompanied with calm prudence in concerting his schemes, and with persevering vigour in executing them ; and what is peculiar to superior ge- nius, the art of gaining the confidence, and governing the minds of men. To all which was added a graceful person, an insinuat- ing address, extraordinarily alert in martial exercises, and a vigorous constitution, capable of enduring the greatest fatigue. As soon as Cortes was meniioned to Velasquez by his two con- fidents, he flattered himself that he had found a man with talents for command, but not an object of jealousy. He concluded that his rank and fortune were not sufficient to inspire him with the hopes of independence. Several favours he had conferred upon Cortes ; and by this nev/ and unexpected mark of confidence, Velasquez hoped to attach him forever to his interest. Coites received his commission with the warmest expression of respect and gratitude to the governor, and immediately erected his standard before his own house, and assumed all the ensigns of his new dignity, lie persuaded many of his friends to engage in the service, and to ur^e forward the preparations for the voyage. He mortgaged all his lands and Indians to procure money, which he expended in purchasing military stores and provisions, or in supplying such of his officers as were unable to equip themselves na TO^jJuer suited lo their rank. AMERICA. 7Ji Inoffensive and laudible as this conduct was, his diappomted competitors were so malicious as to give it a turn to his disadvan ; tage : they accused him of aimieg, with little disguise, to estab« lish an independent authority over his troops, and endeavour- ing to secure their respect and love, by an ostentatious display of his liberality. They reminded Velasquez of his former dissen- tions, with the man in whom he now reposed so much confidence ; and predicted that Cortes would avail himself of the power which he was putting into his hands to avenge past injuries, ra- ther than to requitelate obligations. These insinuations made a powerful impression on the jealous mind of Velasquez. Cortes soon observed a growing alienation and distrust in his behaviour, and was advised by his friends Lares and Duero, to hasten his departure, before these should become so confirmed, as to break out into open violence, Cortes, sensible of the danger, hastened his preparations with such rapidity, that he set sail from St. Jago de Cuba on the eighteenth of November; Velas- quez accompanied him to the shore, and took leave of him witli apparent tViendship, though he had secretly given it in charge tp some of his officers, to have a watchful eye upon every part of their commander's conduct. Cortes proceeded to Trinidad, a small settlement on the samei ^side of the island, where he was joined by several adventurers, and received a further supply of provisions and stores. He had. hardly left St. Jago, when the jealousy of Velasquez grew so vio- lent, as to be impossible for him to suppress it. Imagination now exaggerated every circumstance which had before excited sus- picion : his rivals, by their suggestions, increased his fears, and called superstition to their aid, employing the predictions of an astrologer to complete their designs. All these united, produced the desired etfect. Velasquez repented bitterly of his own im- prudence, in committing a trust of such importance to a person, in v;l)ose fidelity he could no longer trust ; and hastily despatched instiuetions to Trinidad, empovvering Verdugo, the chief magis- trate there, to deprive Cortes of his commission. But Cortes se- cure in the esteem and confidence of his troops, and finding they were zealous to support his authority : he, by soothing or inti- midating Verdugo, was permitted to depart from Trinidad with- out molestati(>n. Cortes sailed for the Havanna, in order to raise more soldiers and complete the victualling of his fleet. There several person.s of distinction entered into his service, and engaged to supply what provisions were wanting. While this was doing, Velasquez availed himself of the inter- val, sensible that it would be improper to rely on a man of whom he had openly shown such distrust, made one attempt more to wrest the command out of the hands of Cortes. Anxious to ?6 HISTORY Oh guard against a second disappointment, he sent a person, in whom he could contide, to the Havanna, with pereniptory injunctions to Pedro Barba, his lieutenant governer in that colony, instantly to arrest Cortes, and send him prisoner to St. Jago under a strong guard : and to countermand the departure of the arniament un- til he should receive further orders. He also wrote to the principal officers, requiring them to as- sist Barba in executing what he had given him in charge. Fortu- Bately for Cortes, a Franciscan tViar of St. Jago haigns. Every thing vas now ready for their departure. T!ie ileet consisted of eleven vessels, the largest was one humired tons burden, wliich was dignitied with the name of admiral ; three of seventy or eighty tons, and the rest small open barks. On board of these were six hundred and seventeen men; of which, five hundred and ei^ht belonged to the land service, and a hundred and nine were seamen and artificers. The soldiers were divided into eleven companies, to each of which Cortes appointed a captain. As the use of fire-arms among the nations of Europe, was AMERICA. 77 hitherto confined to a few battalions of disciplined infantry, only thirteen soldiers were armed with muskets, thirty-two wer(> cross bow men, and the rest had swords anishes of the Spanish commander, they would not venture to make it known, until they had first endeavoured to sootlie and mollify him. They therefore renewed the neijociation hy infro- ducins; a train of a hundred Indians loaded with presents, sent him hy Montezuma. The ma2:nilicence of these presents exceeded any they had yet received, and raised their ideas of the wealth of the country, and the grandeur of the monarch. They were placed upon mats on the ground, in such order as shew ed them to the greatest advan- tage. Cortes and his followers viewed with admiration, the va- rious mani)faeturcs of the country : the cotton stufis were of so fine a texture, as to resemhle silk : pictures of animals, trees, and other natural ohjects, formed with feathers of different colours, disposed and mingled with such skill and elegance, as to rival the works of the pencil in heauty of imitation. But what princi- pally attracted their attention, was two large plates of a circu- lar form, one of massive gold, representing the sun, the other of silver, an emhlem of the moon : these were accompanied with. bracelets, collars, rings, and other trinkets of gold, with boxes of pearls, precious stones, and grains of unwnmght gold. Cor- tes received these with an appearance of profound veneration for the monarch hy whom they w ere bestowed. But wWn the Mexicans presuming upon this, informed him, that their master, though he desirtd him to accept of what he hid sent, as expressive of that regard for the prince who had sent him ; yet, at the same tine informed him, that he w( uld not give his consent that foreign troops should approach nearer his capital : or even allow them to continue longer in his donnnions. Cortes declared in a manner more resolute and pe empti>ry tlian formerly, thai he must insist on his tirst demand, as he could not, without dishonour, return to his own sovereign, until he had been permitted to visit the piince, agreeably to his instructions. The Mexicans were astonished, that any man should dare to appose that will which they were accustomed to consider as su» pi erne and irresistable : yet afraid of coming to an openruptuie w ith such formidable enemies, prevailed with Cortes to continue in his present camp until further instructions from Moutezunic, The Mexican monarch had now no oilier choice, but either to receive, Cortes as a friend, or oppose him openly as aa enemy. AiMERICA. 81 ♦"^ *The latter was what might have been expected from a haughty prince in possession of such extensive powers ; his authority un- bounded, and his revenues considerable. If he had assembled his numerous forces and fallen upon the Spaniards while encamped on a barren, unhealthy coast, without a single ally to support them, no place of retreat, and destitute of provisions, notwithstanding their superior discipline and arms, they must have all been cut olf in such an unequal contest, or iiave abandoned the enterprize. As the power of Montezuma enabled him to take this spirited part, his own disposition naturally prompted him to it. Of all the priaces who had swayed the Mexican sceptre he was the most haughty, the most violent, and the most impatient of control. His subjects looked up to hiui with awe, and his enemies with terror. The former he governed with unexampled rigour, but they were impressed with an opinion of his capaeitj^, that com- manded their respect : over the latter he had spread such fear by the success of his arms, thatthey dreaded his power, andgroan- ed under his tyrannj. Though his talents were sufficient for the government of a state, so imperfectly polished as the Mexican empire, they were altogether inadequate to the present conjunc- ture : he was neither qualilied to judge with discernment, nor to act with that tlecision necessary in such a tryintj; emergency. From the first account of the Spaniards appearing on the coast, he discovered symptoms of timidity and embarrassiuent ; he de- liberated with anxiety and hesitation, which did not escape the notiee of his meanest courtiers. Vhe perplexity and discompo- sure upon this occasion, and the general dismay that prevailed, was not altogether owing to the iiupression the Spaniards had made by the novelty of their appearance, and the terror of their arms. There was an opinion, if the account of the most autlien- tic Spanish historians deserves credit, and almost universal amoni*: the Americans, that some dreadful calamity was impend- ing over their heails, from a race of formidable invaders, who should come from regions towards the risinj^sun, to overrun and desolate their country. As the Mexicans were more prone to superstition than any peo- ple in the Niw World, they were more deeply aftected with the appearance of the Spaniard,^, whom they considered as the in- strumeiits destined to bring about the revolution which they so much dreatied. Under these circumstances it ceases to be in- credible that a handful of adventurers should alarm the monarch of a great empire and all his subjects. Notwithstanding;;, when Montezuma was informed that Cortes adhered to his original demand, and refused to obey his enjoin- ing him to leave the country, in a transport of rage natural to a fierce prince, unaccustomed to opposition, he threatened to 82 HISTORY OE" sacrifice those intruding strangers to his gods. But instead ot issuing orders to put his threats into execution, he summoned his ministers to confer, and offer their advice. 'i' • The Mexican council were satisfied with issuing a more positive injunction, requiring them to leave the country ; but be- trayed such timidity and infatuation, that they accompanied this order with a present of such value, as proved a fresh inducement to remain there. A variety of sentiments prevailed among the Spaniards; from what they had already' seen, many of them formed such extravagant ideas, concerning the opulence of the country, that despising every danger and hardship, they were eager to attempt tne conquest. Others estimating the power of - the Mexican empire by its wealth, contended it would be an act of the wildest frenzy to attack such a state, with a small body of men, in want of provisions, unconnected with an ally, and already debilitated by the diseases of the climate. Cortes secretly encouraged and applauded the advocates for bold measures, and cherished their romantic hopes : as such ideas accorded with his own, and favoured the execution of the bold schemes he had already formed. 4^ As Velasquez had openly attempted to deprive him of his au- thority, he saw the necessity of dissolving a connexion which would obstruct and embairass alibis operations; and watched for a proper opportunity of coming to a final rupture with him. Having this in view, he assiduously laboured to gain and secure the esteem and affection of his soldiers. Cortes availed himself of all opportunities to insinuate himself into their favour, by his affable manners, by well-timed acts of lib- erality to some, by inspiring all with vast hopes, and by allow- ing them to trade privately with ihe natives, he attached the greater part of the soldiers so firmly to himself, that they almost forgot that the armament had been fitted out by the authority and at the expense of another. During these intrigues, Teutile arrived with the present from Montezuma, and, together with it, delivered the ultioiate order of that monarch to depart instantly out of his dominions ; and when ho being weary of subjection, and desirous to change, would be ready to follow the standard of any protector. Full of these ideas, he gave a most gracious retreption to the Zempoallans, and promised soon to visit their cazique. To perform this promise it was not necessary to alter the route he had already fixed for his march. Some officers whom he. had employed to survey the coast, having discovered a village named Quiabisian, about forty miles to the northward, which, boihi on account of the fertility of the^soil, and commodiousness of the harbour, seemed to be a more proper station for a settlement, than that where he was encamped. Cortes upon this information was determined to remove thither. Zempoalla lay in his way, where the cazique received him with gifts, and caresses, and with re- spect approaching almost to adoration. From him he learned many particulars with respect to the character of Montezuma, and the circumstances that rendered his dominion odious. He was a tyrant, the cazique told him, with tears, haughty, croel, and suspicious ; who treated his own subjects with arrogance, ruined the conquered provinces by exactions, and tore their sons and daughters from them by violence : the former to be offered as victims to his £;ods ; the latter to be reserved as concubiaes for himself and his favourites. Cortes in reply to him, artfully insinuated that one of the great objects that induced the Spaniards to visit a country so distant from their own, was to redress griev- ances, and relieve the oppressed : thus having encouraged him to hope for his protection, he continued his march to Quiabisian. Here he marked out ground for a town, the dwellings to be erected were only huts ; but these were to be surrounded with for- tifications. Every man in the army, officers and soldiers, put their hands to the work; Cortes himself setting the example. The Indians of Zempoalla and Quiabisian, lent their assistance; and this petty station, the parent of so many great settlements, was soon in a state of defence. While they were engaged in this necessary work, Cortes had several interviews with the caziques of Zempoalla and Quiabis- ian, who had such a high opinion of the Spaniards, as to consider I them a superior order of beings : and encouraged by the promi- I ses of Cortes, they ventured to insult the Mexican power : at the very name of which, they were accustomed to tremble. Some of Montezuma's officers having appeared to levy the usual tri- ' bute, and to demand a certain number of human victims, as an ' expiation of their guilt, in presuming to hold a correspondence j with those strangers, whom the emperor had commanded to , leave his dominions ; instead of obeying the order, they made j those officers prisoners; treated them with great indignitv, and i H 86 HISTORY OF Ihreatened to sacrifice them to tlieir gods. From this last dan- ger they were delivered by Cortes, who testified the utmost ab- horrence at the bare mention of such a barbarous deed. The two caz,iques, having now committed an act of open re- bellion, there appeared no hope of safety for them, but by at- tachino- themselves inviolably to the Spaniards. They soon com- pleted their union, by ncknowledging themselves subjects of the Spanish monarch. Their example was followed by the Toto- iiaques, a fierce people who inhabited the mountainous part of the country : and who offered to accompany Cortes with all their forces in his march towards Mexico. Cortes, before he began his march from Zempoalla, resolved upon an expedient whicl\ has no parallel in history : he had the address to persuade his soldiers, that it would be attended with important benefit to destroy the fleet; that, by not allowing the idea of a retreat possible, and fixing their eyes and wishes on what was before them ; he by this, could divert them from be- ins; inflamed by a mutinous spirit, which had, at sundry times, made its appearance, instigated by the partisans of Velasquez. ^Vith universal consent the ships were drawn ashore 5 and, after stripping them of their rigging and iron-work, they were broke in pieces. Thus, from a magnanimous eftbrt, five hundred men voluntarily consented to be shut up in a hostile country, inhabited by powerful and unknown inhabitants; left without any other resource but their own valour and perseverance. Cortes began his march from Zempoalla, on the sixteenth of August, 1519, with five hundred men, fifteen horses, and six field pieces. The rest of the troops, consisting of those who from age and infirmity, were unfit for actual service, he left as a garrison at Villa Rica, under the command of Escalante, an officer of merit and warmly attached to his interest. The cazique of Zempoalla supplied him with provisions, and with two hundred of those Indians, called Tamemes, whose ofl^ice it was to carry burdens, and perform all servile labour. These were a great relief to the Spanish soldiers, as they not only eased them of their baggage, but also dragged along the artillery by main force. The cazujue oftered a considerable body of his troops, but Cortes was satisfied with four hundred, taking care to choose such persons of note, as might prove hostages for the fidelity of their luaster. No material occurrence happened, until they arrived on the confines of Tlascala. The inhabitants of that province were a warlike people, and although they were implacable enemies of Montezuma, and had maintained an obstinate and successful contest as^ainst him, were not inclined to adudt these formidable strangers into their territory. Cortes had hoped that their en- mity to the iMoxicans. and the example of Iheir ancient allies, AMERICA. §7 the Zempoallans, might induce them to give him a tVicndly re- ception. In order to dispose them to this, four Zempoallans, of great eminence, were sent as ambassadors, to request in Cortes* name, and in that of their eazique, that they would permit the Spaniards to pass through their country on their way to Mexico. But in- stead of a favourable answer which was expected, the Tlascalans seized the ambassadors, and without any regard to their public character, made preparations for sacrificing them to their gods. At the same time, they assembled their troops, in order to op- pose those unknown invaders, if they should attempt to make their passage good, by the force of arms. Unaccustomed to any intercourse with foreigners, they were apt to consider every stranger as an enemy ; and upon the least suspicion of hostility were easily excited to arms. They concluded from Cortes' pro- posal of visiting Montezuma, in his capital, notwithstanding all his professions to the contrary, that he courted tiie friendship of that monarch, whom they hated and feared. The Spaniards, from the smallness of their number, were objects of contempt; not having any idea of the superiority which they derived from their arms and discipline. Cortes, after waiting some days, in vain, tlie return of the am- bassadors, advanced into the territory of the Tlascalans. As the resolutions of a people who delight in war, are executed with no less promptitude than they are formed, he found trpops ready in the field to oppose him. They attacked him with great intre- pidity ; and in the first encounter wounded sone of the Span- iards, and killed two horses : a loss, in their situation, of great moment, because it was irreparable. From this specimen of the courage of his new enemies, Cortes saw the necessity of pro- ceeding; with caution. His army marched in close order; he chose his stations where he halted with attention, and fortified his camp with great care. During fourteen days he was exposed to almost uninterrupted assaults; the Tlascalans advancing with numerous armies, and renewing the attack in various forms, with that valour and per- severance, to which the Spaniards had seen nothing parallel in the New World, But the account of battles must appear unin- teresting when there is no equality of danger : and when the nar- rative closes with an account of thousands slain on one side, and that not a single j)erson falls on the other. The Spanish historians relate these combats with great pomp, and intermix incredible events ; but the}^ cease to command at- tention, when there was so great a disproportion between the parties. There were some circumstances, however, that merit notice, as they display the character of the natives, and of their conquerors. Though the Tlascalans brought into the field sucli 88 HISTORY OF Tast armies as appeared sufficient to have overwiielmed the Spa- niards, yet they vere never able, to make any impression upon their small battalion. This is easily explained : though inured to war like all the other inhabitants of the New World, they were unacquainted wiih military order and discipline, and lost the advantaa;e which they might have gained from their numbers, and the impetuosity of their attack, by their constant solicitude to carry off their dead and wounded : this was a point of honour with them, founded on a sentintent of tenderness natural to the human mind, strengthened by an anxiety to preserve the bodies of their countrymen from being devoured by their enemies. Attention to this pious office occupied them during; the heat of combat, broke their union, and lessened the'force of the impres- sion which they might have made by a joint effort. The imper- fection of their otlensive weapons rendered their valour of little avail. After three battles and many skirmishes and assaults, not" one Spaniard was slain. Arrows and spears headed with flint, or the bones of fishes, and wooden swords, though destructive weapons among naked Indians, were easily turned aside by the r^panish bucklers, and could hardly penetrate the quilted jackets worn by the soldiers. Though the Tlascalans attacked the Spaniards with fury, yet they seemed to be actuated by a barbarous generosity. They gave the Spaniards notice of their hostile intentions ; and as they knew they wanted provisions, and imagined, like other Ameri- cans, that they had left iheir own country because it did not af- ford them subsistence ; they sent to their camp a large supply of poultry and maize, desiring them to eat plentifully, because tney scorned to attack an enemy enfeebled by hunger ; as it would also be an affront to their ^^ods to offer them famished victims, as well as disagreeable to themselves to feed upon such emaciat- ed prey. After the first onset, finding they could not put this threat into execution, and that notwithstandinp;^ the utmost efforts of their valour, that not one Spaniard was slain : they began to alter their opinon, and concluded they were a superior order of beings, against whom all human power could not prevail. In this ex- tremity they consulted their priests, who, uftcr many sacrifices and incantations, delivered this answer: •' That as these strangers " were the offspring of the sun, they were invincible only when ''cherished by his beams! but that at night, when his warming *' influence was withdrawn* they became like other men, and were "easily subdued.-' Opinions less plausible, have gained credit with more enlightened nations. In consequence of this, the TIasealans acted in contradiction to one of their established maxims in war, and ventured to attack the enemy in the night, in hopes of destroying thein, when weak AMERICA. 89 and otT their guard. But Cortes had more discernment Ihari to be surprized or deceived by the rude stratagems of an Indian ar- my. The sentinels at the out posts, observing an uncommon movement in the Indian army, gave the alarm. In a- moment the troops were under arms, and sallying out, dispersed them with great slaughter, without allowing them to approach the camp. Convinced by sad experience their priests had deceived them, and satistied that it was in vain to attempt to deceive, or vanquish such powerful enemies, their tierceness began to abate, and they were seriously inclined to peace. They v/ere, however, at a loss in what manner they should address the strangers ; what idea to form of their character, and whether to consider them as beings of a gentle or malevolent nature. There were circumstances in their conduct that seemed to favour each opinion. The Spaniards had constantly dismissed their prisoners with presents of EurQ- ]>ean toys. This appeared extraordinary to men who were used to carry on an exterminating war^ and who sacriiiced and devoured with.- out mercy, their captives taken in battle. On the other hand, Cortes had cut off the hands of fifty of the natives who came to the camp with provisions, and whom he took to be spies. This contrariety of conduct occasioned that doubt and uncertainty which appeared in their ;4ddress: " If," said they, "you are di- "vinities of a cruel and savage nature, we present to you five " slaves, that you may drink their blood and eat their flesh. If " you are mild deities, accept an offering of incense and varie- " gated plumes. If you are men, here is bread and fruit to nour- *• ish you." The peace was soon concluded ; the Tiascalans yield- ed themselves as vassals to the crown of Castile, and engaged to assist Cortes in all his future opperations. He took the republic under his protection, and promised to protect their persons and property from injury and violence. The profound veneration of the Tiascalans, encouraged Cortes to insist upon their abandoning their own superstitions, and that they should embrace the Catholic faith. They were willing to acknowledge the truth and excellence of what he taught, but contended that their gods were divinities no less deserving of adoration, than the gods of the Spaniards : and earnestly re- quested him not to urge them any further upon a subject, with which they could not in any manner yield a compliance. Cortes enraged at their obstinacy, v/as preparing to urge by force what he could not accomplish by persuasion; and was going to overturn their altars and throw down their idols, if fa- ther Bartholomew de Olmcdo, chaplain to the expedition, had not checked his inconsiderate impetuosity. He represented the imprudence of such an attempt ; and that religion was not to be propagated by the sword, nor infidels to be converted by violence j li'2 m, Hirnmy hv«f«' rouj/,hi t« - or thi* <;l(M»*fittri ri,*)iy;M/r!. J lial u rrtohkiii v^Imti fli** i«l<'}i of ♦«»)«• f;>r(ori H'wn nT»kf»own, ;ifi.l V. I « ri li.i n-^ltU «;l M/r '.«!, hhoul«l h«- ;jr()«;».:/ il;«' liii>Ui(lvriiH lilH-rfy, in M-allj ttj»l<)r»t'»liii)jf j •♦in) U.f rrtirMl ti Hfh«l«';n»ur<', p«ir w«iji;l»f, wifli (■(.i»«>; hr |«'|f, Hu! 'i'laf-calafiw to Oi« urnlnhirbed fxcrriv,*; «*f I) « )» ovifj i'i<«"4, r«'qc«hir»f», lh«7» on ihe thi» fjMioffi «;f (>cfoh«'r, J.")!!), tlirr'cU'd (Ixtir cour«« fowHrdn ('hohila ; JVlord«'/unia» 'vfjo hadat hnjijlh t'jttin*'uU*M to adroit th. If vvtt*Htr'iwinly HUhpn.tcd that Montt»'/-uma, I'ilhcr from nuprt .'ilioij;* hop«*» tlwit Mi»U(r«n«, oh h«'iiij; undrr tli«- j("il« (',li<.r» ol jjix ij^mh. The <:V';nt nlicw^d IIm^hc Hunpicions wvn. I h\ ill-foundrd. <,'oil«'H, v/l)0 had bct'n warned by th« Tla^calan^t to krcp a -vaMdiil <•)♦• upon tht; < lioJui.uirt, lhoui;h rifcnved into tin; town with much f'i'vUiiui^ nxpct t and cordialily, noon obnnrvfd Hcvcrut ' iM'uri(iitan< «*M in ihi'ir <;on Mccuiion of Romc vvarlikf* enterpii/f wa'? near at harwi. At the same time, Marina (he interprett r, receive*! irirorn»atif»n rrf)rii an Indian woman of rlihti»>cti'»n, whowe confideDce »he had gained, that the de?*truetion of her fi iendn wa« concerted ; that a h»»dy r>f Mexican trcxip^ lay eoncealed near the town ; that some of the streets were harricadoed, ancJ in ofherM pitt<- and deep trcnc}ie« were dri^ and Hliri that eonfirrned the iritellii^ence he had reeeived. He therefore. in?»t.ant.ly resolved to prevent hi«> enerrnesfrom erteclino; their de- Hi S;nH f and tf> iriDicf ftueh an exemplary vengeance, an wouM strike Montezuma and hin suhjectH with terror. The Hpaniardn and Zempf)a)!an» were drawn up in a iar^e ffpiare, which had he**n allotted them for cpiarters* near the CA'ti' ire, of the town : the 'I'la«Jcalan,H had hri\('rn to advance ; the ma- gimrate'H and chiffciti/,en^ were Hen< for under varir»us pretexts, iei'Aed and confined. On a sitrnal i^iven, the troops runhed out, and fell tipon the multitude who were ileniitiife <>f leaders, anrl »o much aetoninhed that the weapfinn fell froru their hands, while they stood motionless, incapahic of defeftce. As the Span- iards pressed them in front, the Tlasealans attacked them in tfie rear. 'J'he streets were fdled with hloodshed and death. The temples, which aflorded a retreai to the priests, and somo of tlie leading natives, were set on fire, and they perished jn the Hamea, This <»cene of horror cofitinued two days; at lengtl^i the cornap;e ceased, aft?r th<^slauj^hterof ssix thousand (jhohdan*;, without the lo,^5 of a .itinji;le .Spaniarrl. r'ortes then rdea'^ed the majpstrates, reproaching them \t]if.vr- ly f<^r their intended treachery ; dcclarinj; that as justice was DOW ap]>eased, he forjjave the oftence 5 hut rerpiired them to re- call the citl/ens who haf their relations and friends. From Cholula, ('oitis advanccrl di^'ctj^ towards Mexieo, which was only iwi'Ttty leagues di'^tant. As they passed through the country, the soldiers were j^reatly animated as Ihey descend- ed from the mountains of (Jhalco, across which the road lay : the vast pUin of Mexico ope ncl to their view. Wh -n th^y Oi-it SZ HISTORY OF beheld this prospect, one of the most striking and beautiful on the face of the earth, uhen they observed fertile and cultivated field?: stretching farther than the eye could reach ; when they saw a lake resembling the sea in extent, and discovered the capital city- rising upon an island in the middle, adorned with its temples and turrets, the scene so far exceeded their imagination, that some were induced to believe the fanciful descriptions of romance were realized, and that its enchanted palaees and gilded domes were presented to their sight: others could hardly be persuaded thai this wonderful spectacle was any thing more than a dream. As they advanced, their doubts were removed, but their amazement increased. They were now fully satisfied that the country was rich, beyond what they had conceived; and flattered themselves that they should soon obtain an ample reward for all their services and sufterings. As thev approached near the city, several circumstances oc- curred wluch made them suspect that some design was formed to surprise and cut them off. No enemy however appeared ; several messengers arrived successivelv from Montezuma, per- mitting them one day to advance, requiring them on the next to retire, as his hopes and fears alternately prevailed: and, so strange was this infatuation, that Cortes was almost at the gates of the capital, before the monarch had determined to receive him as a friend, or to oppose him as an enemy. The Spaniards, without regarding the fluctuation of Montezu- ma's sentiments, continued their march along the causeway that led to the city, through the lake, with great caution, and the strictest discipline, though without betraying any symptoms of distrust of ihe prince, whom thej were about to visit. "When they drew near the city, about a thousand persons, who appeared to be of distinction, came forth to meet them, adorned V. ith plumes, and clad in garments of fine cotton. Each of these in his order, passed by Cortes, and saluted him according to the mode practised in that country : expressing the utmost respeci and submission. They announced the approach of Montezuma hir.jself : and soon after his harbingers came in siu;ht. There appeared first, two hundred persons in an uniform dress, with large plumes of featliers, alike in fashion, marching two and two in deep silence, and barefooted, with their eyes fixed on the ground. These were followed by a company of higher rank, in their most showy apparel : in the midst of these was Montezuma, in a chair or litter, richly ornamented with gold, and feathers of various colours ; others supported a canopy of curious woikmanship over his head, and four of his principal fa- vourites carried him on their shoulders. Before him marched three officers, with rods of gold in their hand-^, «liich they lilted tip at certaiu interviils : ^t which signal, all the people bowed AMERICA. 93 their heads ahd hid their faces, as unworthy to look on so great a monarch. When he drew near, Cortes dismounted ; and, with great appearance of respect, saluted him in the European man- ner. At the same time, Montezuma descended from his chair, and leaning on the arms of two of his nearest relations, approach- ed with a slow and stately pace : his attendants covering the streets with cotton-cloths, that he might nc^ touch the ground. He returned the salutation of Cortes, according to the mode of his country, by touching the earth with his hand, and then kiss- in;; it. By this condeseention of Montezuma, his subjects firm- ly believed that those persons, before whom he had humbled himself, were more than human. This was confirmed afterwards; as they marched through the crowd, the natives, to the great satisfaction of the Spaniards, fre- quently were heard to call them Teules or divinities. Montezu- ma conducted Cortes to the quarters which he had prepared for his reception ; and immediately took leave of him with a polite- ness, not unworthy of a court more refined. " You are now," said he, " with your brothers, in your own house ; refresh your- selves after your fatigue, and be happy until I return." The place allotted to the Spaniards by Montezuma, was a house built oy the father of Montezuma: it was surrounded by a stone wall, with towers at proper distances, which served for defence as well as ornament : and was sq» large as to accommodate both the Spa- niards and tlieir Indian. allien.. The first care of Cortes was to put the place in a posture of defence: he planted the artillery at every avenue which led to it; he'appointed a lurge division of his troops to be always on guard ; and posted sentinels at proper distances, with orders to observe the same vigilance, as if tliey were in sight of an ene- my's camp. In the evening, Montezuma returned to visit his guests, with the same pomp as at their first interview ; and brought present^ of such value, not only to Cortes and his officers, but even to the private men, as proved the liberality of the monarch, and the opulence of the kingdom. A long conference ensued, in which Cortes learned what was the ojtinion of Montezuma, with respect to the Spaniards. He told him, that it was an established opinion among the Mexicans, I handed down to them by tradition, that their ancestors came ori- ginally from a remote region, and conquered the provinces that were now subject to his dominion; that after they were settled ^ there, the great captain who conducted them, returned to his j own country; and promised, that at some future period his de- I scendants should visit them, assume the government, and reform I their constitution and laws; and that from what he had seen of i Cortes and his followers, he was coavinced they were the rery 94 HISTORY OF persons their traditions and prophecies had taught them to ex- pect ; and that he received them accordingly as relations of the same blood and parentage ; and desired them to consider themselves as masters in his dominions: for both himself and subjects should be ready to comply with their will. Cortes re- plied in his usual style, with respect to the dignity and power of his sovereign, and i^is intentions of sending him into that coun- try : artfully framing his discourse so as to coincide with the idea which Montezuma had formed concerning the origin of the Spa- niards. Next mornino;, Cortes and some of his principal attendants were admitted to a public audience of the emperor. The three subsequent days were employed in viewing the city ; the appear- ance of which iiiled them with surprize and admiration. Mexi- co, (Tenuchtitlan, as it was anciently called by the natives,) is situated in a large plain surrounded by mountains of such height, that though within the torrid zone, the temperature of its cli- mate is mild and healthful : all the moisture which descends from the high grounds is collected in several lakes : the two largest of which, of about ninety miles in circumference, com- municate with each other; the waters of one are fresh, the other brackish : on the banks of the latter the capital of Monte- zuma's empire was built. The access to -the city^ was by artificial causeways or streets, formed of stones or earth, about thirty feet in breadth. On the east was no causeway, and the city could on- ly be approached by canoes. Not only the temples of their gods, bu* the nouses of the monarch, and tnose of persons of distinc- tion, in comparison with any other buildings which the Spaniards had seen in America, might be termed magnificent. But how much the novelty of these objects might amuse or astonish the Spaniards, they feU the utmost solicitude with res- pect to their own situation. They were now lodged in the capi- tal, in which they reckoned there were at least sixty thousand inhabitants: shut up, as it were, in a snare, from which it seem- ed impossible to escape; they were moreover assured by the Tlascalans, that Mexican priests had counselled their sove- reign to admit the Spaniards into the capital, that they might cut them olVat one blow with perfect security. Although Montezuma had received them with distinguished respect, they had reason to doubt his sincerity : yet even if they could suppose it to be real, they could not depend upon it : as an order llovving from his caprice, or a word uttered in passion, might irrevocably determine their fate. These retlections made a deep impression upon the mind of Cortes. Before he set out from Cholula, he had received advice from Villa Rica, that Qualpopoca, one of the Mexican generals, having assembled an army in order to attack some of the people, whom AMERICA, 95 the Spaniards had encouraged to throw oft' the Mexican yoke; Escalante, vviih seven of his men, had been mortally wounded ; he having, with part of the garrison, marched out to succour his allies; that one Spaniard had been surrounded and taken alive, and his head cut off, and sent in triumph to the different cities, and last to Mexico, to convince the people their invaders were not invulnerable. Cortes, though alarmed with this intelligence, as an indication of Montezuma's hostile intensions, had nevertheless continued his march. But as soon as he entered Mexico, he became sensi- ble that he had pushed forwards into a situation where it was difficult to continue, and from which it was dangerous to retire. Disgrace, and perhaps death, would be the certain consequence of the latter. The success of the enterprize depended upon supporting that high opinion which the natives had formed with respect to the irresistible power of his arms : upon the first appearance of tim- idity on his part, their veneration would cease, and Montezuma would be encouraged to let loose upon him the whole force of his empire. His situation was trying, but his mind was equal to it: and af- ter revolving the matter with deep attention, he resolved upon a measure, the boldest and most daring that ever entered into the mind of man ; which was no less than seizing Montezuma in his palace, and to carry him a prisoner to the Spanish quarters. This he immediately proposed to his officers. The timid were startled at a measure so audacious. The more intelligent and resolute warm- ly approved of it, conscious that it was the only resource in which there was any prospect of safety ; and brought over their com- panions so cordially to be of the same opinion, that it was agreed instantly to make the attempt. At his usual hour of visiting Montezuma, Cortes went to the palace, accompanied by Alvara- do, Sandoval, Lugo, Velasquez de Leon, and Davilla, five of his principal officers, and as many trusty soldiers. Thirty chosen men followed ; not in regular order, but saunt- ering at some distance, as if their only object was curiosity ; other small parties were posted at proper intervals, in all the streets leading from the Spanish quarters to the palace, and the remain- der of his troops, with the Tiascalan allies, were under arms, ready to sally out on the first alarm. Cortes and his companions were admitted without suspicion, the Mexican attendants retir- ing out of re3|:>ect. He addressed the monarch in a tone very different from that which he had formerly been accustomed to, reproaching him bitterly as the author of the violent assault, made upon the Spaniards by one of his officers, and demanded public reparation for the loss he had sustained, by the death of some of b|s comi^anions, as well as for the insult offered to the great 9'6 HISTORY OF prince, \*hose servants they were. Montezuma, confounded at this unexpected accusation, and changing colour, either from consciousness of guilt, or from feeling tht- indiiinitv with which he uas treated, asserted his ov\n innocence with £;reat earnest- ness; and as a proof of it, gave orders in-^tantly to bring Qual- popoea and his accomplices prisoners to Mexico. Corles replied, that a declaration so respectable left no doubt on his own mind, but that somethina; more was requisite to satisfy his followers, vho would never be convinced that Montezuma did not harb(»ur hostile intentions against them, unless, as a proof of his confi- dence and attachment, he removed from his own palace, and took up his residence in the Spanish quarters, where he should be served and honoured as became a great monarch. This strange proposition at first bereaved Montozuma of speech and almost of motion. At length indignation ^ave him utterance, and he haughtily answered, *^ That persons of his rank, were not *• accustomed voluntarily to give up themselves as prisoners; and '• were he mean enough to do so, his subjects would not permit <• such an aftVont to be offered to their sovereign.'* Cortes, un- willing to employ force, endeavoured by turns to intimidate and soothe him. The altercation became warm, and having contin- ued three hours, Velasquez de Leon, an impetuous and gallant young man, impatiently exclaimed, »• Why waste more time in *»vain? lei us either seize him instantly, or stab him to the «' heart." The threatening voice and fierce gestures with which these words w ere uttered, struck Montezuma. He was sensi- ble the Spaniards had now proceeded too far to hope they would recede. His own danger was imminent, the necessity unavoidable. He saw both, and abandoning himself to his fate, complied with their request. His ofiieers were called, he communicated to them his resolution. Though astonished and afflicted, they presumed not to question the will of their master, but carried him in silent pom^}, all bathed in tears, to the Spanish quarters. When it became publicly known that the strangers were con- veying away the emperor, the people broke out into the wildest excesses of grief and rage, threatening the Spaniards with iinuie- diate destine ion for their impious audacity. But as soon as Mon- tezuma appeared with a seeming; gaiety of countenance, and wav- ed his hand, the tumult was hushed; and upon his declaring it to be his own choice that he went to reside tor a short time among his new friends, the multitude, taus;ht to revere every intima- tion of their suvereign^'s pleasure, quietly dispersed. Thus this powerful prinee, at noon day, in the midst of his capi- tal, was seized and carried off a prisoner, by a few strangers. "When we consider the temerity of tiie attempt, and its successful ^edition, we caa with propriety assert there is nothing in history AMERICA, ^ parallel to it : and were it not so well authenticated by the most unquestionable evidence, the whole narration would^ appear so wild and extravagant, as to go beyond the bounds of that yeri- similitude which must be preserved even in fictitious publications. Montezuma was received at the Spanish quarters with great ceremonious respect. He was attended by his own domestics. His principal officers had free access to him, and carried on all the functions of government, as if he had been at perfect liberty. He was, nevertheless, watched with all the scrupulous vigilance requisite in guarding such an important prize : from captive princes, the hour of humiliation and suffering is not far distant. Qualpopoea and his son, with five of the principal officers who had served under him, were brought prisoners to the capital, by order of Montezuma, and given up to Cortes; who, after under- going the form of trial by a Spanish court martial, and though the^^acted as brave and loyal subjects in obeying the orders of their sovereign, in opposing the invaders of their country, they were condemned to be burned alive. The unhappy victims were instantly led forth. The pile on which they were laid was composed of the weapons collected in the royal ma}2;azine for the public defence. An innumerable mul- titude of Mexicans beheld, in silent astonishment, this fresh in- sult offered to the majesty of their empire: an officer of distinc- tion committed to the flames, by the authority of strangers, foi having done what he owed in duty to his sovereign; and the arms provided by their ancestors for avenging such wrongs, consumed before their eyes. Cortes, convinced that Qualpopoea would not have ventured to attack Escalante without orders from his master, was not satisfied with the punishment of the instrument, while the author escap- ed with impunity. Just before Qualpopoea was led out to suffer, Cortes entered the appartment of Montezuma, followed by some of his officers, and a soldier carrying a pair of fetters; and ap- proaching the monarch with a stern countenance, told him, that the persons who were now going to suffer, had charged him as the cause of the outrage that was committed ; and that it was necessary that he likewise should make atonement for that guilt; without waiting for a reply, he commanded his soldiers to clap the fetters on his legs. The orders were instantly obeyed. The monarch, who had been accustomed to have his person ac- knowledged as sacred and inviolable, considered this profanation of it as a prelude to his death, broke out into loud lamentations and complaints. His attendants fell at his (eet, and bathed them with their tears, bearing up the fetters in their hands with offi- cious tenderness, to lighten their pressure. When Cortes returned from the execution, he appeared with a cheerful countenance : aud ordered the fetters to be taken off. I •Jb HISTORY OF As Montezuma*s spirits had sunk with unmanly dejection, they ROW rose to indecent exultation, and he passed at once from the anguish of despair, to transports of joy and fondness, towards liis deliverers. The spirits of Montezuma were now subdued. Cortes availed himself to the utmost of the power he had acquir- ad over him. Several Spaniards were sent in company with some Mexicans uf distinction, as guides and protectors, to explore the different parts of the empire. While they were thus employed. Cortes, in the name of Montezuma, degraded som.eof the principal officers, whose abilities and independent spirit excited his jealousy; and substituted in their places, others more obsequious to his will. There was yet wanting one thing to complete his security : lie wished to have command of the lake, that he might ensure a retreat, should the Mexicans take arms against him. This Mon- tezuma enabled him to accomplish. Cortes had given him a pomp- ous description of those floating palaces that move on the water, without the aid of oars. Having thus excited Montezuma's curi- osity, and under pretence of gratifying him, he persuaded the monarch to appoint some of his subjects to convey his naval stores from Vera Cruz to Mexico, and employed others in cutting tim- ber : with this assistance, the Spanish carpenters soon complet- ed two brigantines, which were considered by Cortes as a cer- tain resource, if a retreat should be necessary. This tame submission to his will, encouraged Cortes to put it to a proof still more trying. He urged Montezuma to acknow- ledge himself a vassal to the king of Castile, and to subject his dominions to the payment of an annual tribute. With this requisition Montezuma was so obsequious as to comply. The chief men of the empire were called together; he with great so- lemnity, reminded them of the traditions and prophecies which led them to expect the arrival of a people, sprung from the same stock as themselves, in order to take fhe suprem.e power into their own hands; he declared his belief, that the Spaniards were this promised race; and therefore he acknowledged their mo- narch as possessing the right to govern the Mexican empire ; that he would lay his crown at his if'eet and obey him as a tribu- tary. While Montezuma uttered these words, tears and groans interrupted liis utterance ; he still retained such a sense of dig- nity, as to feel that pang v\hich touches the heart of princes, when constrained to resign independent power. The assembly were stiuck with asicnishn.ent, and a sullen murmur indicated their surprise and indignation : and threatened some violent erup- tion of rage to be near at hand. Cortes foreseeing this, season- ably interposed to prevent it, by declaring that his master had no intention to depri\e Montezuma of his authority or royal vlignity ; or to make any aiteiaticn in the laws or constitution of AMERICA. 09 tlie ^lexical! Empire; this assurance, and the monarch's exam- ple, together with their dread of the Spanish power, extorted a reluctant consent from the assembly. This act of submission and homage, was executed with all the formalities which the Spaniards were pleased to prescribe. Mon- tezuma, at the instigation of Corles, accompanied this submission with a magnificent present to his new sovereign ; and his subjects, stimulated by his example, brought in very liberal contributions. But however pliant Montezuma might be in other matters, with respect to his religion, he was inflexible. Though Cortes often urged him with the zeal of a missionary to renounce hi?. false gods, and embrace the catholic faith, he always rejected the proposition with horror. Cortes was so enraged at his ob- stinacy, that in a transport of zeal he led out his soldiers tc- throw down the idols in the great temple by force. But the priests and people takino; arms in defence of their altars, the zeal of Cortes was overruled by prudence, and induced him to desist from his rash attempt, after dislodi^ing the idols from one of the shrines, and placing the image of the Virgin Mary in its place. From that moment the Mexicans began to meditate how they might expel or destroy the Spaniards, and believed themselves called upon to avenge the insult offered lo their gods. The priests and leading men held frequent consultations with Mon- tezuma for this purpose. But as it might prove fatal to the cap live monarch to attempt either the one or the other by violence, he was willing to try more gentle means. Having called Cortes into his presence, he observed that now, as all the purposes of his embassy were fully accomplished, the gods had declared their will, and the people were unanimous in their desire, that he and his followers should instantly depart out of the empire. With this he required them to comply, or unavoidable destruction would fall suddenly on their heads. The tenor of this unexpected requisition, as well as the deter- mined tone in which it was uttered, left Cortes no room to doubt, that it was the result of some deep laid scheme concerted be- tween Montezuma and his subjects. He coolly replied, he had already begun to prepare for returning to his own country ; but as the vessels in which he came were destroyed, some time was requisite for building other ships. This appearing reasonable, a number of Mexicans were sent to Vera Cruz, to cut down timber; and some Spanish carpenters were appointed to superintend the work. Cortes flattered him- self that during this interval, he should receive such reinforce- ments, as would enable him to despise every dan^-er. Nine months had now elapsed since Porto carrero and Monti- go had sailed with his despatches to Spain ; he daily expected 100 HISTORY OF their return \yith a confirmation of his authority from the king; without this his condition was insecure and precarious. \V hile he remained in this suspense, uncertain with respect to the future, and by the late declaration of Montezuma, oppressed with a new addition of cares, a Mexican courier arriving, inform- ed him of some ships having appeared on the coast. Cortes elated with this intelligence, imagined they were reinforcements arrived to strengthen and forward his conquests : and that the completion of all his wishes and hopes was at hand : he imparted the glad tidings to his companions, who received them with transports of mutual congratulation. Their joy was short j a message from Sandoval, whom Cortes had made governor of Vera Cruz in the room of Esealante, brought certain intelligence that the armament was fitted out by Velasquez, governor of Cuba, and threatened them with immediate destruction. The armament consisted of eighteen ships, which had on board fourscore horsemen, eight hundred foot soldiers, of which eighty were musqueteer, and a hundred and twenty cross-bow men, together with a train of twelve pieces of cannon. This force was commanded by Pamphilo de Narvaez, with instructions to seize Cortes, and his principal officers, and send them prisoners to Cuba, and then to complete the conquest of the country in his name. Narvaez had landed his men without opposition, near St. Juan de UUua. Three soldiers whom Cortes had sent to search for mines, deserted and joined Narvaez: by them he was informed of the progress and situation of Cortes: and as they had learned the Mexican language, were the more acceptable, as they would serve as interpreters. Narvaez having sent a summons to the governor of Vera Cruz to surrender, Guavara, a priest, whom he employed in tliat service, made the demand with such insolence, that Sandoval, an ofiicer of high spirit, and zealously attached to Cortes, instead of complying with his terms, seized him, and his officers, and sent them prisoners in chains to Mexico. Cortes re- ceived them not as enemies, but as friends, condemning the se- verity of Sandoval, set tliem immediately at liberty. By this well-timed clemency, seconded by caresses and pre- sents, he gained their confidence, and drew from them such par- ticulars concerning the force and intentions of Narvaez, as gave a view of the impending danger, in its full extent. He had now to take the field against an army in courage and martial discipline equal to his oun; in number far superior, com- manded by an officer of known bravery. Narvaez, more solicitous to gratify the resentment of Velas- quez, than attentive to the honour and interest of his country, had represented Cortes and his followers to the natives, as fugi- tives and rebels; who had unjustly invaded the Mexican em- AMERICA. 101 pire ; and that his sole object was to punish the Spaniards, and rescue them from their oppression. The same unfavourable re presentations liad been conveyed to Montezuma. Animated with the prospect of being set free from subjection to strangers, tlie provinces began openly to revolt from Cortes; and regarded Narvaez as their deliverer. Montezuma kept up a secret intercourse with the new comraaaderj and courted his favour. Such were the dangers and difficulties which presented them- selves to the view of Cortes. No situation could be more trying. If he should abandon the capital, and set the captive monarch at liberty, and marcli out to meet the enemy, he must at once give up all tlie fruits of his toils and victory, and relinquish advan- tages which could not be recovered without infinite danger. The natural haughtiness of Narvaez precluded all hopes of succeed- ing by conciliatory measures. After revolving every scheme with deep attention, Cortes fixed on that which was the most hazardous, but if successful, would be most honourable and beneficial to himself and his country. AVith decisive intrepidity, he in this desperate situation, deter- mined to make one bold effort for victory under every disadvan- ia^e, rather than sacrifice his own conquests, and the Spanish i:iferest in Mexico. But as it would have been indecent andim- jolitic to advance in arms against his countrymen, without first attempting to adjust matters by an amicable negociation: he em- ployed Olmedo, liis chaplain, to v\hose character the function was well suited, and who was possessed with sueh prudence and ad- dress as qjaiiiied him for secret intrigues, in which Cortes plac- ed his chief confidence. Ail terras of accommodation were rejected with scoru by Nar- vaez, who, by a public procldmation, denounced Cortes and his companions rebels and enemies to their country. The intrigues of Olmedo were more successful: he had letters to deliver from Cortes and his oflicers, to their ancient friends and companions; these were accompanied with presents of rings and chains of gold, which inspired those needy adventurers with high ideas of the wealth that he had acquired, and envy of the good fortune of those who were engaged in his service. They declared for an immediate accommcydation with Cortes ; but Narvaez, upon dis- covering the inclination of the army tov^ards an accommodation, irritated his violent temper almost to madness. In a transport of rage, he set a price upon the head of Cortes, and his principal officers, and having learned that he was now advanced within a Ijague of Zempoalla with his small body of men, he considered this such an insult, as merited immediate chastisement, and marched out with all his troops to offer hira battle. Cortes was a leader of greater abilities and experience than to 1-2 1.02 mSTOIlY OF fight an enemy so far superior in number on equal ground. Harm- ing stationed his army on the opposite bank of the river de Cano- as, where he was safe from any attack, he beheld the approacU of the enemy withoutconcern,anddisregarded this vain bravado. The wet season had set in, and the rain had poured down during a great part of the day, with a violence peculiar to the Torrid Zone. The followers of Narvaez, unaccustomed to the severity of * military life, murmured at being thus fruitlessly exposed :' this, together with the contempt he had of his enemy, induced him to permit them to retire tu Zempoalla. The very circumstance that made them quit the field, encouraged Cortes to form a scheme by which he hoped at once to terminate the war. His hardy veterans, though standing under the t(»rrents, without a single tent, or any shelter to cover them, were so far from repin- ing at hardships which were become familiar to them, that they were still fresh and alert for service. He knew that the enemy would give themselves up to repose after their fatigue, and deetn themselves perfectly secu'e at a season so unlit for action. He re- solved therefore to surprize them by an unexpected attack in the night. His soldiers, knowin;^ that there was no resource but in some desperale eftbrt of courage, approved of the measure witli such warmtii, that Cortes, in an oration which he delivered to them, was more careful to temper than to inflame their ardour. He divided them into three parties: Sandoval commanded the first; this gallant officer was entrusted with the most dangerous and important service, that of seizing the enemy's artillery, which was planted before the principal towers of the temple, where Narvaez had fixed his head quarters. Chrisfoval de Olid com- manded the second, with orders to assault the tower and lay hold on the general. Cortes himself conducted the last and suialiest division, which was to act as a body of reserve, and to support the other I wo as there should be occasion. Having passed ihe river de Canoas, \^hich was so swelled with the lains, tliat the water reached their chins, they advanced in profound silence, eaih man armed with his sword, his dagger, and his Chiiiantlan spear. Narvaez, remiss in proportion to his secu- rity, had posted only two sentinels to watch the motions of an ene- my, whom he had such good cause to dread. One of these was seized by the advance guard of Cortes's troops, the other made hisebCi»pe,and hurrying to the- town, spread the alarm of the ene- my's approach, so that there was full time to prepare for their reception. But through the arrogance and infatuation of Nar- vaez, the important iiitervai was lost. He charged the sentinel with cowardice, and treated v ith derision the idea of being at- tacked by forces so unequal to his own. The shouts of Cortes's. soldiers, however, convincevl him at last of his nustake. AMERICA; m3 The rapidity with which they advanced was sueh that they fired but one cannon, before Sandoval's party closed with thenrij and drove them from tiieirguns, and had begun to force their way up the steps of the tower. Narvaez, as brave in action as pre- sumptuous in conduct, armed himself in haste, and by his voice and example endeavoured to animate his men to the combat. Olid advanced to sustain his companions; and Cortes himself, rushing to the front, conducted and added new vigour to the at- tack. The compact order of this small body, and the impene- trable front they presented with their long spears, bore down all opposition. They had now reached the gate, and as they were endeavour- ing to force it open, a soldier set fire to the reeds with which the tower was covered, and forced Narvaez to sally out. In the first encounter he was wounded in the eye, with a spear, and failing to the ground, he was in a moment clapped in fetters. The shout of victory resounded among the troops of Cortes. Those who had sallied out with cheir leader, feebly maintained the conflict, or began to surrender. Terror and confusion pre- vailed. Their own artillery was pointed against them : where- ever they turned their eyes, they beheld with astonishment, lights gleaming through the obscurity of the night ; which, although proceeding from what is now well known by the name of the fire* ily, which abound in sultry climates, their affrighted imagina- tions represented as numerous bands of musketeers, advancing with lighted matches to the attack. After a short resistance, the soldiers compelled their officers to capitulate: and before morning all had laid down their arms, and quietly submitted to their conquerors. This complete victory was the more acceptable, as it was gained with little bloodshed : only two of the soldiers of Cortes being slain : as were also two ofiicers and fifteen privates of the adverse party. Cortes treated the vanquished as friends ; offered to send them immediately back to Cuba, or take them into his service, as [)artners of his fortune, and on the same terms as his own soldiers, Th«y eagerly embraced the latter proposal, and vied with each other in professions of fidelity and attachment to a general, who had given such a convincing proof of his abilities for command, Cortes was now placed at the head of a thousand Spaniards, eager to follow wherever he should lead them. Doubly fortunate was this victory for Cortes, as he received intelligence a few days afterwards, that the Mexicans had destroyed his brigan- tines, and had fallen upon the small party he had left with Alva- rado. Had reduced to ashes their magazine of provisions, and carried on hostilities^ with such fury, that although the Spaniard3. 104 HISTORY OF ciefended themselves with uncommon bravery, yet without sac-, cour they must soon have been cut oft' by famine, or sink under the multitude of their enemies. The Mexicans had flattered themselves, that now when their invaders were divided was the time to deliver themselves from the odious dominion of stranijers, and release their sovereign. Alvarado, though a gallant officer, had not that capacity and dignity of manners, by which Cortes had acquired such an as- cendency over the minds of the natives. Instead of empU)ying address to disconcert the plan or soothe the spirits of the Mexi- cans, he waited the return of one of their solemn festivals, and when the principal persons of the empire were dancinaj in the court of the great temple, he seized all the aveaues which led to it, and allured partly by the rich ornaments which they w^ore in honour of their gods, partly by the facili y of cutting off ftt once the authors of a conspiracy which he dreaded, he fell upon them unarmed and unexpected, and massacred a great number, those only escaping who made their way over the bat- tlements of the temple. This treacherous and cruel action filled the city and the whole empire, with indignation and rage. All called aloud for ven- geance ; and regardless of the life or safety of their monarch, or of their own danger in assaulting an enemy, who had been so long the object of their terror, they committed all those acts of vio- lence of which Cortes had received an account. To him the danger appeared so imminent as to admit of no de- lay. He set cut instantly with all his forces. At Tlascala he was joined by two thousand chosen warriors. On entering the Mexican territories, he found disaffection to the Spaniards was not confined to the capital. The principal inhabitants had de- serted the towns through which he passed; no person of note ap- peared to meet him with the expected respect ; no provision made for the subsistence of his troops, as usual ; and though he was permitted to advance without opposition, solitude and silence reiijned in every place ; a deep rooted antipathy had taken place, which excited the most just alarm. Notwithstanding their enmity was become so implacable, they knew not how to take proper measures for their own safety, or the destruction of their enemies. Instead of breaking down the bridges and causeways, by which they might have enclosed Alva- rado and his party, and stopped the career of Cortes, they again suffered him to march quietly ; and on the twenty-fourth of June, loZO, he took peaceable possession of his former quar- ters. The transports of joy, with which Alvarado received Cortes- and his companions, cannot be described ; but the general seemed to have forgotten that sagacity and caution, which had hitherte AMERICA. 106 accompanied liim. He not only neglected to visit Montezuma, but added expressions full of contempt for that prince and his people. The forces of which he had now the command, appeared to him irresistible ; so that he began to assume a higher tofic, and lay aside the mask of moderation, under which he had hitherto con- cealed his designs. Some Mexicans who understood the Spanish language, reported the contemptuous words and conduct of Cor- tes, to their countrymen, which renewed their rage. They re- sumed their arms, with additional fury, and attacked a body of Spaniards, as they were marching to the great square, where the public market was held ; who were compelled to retire with loss. Delighted to find that their oppressors were not invincible, they advanced next day with extraordinary martial pomp, to as- sault the Spanish quarters. Their number was formidable, and their courage great. Though the artillery was pointed against them, when they were crowded in narrow streets, and swept off multitudes at every discharge, their impetuosity did not abate. Their broken ranks were continually filled up with fresh men ; these were succeeded by others no less intrepid and eager on vengeance. The abilities and experience of Cortes, seconded by the dis- ciplined valour of his troops, was hardly sufficient to defend the fortifications, into which the enemy were several times on the point of entering. Some immediate and extraordinary effort was now requisite to extricate themselves out of their present situation. As soon as the evening induced the Mexicans to retire, in compliance with their custom of ceasing from hostilities with the setting sun, Cor- tes began to prepare for a sally, with such a force as might either drive the enemy out of the city, or compel them to listen to terms of accommodation. He conducted in person the troops destined for this important enterprize. Every invention known at that time in the European art of war, as well as every precaution, suggested by his long ex- perience in the Indian mode of fighting, were employed to en- sure success. The enemy he found ready prepared, and deter- mined to oppose him. The force of the Mexicans was greatly encreased by fresh troops which poured in continually from the country. Led by their nobles, inflamed by their priests, and fighting in defence of their families, under the eye, as they judged, of their gods, they made a desperate resistance, and fought with enthusiastic ardour, in contempt of danger and death. Wherever the Spaniards could close vulh them, the su- periority of their arms and discipline, obliged the natives to give way ; but, in the narrow streets, and where the bridges of com- munication were broken down, thev could seldom come to a fair m HISTORY OF encounter, and the Spaniards, as they advanced, were exposed to showers of arrows and stones from the tops of the houses. After a day of incessant exertion, though vast numbers of the Mexicans fell, and part of the city was burned, the Spaniards, weary with the slaughter, were at length disposed to retire, with the mortification of having accomplished nothing so decisive, as to compensate for the loss of twelve soldiers killed, and sixteen wounded : another sally was made with greater force, but with no better success ; and in it the general was wounded in the hand. Cortes perceived when it was too late, his error in treating with contempt, the Mexicans. He became sensible that he could nei- ther maintain his present station in the city, or retire from it with- out imminent danger. There was, however, one resource left: Montezuma was still in his power. When the Mexicans approached next morning to renew the assault, that unfortunate prince, was reduced to the sad necessity of becoming the instrument of his own disgrace ; he advanced to the battlements in his royal robes, and with all the pomp in which he used to appear on solemn occasions. At the sight of their sovereign, the weapons dropped from their hands, every tongue was silent and all bowed their heads, and many prostrated themselves on the ground. He tried to assuage their rage by eve- ry soothing argument. When he had ended his discourse, a sul- len murmur ran through the crowd; to this succeeded reproach* es and threats ; and their fury rising in a moment above every restraint and respect, flis^hts of arrows and voUies of stones, pour- ed in so violently from the ramparts, that before the Spanish sol- diers had time to shield Montezuma with their bucklers, two arrows wounded the unhappy monarch, and a stone which struck him on the temple, brou2:ht him to the ground. On seeing him fall, the Mexicans were so much astonished, that they passed in a moment from one extreme to another ; re-> morse succeeded to insult, and they fled with terror, as if the ven- geance of heaven was pursuing them for the crime which they nad committed. The Spaniards without molestation carried Mon- tezuma to his apartments ; and Cortes hastened thither to con- sole him under his affliction. But the haughty spirit of that un- happy monarch, which seemed to have been long extinct, return- ing, he seemed to survive this last humiliation, and protract a life of ignominy. In a transport of rage, he tore the bandages from his wounds, and obstinately refused to take any nourish- ment, that his wretched days might be soon ended : rejecting with disdain all the solicitations of the Spaniards to embrace the christian faith. The fate of Montezuma, deprived Cortes of all hopes of bring- ing the Mexicans to any accommodation ; and he saw no hopes of safety, but in attempting a retreat 5 and he began to prepare AMERICA. io: ior it. But a sudden motion of the Mexicans, involved him in fresh difficulties. They took possession of a high tower of the great temple, which overlooked the Spanish quarters, and placing there some of their principal warriors, not a Spaniard Gouldltir without beini; exposed to their missile weapons. From this post it was necessary, at every hazard to dislodge them, and Juan de Escobar with a numerous detachment of chosen soldiers was ordered to make the attacks But Escobar, though a gallant officer, and at the head of (roops accustomed to conquer, was thrice repulsed. Cortes sensible that the reputa- tion and safety of his army depended upon this assult, ordered a buckler to be tied to his arm, as he could not manage it with his wounded hand, and rushed with his drawn sword into the thick- est of the combatants. Encouraged by the presence of their gen- eral, the Spaniards returned to the charge with such vigour, that they gradually forced their way up the steps, and drove the Mexicans to the platform at the top of the tower, there a dread- ful carnage began, when two young Mexicans of high rank, ob- serving Cortes as he animated his soldiers by his voice and exam- ple, generously resolved to sacrifice their own lives, that they might cut off (he author of all their calamities. They approached him in a suppliant posture, as if they intend- ed to lay down their arms, and seizing him in a moment, hurried him towards the battlements, over wfiich they threw themselves headlong in hopes of dragging him along with them, to be dashed in pieces by the same fall. But Cortes by his strength and agili- ty, disengaged himself from the grasp, and thegallantyouths per- ished in this unsuccessful attempt to save their country. The Spaniards after they became masters of the tower, se4 fire to it, and without further molestation continued their preparations for their retreat. j The point to be determined upon was, whether they should ! march out openly in the face of day, or whether they should march out openly in the face of day, or whether they should retire secretly in the night ! The latter was preferred. They began to move towards midnight, in three divisions. Sandoval led the van; Pedro Alvarado and Velasquez de Leon, conducted the 1 rear ; and Cortes commanded in the centre, where he placed the (prisoners ; among whom were a son and two daughters of Mon- Ijtezuma, together with several Mexicans of distinction, the artil- lery, baggage, and a portable bridge of timber, to be laid over the breaches in the causeway. They marched in profound silence along the causeway, which led to Tacuba. They reached the ^ first breach in it without disturbance, hoping their retreat was undiscovered. But the Mexicans unperceived had watched their I motions and had made proper dispositions, for a formidable attack. I \V hile the Spaniards were employed in placing their bridge, and conducting (heir horses and artillery, along tfje causewayj 108 HISTORY OF they were suddenly alarmed with the tremendous sound of war- like instruments, and a general shout from an innumerable mul- titude of their enemies. The lake was covered with canoes; and flights of arrows and other missile weapons, poured in from every quarter: the Mexi- cans ruhhing forward with fearless impetuosity. Unfortunately the wooden bridge was wedged by the Wv^jght of the artillery so fast into the stoues and mud that it was impossible to remove it. Dismayed at this accident, the Spaniards advanced to the se- cond breach with precipitation. The Mexicans hemmed them in on every side ; and though they defended themselves with their usual courage, crowded as ^hey were, their military skill was of little avail, nor did the obscurity of the night permit them to de- rive any great advantage from the use of their fire-arms, or the superiority of their other weapons. All Mexico was now inarms, eager on the destruction of their oppressors. Those who were not near enough to annoy them in person, impatient of delay, drove on their countrymen in front with irresistible violence. Other warriors instantly filled, the place of those who fell. The Spaniards weary with slaughter, and unable to sustain the weight of the torrent that poured in uponlhem, began to give way. In a moment the confusion was universal ; horse and foot, officers and soldiers, fi lends and enemies, were mingled together ; and while all were engaged, and many fell, they could hardly distinguish from what hand ihe blow came. Cortes with about one hundred foot soldiers, and a lew horse, forced his way over the two re- maining breaches in the causeway : the bodies of the dead served to fill up the chasms, and reached the main land. Having formed them as soon as they arrived, he returned with such as were capable of service, to assist his friends in their re- treat, and to encourage them by his presence and example, to persevere in attempting their escape. He met with part of his soldiers, who had broke through the enemy, but found many more overwhelmed by the multitude of their aggressors, or per- ishing in the lake : and heard the piteous lamentations of others, whom the Mexicans having taken alive, were carrying oft* in tri- umph to be sacrificed to the god of war. Before day all who had escaped assembled at Tacuba. But when the morning dawned, and discovered to the view of Cortes his shattered forces reduced to less than half their number : the survivors dejected, and most of them covered with wounds, the thoughts of what they had suffered, and the remembrance of so many^aithful friends, and gallant men, who had fallen the preceding night, pierced his soul with such anguish, that while he was forming their ranks, and living some necessary orders, the soldiers observed the tears trinkie down his cheeks; and remark- ed with much satisfaction, that vhile attentive to his duty 'as general, he was hot insensible to the feelings of a man. AMERICA. 109 In this fatal retreat, many officers of distinction perished, and amonj>;st these Velasquez de Leon, who had joined himself to Cortes in opposition to the interest of his kinsman the governor of Cuba, and who was respected as the second person in the ar- my. AH the artillery, bag2;a^e and ammunition were lost, and according to the best account above six hundred private men, and about two thousand Tlascalans, were killed, and only a very small portion of the treasure they had amassed was saved. It was, notwithstanding, some con^^olation, that Aguilar and Ma- rina had made their escape ; their functions as interpreters ren- dered them of essential service. The first care of Cortes was to find some shelter for his wea- ried troops ; the people of Tacuba had began to take arms, and the Mexicans continued to infest them on every side, so that he could no longer continue in his present station. He fortunately discovered a temple on a rising ground, which he took possession of, he found the shelter he wanted, and also some provisions to refresh his men. ? During his stay here, he was engaged in deep consultation with his officers, concerning the route which they should take in their retreat. A Tlascalan soldier undertook to be their guide : Tlas- cala, the only place where they could hope to receive a friendly reception, lay sixty-four miles to the east of Mexico; towards this place they shaped their course; they marched six days with lit- tle respite, and under continual alarms, through a country, in some places marshy and some mountainous, numerous bodies of Mexicans hovering around them ; sometimes harrassing them at a distance, and sometimes attacking them openly in front, in rear, and in flank, with great boldness ; and as they were now con- vinced that they were not invincible. These were not all the evils they had to undergo : the country through which they passed was barren, yielding but little provi- sions ; they were therefore reduced to feed upon such berries and roots as they could find by the way. At the very time when fa- mine was depressing their spirits, and wasting their strength, their situation required the most vigorous and unremitting exer- tions of courage and activity. One circumstance alone animated , the Spaniards ; their commander sustained the sad reverse of I fortune with unshaken magnanimity. His presence of mind never forsook him : his sagacity saw and provided for every event ; he wsis foremost in every danger, and endured every hardship with cheerfulness. The difficulties with which he was surrounded, seemed to call I forth new talents ; and his soldiers, though despairing themselves, continued to follow him with increasing confidence in his abilities. I On the sixth da^ they reached Otumba, not far from the road leading from Mexico to Tlascala. Early next morning they be- K no HISTORY OF gan to advance towards it ; flving parties of the enemy still hang- ing on their rear : and amidst ihe insults which they uttered, Ma- rino remarked that th^v often exclaimed with exultation, ** Goon *' robbers : go to the place where you shall quickly meet the ven- "geance due to your crimes." The meaning of this threat they understood, when they had reached the summit of an eminence before them. There a spacious valley opened to their view, cov- ered with avast army, extending as far as the eye could reach. The Mexicans had assembled their principal force in this place, through which they knew Cortes must pass. At the sight of this incredible multitude, the Spaniards began to despair. But Cortes, without allowing their fears^to gather strength by reflec- tion, after warning them that no alternative now remained but to conquer or die, led them instantly to the charge. Ihe Mexicans awaited their approach with unusual fortitude. Such, however, was the superiority of the Spanish discipline and arms, that tlie impression of this small body was irresistible ; and which ever way its force was directed, it penetrated and dispersed the most numerous battalions. But while they gave way in one quarter, new combatants advanced from another ; and, though the Spaniards were successful in every attack, yet were they ready to sink under those repeated eiforts, without seeing any end to tlieir toil, or any hope of victory. At that time Cortes observed the great standard of the empire, which was carried^jefore the Mexican general, advancing; and fortunately recollecting to have heard, that on the fate of it de- ])ended the event of every battle ; he assembled a few of his bravest officers, whose horses were still capable of service, and placing himself at their head, pushed forward towards the stand- ard with an iippetuosity that bore down every thing before it. A chosen body of nobles, who guarded the standard, made some resistance, but were soon broken. Cortes, with a stroke of his lance, wounded the Mexican general, and threw him to the ground : one of his followers dismounting, put an end to his life and laid hold of the imperial standard. The moment that their leader tell, and the standard, to which all turned their eyes, disappeared, the Mexicans, as if the bond which held them together had been dissolved, tlirew away their weapons and tied with precipitation to the mountains. The Spaniards unable to pursue them far, returned to take the spoils «t the tield, which were so valual)le, aslo be some compensation for the wealth which they had lost in Mexico. The principal warriors in the eneuiv's army, had been dressed out in their rich- est ornaments, expecting that tliey were marching to certain victorv . jSext day to their great joy, they entered the Tlascalan terri- tories. Happily for ttiem, the enmity of the Tlascalans to the AMERICA. Ill Mexican name was so inveterate, ami their ilesirc to avenge the death of their countrymen so vehement, that lar From taking ad- vaiitage of the distressed situation in which they heheld the Span- iards, they received them with a tenderness and cordiality, which quickly renewed all their f()rmer confidence. Some interval of tranquility and indulgence was now absolute- ly necessary, that the soldiers might give attention to the cure of their wounds, which had been too \ous; neglected, as well as to recruit their strenj;th. Cortes had still a body of troops equal in number to that with which he had penetratere repaired vhat the Spaniards had destroyed in the city, and sttetigthened it v.ith new fortiiicatioiis ; he filled his magazines with the usual weapons of war, and directed long spears to be made, headed vith the swordsaud daggers taken from the Spaniards, in order to annoy the cavalry. He summoned the people in every pro- vince to take arms: he also endeavoured to persuade the Tlas- calans, tv> withdraw their aid and fiiendship from those strangers, >vho had given such manifest iiMlications of their enmity to their gods, and who would at last subject them to the same yoke they were endeavouring to impose upon others. These representations were urged with such force*and solid reason, that it required all the address of Cortes to pi event their making a dangerous impression. But while the Mexican chief was forming his plan of defence, with grea.t foresight, the small pox, which the Spaniards had introduced into New Spain, put aa end to his career. The Mexicans at his death, raised to the throne Guatimozinj nej)hew and son-in-law to Montezuma, a young man of high reputation for abilities and valour : and at this dangerous crisis-, his countrymen with one voice called him to; the supreme command. As Cortes entered the enemy's territories, he found various ob- structions : but his troops forced their way with little difliculty, and took possession of TezcuGo, the second city of the empire, about twenty miles from Mexico. Here he established his head quarters, it being a convenient station for launching his brigan- l^nes, and for making his approaches to the capital. The cazique or chief who presided there, he deposed, u^dl^- K J il4 HISTORY OF pretext of some defect in his title, and put in his place, a persoii whom a faction of the nohles pointed out as the right heir to that dignity. By this artifice the new cazique and his adiierents^ served the Spaniards with inviolable fidelity. Cortes having ear- ly discovered symptoms of disaft'ection, in the cities situated round about Mexico,' availed himself of this circumstance to gain their confidence and friendship. He offered with coiifidence to deliver them from the gal ling- yoke of the Mexicans, and was very liberal of promises if they would unite with him against their oppressors. By these aits he prevailed upon several considerable districts, not only to acknow- ledge the king of Castile for their sovereign, but to supply the Spanish camp with provisions, and to auejment his army with aux- iliary troops. Guatimozin on the first appearance of disaffection amcmj* his subjects, exerted himself with vigour to prevent or punish their revolt. He beheld with deep concern, Cortes arm- ing against his empire, those very hands which ou^ht to have been active in its defence, and ready to march against the capir tal at the head of a numerous body of his own subjects. While Cortes was thus circumscribing the Mexican power, a dangerous conspiracy had nearly ruined all his schemes. Tha soldiers of Narvaez, uho still remained v\ith him, had never per- fectly united wiUi the original eompanions of Cortes, neither did they enter so cordially into his n\easures. And now on a near view (>f what they had to encounter, in attempting to reduce a city so inaccesi-ible as Mexico and defended by a numerous army, their resolution beiian to fail. They now began to cabal and censure their general's neasuies, and propose plans for their own safety, of v.^hich they deemed their commander totally neg»^ ligent. ^ _ ^ Antonio ViUefagna. a private soldier, but bold, intriguing, and strongly attached to Velasquez, artfully fomented this growing di^affeclion. His quarters became the rendezvous of the male- contents, where, after many consultations, they agreed that their only remeaniards had formerly divided in Mexico. This sum, when divided among the conquerors, was so small, that many of them disdained the pittance that fell to their share. Guatimozin, aware of his impending fate, had ordered what had remained of the riches amassed by his ancestors, to be thrown into the lake. Cortes, from an anxious desire to check the grow- ing discontent among his followers, gave way to a deed which stained the glory of all his great actions. Without regarding ^he i22 HISTORY Ut former dignity of Guatimozin, or feeling any reverence for those virtues which he had displayed, he subjected the unhappy mo- narch, together with his chief favourite, to torture, in order to enforce them to a discovery of the royal treasures, which it was supposed they had concealed. Guatimozin bore whatever the refined cruelty of his tormentors could inflict with invincible fortitude. His fellow sufferer, overcome by the violence of the anguish, turned a dejected inquiring eye towards his master, and seemed to implore his permission to reveal all that he knew. But the high spirited prince, dartins; on him a look of authority, mingled "with scorn, checked his weakness by asking, " Am I now re- posing on a bed of flowers?" Overawed by the reproach, he per- severed in his dutiful silence, and expired. Cortes, ashamed of a scene so horrid, rescued the royal victim from the hands of his torturers, and prolonged a life reserved for new indignities and sufferings. The provinces now submitted to the conquerors. Sn^ll de- tachments of Spaniards marched through them, without inter- ruption, and penetrated, in different quarters, to the great south- ern ocean, which, according to the ideas of Columbus, they ima- ;o;ined would open a short and easy passas;e to the East Indies. The active mind of Cortes began already to form schemes for attempting this important discovery. He was ignorant that this very scheme had been undertaken and accomplished, during the progress of his victorious arms in Mexico. Ferdinand Magellan, a Portuguese gentleman of honourable birth, having received ill treatment from his general and sove- reign, in a transport of resentment, formally renounced his alle- giance to an ungrateful master, and fled to the court of Castile, in hopes that his worth would be more justly estimated. He revived Columbus's original and favourite project, of discovering a pas- sage to India by awestern course. Cardinal Ximenes listened to it -with a most favourable ear. Charles V. on his arrival in his Spa- nish dominions, entered into the measure with no less ardour, and orders were issued for equipping a proper squadron at the public charge, of which the command was given to Magellan, whom the king honoured with the habit of St.Jago, and the title of captain- general. ' ? On the tenth of August, 1519, Magellan sailed from Seville, •with five ships, which were deemed at that time of considerable force; though the largest of them did not exceed one hundred and twenty tons burden : the crew of the whole amounted to t^yo hundred and thirty four men, including some of the most skilful pilots in Spain, and seven Portuguese sailors, in whom Magel- lan placed the utmost confidence. Mtev touching at the Canaries,, he stood directly south, to- AMERICA. 123 wartls the equinoctial line along the coast of America. He did not reach the river de la Plata till the twelfth of January, 1520. That spacious body of water allured him to enter into it, but after sailing for some days, he concluded, from the shallowness of the stream, and its freshness, that the wisihed IW strait was not situated there. On the thirty-first of March he arrived at the port of St. Julian, at about forty -eight degrees of south latitude, where he resolved to winter. In this uncomfortable station he lost one of his squad- ron, and the Spaniards suft'ered so much from the inclemency of the climate, that the crews of three of the ships, headed by their officers, rose in open mutiny, and insisted on relinquishing the vi- sionary project of a desperate adventurer, and returning directly to Spain. This dangerous insurrection Magellan wisely suppres- sed, by an efii)rt of courage no less prompt than intrepid : and inflicted exemplary punishment on the ringleaders. With the remainder of his followers, overawed but not reconciled to his scheme, he continued his voyage toward the south, and at lengtli discovered, near the fifty-third degree of latitude, the mouth of a strait, into which he entered, notwithstanding the murmurs of the people under his command. After sailing twenty days in that winding and dangerous chan- nel, to which he gave his own name, and where one of his ships deserted him, the great southern ocean opened to his view; and with tears of joy, he returned thanks to heaven, for having thus far crowned his endeavours uith success. He continued to sail in a north west direction three months and twenty days, without discovering land; in this voyage, the longest that had ever been made in the unbounded ocean, he suffered incredible distress. His stock of provisions was almost exhausted, the water became ])utrid, the men were reduced to the shortest allowance, with which it was possible to sustain life : and the scurvy began to spread among them. One circumstance alone afforded consola- tion. They enjoyed an uninterrupted succession of fair weather, with such favourable winds, that Magellan bestowed on that oceaa the name of Paci/ic, which it still retains. They would have soon sunk under their sufferings, had they not discovered and fell in with a cluster of islands, whose fertility afforded them refreshments in such abundance, that their health was soon re-established. From these islands, to which he gave the name of De los Lad rones, he proceeded on his voyage, and soon made a more important discovery of the islands now known by the name of the Fhilippines ; in one of these he got into an unfor- tunate quarrel with the natives, who attacked him with a nu- merous body of troops well armed ; and while he fought at the head of his men with his usual valour, he fell by the hands of those barbarians, together with several of his principal officers. U4 HISTORY OF Other officers took the command, and after touching at several other islands in the Indian ocean, thej at length landed atTidore, one of the Moluccas,, to the astonishment of the Portuguese, who could not comprehend how the Spaniards, bj holding a westerly course, had arrived at that sequestered seat of their valuable •commerce, which they had discovered by sailing in an opposite direction. There, and in the adjacent isles, tiiey found a people acquaint- ed with the benefit of trade, and pleased with opening; an inter- course with a new nation. They took in a cargo of valuable spices, with that and other specimens of rich commodities which they had collected from other countries, they loaded the Victory^ •which, of the two ships that remained, was the most fit for a long voyage, and set sail for Spain, under the command of Juan Sebas- lian del Cano. He followed the course of the Portuguese by the «'.ape of Good Hope ; and after many sufferings, he arrived at St. Lucar, on the seventh of September, 16^22, having sailed round the globe in the space of three years and twenty-eight days. To return to the transaction of New Spain; At the time that Cortes was acquiring such vast territories, for his sovereign, and preparing the way for future conquests, it was his singular fate, not only to be destitute of any commission or authority from the sovereign whom he served with such successful zeal, but was re- garded as an undutiful seditious subject. By the influence of Fon- seca, bishop of Burgos, liis conduct, in assuming the government of New Spain, was declared to bean irregular usurpation, in contempt of the royal authority ; and Christoval de Tapia was commissioned to supercede Cortes, to seize his person, confiscate his effects, make a strict scrutiny into liis proceedings, and trans- mit the result of his inquiries to the court of the Indies, of which the bishop of Burgos was president. Tapia landed a few weeks after the reduction of Mexico, at Vera Cruz, with the royal man- date to divest its conqueror of his power, and treat him as a criminal. But Fonseca had chosen a very improper person to wreak his vengeance on Cortes. Tapia had neither tfie reputation nor the talents, that suited the high command to which he had been ap- pointed. Cortes, \^hile he publicly expressed the highest vene- ration for the emperor's authority, secretly look measures to de- feat the effect of his commission : and having involved Tapia and his followers in a muhiplicity of conferences and negociatioos, sometimes making use of threats, but more frequently employing bribes and promises, he at length prevailed on that weak man to abandon a province he was unworthy of governing. But Cortes -was so sensible of the precarious tenure by which he held his pow- er, that he despati-hed deputies to Spain with a pompous account of the success of his arms, with further specimens of the produc- AMERICA. 1S5 lions of the country, and with rich presents to the emperor, as the earnest of future contributions from his new conquest; re- questing as a recompense for all his services, the approbation of his proceedings, and that he might be entrusted with the govern- ment of those territories which his conduct, and the valour of his followers, had added to the crown of Castile. The account of Cortes's victories filled his countrymen with admiration. The public voice declared loudly in favour of his pre- tensions, and Charles adopted the sentiments of his subjects with a youthful ardour. He appointed hiui eaptain-general and gover- nor of New Spain. It was not, however, without difficulty that the Mexican em- pire could be entirely reduced into the form of a Spanish colony. Enraged and rendered desperate by oppression, the natives often forgot the superiority of their enemies ; and took up arms in de- fence of their liberties. In every contest, however, the European valour and discipline prevailed. But fatally for the honour of their country, the Spaniards sullied the glory redounding from their repeated victories, by their mode of treating the vanquished. In almost every province of the Mexican empire, the progress of the Spanish arms is marked with blood, and v/ith deeds so atro- cious, as disgrace the enterprising valour that conducted them to success. In the province of Panuco, sixty caziques, or chiefs, and four hundred nobles, were burnt at one time. Nor was this shocking barbarity committed in any sudden effect of rage, or by a commander of inferior note 5 it was the act of Sandoval, who was entitled to the second rank in the annals of New Spain, ex- ecuted after a solemn consultation with Cortes: and to complete the horror of the sceue, the children and relations of the victims were compelled to be spectators of their dying agonies. This dreadful example, of severity, v/as followed by another which af- fected the Mexicans still more sensibly. On a slight suspicion, confirmed by very inperfect evidence, Guatimozin was charged with attempting to throve off the joke, and to excite his formei' subjects to take up arms. Cortes, without the formality of a tri- al, ordered the unhappy monarch, together with the caziques of Tezcuco and racuba, two persons of the greatest eminence, next to the emperor, to be hanged ; and the Mexicans with astonish- ment beheld this ignominious punishment infiicted upon persons, whom they had been accustomed to look up to with a reve- rence, little iiiferior to that which they paid to the gods them- selves. When Charles V. advanced Cortes to the government of New Spain, he at the same time appointed commissioners to receive and administer the royal revenue thei e. These men were aston- ished, when arriving in Mexico, at the high authority which Cor- tes exercised, lu their letters, they represented Cortes as an ^m- 1^6 HISTORY OF bitious tyrant, wliu, having usurped a jurisdiction sujicrior to la\f . aimed at independence. I'liese insinuations ma>ith the title of viceroy. Cortes fitted out several small squadrons, and s^ent them into the South Sea to make discoveries, which eithet perished in the attempt, or returned unsuccessful. Cortes, wea- ry of entrusting his oj»erations to others, in the year 1536, took the command of a new armament, and after enduring incredible liaidships, he discovered the large peninsula of Calilornia, and surveyed the greater part of the gulph which separates it from New Spain. The discovery of a couutry of such extent, weulii AlVIKUICA. m have reflected credit on acommon adveniurcr, but could add lit- tle new honour to the name of Cortes. l)iH;r;usted with ill success, aod weary ofctintendinu; with adversaries, to whom he considered it a disgrace to he oj»j>osed, he once n»ore souj^ht for redrejjs in his native country. His (ate there ^asthe same with that of all the persons who had distinguished themselves in the . HISTORY OF AMERICA. J300K: iir. HAVING related in ii^y last book the splendid achievements of Cortes and lus followers, and the suhjupjation of the Mexican empire, it now remains to close the history of Sonth America "with the coiKjuest of" Peru. Tfie chief actors in this undertakin*; xvcre Francisco ri/.arro, Diego de Almagro, and Hernando de Luque. I'vA&vro was the natural son of a gentleman, hy an illicit amour with a woman of very low birth ; and as it fre({uenily happens to the offspring of unlawful love, he was neglected by the author of his birth, who was so unnatural as to set hnn. when arrivini^ at the years of manhood, to (eed his hogs. Young l*izarro could not long brook such an ignoble occupation. His aspitiog mind thirst- ed after military glory, and he enlisted as a soldie'r; and alter serving some years in Italy, embaikt d for America, where lie soon distin;:uished himself. With a couiage no less during, than thcccmstitution of his body was robust, he was (oin-ost in every danger, and endured the greatest hardships. 1 hough he was so illiterate that he could not read, he was considered as a man formed to command. Every expeditic-n connnitted to Ins con- duct, proved successful; he was as cautious in executinj;, as bold informing, his plans. Engaging early in active life, without any resourcebut his own talents and industry, and b^ depending upon himself to emerge from obscurity, he accjuired such a |ierfect IM HISTORY OF knowledge of* affairs, and of men, that he was qualified to con» duct the one, and govern the other. Almagro had as little to boast of his descent. The one was a bastard the other a foundling. Educated like his companion, in the camp, he was equally intrepid, of insurmountable constancy, in enduring those hardships which were inseparable from milita- ry service in the New World. But in Almagro these splendid iiccomplishments were joined to an openness, generosity, and can- dour, natural to men who profess the military art. In Pizarro they were united with the address, the craft, and the dissimula- tion of a politician ; he had the art to conceal, his own purposes, and sagacity to penetrate into those of other men. Hernando de Luque was an ecclesiastic, who acted both as priest and school -master at Panama, and who had amassed rich- es that inspired him with thoughts of rising to greater eminence. Such were the men who eventually overturned one of the most extensive empires recorded in history. Their confederacy was authorized by Pedrarias, the governor of Panama, and was confirmed by the most solemn act of religion » Luque celebrated mass, divided a consecrated host into three parts, of which each had his portion, and thus in the name of the Prince of Peace, ratified a contract, of which plunder and blood- shed were the objects. Pizarro set sail from Panama on the fourteenth of November, 1524, with one single vessel, and an hundred and twenty men. Almagro was to conduct the supplies of provisions, and reinforce- ments of troops, and Luque was to remain at Panama to negoci- ate with the governor, and promote the general interest. Pizar- ro had chosen the most improper time of the whole year; the periodical winds at that time set in, and were directly adverse to the course he proposed to steer. After beating about for seventy days, his progress towards the southeast was no more than what a skillful navigator will make in as many hours. Pizarro, notwithstanding his suffering incredible hardships from famine, fatigue, and the hostility of the natives where he landed, but above all, the distempers incident to a moist sultry climate, which proved fatal to several of his men; yet his resolution re- mained undaunted, and he endeavoured by every persuasive- art, to reanimate their desponding hopes. At length he was obliged to abandon the inhospitable coast of Terra Firma, and retire to Chucama, opposite to the pearl islands, where he hoped to re- ceive a supply of provisions and troops from Panama. Almagro soon after followed him with seventy men, and landing them on the continent, where he had hoped to meet with his associate, was repulsed by the Indians; in which conflict he lost one of his eyes, by the wound of an arrow ; they likewise were compelled to re- embark, and chance directed them Xo the jilace of Pizarro's rsi* AMERICA. 129 treat, where they found some consolation in recounting to each other their sufterings. Notwithstanding all they had suffered, they were inflexibly bent to pursue their original intention. Al- magro repaired to Panama, in hopes of recruiting their shattered troops; but his countrymen, discouraged at the recital of the sufferings he and Pizarro had sustained, were not to be persuaded to engage in such hard service. The most that he could muster was about fourscore men. Feeble as this reinforcement was, they did not hesitate about resuming their operations. After a long series of disasters, part of the armament reached the bay of St. Matthew on the coast of Quito, and landed atTa- camez to the south of the river of Emeralds, and beheld a coun- try more fertile than any they had yet discovered on the Southern Ocean ; the natives were clad in garments of woolen, or cotten stuff, and adorned with trinkets of gold and silver. Pizarro and Almagro, however, were unwilling to invade a country so popu- lous, with a handful of men enfeebled by diseases and fatigue. Almagro met with an unfavourable reception from Pedro de los Rios, who had succeeded Pedrarias in the government of Pana- ma. After weighing the matter with that cold economical pru- dence esteemed the tirst of all virtues, by persons of limited fa- culties, incapable of conceiving or executing great designs, he concluded the expedition detrimental to an infant colony ; pro- hibited the raising new levies, and despatched a vessel to bring home Pizarro and his companions from the island of Gallo. Almagro and Luque deeply affected with these measures, com- municated their sentiments privately to Pizarro, requesting him not to relinquish an enterprize on which all their hopes depend- ed, as the means of re-establishing their reputation and fortune. Pizarro's mind, inflexibly bent on all its pursuits, required no in- centive to persist in the scheme. He peremptorily refused to obey the governor of Panama's orders, and employed all his address and eloquence in persuading his men not to abandon him. But the thoughts of revisiting their families and friends, after so long an absence, and suftering such incredible hardships, rushed with such joy into their minds, that when Pizarro drew a line upon the sand with his sword, perniittingsuch as wished to return home to pass over it, only thirteen daring veterans remained with their commander. This small but determined band, whose names t}ie Spanish historians record with deserved praise, as the persons to whose persevering fortitude their country is indebted for the most valuable of all its American possessions, fi^ed their residence in the island of Gorgona, where they determined to Mait for sup- plies from Panama, which they trusted their associates there would eventually procure. Almagro and Luque were not inattentive or cold solicitors, and their incessant irnpartunity was seconded by the general 130 HISTORY OF voice of the people, who exclaimed loudly against the infamy ol exposing brave men, engaged in the public service, charged with no error, but what flowed from an excessive zeal and courage. The governor overcome with entreaties and expostulations, at last consented to send a small vessel to their relief. But unwil- ling to encourage Pizarro in any new enterprize, he would not permit one land-man to embark*on board of it. Pizarro and his companions had remained at this time five months on an island in the most unhealthy climate in the region of America : during which period, they were buoyed up with hopes of succours from Panama; till worn out with fruitless ex- pectations, they in despair came to a resolution of committing themselves to the ocean on a float; but on the arrival of the ves- sel from Panama, they were transported with such joy, that all their sufferings were forgotten. Pizarro easily induced them to resume their former scheme with fresh ardour. Instead of re- turning to Panama, they stood towards the south-east, when on the twentieth day after their departure, they discovered the coast of Peru. They landed in 1526, atTumbez, a place of some note, distin- guished for its stately temple, and a palace of the Incas or sove- reigns of the country. There the Spaniards feasted their eyes with the first view of the opulence and civilization of the Peru- vian empire : a country fully peopled and cultivated with an ap- pearanceof regular industry; the natives decently clothed, in- genious, and so far surpassing the other natives of the New World, as to have the use of tame domestic animals. But their notice was most pleasingly attracted with the show of gold and silver which not only appeared as ornaments on their persons, and temples, but several of their vessels for common use were made of those precious metals. Pizarro and his companions seemed now to have attained the completion of their most san- guine hopes, and concluded all their wishes and dreams of inex- haustible treasures, would soon be realized. It was, however, impracticable for Pizarro, with such a slen- der force to make any progress in subjugating a country so popu- lous, and of which he hoped hereafter to take possession. He ranged, however, along the coast, maintaining a friendly inter- course with the natives, who were no less astonished at their new visitants, than the Spaniards were with the uniform ap- pearance of opulence and cultivation which they beheld. Having explored the country as far as was requisite to ascer- tain the importance of the discovery,- Pizarro procured from the inhabitants some of their Limas or tame cattle, to which the Spa- niards gave the name of sheep; some vessels of gold and silver, as well as some specimens of their other works of ingenuity, and two young men, whom he proposed to instruct in the Spanish laR AMERICx\. m guage, that they might serve as interpreters in the expedition which he meditated. W ith these he arrived at Panama. Yet neither the splendid relation which he and his associates gave of the incredible opulence of the country which he had discovered, nor the bitter complaints he made on account of the unseasonable recall of his forces, which had put it out of his power to make a settlement there, could move the governor to swerve from his former purpose. His coldness, however, did not in any degree abate the ardour of the three associates ; they therefore deter* mined to solicit their sovereign to grant that permission which was refused by his delegate. With this view, after adjusting among themselves that Pizar- ro should claim the station of governor, Almagro that of lieuten- ant governor, and Luque the dignity of bishop, in the country which they proposed to conquer, they sent Pizarro as their agent to Spain. Pizarro lost no time in repairing to court; he appeared before the emperor wilh the unem!)arrassed dignity of a man conscious of what his services merited; and he conducted his negociations with such dexterity and address, which could not have been ex- pected from his education or former habits of life. His descrip- tion of his own sufferings, and pompous account of the country which he had discovered, confirmed by the specimens he had brought, made such an impression on Charles, and his ministers, that they not only approved of the intended expedition, but seem- ed to be interested in the success of its leader. Presuming upon those favourable dispositions, Pizarro paid little attention to the interest of his associates. But as the pretentions of Luque did not interfere with his own, he obtained for him the ecclesiastical dig- nity to which he aspired. For Almagro he claimed only the command of a fortress, intended to be erected at Tumbez. To himself he secured whatever his boundless ambition could desire. He was appointed governor, captain-general, and Adelantadoof all the country which he had discovered, and hoped to conquer; with supreme authority, civil as well as military, and an absolute right to all the privileges arsd emoluments, usually granted toad- venturers in the New World. His jurisdiction was declared to extend two hundred leagues along the coast, south of the river St. Jago ; to be independent (^f the governor of Panama : and he had power to nominate all the officers who were to serve under him. In return for these concessions, Pizarro engaged to raise two hundred and fifty men, and to provide the ships, arms, and war- like stores, requisite towards subjecting to the crown of Castile, the country of which the government was allotted him. Pizarro's funds were so low, that he could not complete more than half the stipulated number : after he had received his patents from the iOiJ HISTORY OF crown, he was obliged to steal away privately, out of the port of Seville, in order to elude the scrutiny of the officers who had in charg;e, to examine whether he had fulfilled the stipulations of his contract: before his departure, however, Cortes, who had re- turned to Spain, about this time, advanced him a supply- of money, willing to contribute his aid towards enabling an ancient com- panion, with whose talents and courage he was m ell acquainted, to begin a career of glory, similar to that which he himself had finished. He landed at Nombre de Dios, in 15-29, and marched across the isthmus to Panama, accompanied by his three brothers, Fer- dinand, Juan, and Gonzalo. Of whom the first was born of lawful wedlock, the two others, like himself, were of illegiti- mate birth; and by Francisco his mother's brother. They were all in the prime of life, and of such abilities and courage, as fitted them to take a distinguished part in his subsequent transactions. Pizarro found Almasro so much exasperated at the manner in which he had conducted the nc2;ociation, that he not only refused to act any longer, in concert with a man, by whose perfidy he had been deprived of the honours and emoluments to which he had a just claim, but laboured to thwart alibis schemes, and rival him in his discoveries. Pizarro, however, had more wisdom and address than to suffer a rupture so fatal to all his schemes, to become irreparable. By offering; voluntarily to relinquish the office of Adelantado, and promising to concur in soliciting that title, with an independent government for Almagro, he gradually mitigated the rage of an open hearted soldier, which had been violent but not implacable.^ Luque, highly satisfied with having been successful in all his own pretentions, zealously seconded Pizarro's endeavours. A reconciliation was effected ; and the confederacy renewed on its original terms. Notwithstanding their re-union, their interest was barely suffi- cient to equip three small vessels : on board of these shipped only one hundred and eia;hty soldiers : thirty-six of whom were horsemen. Pizarro, with this contemptible force, set sail to in- vade a great empire. Almagro was left at Panama, as for- merly, to follow him with what reinforcements he could procure, Pizarro completed the voyage in thirteen days, but was carried by the winds and currents above a hundred leagues north of Tum- bez, the place of his destination, and was obliged to land his troops in the bay of St. Matthew. Without losing a moment, he began to advance towards the south, taking care, however, not to depart from the sea-shore, that he might effect a junction with the supplies expected from Panama. Pizarro in attackinp: the natives when he ought to obtain their confidence, subjected himself and hijs foilou^rs to many calami? AMERICA. 133 ties; such as famine, fatigue, and diseases of various kinds, hardly inferior to those which they had endured in their former expedition. These disasters corresponded so ill with the alluring prospect of the country given by Pizarro, that many began to re- proach him, and every soldier must have become cold to the service, had they not met with some appearances of wealth, which seemed to justify the reports of their leader. At length they reached the province of Coaque, the fourteenth of April, 153 1, and having surprized the principal settlement of the na- tives, they seized the vessels and ornaments of gold and silver^ valued at thirty thousand pesos, with other booty of such value, as dispelled all their doubts, and inspired the most desponding with sanguine hopes. Pizarro was so delighted with this rich spoil, which he con- sidered the first fruits of a land overflowing with treasure., thathe instantly despatched one of his ships to Panama, with a large re- mittance to Almagro ; and another to Nicaragua, with a consider able sum to certain persons of influence in that province, in hopes of alluring adventurers, by this early display of the wealth which he had acquired. Disdaining to employ any conciliatory means to bring over the natives to his interest, he continued his march, and attacked them with such violence in their scattered habita- tions, as compelled them to retire into the interior country, or to submit at discretion. This sudden appearance of strangers whose actions and man- ners were so different from their ov/n, and whose power appeared irresistible, made the same dreadful impression on these natives, as in the other parts of America. Pizarro met with little resistance, until he attacked the island of Puna, in the bay of Guayquil. The inhabitants of this island were numerous, less civilized and more fierce and warlike than those on the continent ; they defended themselves with such ob- stinate valour, that six months elapsed before Pizarro could re- duce them to subjection. From Puna he proceeded to Tumbez, where he remained three months to recruit his men, who were attacked by distempefs pe- culiar to the climate. While he lay here, two detachments ar rived from Nicaragua, which, though neither exceeded thirty men, he considered as a reinforcement of great consequence ; especially as they were commanded by Sebastian Benalcazar, and Hernando Soto, two oflicers of distinguished merit and repu- tation. From Tumbez he proceeded to the river Piura, and near the mouth of it, he established the first Spanish colony in Peru ; to which he gave the name of St. Michael. At the time v/hen the Spaniards invaded Peru, the dominions of its sovereigns extended in length from north to south above fifteen hundred miles, along the Pacific ocean ; its breadth from east to M ;34 HISTORY OF west was considerably less, being bounded by the vast ridge of the Andes, stretching '^rom its one extremity to the other. Accord- ing to the traditions ot the natives of Peru, they were rude and uncivilized like the rest of the savages of America until JVIanco Capac and iVJama Ocoll(», appeared aiTi(>ngst thein, who declared themselves to be the children of thesun, sentby their beneficent parent, in pity, to instruct and reclaim them. These extraordi- nary persor)a.i*;es settled at Cuzco, and laid the foundati(>ns of a city. Manco Tapae instrueted the men in agriculture, and the useful arts. Mamy. Ocollo taught the women to spin and weave. After providing food and raiment and habitations for the rude people, of whom he took charge, Manco Capac introduced such laws and p(dicy, as might be most likely to perpetuate their hap- piness. The functions of those he placed in authority, were so defined, and the atlministration of justice maintained with so steady a hand, that die country over which he presided, assum- ed the aspect of a well governed state. Thus, according to tradition, was founded the empire of the Tn- cas, or Lords of Peru. They were not only obeyed as monarchs, but revered as divinities. Their blood was held to be sacred : intermarriages with the people were forbidden, and was never contaminated with any other race: their clothing was different; the monarch appeared with ensigns of royalty, reserved for him alone, and received from his subjects that homage and respect, which approached almost to adoration. In the year 1526, uuana Capac, the twelfth monarch from the founder cf the state, \*as ideated on the throne, eminent for his pa- cific virtues, as well as for his martial talents; he added the kingdouj ot Qui(o to his d(mdnio!»s, by which he nearly doubled the power of the Peruvian enipire: he married the dai'ghter of the vanquished monarch of Quito, by whom he had a son Atahualpa, whom he named at hi* death his successor, which happened about the year 1529, leavisig the rest of his kingdom to liuascar his eldest son, b) a mother of tt.e royal race. Notwithstanding the Peruvians revered the memory of a mon- arch, to whose wise atluiinisiration their country v^as so much in- debted ; yet, when they vsere informed of the order of successi(.u so repugnant to ancient usage, aiui deemed sacred amongst them, they manifested a dirposition unfavourable to his successor. Hu- ascar encouraged b} those sentiments of his subjects, required liis brother to renounce th; government of Quito, and to ackno\sley of St. Michael, this civil war raged with s'l^^h fury between the two brothers, that althou2,'li they received early accounts of the invasion of their country, and the violent proceedings of the Spaniards, they were so intent upon a war, which to them appeare«J more interesting, tiir.t they paid no attention to the motives of an enemy, whose number was loo small to excite 'dr.y iiceat alarm : and to whuv:e career they could easily pus a check. v\hen more at leisure. The first informaiion Pizarro received respectir.": the war, was from Huiiscdr hii>eif. who sent messengers to P'Z.irro to solicit his aid against Atahualpa, uhoin he represented as an usurper and a rebel. Piz.ii ro discovei ed at once t!».e importance of tais intelliii;ence : aud v>'ithout waiti; a f>r tr.e reinforce (leni which he expected t'vom Panama, vvith p-ut of i.is troops boldly pushed forwaid, !■ avir!;i; a sm-il! garri>on in S*" i^/Iichaei. He directed iiis course lovvards va^ama'cn. a small tovv-n at the di-tance of twelve davs, uiareb froir* St. Michael, where Aia- hualpd was enca.m[)ed with a ctinsiderable body of troops. Be- fore he had proceeded f;ir, an 'officer from the Inca n^et hi;n, witli a valuc^ble present, and an (Her of his alliance, toi^c thcr v/ith an assurance of u friendly reception at Caxamalca. Pizarri), wit;> the usual arfiiiceof his courjtryme.n in x\merica, pretended he was the ambassador of a vry powerful monarch ; that he was couiiit*^ to assist hirn aj:!:ainst th«ise esieoties who dis- puted his title to the throne. The Peru'.i:nis hod foroicd various conjectures concerning; the Spaniards; It v. c^sdlto^-ether incompre- hensible to them what had induced them to enter their country; sometimes ii\Q.y were dssposed to consider them as beirip:s of a su- perior nature, vvhtf^had visited theui from a benelicerit motive ; thv.ir continual professions of good will strenij;theaed this conjec- ture, and Pi-.'-^rro's declaration of his pacific intention, so gained upon the cred.ulity of the Inca, that he deternnned toe,ive him a tVtendly reception. He therefore allowed the Spakiiards to march in tranquility across the sandy desert between irt. Michael and Motupi, where the most feeble etl'ort of an enemy, added to the unavoidable distresses which they suffered in j)assing throuij;h that comfortless region, must have proved fatal to them. From tiiencc they advanced to the mountains, and passed thn»ngh a narrow de- file so inaccessible, that a few men might have defended it against the whole power of Spain, in that part of the globe. 136 HISTORY OF The Spaniards were suffered to take possession of a fort, erect- ed for the security of that important station. As they drew near to Caxamalca, Atalnialpa renewed his professions of friendship ; and as a further proof of his sincerity, sent them presents of much greater value than the former. The Spaniards on entering Caxamalca, took possession of a large space of ground, on one side of which was a palace of the Inca, and on the other a temple of the sun : the whole surrounded •with a stronjT rampart of earth. The troops being thus safely disposed, Pizarro despatched Hernando Soto and his brother Fer- dinand, to the camp of Atahualpa, which was about a league dis- tant from the town. They were instructed to confirm the decla- ration he had before made, of his pacific disposition, and to re- quest an interview with the Inca. They were treated with that respectful hospitality usual among the Peruvians, and obtained a promise from the Inca to visit the Spanish commander next day in his quarters. The deputies were astonished at the order which prevailed in the court of the Peruvian monarch ; but their attention was more particularly attracted by the vast profusion of wealth whidi they observed in the Inca's camp. The rich orna- ments worn by him and his attendants, the vessels of gold and sil- ver, in which the repast offered to them was served up, and the utensils of every kind, formed of those precious metals used in common amongst them, opened prospects far exceedins; any idea of opulence that a European of the sixteenih century could form. On their return to Caxamalca, while their minds were yet warm with admiration and desire of the w ealth which they had Ijcheld, they gave such a description of it to their countrymen, as confirmed Pizarro in a resolution he had already taken. He re- membered the advantages Cortes had gained by seizing Monte- zuma; and was fVom the same motives desirous of getting the Inca in his power. His plan was as daring as it was perfidious. He determined to avail himself of the unsuspicious simplicity with which Atahualpa relied on his professions, and to seize his person during the interview to whicli he had invited him. He formed his plan with deliberation, and with as little compunction as if it was perfectly allowable by principles of justice and hon- our. He divided his cavalry into three small squadrons, under the command of his brother Ferdinand, Soto, and Benalcazar ; his infantry was formed in one body, except twenty of tried cour- age, whom he kept near his own person, to support him in the dangerous service which he reserved for himself; the artillery, consistingof two field-pieces, and the cross bow-men were placed opposite to the avenue, by which Atahualpa was to approach. All were commanded to keep within the square, and not to move ivntil the signal for action was given. Early in the morning, the Peruvian camp was all in motipti. AMERICA. isr Atahualpa solicitous io appear with the greatest splendour and magnifieence,in his first interview with the stran2;ers, took up so much time in his preparations, that the day was far advanced be fore he began his march, and moved so slowly, that the Spaniards were apprehensive their intention was suspected. To remove this, Pizarro despatched one of his officers with fresh assurance of his friendly disposition. The fnca at lengtli approached, preceeded by four hundred men in an uniform dress, as harbingers, to clear the way be- fore him. He, himself, sitting on a throne, adorned with plumes of various colours, and almost covered with plates of gold and silver eniici^ed with precious stones, and was carried oil the shoulders of his principal attendants. Behind him came some chief officers of his court, carrie promising that if he instantly complied, the Castilian monarcl: would take him under his protection, and permit him to continue in the exercise of his royal authority; but if he should impiously refuse to obey his summons, he denounced v.ar against himin his master's name, and threatened him with the most dreudful effects of his vengeance. This strange harangue upon abstrucc subjects, and unknown facts, it was impossible at once to make an untutored Indian un- derstand. It was altogether incomprehensible to the Inca. Those parts of more obvious meaning, filled him with astonishment and indignation. His reply, notwithstanding, was temperate. He ob- served, that he was lord over the dominions he governed, by he reditary right; that he could not conceive how a foreign priest should pretend to dispose of territories which did not belong to }»im ; thai if such a preposterous grant had been made, he, as rightful possessor, refused to confirm it ; and that he had no in- clination to renounce the religious faith of his ancestors, nor would he forsake the service of the sun, the inimortai divinity, whom he and his people revered, in order to wor&htp the god of the S^j?^ M^2 138 HISTORY OF niards, who was snhject to death ; that as to the other parts of the discourse, as he could not understand their meaning, he wish- ed to know where he had learned thinijs so extraordinary, " In this book," answered Valverdi, reaching out to him liis breviary. The Inca opened it ea?;erly, and turninij; over the leaves, lifted it to his ear: "This,-' says he " is silent : it tells me nothing," and threw it with disdain to the £»;round. The monk, enraged at this action, ran towards his coutitrymen, and cried out, '* Chris- tians ! to arms ! to arms ! the word of God is insulted, avenge this profanation on those impious dogs !" Pizarro gave the signal of assault : in^tant^y the martial mu- sic struck up, the cannon and muskets began to fire, they sallied out fiercely to the charc:e, and the infantry rushed on sword in hand. The astonished Peruvians dismayed at the suddenness of the attack, so altogether unexpected, and the iiTesistlble inipres- sion of the cavalry, and the fire-arms, fled with universal con- sternation in every quarter, without attemptins; any defence. Pi- zarro at the head of his chosen band advanced directly towards the Inca ; and notwithstanding his nobles vied with eacli other in sacrificing their own lives to cover the sacred person of their sove- reign, the Spaniards soon penetrated to the royal seat ; and Pi- zarro, having seized the Inca by the arm, dragged him to the ground, and carried him as a prisoner to his quarters. The Spaniards, elated with success, pursued the fugitive Peru- vians in every direction, and with unrelenting barbarity continued the slaughter, until the close of the day, without meeting with hny resistance. J^bout four thousand Peruvians were killed, not one Spaniard fell, and Pizarro was the only one that \vas hurt, having recei\ed a sligl.t wound from one of his own soldiers, Avhile strug52;ling eagerly to lay hold of the Inca. The plunder of the ficUrwas rich beyond any idea which the Spaniards had formed concerning the wealth of Peiu. Transported with their success, and the value of their plunder, they passed the night in mirth and rejoicings, as miglit have beeit expected from sueh needy adventurers, upon such a suddeit' change of fortune : their exultation was extravagant, and without any remorse for having slain so many innocent people, without any just cause or provocation. At first the Inca could hardly believe a calamity so unexpected to be real. But \\c soon felt all the misery of his fate : his dejec- tion was equal in pr(»portion to the grandeur from which he had fallen. Pizarro fearing he should lose the great advantages he Iiad promised himself, by having hitii in his possession, endea- voured to console him, with professions of kindness and respect, that did not in the least correspond with his actions. By residing among the Spaniards, Atahualpa soon discovered their ru-Jing passion which they were in uowise careful to conceal: and by AMERICA. 139 applying to that mactc an attempt to recover ills liberty. The offer he made for his ransom astonished the Spaniards. The appartinent in which he was confined, was twenty-two feet in length, and sixteen in breadth ; this he undertook to fill with ves- sels of j^old, as high as he could reach. Pizurro closed eagerly with this tenjpting proposal, and a line was drawn upon the walls ef the chamber, to mark the stipulated height, to which the trea- sure was to rise. Pleased with havinof a prospect of liberty, the Inca took mea- sures insiantly for fulfiiline; his part of the agreement, by sending messengers io Cu7xo, Quito, and other places, where gold had been amassed, witli orders to bring what was necessary for ob- taining h.is ransom, immediately to Caxamalca. The Peruvians, accustomed to respect every mandate of their sovereign, with the greatest alacrity executed his orders. Deceived with the hopes, of regaining: his liberty by this means, and afraid of endangering; his life, by forming any other sc-heme for his relief, and thougli the force of the empire was entire, no preparations were made, and no army assembled, to avenge their own wrongs, or those of their monarch. The Spaniards remained at Caxamalca unmolested. Small de- tachments marched into tlie remote provinces of the empire, and instead of meeting with any opposition, were received with dis- iinguished marks of respect. About the month of December, 1552, Almagro landed at St. Michael with such a reinforcement as was nearly double in num- ber to the forces with Pizarro. The arrival of this long expected succour, was not more agreeable to the Spaniards, than alarimng to the Inca. lie saw the power of his enemies increase; and ig- norant of the source from whence they derived their suj;plies, or the means by which they were conveyed to Peru, he could not foresee to what a height the inundation that poured in upon his dominions might arise. AVhile his mind was agitated by these reflections, he learned that some of the Spaniards, in their way toCuzco, had visited his- brother Huascar, in the place where he kept him confined, and that the captive prince iiad represented to them the justice of Wis cause, and that if they would espouse it, he had promised them a quantity of treasure, vastly exceeding what he was to give for his ransom. He clearly perceived his own destruction to be in- evitable, if the Spaniards should listen to this proposal; and as he well knew their insatialde thirst for gold, he had not the least doubt but that they would close in with the proposal. To prevent w hich, and to save his own life, he gave orders that lluascar should be put to death; which was obeyed like all his ^ther commands, with scrupulous punctuality.' The Indians, meanwhile, daily arrived from diSerent parts of the kingdojn^ i40 HISTORY OF loaded with treasure. A great part was now amassed of what had been agreed upon, and Atahualpa assured the Spaniards, that the only reason why the whole was not brought in, was the remoteness of the provinces where it was deposited. But such vast piles of gold, presented continually to the view of needy soldiers, had so inflamed their avarice, that it was impos- sible any longer to restrain their impatience to obtain possession of this rich booty. The whole, except some vessels of curious workmanship, reserved as a piesent for'the emperor, was melted down, and after deducting a fifth for the emperor, there remained one million five hundred and twenty-eight thousand and five hun- dred pesos, to Pizarroand his followers, besides a hundred thou- sand pesos as a donative to Almagro, and his soldiers. The fes- tival of St. James, the patron saint of Spain, was the day chosen for the division of this !arj;e sum; it began with a solemn invo- cation with the name of God, and with ridiculous grimace, pre- tended (^for they could not be in earnest) they expected the gui- dance ot heaven, in distributing those wages of iniquity. Eight thousand pesos, equal to as many pounds sterling in the present century, fell to the share of each horseman, and half that sum to each foot-soldier. Pizarro and his officers received dividends in proportion to their rank. There is no record in history, of a sum so great ever being di- vided among so small a number of soldiers. Many of them hav- ing thus unexpectedly acquired, what they deemed a competency, were so impatient to retire, and spend the remainder of their days in their native country, that they demanded with clamorous im- portunity jtheir discharge. Pizarro, sensible that from such men he could expect neither enterpri/e in action, nor fortitude in suf- lering, persuaded at the same time that wherever they went, the display of their wealth, would allure other adventurers, granted their suit without reluctance, and permitted above sixty of them to accompany his brother Ferdinand, whom he sent to Spain with an account of his success, and the present destined for the cm peror. The treasure being now divided among the Spaniards, the Inca demanded his liberty agreeably to their promise. Piz^rro, in- stead of fulfilling this, had secretly determined to take away his- life. Though he had seized the Inca, in imitation of Cortes's con- duct towards the Mexican monarch, he was destitute of the ta- lents for carrying on the same artful policy, by which h» might have derived still greater advantages, from being master of his person. Atahualpa is allowed by the Spanish historians to be a prince of greater abilities than Montezuma, and penetrated more thoroughly into the character and intentions of the Spaniards. Mutual suspicion and distrust soon took place between them. Al- Hiagro and his followers, from selfish motives, demanded his life 5 ♦ .^MKRICA. 141 but the unhappy prince inadvertently contributed to hasten his own fate; during his confinement, he had attached liimself witli peculiar affection to Ferdinand Pizarro, and Hernando Soto, who had behaved with more decency and attention to the captive monarch, than the other officers. Soothed with such respect from persons of high rank, he delii^hted in their society. But in the presence of Pizarro he was overawed and uneasy; this soon became mingled with contempt. He considered that among all the European arts, that of read- in?; and writing the most to be admired. He long deliberated witli himself, whether he should consider it as a natural or an acquired talent. In order to determine this, he desired oneof the soldiers who guarded him, to write the name of God on the nail of his thumb. This he shewed to several Spaniards, asking its mean- ing; and to his amazement they all returned the same answer. At length Pizarro entered ; and on presenting it to him, he blush- ed, and with some confusion was obliged to acknowledge his igno- rance. From that moment Atahualpa considered him as a mean person, less instructed than his own soldiers ; and he had not ad- dress enough to conceal the sentiments with which this discovery inspired him. To he the object of a barbarian's scorn, so morti- fied the pride of Pizarro, and excited such resentment in his breast, as added force to all the other considerations which prompted him to put the Inca to death. But that he might not be alone responsible for the commission of so violent and unjust an action, he resolved to try him with all the formalities observed in the criminal courts in Spain. Pizarro himself, and Almagro, with tv/o assistants, were appointed jud- ges, with full power to acquit or to condemn ; an attorney-general was named to carry on the prosecution in the king's name; coun- sellors were chosen to assist the prisoner in his defence; and clerks were appointed to record the proceedings of the court. 'I Before this mock, tribunal a charge was exhibited altogether so absurd, that the effrontery of Pizarro in making it the ground of a serious procedure is as surprising as his injustice in depriving the monarch of a great empire of his liberty, and then bring him to trial (or exercising his sovereignty, agreeably to the known customs and laws established before the Spaniards ever came amongst them; and over whom they had no jurisdiction. To judges predetermined in their opinion, the accusations ap- peared sufficient. They pronounced Ataiiualpa guilty, and con- demned him to be burned alive. Friar Valverdi prostituted the authority of his sacred function to confirm this sentence, and by his siu;nature warranted it to be just. Astonished at his fate, Afahualpa endeavoured to avert it by his tears, by promises and by entreaties, that he might be sent to ■ Spain, where a monarch would be the arbiter of his fate. The 142 HISTORY OF* unfeelina heart of Pizarro was never softened by pity. He or- dered him to be led inslantly to execution; and what added to ihe bitterness of his last moments, the same moitk who had just ratified his doom, offered to console, and attempted to convert hiiii ; and promised to obtain a mitigation of his punishment, if he would embrace the christian faith. The dread of a cruel death extorted from the tremblinj^ victim a desire of receiving basitism. The ceremony was performed; and Atahualpa. instead of being burned, was strangled at the stake. But it remains on record for the credit of the Spanish nation, that even among the pr('fli«;ate adventurers uhich were seni to con({uer and desolate the New World, there were persons who retained some of the Castilian generosity and honour. Though Ferdinand Pizarro and Soto were sent oif on separate com?nands before the trial of the Inca. there were olhers who op- posed this odious transaction. Several officers, and amongst those some of ihe greatest repotaion, and most respeetaole fame in the service, nof onlv remonstrated, but prot^>sted a^ai-nst this measure of their general, as disgraceful to iheir countrv. as re- pugnant to every maxim of equity, as a violation of public faith, and an usurpation of juris-diction over an independent monarch, to which they had no title. But their endeavours were vain ; the greater number, such as held every thing to be lawful that was advantageous, prevailed. History, however, records Ihe unsuc- cessful exertions of virtue with applause, and the iSpanish writers have not failed to preserve the i;ames cf those vv.ho niade the laudable eft'oit to save their country from the infa.r.y ot having perpetrated such a crime. After the execution of Atahualpa, Pizarro invested one of his sons with the ensigns of royalty, e.^ectin2; that a young man without experience would prove a more passive instrument in his hands than an ambitious monarch, who had been accustomed to independent command. The people of Cuzco, and the adjacent country acknovvleilged Monco Capac, a brother of Huascar, as Inca ; but the authority of the Incas was dissolved by the violent convulsions into which the empire had been thrown : first by the civil wars between the two brothers, and then by the iiivtision of the Spaniards. They had seen the monarch suffer an ignomi- nious death by the hands of stranners; many of the descendants of the sun had been cut off* by Atahulpa: their influence in the state was lost, and the accustomed respect to that sacred race sensibly diminished. The general who commanded for Atahualpa in Quito, seized the brother and children of his master, and put them to a cruel death, and endeavoured to establish a separate kingdom for himself. Pizarro no longer hesitated to advance to Cuzco; he had re- AMERICA. 143 ceived considerable reinforcements: the account of the wealth acquired at Caxamaica, operated as he had foreseen No sooner did his brother Ferdinand arrive at Panama, and dis{)lay their riches to their astonished countrymen, than f^tme spread the ac- count with such exaggeration, throus;h ail ihe Spanish settlements on the Souih ►Sea, th.t the jiovernors of Guatimala. Panama, and Nicaragua, could hardly restrain the people from abandoning their possessions, and crowdini; to that inexhaustible source of wealth, which seemed to be opened in Peru. In spite of every cheek, such numbers resorted thither, that Pizarro began his march at rhe head of fivt; hun«lred men, af- ter leaving a considerable garrison at St. Michael, under the command of Benalcazar. The Peruvians had assea\hled some large bodies of troops to oppose his progress; several fierce en- counters happened. But ihey ter^tdnated like ail the actions in America, a fetv Spaniards were killed or wounded, and the na- tives put to flight, with incredible slaug-hter. Pizarro at length forced his way into Cuzco, and quietly seated himself in that capital. The riches found there exceeded in value, v\hat had been re- ceived as Atahualpa's ransom. In their march to Cuzco, the son of Atahualpa, whom Pizarro had invested with the ensigns of royalty, dierl: and as the Spa- niards neglected to appoint another in his place, Manco Capae seems to have been universally recognize I. Benalcazar, who had been left governor of St. Michael, an able and enterprising officer, was ashamed to be idle while his brethren were in arms, and in actim : and impatient to have his name distinguished amonr:^the co!(i|;ierors of the New World, set out to attempt the reduction of Quito, leaving a sufficient force to protect the infmt settlement intrusted to his care, which was augmented by fresh recruits froio Panama and Nicaragua. At Quito he was informed by some of the natives, that Atahu- alpa had left the greatest part of his treasures. After marching through a mountainous rountry, covered with woods, and thougti often atta-.ked by the best troops in Peru, condu{*ted oy a skdful leader, the valour and good conduct of Benalcazar surmounted every or)stacle, and he entered Quito with his victorious troops. But here ir.ey met with a cruel disappointment. Tlie natives were now iic(iuainted with the predominant j'assion of their in- vaders, anu had carried off all those treasures, the prospect of which had prompted them to undertake this arduous expe- dition. By this time. Ferdinand Pizarro had landed in Spain. The immense quantiUes of goid and silver winch he carried with him, obtained him a gracious reception. In recompense of his bro- ther's servicesj his authority was confirmed with new powers and H4 HISTORY OF privileges, and the addition of seventy leagues along the coast., added to his former 2;rant. Almagro received the honours he had so ardently desired. The title of Adelantado, or governor, was confeired upon him, with jurisdiction over two hundred leagues of country, stretching beyond the southern limits of the province allotted to Pizarro. Ferdinand was adndlted into the military order of St. Jago, a distinction always acceptable to a {Spanish gentleman; he soon after set out on his return to Peru, accompanied by many persons of higher rank than had yet served in that country. Some account of his negociations had reached Peru before he had arrived. Almagro being informed that he had obtained the royal patent for an independent government, pretended that Cuzeo, the impe- rial residence of the Incas, lay within its boundaries, attempted to niake himself master of that important station. Juan and Gon- zalez Pizarro, prepared to oppose him. Each of the contending parties, were suppuited by powerful adherents, and the dispute vas on the pt Juan Pizarro, the best belovetl of all the brothers, together with some jiersons of note. Exhausted by fatigue, distressed with want of provisions, and despairing any longer of being able to resist an eneuiy, ^Nhose numbers daily increased, the soldiers became imputient to abaiiuuii Cuzco, in hopes of joining their countrymen, if aoy sur- AMEUICA. 14 viveu, or of tbrcing their way to the sea, and finding soiue means of escaping from a country which had been so fatal to the Spanish na!ne. At this critical moment, Almagro appeared suddenly in the neighourhood of Cuzco. By the same messenger who brought hiju the intellijrence of the Inca*s revolt, he received the royal pa- tent creating hitn governor of Chili, and defining tiie limits of his jurisdiction. Upon considering the tenor of it, he concluded it was manifest beytmd contradiction, that Cu/xo lay within the boundaries of his jurisdiction. He was therefore equally desirous to prevent the Peruvians from recoverinj^ possession of their ca- pital, and wrest it out of the hands of the Piza'-ros. Almagro, unacquainted with events which had happened in his absence, and solicitous of gaining every intelligence necessary, ad- vanced slowly towards the capital, and with great cirv:umspection, various negotiations with both parties were set on foot. The In- ca at first endeavoured to gain the friendship of Almagro, but des- pairing of any cordial union with a Spaniard, after many fruitless attempts to accomplish it, he attacked him by surprise with a nu- merous body of chosen troops. These were repulsed with great slaughter, and a great part of their army dispersed, and Almagro marched to the gates of Cuzco without interruption. The Pi- zarros had rendered themselves odious by their harsh domineer- ing manners, while the generous, open, aftable temper of Alma- gro gained him many adhei-ents of the Pizarros. fincouraged by this defection^ he advanced towards the city by night, surprised the sentinels, or was admitted by them, and im- mediately invested the house where the two brothers resided, and compelled them, after an obstinate resistance, to surrender at dis- cretmn. Almaajro's claim of juilsdictior. over Cuzeo was univer- sally acknowledged, and a form of administration established in his name. In this conflict only two or three persons were kill- ed, but it was soon followed by scenes more bloody.' Francis Pizarro havina; dispersed the Peruvians who had in- vested Lima, and received some consitlerable reinforcements from Hispanioia and Nicaragua, ordered five hundred men, under the command of Alonzo de Alvaiado. to march to Cuzco, and relieve his brothers. This body andvanced near to the capital, before they knew that they had an enemy more formidable than Indians to encounter. They were astonished when they beheld their coun- trymen posted on the banks of the river Aba ncay. to oppose their progress. Almagro w i sh e 4.. r Either to gain, than conquer them, and endeavoured by bribes arid promises to seduce their leader. The fidelity of Alvarado was not to'be shaken, buthis talents for war were not equal to his integrity. Almagro amused him with various movements, the meaningof which he could not compre- bendj while a large detachment of chosen soldiers passed the river 148 HISTORY OF in the night, surprized his camp, and took him prisoner, with his piinciphl officers, after having routed his troops before thej had time to form. Had Almagro known as well how to imptove, as to gain, a vic- tory, this event must have been decisive. Roderigo Orgognez, an officer of great abilities, who had served under the Constable Bourbon, when he led tne imperial army to Rome, had been ac- customed to bold and decisive counsels, advised him instantly to issue orders for putting to death Ferdinand and Gonzalo Pizarro, Alvarado, and a few other persons whom he could not hope to gain, and to march directly to Lima, before the governor had time to prepare for his defence. But Almagro, though he saw at once the utiliy of this counsel, had not suffered himself to be influenced by sentiments like those of a soldier of fortune, grown old in the service, or the chief of a party who had drawn his sword in a civil war. Feelings of humanity restrained him from shedding the blood of his opponents; and dreaded being deerared a rebel, for entering a province which the king had allotted to another. As he was solicitous that his rival should be considered the ag- gressor, he marched back to Cuzeo, to wait his approach. Pizarro, v.hose spirit had remained unshaken under the rudest shock of adversity, was almost overwhelmed with such a tide of misfor- tunes, as now fit once poured in upon him. But he was preserv- ed from sinking under it, by the necessity of attending to his own safety, and the desire of revenge. He took measures for both with his usual sagacity. The command which he had of the sea coast, by which he was f^.nabled to receive supplies both oHhien and military stores, gave him an advantage which his rival could not expect. As it was his interest to gain time, he had recourse to arts, which he had before practised with success, and Almagro was weak enough to be amused with a prospect of terminating their differences, by some amicable accommodation. Pizarro, by varying his propos- als, and shifting his ground, when it suited his purpose, protract- ed the negociations for several months, in which time, Gonzalo Pizarro and Alvarado, found means to corrupt the guard of sol- diers, to whose care they were intrusted, and nut only escaped themselves, but persuaded sixty of the men, who had formerly guarded them,, to accompany them in their flight. One of the brothers being* now at liberty, tlie governor by ano- ther act of perfidy procured the release of the othei\ He propos- ed that every point in controversy should be submitted to their sovereign ; that until his decision was known, each should possess whatever part of the country he now occupied; that Ferdinand Pizarro should be set at liberty, and return instantly to Spain, to- gether with the officers whom Almegro proposed to send thither. AMERICA. 149 to justify his clainis. Notwithstanding the design of this artifice was so ohvious, and the insincerity of the governor had been so often experienced, yet did Aiinagro, with credulity approach- ing to infatuation, cunt^Iude an agreement on these terms. No sooner had Ferdinand Pizarro recovered his liberty, than the governor threw oti'the mask; the treaty was forgotten, paci- fic and conciliating measures vere no more mentioned ; he openly declared that in the field, and not in the cabinet, by arms, and not by negociation, was their difference to be adjusted ; that it must now be determined who must be master of Peru. His preparations were so rapid, that seven hundred'men were soon ready to march against Cuzco. The command of these was given to his two brothers, who were urged on by the desire of vengeance, and that rancorous enmity flowing from family rival- ship ; they in vain attempted to march across the mountains, in the direct road from Lima to Cuzco, but were forced to alter their route, by a march towards the south, along the coast as far as Nasca; and then turning to the left, penetrated through the detiles in that branch of t^ie Andes, which lay between them and the capital. aA.lniagro, instead of defending those diiiicult passes, waited the approach of the enemy in the plain of Cuzco. He was induced to take this resolution for two reasons: his followers amounted only to five hundred men, and he was afraid of weakening such a feeble body, by sending any detachment towards the mountainf-;. His cavalry far exceeded those of the enemy, both in number and discipline, and it was only in an open country that he could avail himself of that advantage. The Pizarros, after surmonnting the difficulties and obstructions which arose in their march through the desert, and horrid re- gions which lay in their way to Cuzco, at length appeared in thr. plain, where Almagro's forces were drawn up ready to receive them. Though the countrymen and subjects of the same sovereign, and eaeh with the royal standard displayed f and though they be- held the surrounding mountains, covered with a vast number of Indians, assembled to enjoy the spectacle of their mutual carnage, and prepared to attack the successful party; so fell and implac- able was their rancour, that not one pacific counsel, not a single proposition from either party towai'd an accommodation was of- fered. Almagro at this time unfortunately was so worn out with tiie fatigues of service, to which his advanced age was unequal, that at this important crisis he could not exert his usual activity, and was obliged to commit the leading of his troops to Orgognez, who, though an ofiicer of great merit, posses-ed not that ascendency over the spirit and affections of the soldiers, as the chief whom ■&ey had been so long accustomed to follow and rever*», N-a 150 mSTORY OF The conflict was fierce, and maintained by each party with equal coiuai;c; on tlie side of Alma2:ro were more veteran sol- diers, and a larger proportion ot cavalry; but thes^e were coun- terbalanced by Pizarro*s superiority in numbers, and by two com- panies of well disciplined musketeers, which the emperor had sent from Spain, on account of the insurrection of the Indians. This small band of soldiers, regularl; trained, and armed, decided the fate ot the day. ^Vherever itadvam^ed, horse and foot were borne down before it: Orgojjnez, whde he endeavoured to rail? and animate the troops, having received a dangerous w ound, the route became general. The barbarity of the conquerors disgraced the i^lory of their victory. The violence of civil rage hurried on some to slaughter their eountrNn^en with mdisernninate cruelty: others were singled out by the n»eanncss of private revenjie, as the objeits of their vengeance. Ors;ognei and several olVjcers, were massa- cred in cold blood 5 above one hundred and forty fell in tlie lield. Almagro, tliongh so feeble tliat he could not bear the motion of a horse, was carried in a litter to an eminence, which overhx ked the tield of l-attlc. From thence, in the utmost a2;itati(»n of mind, he viewed tlie vaiious movements of bo'.h parties, and at last be- h^ekl the total defeat of his own troops, with all thepasvionatc in- dignation of a loader long accustomed to victory, lie endeavoured to >ave himself by lliu^ht, but was taken piisoner. and guarded vith the sttictest vigilance. '1 he Indians, instead of er.ecuting the resolution which they bad formed, retired quietly after tlie battle was over; a convinc- :ng evidence of that ascendency the Spatdards had acquired <^\er them, as they had not courage to fall own their enennes vhen one party was ruined and dispersed, and thev so weak- ♦ ued and latigued that they mi^ht have been attaclvt d to ad- vantage. The victorious trocps found in Cujco considerable booty; con- sisting partly of the gleanings of ihe Indian treasures and partly of the wealih an.asscd by their antagonists from tbe spoils ol Chili and Peru. l^Jt so far did this, and whatever the liberality of Ferdinand Pr/arro, their leader, could add to it, fall below their liish ideas of the recompense which they conceived due to their raerit. that, unable fo gratify such extravagant expectations, he lad reeou se to the same which his brother had employed on a. similar occasion, * . ' With this view, he eucoura£;e(l his most aetive officers to dis- cover and reduct varir.us pro\i!ices which had not hitherto sub- mitted to the Spaniards. Volunteers resorted to the standard, erected upon this cccasion, with the ardour of hone peculiar to the ase. ::cveral of Ahuagro's soldiers joined them, and thus wa* AMERICA. 151 Plzarro tlellvored from llie iinportnnity of hisdiscontentod friends and the dreud ofliis ancient enemies. 'I'ho death of Almai^ro had been detertjiined from the moment the Pi/airos had him in their power ; but they were constrained to defer siratifying their ven- cjeanee. until tl>e soldiers who had served uflder liim, as well as «omeof their own followers, in whom they could not perfectly rely, had left Cuzco. * As soon as they had set out on their different expeditions, Al- mno;ro was impeaclied of treason formally tried, and condemn- ed to die. Tliou^h he had often braved he was slain, the as- sassins lan into the streets waving their bloody swords, and pro- claiuiingthe death of the tyrant. About two' hundred of the as- sociates having joined them, they conducted young Almagro, in solemn procession through the city : and asseu;bling the maps- trates and principal citi/.ens. compelled them to acknowledge hiiu as lawful successor to his father in his government. The palace of Fi/ari o, tog^ether with the houses uf several of his ailherents w ei-e pillaged by the soldiers, who had at once the satisfaction of being avenged on their enemies, and of enriching themselves by the spoils of those, through whose hands all the wealth of Peru havl passed. The popular qualities of Almagro and the success of the con- spiracy drew many soMiers to his standard ; who declared with- out hesitation in his favour. Almaijro w as soon at the head of eight hundred of the most gallant veterans o( Peru. Me appoint- ed Herrada general. Notwithstanding this tavourahle turn of for- tune (he ac(juiescence in his government was far from being 2;en- eral. Pi/.ario had left many friends to whom his memory ^^ as dear : tlie barbarous assassination of a loan to w horn his country was much indebted, filled every impnitial person witii horror; by <'the;e !>e ^va3 considered as an usurper. The otlicers who commanded in some provinces, refused to recogni/.e his authority until it was confirmed by the emperor In others, particularly at Cu/co, tlie royal standard was erected, and preparations made to revenge the murder oi their ancient leader. Those seeds of discord aiquired greater vigour when the arri- val of Vacade Castro was k?inwn. After a long vovage he put into a small harbour in die province of Papayan, ui the year 1541, from thence he proceeded by a difhrult and tedious route to Quito. In this way he received an account of I'izarro's death, and ot the events which follov. ed upon it. He immediately produced the royal cotnmissiou appointing him governor of Peru. I!is ju- risdiction was acknowledged bv Benalcazar, lieutenant general for the emperor in Papayan, anil by Pedro de Puellus, who in the absence it" Gon/.ales Pi/.arro, commanded the troops in Quito; who had himself gone upon a fruitless expedition to the east of the Andes, where he and his follow ers sutVered incredible hard- ships. Vaca de Castro not only assumed the supreme authority, but ^hoNNedtiiat he possessed talents equal to the exigeney of the :j omeiitous trust eommited to him. Ky his intlueuce and adilress >'' soon assembled a body of troops, that set him above all fear AMERICA, 155 of insult from the adverse party, and euablcd niin to advance from Quito with -the diguity that became hi;* character. Alinai^ro observed the rapid proj»ress of the spirit of disaffection to his cause ; and that he uii^ht give an elVectual check to it he- fore the arrival of V'aca de Castro, he set out at the head of his troops for Cuzco, \vi\ere the most considerable body of troops had erected the royal standaid under the couunand of Pedro Alvarez Holguin. During his march thither, llerrada, the skilful guide of his youth, died; and from that time his measures were con- spicuous for violence and want of sagacity, llolguin, with forces far inferior, was descending to the coast, at the very time that Almagro was on his way to Cu/xo. By a very simple stratagem he deceived his unexperienced adversary, avoided an engage- ment, and effected a junction with Alvarado, an ofticer of note, who had been the first to declare against Almagro as an usurper. Soon after, Vaca de Castro entered the camp with the troops which he had brought from Quito, and erected the royal standard before his own tent : he declared himself as governor, that he Mould discharge all the functions of general of the combined forces ; and although he had not been brought up to the profes- sion, he displayed the abilities and decision of an officer accus- tomed to command. As his strength was superior to that of the enemy, he was impatient to end by a battle, the contest which appeared unavoidable. Almagro and his followers despairing of pardon, for a crime so attrocious as the murder of Pizarro, the governor, were not inclined to shun the mode of decision. They met, September the sixteenth, 154^2, at Chupas, about two hundred miles from Cuzco. The violence of civil rage, the rancour of private enmity, ihe eagerness of revenge, and the last etlbrts of despair, inspired them with such courage, that victory remained for a long time doubtful : but at last declared for Vaea de Castro. The martial talents of Francisco de Car- ajal, a veleran oiVieer, and the intrepidity of Vaca de Castro, umphed over the bravery of their opponents, led on by young Almagro, with a gallant spirit, worthy of a nobler cause, and de- serving a better fate. Many of the vauipiished who had been accessary to the assas- sination of Pizarro, rather than wait an ignominious doom, rush- ed on the sworils of the enemy, and fell like soldiers. Of fourteen hundred men, the amount of combatants on both sides, five hun- dred lay dead on tlie field; and the number of the wounded was htill greater. Vaca de Castro proceeded immediately to try his prisoners as rebels. Forty were condemned to sufter death as traitors, others were banished from Peru. Their leader, who made his escape from the battle, betrayed by some of his olficers, was publicly beheatied at Cuzco ; and in him the name of Alma? gro, aiul the spirit '^f his party were extinct. IVI 156 ^ ^ HISTORY OF Durina; these violent commotions in Peru, the emperor and his ministers were en ployed in preparing reg;u]alions by wliich they hoped to restore tranquility, and a more perfect system of internal policy, into all their settlements in the New World. To prevent the extinction of the Indian race, called f(»r immediate remedy; fortunatel;y for them Bartholomew de Casashappened to be then at Madrid on a mis-ion from a chapter of his order at Ohiapa. His zeal in behalf of this unfirtutiate people, who so far from abating, that from an increased kno\vleil2;e of their sufferings, his ardour had augmented. He eagerly seized this opportunity in re- viving his favourite maxims concernini» the treatment of the In- dians. With that moving eloquence natural to a man on whose mind the scenes which he ha ith chains, and shut up iti the common gaol. From the time the purport of thJIbew 'regu- lations v;ere known, every Spaniard in Peru turned his eyes to- wards Gonzalo Pizarro, as the only person able to avert the ruin with which they were threatened. From all quarters, letters and addresses were sent to him, conjuringhim to stand forth as their protector ; offering to support him in the attempt with their lives and fortunes. Gonzalo, though he wanted the talents of his other brothers, was equally ambitious, and of as daring courage. The behavi- our of an ungrateful court, towards his brothers and himself, dwelt continually on his mind. Ferdinand, a state prisoner in AMERICA. 15^ Europe, the children of the governor in custody of the viceroy, and sent on board the fleet, himself reduced to the condition of a private vitizen, in a country, for the discovery and conquest of which Spain was indebted to his family. These thoughts prompt- ed him to seek for vengeance, and assert the rights of his fami- ly, of which he now considered himself the guardian and heir. But the veneration which every Spaniard had for his sove- reign, made him shudder at the thoughts of marching in arms against the royal standard. He hesitated long, and was still un- resolved : when the violence of the viceroy, the universal call of his countrymen, and the certainty of soon becoming a victim to the severity of the new laws, moved him to quit his residence at Chuquisaca de la Plata, and repair to Cuzco. All the inhabitants went out to meet him, and received h-im with transports of joy, as the deliverer of the colony. In the fervour of their zeal they elected him procurator gener- al of the Spanish nation of Peru, to solicit the repeal of the late regulations ; they also commissioned him to lay before the royal audience in Lima their remonstrances, and, upon pretext of dan- ger from the Indians, authorized him to march thither in arms. Under sanction of this nomination, Pizarrotook possession of the royal treasure, appointed officers, levied soldiers, seized a large train of artillery, which Vaca de Castro had deposited in Gua- manga, and set out for Lima as if he had been advancing against a public-enemy. Disaffection having now assumed a regular form, many persons of note resorted to his standard ; and a considerable body of troops which the viceroy had raised to oppose his progress, deserted to him. The violence of the viceroy's administration, and his over- bearing haughtiness, had become so odious to his associates, the judges of the royal audience, as well as to the people, that the judges thv\ arted every measure he proposed ; and set at liberty the prisoners he confined : justified the malecontents, and applauded their remonstrances. The viceroy became at length so univer- sally odious, that he was abandoned by his own guai-ds, was seized in his palace, and carried to a desolate island on the coast, to be .kept there until he should be sent home to Spain. This revolu* tion took place while Pizarro was on his march to Lima. The judges having now assumed the supreme direction of affairs, issued a proclamation suspending the execution of the obnoxious laws and sent a message to Pizarro, requiring him, as they had already granted whatever he could request, to dismiss his troops, ^nd repair to Lima vvih fifteen or twenty attendants. It was not expected that a man so daring and ambitious would tamely comply with this requisition : but it was necessary to throw ade- iEjent .veil over their coriduct ; Cepeda, president of the court af 160 HISTORY OF audience, a pra2;matical and aspiring lawyer, held a secret co£- resjjondence with Pizarro, and had already formed the plan, which he afterwards executed, of devoting himself to his ser- vice. Pizarro now beheld the supreme power within his reach ; and Carvajrtl, the promoter and guide of ail his actions, had long fixed his opinion, that it was the only end at which Pizarro ought to aim. He, accordinjj;ly, demanded, to be made governor and captain-general of the whole province, and required the judges to grant him a commission to that effect. But the judges, from a desire of preserving some attention to appearances, seemed to he- sitate, about complying. Carvajal, impatient of delay, and impet- uous in all his operations, marched into the city by night, seized several officers of distinction, obnoxious to Pizarro, and hanged them without the formality of a trial. Next morning the court of audience issued a commission in the emperor's name, appointing Pizarro governor of Peru, with full powers civil as well as mili- tary; and he entered the town that day with great pomp, to taike possession of his new dignity. Pizarro had scarcely begun to ex- ercise the new powers with which he was invested, when he be- held formidable enemies rise up to oppose him. The viceroy had been put on board a vessel by the judges, in order that he might be carried to Spain under custody of Juan Al- varez one of their own number ; who, as soon as they were out at sea, touched with remorse, or moved by fear, fell at the feet of his prisoner, declaring him from that moment to be free, and that he would himself, and every person on the ship, obey him a^the legal representative of their sovereign. Nugnez Vela ordered them to steer to Tumbez, where he landed, and erected the roy- al standard, and resumed his functions of viceroy. Several per- sons of note instantly avowed their resolution to support the au- thority. Alarmed with these appearances of hostility, Pizarro prepared to assert the authority to which he had attained, and marciied against the viceroy, as the enemy who was nearest as well as most formidable. As he was master af the public revenues in Peru, and most of the nsilitary men were attached to his family, his troops were so numerous, that the viceroy, unable to face him, retreated towards Quito, and from thence to the province of Po- payan, whither Pizarro followed him ; but finding it impossible to overtake him, he returned to Quito. From thence he des- patched Carvajal to oppose Centeno, a bold and active officer, who had cut off his lieutenant governor, in the province of Char- cas, and had declared for the viceroy, and remained himself at Quito. Nugnez Vela by his own activity, and the assistance of Benalca- zar assembled four hundred raeu i,^. Popayan ; with these he AME'RICA, lb.i marched back to Quito, disdaining the advice of some of his fol- Jowers, who endeavoured to persuade him to send overtures of accommodation to Pizarro ; dechirins; that it was only by the sword, that a contest with rebels could be decided. Pizarro advanced resolutely to meet him. The battle was fierce and bloody ; but Pizarro's veterans, pushed forwards with such rej^ular and well directed force, that they soon began to make an impression on their enemies. The viceroy, by J^reat exertions, in vvhich the abilities of a commander, and courage of a soldier were equally displayed, held victory for some time in suspense. At length he fell, pierced v/ith many wounds, and the route of his soidiets became creneral. His head was cut o!f, and placed onihe public gibbet, in Quito. The troops assembled by Centeno, were dispersed soon after, by Carvajal, and he himself compelled to fly to the mountains, where he remained for several months, con- cealed in a cave. Every person in Peru submitted to Pizarroj and by his fleet, under Pedro de Hinojosa, he had the unrivalled command of the South Sea, had also possession of Panama, and placed a garrison in Nombre de Dios, on the opposite side of the isthmus, which rendered him master of the usual avenue of.com- tnunication between Spain and Peru. After this decisive victory, Pizarro and his followers remained for some time at Quito; and altbough they were transported with their victory, yet he and his confidents, were obliged to turn their thoughts sometimes to what was serious, and delibf::rated with much solicitude, concerning the parts he ought nov; to take. Car- vajal had from the beginning, warned Pizarro ffiat in the career on which he was entering, it was in vain to Ichink of holding- a middle course ; that he must either boldlj >uim at all or attempt nothing. Upon receiving an account of the victory at Quito, he remon- strated to him in a letter, and in a tone still more peremptory, « you have usurped (said he) the su|ireme power in this country, iln contempt of the: emperor's commission to another. You have marched in hostile array, against the royal standard; you have attacked the representative of your sovereign in the field, have defeated him, and cut off his head. Thin'k not that a monarch will forgive such insults on his dignity ; or that any reconciliation wiih him can be cordial or sincere. Depend no longer on the pre- carious favour of another. Assume yourself the sovereignty over a country, to the dominiim of which your family has a title, found- €d on the rights both of discovery and conquest, it is in your power to attach every Spaniard in Peru, of any consequence', in- violably to your interest, by liberal grants of land and Indians 5 or by instituting ranks of nobility ; of creating titles of honourj ^similar to those which are courted with so much eagerness in Eu- «qpe. By establibhing orders of knighthood, with priviliges and Q.2 hKfi HISTORY OF distinctions like those in Spain, vou may bestow a gratificatf^ upon the officers in your service, suited to the idea of military , jnen. Nor is it to your country only that you ought to attend ; endeavour to gain the natives. By oiarrying the Coya or daugh- ter of the sun, next in suc«-ession to the crown, you will induce the Indians, out of veneration for the blood of their aneient princes, to unite \Nith tl»e Spaniards in suppottin^; y»»ur authority. Thus, at the head of the principal inhabitants of Peru as well as the new settlers there, vou may set at defiance the power of Spain, and repel with ease any feeble force which it can send at such a distance." - ^ Cepeda,the lawyer, who was now Pizarro's confidential eoun>.? sellor, warmly seconded Carvajal's exhortations. Pizarro listen-, ed attentively to both, and contemplated with ph*asure the object they presented to his view. But, happily for the tranquility oC the world, few men possess that superior strenu,th of mind, and extent of abilities, which are capaole of forminj; and executing^ such darino; schemes. The mediocrity of Piza^rno'^ talent^, cir- cumscribed his ambition within more narrow limits. He c«>nfined, his views to obtaining from the lourt of Spain, a confinr.ation of the authority wliich he now possessed ; and for that purpose he ssent an officer of di>tinctio.n thill^r, to represent his conduct in such a favourable light, as that the emperor might be induced ta contii/ue hini in his present station. While Piza'-ro was deliberatins; with respect to the part he. . ^^hould take, consul!at}t>ns were held in Spain concerning the mea-. sures Mhich ou'^hi to be pursued : the court had received intelli- gence of the insuv\rection against the viceroy: of his imprison- ment, and Pizario's usurparioi:. At first view, the actions of Pizan o and his party appeared so repugnant to the duty of sub- jects towai ds tiieir sovereiiin, ihvA the greater part of the ministers insisted ors deehirini; thein instantly guilty of rebeliion, and ou proceeding to punish them with rigour. But innumerable obsta- cles presented themselves. Tite>>CreDgth and glory of the Spanish armies were th.en ^mpiuyed in Germany. lo transport an> res- pectable body of troops so remote as Peru, appeared almost ini; possible, as the treasury had been drained of uiouey to support ihe eniperor's war in Europe, Nothing, therefore, remained, but to attempt by lenient mea- sures, what could not be etfected by force; with this view they appointed Pedro de la Gasca, a priest and counsellor of the iu- ijuisition, who had been employed by government in aftairs of trust and confidence, and which l»e had conducted with ability and sue- cessj displayiui: a gentle insinuating temper, accompanied with. j itirmuess vas destined^ The emperor warmly appioved of the choice* He was invested with unliiify ois conduct; and to insist in the name of all the cqmmuuities in Pmu, for a confirmation of the governmejat to himself during his life. The persons entrusted vith this commission, intimated the iatention of Pizarro to the pre- sident, and required him, in his na:ue, to depari from Panama,^ and return to Spain. Vo Hin«»j -sa they had secret instructions^ directing him to offer Gasca fifty thousand pesos, if he would com- ply willingly with what was deuianded of him; and, if he should continue obstinate? to cut him oiV, either by assassination or poi- son. Hinojosa^, amazed at tins precipitate resolution of setting himself in opposition to the emperor's commission, and disdaining to execute the crimes pointed out in his secret instructions, pub- licly acknowledged the piesident as his only lawful superior. The officers under his command did the satne. Such was the conta- gious influence of the example, that it reached even the deputies who had been sent to Lima; and, at the lime when Pizarro ex- pected to hear of Gasca's death, or his return to Spain, he was- informed that he was master of the fleet, of Panama, and of the^ troops stationed there. Provoked almost to madness b}? an event so unexpected, he openly declared war; and to j;ive some colour of justice to his* proceedings, he appointed the couit of audience at Lima to %rj 164 HISTORY Ot Gasca, for the crimes of ha%'ing seized his ships, seduced hid of- ficers, and prevented his deputies from proceeding on their voy- age to Spain. Cepeda did not scruple to prostitute his dijijnity as judge, bj finding Gasca guilty of trea«on, and condemned him to death on that account. 'Wild and ridiculous as this may appear, it was imposed on the low adventurers with which Peru was peo- pled, by the semblance of a legal sanction, warranting Pizarro to carry hostilities on against a convicted traitor. Soldiers accord- ingly resorted to his standard from every quarter, and he was soon at the head of a thousand men, the best equipped that had ever taken the field in Peru. Gasca, on his part, seeing that force must be employed, was •assiduous in collecting troops from different places, and with such success, that he was soon in a condition to detach a squadron of his fleet, with a considerable body of soldiers, to the coast of Pe- ru. Their appearance excited a dreadful alarm; and though they did not for some time attempt to make any descent, yet they set ashore at different places, persons with copies of the act of general indemnity, and the revocation of the late edicts : and >vho made known every where the pacific intentions and mild temper of the president. The eftect of spreading this iuforma- tion was wonderful. All who were dissatisfied with Pizarro, all who retained any sentiments of fidelity to their sovereign, meditated revolt. Some openly deserted a cause they considered now as unjust. Centeiio left his cave, and having assembled about fifty of his former ad- herents, almost without arms, enteied Cuzco by night, and though it was defended by five hundred men, he rendered himself master of that capital. Most of the garrison ranged themselves under his banners, and he had soon the command of a respectable body of troops., As the danger from Centeno's operations was the most urgent, Pizarro instantly sei out to oppose him. Having piovided horses for his soldiers, his march v^as rapid. But every morning he found his force diminished by numbers who had left him iluring the night; and though he became suspicious t(» excess, and punish- ed without mercy, all whom he suspected, the rage of desertion was too violent to be checked. Before he got within sight of the enemy at Huarina, near the lake Titicaca, he could only muster four hundred men. But those he considered as soldiers of iried attachment, on whom he might depend. They were the boldest and most desperate of his followers, ccmscious, like himself, of crimes, for which they c(aild haidly expect forgiveness; and without any other hope but the success of iheir ai-ms. \\ itk these he did not hesitate to attack Centeno's troops, thou|jfh double in nuiiiker to lii^ own. AMERICA. 165 The royalists did not decline the combat. It was the most ob- stinate and bloody that had ever been fought in Peru. The in- trepid valour, and the superiority of Carvajal's military talents prevailed, and triumphing over numbers, a complete victory was gained. The booty was immense, and the treatment of the vanquished cruel. By this signal success, the reputation of Pizarro was re esta- blished, and being now considered as invincible in the field, his army increased daily. But this victory was more than counter- balanced by events which happened in other parts of Peru. Pizarro had scarcely left Lima, when the citizens, weary of his oppressive dominion, erected the royal standard; and Aldana, with a detachment of soldiers from the fleet, took possession of the town: at the same time Gasca landed at Tumbez with five hun- dred men ; as his numbers augmented fast, he advanced into the interior of the country. His behaviour still continued to be gentle and unassuming ; he expressed on every occasion, his ardent wish of putting an end to the contest without bloodshed. He upbraid- ed no man for past offences, but received them as a father receives his penitent children, returning to a sense of their duty. He ap- pointed the general rendezvous of his troops in the valley of Xauxa on the road toCuzco; there he remained for some months, that he might have time to make another attempt towards an ac- commodation with Pizarro, and also that he might train his new soldiers to the use of arms, and accustom them to discipline, be- fore he led them against a body of victorious troops. Pizarro, elated with success, and having now a thousand men under his command, refused to listen to any terms, although Cepeda, toge- ther with several oificers, and Carvajal himself, gave it as their advice, to close with the pr^^sident's otter, of a general indemnity, and the revocation of the obnoxious laws. Gasca having tried in vain every expedient to avoid erabruing his hands in the blood of his countrymen, advanced at the head of sixteen hundred men, towards Cuzco. Pizarro, confident of victory, suffered the royalists to pass ail the rivers without op- position, and to advance within four leagues of the capital, flat- tering himself that a defeat in such a situation would render a retreat impracticable, and at once terminate the war. He then marched out to meet the enemy. Carvajal chose his ground, and made a disposition of the troops, with the discerning eye, and profound knowledge, of the art of war, which were conspicuous in all his operations. As the two armies moved forward to the charge, the appear- ance of each was singular. Pizarro 's men, enriched with the spoils of the most opulent country in America; every officer, and almost all the private men, were clothed in silk stuft's, or bro- cade, embroidered v>ith gold and silver; and their horses, their 166 HISTORY OF arms, and standards, were adorned with all the pride of military pomp. That of Casca, ihiKigh not so splendid, exhibited what was no less striking. Himself accompanied by the arehbi>hop of Lima, the bishop of Quito, and Cuzco, and a great nuuiber of ecelesiastics. marching along the lines, blessing the men, and en- courasrin^ them t(» a resolute dischare;e of their duty. When both were just ready to enga^, Cepeda set spurs to' his horse, galloped oft', and surrendered himself to the president: several other officers of note followed his example. The revolt of per- sons of suchhi^h rank struck all with amazement. Distrust and consternation spread from rank to rark ; some silently slipped awav, others threw dov. n their arms, but the greater number went over to the rovalists. Carv^al, and some leaders employed au- thority, threats, and entreaties, to stop them, but in vain; in less than half an hour, a body of men, which mioht have decided the fate of the Peruvian empire, was totally dispersed. Pizarro, seeing all lost, cried out in amazement to a few officers, who still faiihfullv adhered to him, " What remains for us to dor"'- *c»*s officers ; Car- vajal endeavouring lo esraj>e, was overtaken and seized. Gasca, bappy in this bloodies victory, did not stain it with cruelty. Pi- zarro, Carvajal- and a small number of the most notorious oftend- crs, were punished capitally. Pizarro was beheaded the day af- ter he surrendered. He submitted lo his fate with a con posed dignitv. and seemed desirous lo atone by repentance for the crimes which he had committed. The end of Carvajal was suit- able to his life. On his trial he (^tiered no defence. AVhen the sentence, adjudging him to be ttanged, vas pronounced, he care- lessly replied, "One can die but once/' In the interval between the sentence and execution, he discovered no signs of remorse for the past, or solicitude about the future, scoffitg at all who visited him. in his usunl sarcastic vein of mirth, with the same quickness of repartee arid pleasantry, as at any other period v^f his life. Cepeda. more criminal than either, ought toiiave shared the same fate, but the merit of having ileseried his associates at such a critical moment, and witli such decisive efieet, saved him from imnediate punishment. lie was sent as a prisoner to Spain, and died in confinement. On the death of Pizarro, the malecontents in every corner of Peru laid dow n their arms, and tranquility seemeti to be peiiect- ly reestablished. But two very interestirig objects still remained to occupv the president's attention. I he one was to find employ- eieut immediately for a multitude of turbident daring aUveni'*- AMERICA. 167 rers, with which the country was filled : as might prevent them from exciting new commotions. The other to reuard those, to whose loyalty and valoiir he was indebted for his success The former of these he accomplished by app<»inting Pedro de V'aldivia to prosecute tlie conquest of Chili 5 and by empowerina; Oie^ Centeno to undertake the discovery of the vast regions bordering on ihe river De la Plata: the reputation of these leaders, and the hopes of bettering their condition, allured many desperate sol- diers to follow their standards, and drained that part of the coun- try of a large portion of that inflammable mutinous spirit which Gasca dreaded. The latter was an attair of great difficulty. The claimants were very numeous, T'uat he night have leisure to weigh the comparative merits of their several claims, he retired with the archbishop of Lima to a village twelve leagues from Cuzco. There he spent several days ill allotiins; to each a district of land and a number of In- dians, in proportion to his idea of their past services. But that he might get bey{md the reach of the tierce storm of clamour and ra»e which he foresaw would burst out on^the publi- cation of the decree, he set out for Lima, leaving the instrument of partition sealed up, with orders not to open it for some days after his departure. As he expected, so it happened, but by his prudent management the discontented were appeased, and order was established. Having now accomplished every object of his mission, Gasca longed to return to a private station. He commit- ted the government of Peru to the court of audience, and set out for Spain, where he was received with universal applause. Men less enterprising and desperate, and more accustomed to move in the path of sober and peaceable industry, settled in Peru, and the royal authority v.as gradually established as firmly there, as in any other Spanish colonies. END OF TEE FIRST VOLUME. HISTORY OF AMERICA VOL. II. HISTORY OF AMERICA. COLUMBUS, in his third voyage, havins attained the great object of his ambition, by discoverins; the continent of America; his success produced a number of adventurers from all nations ; the year before this, Sebastian. Cabot, in the service of Henry the Seventh of England, discovered the Northern continent, of which it is intended now explicitly to treat. The questions which first present themselves to our notice are. From what part of the Old World has America been peopled ? and how accomplished ? Few questions in the history of mankind have been more agitated than these. Philosophers and men of learnina; and ingenuity, have been speculating upon them ever since the discovery of the Ame- rican Islands by Columbus. Bat notwithstanding all their labours, the subject still affords an ample field for the researches of the man of science, and for the fancies of the theorist. It has been long known that an intercourse between the old continent and America, mi2;ht be carried on with facility, from the north-wesl extremities of Europe and the north-east bounda- ries of Asia. In the year 982, the Norwegians discovered Green- land and planted a colony there. The communication with that country was renewed in the last century by Moravian missiona- ries, in order to propagate their doctrines in that bleak unculti- vated region. By them we are informed that the north-west coast of Greenland is separated from America by a very narrow strait; that at the bottom of the bay it is highly probable they are united ; that the Esquimeaux of America, perfectly resemble the Green- landers, in their aspect, dress, and manner of livings and that a Moravian missionary, well acquainted with the language of Greenland, having visited the country of (he Esquimeaux, found, to his astonishment, that they spoke the same language, and were, • in every respect, the same people. The same species of animals, are also found in the contigijous regions. The bear, the wolf, the fox, the hare, the deer, the roe-buck, and the elk, frequent the fo- rests of North Ameiica, as well as those in the north of Europe. Oiher discoveries have proved, that if the two continents of Asia and America be separated at all, it is only by a narrow strait. From this part of the old continent also, inhabitants may have passed into the new; and the reseuiblance between the In- dians of America and the eastern inhabitants of Asia, would in- duce us to conjecture, that they have a common orii^in. This opinion is adopted by the celebrated doctor Robertson, in his History of America. The more recent and accurate discoveries of that illustrious navigator, Cooke, and liis successor, Clarke,, hare brought the matter still nearer to a certtiia'v. 4 HISTORY OF The sea, from the south of Behring's straits, to the crescent of isles between Asia and America, is very i^hallovv. It deepens from these straits (as the British seas do from those of Dover) till the soundings are lost in the Pacific Ocean ; bui that does not take place but to the south of the isles. Between them and the straits is an increase from 12 to 54 fathoms, except only of St, ThaddeusNoss, where there is a channel of a peater depth. From the voleanic disposition, it has been judi^ed probable, not only ihat there was a soparatitm of the continents at the straits of Behring, but that the whole space from the isles to the small opening, had once been occupied by land; and that tbe fury of the eatery elem.^nt, a«?tuated by that of fire, had in some remote times, subverted and overwhelmed the tract, and left the islands as njonuii.cntui fragments. There can he no doubt that our planet has been subject to great vicissitudes since the delup;e : ancient and mtulern historians confirm this truth, that lands aie now ploughed, over which ships formerly sailed ; and tliat they now sail over lands, which were formerly cultivated : eartiujuakes have swallowed some lands and subterraneous fires have thrown up others: the sea retreat- ing from its shores, has lengthened tbe land in some places, and encroaching upon it in oihers, has diminished it ; it has separated some territories, which were formerly united, and formed new bays and gulfs. llevolutions of this nature happened in the last century. Sicily was united to the continent of Naples, as Eubcea, now the Black sea, was to Bwotia. DiiKlorus, Strabo, and other ancient authors, say the same thing of Spain, and of Africa ; and affirm, that by a violent irruption of the ocean upon the land between the moun- tains of Abyla and Caipe, that comraunii-ation was broken, and the Mediterranean sea was formed. Amonjj the people of Cey- lon, there is a tradition, that a similar irruption of the sea, sepa- rated their island from the peninsula of India; the same thing is believed by those of Malabar, with respect co the Maldiviaii isles; and by the Malayans, with respect to Sumatra. The count de Button is certain, that in Ceylon the earth ha& lost 30 or 40 leagues, taken from it by tlie sea. The same author asserts, that Louisiana has only been formed by the mud of rivers. Pliny, Seneca, Diodorus, and others, report innumerable exam- ples of sin»ilar revolutions. In the strait which separates America from Asia, many islands are found, which are supposed to be ihe mountainous parts of land, formerly swallowed up by earthquakes; which appears the more probable, by the multitude of volcanoes, now known in the penin- sula ol Kamtscbatka. It is imagined, however, that the sinking of that land, and the separation of the two continents, has beeii occasioned by those great earthquakes, mentioned in the history AMEIIICA. If of the Amciicans: wliich formed an oera almost as memorable as that of the dchige. We can farm no conjecture of the timo mentioned in the histories of the Toltecas, or of the )'ear I. TecpatI, when that great calamity liappened. If a great earthquake should overwhelm the isthmus of Suez, and there should be at the sume (ime, as j^reat a scarcity of his- torians, as there were in the first age of the deluge, it would b(i doubted in three or four hundred years afler, whelher Asia had ever been united by that part to Africa; and many would firndy deny it. W'liether that groat event, the separation of the continents, took place before or alter the population of America, it is impos- sible to determine; but we are indebted to the above-mentioned navigators, for settling the long dispute about ihe point from vhich it was etfccted. Their obseivations prove, that in one place the distance between continent and continent is only thirty- nine miles: and ir« the middle of this narrow strait, there are two islands, which would greatly facilitate the passage of the Asiatics into the New World, supposing it took place in canoes, altr:- the convulsion which rent the two continents asunder. It may also be added, that these straits are, even in summer, often filled with ice ; in winter frozen over, so as to admit a pas- sage for mankind, and by which fjuadrupids might easily cross, and stock the continent, fjut where, from the vast expanse of th(; north-eastern woild, to fix on the first Iribcs who contributed to people the new continent, now inhabited from end to end, is a rnatlcr that has bafiied human reason. The learned may make bold and ingenious conjectures, but plain good sense cannot always accede to Ihem. As mankind increased in numbers, Ihey naturally protruded one another forward. Wars might be another cause of migra- tions. No reason appears, why the Asiatic north might not be an officina vivorum as well as the European. The overteeminf?; country to the east of the Uiphean mountains, must have found it necessary to discharge its inhabifants: the first great increase of people were forced forwards by the next to it; at Icn^rth reaching the utmost limits of ihe Old World, found a new one, v\ith auiple space to occupy unmolested for ages; till Columbus, in an evil hour for them, discovered their country ; v\ hich brou'>ht again new sins and new deaths to both worlds. It is impossible, vith the lights which we have so recently received, to adjnit, that America could receive its inhabitanis (that is the bulk of them) from any other place than eastern Asia. A few proofs may be added, taken from the customs or dresses, common to the inha- bitants of both worlds. Some have been long extinct in the old, ©thers remain in bodi in lull force. The custom of scalping, was a barbarism in use with the Scy- V2 6 HISTORY OF tliians, who carried about them at all times this savage mark of triumph. A little image found among the Kalmucs, of a Tarta- rian deity, mounted on ahorse, and sitting; on a human skin with scalps pendant from the breast, fully illustrates the custom of the ancient Scythians, as described by the Greek historian. This usage, we well know byjhorrid experience, is continued to this day in America. The ferocity of the Scythians to their prisoners, extended to the remotest part of Asia. The Kamtschatkans, even at the time of their discovery by the Russians, put their prisoners to death by the most lingering and excmtiating tor- ments; a practice now in full force among the aboriginal Ameri- cans. A race of the Scythians were named Anthropophagi, fronn their feeding on human flesh: ihe people of Nootka sound, still make a repast on their fellow creatures. The savages of North America have been known to throw the* mangled limbs of their prisoners into tlie horrible caldron, and devour them with the same relish as those of a quadruped. The Kanitschatkans in their marches never went abreast, but followed one another in the same track: the same custom is still observed by the uncultivated natives of North America. The Tungus*;, ths most numer^ms nation resident in Siberia, prick their shins with small punctures, in various shapes, with a needle: then rub theui with charcoal, so that the marks become indelible : this custom is still observed in several parts of South America. The Tungusi use canoes made of birch bark, distendi-d over ribs of wood, and nicely put together: the Canadian, and many other primitive American nations, use no other sort of boats. In fine, the con- jectures of the learned, respecting the vicinity of the Old and New world, are now, by the discoveries of late navigators, lost in conviction : and in the pUce of an imaginar}^ liypothesis, the> place of migration is almost incontr^vertibly pointed out. This vast country extends from the 80th degree of north lati- tude, to the 54th degree of south latitude ; and where its breadth is kn( wn, from the 35th to the I36th degree west lonjiitude from Lontion,, stretching between eight and nine thousand miles in length, and in its greatest breadth three thousand fix hundred and ninet) ; ii embraces both hemispheres; has two summers and a double \viriter,.and enjoys almost all the variety of climates, which the earth ailbi d*. It is v/ashed by two great oceans : to the east- vaidithas the Atlantic, which separates it from Europe and Afiica ; to the west it has the Pacific or Great South Sea, sepa- rating it from Asia. By these seas it carries on a direct com- merce V ilh all the other three parts of the World. Next to the extent of the New World, the grand objects which it presents to the view, mu^it forcibly strike the e} e of an observer. Nature seems to have carried on her operauons upon a larges ^aie, aiidwitb a bolder hand, and to have distinguibhed the fea- AMERICA. y .tores of tiiis couatpy by a peculiar majinificencc. The mountains ©f America are much suj)erior in height to those in the other di- visions of the globe. The most elevated point of the Andes in South America, according to Don Ulloa, is twenty thousand two hundred and eighty feet above the level of the sea; which is at least two thousand one hundred and two het, above the peak of TenerifFe, which is the highest known mountain in the ancient continent. From the lofty and extensive mountains of America, descend rivers, with which the streams of Europe, Asia, or Africa, are^ not to be compared, either for length, or for the vast bodies of water, which tliey pour into the ocean. The Danube, the Indus, the Ganges, or the Nile, are not of equal magnitude with the St. Lawrence, the Missouri, or the Mississ^i-ipi, in North America; or with tlie Maragnon, the Orinoco, or the La Plata, in South America. The lakes of the New World are not less conspicuous for gran- deur than its mountains and rivers. There is nothing in the other parts of the gbbe vUiich resemble the prodigious chain of lakes in North America; they might with propriety, be termed inland seas of fresh water; even those of the second or third class, in magnitude, are of larger circuit (the Caspian sea excepted) than the greatest lakeof the ancient continent. Various causes have been assigned for the remarkable differ- ence between the climate of the New continent and the Old. The opinion of the celebrated Dr. Robertson, on this subject, claims our attention. " Though the utmost extent of Ameiica towards <• the north, be not yet discovered, we know that it advances near- *' er the pole than either Europe or Asia. The latter have large "seas to the north, which are open during part of the year; and " even when covered with ice, the wind that blows over them ** is less intensely cold, than that which blows over land in the "same latitudes. But in America, the land stretches from the " river St. Lawrence towards the pole, and spreads out immense- " ly to the west. A chain of enormous mountains, covered with "snow and ice, runs through all this dreary region. The wind? " passing over such an extent of high and frozen land, becomes; " so impregnated with cold, that it acquires a piercing keenness,, "which it retains in vts progress through warmer climates; and "is not entirely mitigated, until it reaches the guif of Mexico. " Over all the continent of North Ameiiea, a nonh- westerly wind' *' and excessively cold, are terms synonimous. Even in the most " sultry weather, the moment that the wind veers to that quarter, "its penetrating influence is felt in a transition from heai to cold " no less violent than sudden. To this powerful cause we may "ascribe tiie ex.raordinary dominion of cold, and is violent Jiaroads iato the southern provinces in that part of the globe.'' S HiSTOUY OF Of the nianncis and customs of the North Americans, thefol* IiHving is tlie raost consistent account that can be collected froni the bestiiiformod, and most impartial writers. When (he Europeans first arrived in Ameriea, thej found the In.dians qnite naked, except those parts which the most unculti- vated savt'.ges u-iually conceal. Since that time, however, they generally use a coarse blanket, uhich they obtain of the neigh- bouring planters, in CKcharjge for furs and other articles. Theic huts or cabins are made of stakes of wood driven into the ground, and covered with branches of trees or reeds. They lie on the floor, either on mats, or the skins of wild beasts. Their dishes are of wood, and their spoons of the sculls of wild oxen, and some- times of laurel, a hardy wood, very suitable for the purpose ; their knives and hatt hets are made <»f llirtt or other stone. A kettle, and a lar^e plate, constitute almovst the \\hole utensils of the fa- mily. 1 heir diet consists ehiflly on what they procure by hunt- ing; and sagamite, or pottage, is likevMse one of the most com- mon kinds of food. The most honourable furniture among them is a collection of the scalps ol their enemies : with these they or- nament their huts, N\hich are esteemed in proportion to the num- ber of this horrid sort of spoils. The character of the Indians, is only to be known by their cir- cumstances and way of passing through lif«. Constantly employ- ed in procuring a precarious subsistence,'by hunting wild animals, and often engaged in war, it cannot be expected, that they enjoy muehgaity of temper, or a high flow of spirits. '1 hey are there- fore generally grave, approaching to sadness : they have none of that giddy vivacitj, peculiar to some nations of Ki.rope, but des- pise it. Their behaviour lo those about them is regular, modest, and respectful. They seldom speak but when they have same- thing important to observe ; and all their actions, v\ords, and even looks are attended with some meaning. Their snl sistence de- ends entirely on what they procure with their hands : and their ives, their hr.nour, and every thing dear to them, ma} be lost by the smallest ina tention. to the designs of their enem.es As no particular ofcyect has power to attach them to oiie place, more than another, they govhcrever the necessaries of life can be pro- cured in the greatest abundance. The different tribes, or nations, ivhen compared with civilized societies, are extremely small. These tubes often live at an iimiense distance : they are sepa- rated by a deseit frontier, and hid in the bo>om of impenetrdble woods, hiid almost bt-undless forests^. There i> in each society, a ceitain kind of government which, with very little deviation, prevails over the whole continent: their manners and way of life, are nearly similar and uniform. An Iiulian has no method by which he can render himself eon- siUerable among hii companions; but by his personal accomplish- I I AMERICA. 9 ments, either of hody or mind ; but as nature has not been verjr lavish in these dLstnictions, where all enjoy the same education, all are pretty much upon an equality, and will desire to rcaain so. Liberty is thereto, e the prevailing passion of the x\meiican Indians; and their government under the influence of this senti- ment, is perhaps better secured, tlian by the wisest political reg- ulafions. i'hey are very far, however, from despising all sort of authority : they are attentive to the voice of wisdom, which ex- perience has confirmed on the aged, and they enlist under the ban- ners of the chief, in whose valour and military address, they have learned to repose a just and merited confidence. Among ihose tribes which are most engaged in war, the povyer of the chief is naturally predominant ; because the idea of having a military leader was the first source of his superiority ; and the continued exigencies of the state requirifig such a leader, will en- hance it. His power, however, is rather persuasive than coercive, he is reverenced as a lather, rather than teaied as a monarch. He has no guards, no prisons, no officers of justice : and, one act of ill-judged violence vmII pull hint from his humble throne. The elders in the other form of government, which may be considered as a mild and nominal aristocrac)', have no more power. Age alone is sufficient for acquiring respect, influence, and authority; experience alone, is the only source of know- ledge among a savage people. Among the Indians business is conducted with the utmost sim- plieity, and recalls to those who are acquainted with antiquity, a lively representation of the early ages. The heads of families meet together in a house or cabin, appointed for the purpose : here the'^business is diseussed : and here those of the nation distin- guished tor their eloquence, or wisdom, have an opportunity ot displaying their talents. Their orators like those of Homer, ex- })ress themselves in a bold figurative style, more strong than re- fined, with gestures violent, but natural and expressive. When the business is over, and they happen to be well provided with food, they appoint a fnist upon the occasion, of which almost ihe whole naiion partake ; the feast is accompanied with a song, in which the exploits of their forefathers are celebrated. They have dances too, but chiefly of the military kind, like the Greeks and Romans, whieh inspire the younger with a martial spirit. To assist their memory they have belts of small shells (warn' 'pumj or beads, of different colours, each representing a ditil-r- , ent object, whicli is marked by their colour or arrangement. At j the conclusion of every subject on which they discourse, when they I treat with a foreign state, they deliver one of those belts ; for, if ] this ceremony should be omitted, all that they have said passes for nothing. These belts are carefully dt'posited in each town as the \ public records of the nation 5 and. to them they occasioiially have to HISTORY OF recourse, when any public contest happens with a neighbouring tribe. Of late, as the materials of which those belts are made have become scarce, thev often give some skin in the place of the wampum ; and receive in return, presents of a more valuable kind, from the commissioners appointed to treat with them ; for they never consider a treaty of anv weight, unless every article in it be ratified by some gratification. It sometimes happens, that those different tribes or nations, scattered as they are, at an immense distanee from one another, meet in their excursions whilst huntln*. If there subsist no ani- mosity between them, they behave in the most friendly and cour- teous manner ; but if ihey happen to be in a state of war, or, if there has been no previous intercourse between them, all who are not friends are deemed enemies, and they fight with the most savasje fury. ^Var, hunting, and fishing, are the principal employments of the men; almost every other coneern is consigned to the women. The most prevailing motive with the Indians for entering into a war, if it does not arise from an accidental rencounter, is either to revenge themselves for the death of some lost friends, or to ac- quire prisoners, who mav assist them in their hunting^, and whom they adopt into their society. These wars are either undertaken by some private adventurers, or by the whole community. In the latter case, all the young men who des^ire to go out to battle (for no one is compelled contrary to his inclination) give a piece of vood to the chief, as a token of their design to accompany him. The chief who is to conduct the enterprise, fa«its several days, and carefully tbserves his dreams during that time: which the presumption natural to ravages mostly renders as favourable as he could desire. A variety of other supersiitious ceremonies arc- observed. Ihe war kettle is set on the fire, as an emblem that they are j^oing cut to devour their enemies; v hich among these nations, it is probah'e, was formerly the case : sirte they still continue to ex- press it in cle?r term.s. and use an emblem significant of the an- cient usage. Then they despatch a cup or large shell to their al- lies : invitii.5: them to join in the destruction of their eriemies.ard drink tl eir blood : for like the arcient Grcf ks, they thii.k that tho*.e in tli eir alliance, n.ust not only adopt their quarrels, but that t^ey mu^i .I'tso ha\e their rf seniments wound up to the same high, pitch with tliemseUes. There are no people who carry their friendships or resent- ments so far as tliev do; this naturally results from their pecu- liar circumstaiices. Tl e Amei icans live in snail societies, accus- tomed '0 see but few objects and few persons : to be deprived of ihcse objects to which they are so closely attached, renders them AiMERICA. a TOiserable. Their ideas are too confined to enable them to enter- tain just sentiments of humanity, or universal benevolence. But this very circumstance, while it makes them cruel and savai^e to an incredible deju;ree, towards those with whom they are at war, adds a new force to their particular friendships, and to the com- mon tie which unites the members of the same tribe, or those in alliance with them. Without attending to this reflection, some facts which immedi- ately follow would excite our wonder, without informing our rea- son'; and we would be bewildered in a number of particulars, seemingly opposite to one another, without being sensible of the general cause from which Ihej proceed. Having finished all the ceremonies previous to the war, and the appointed day for setting; out on their expedition has arrived, they lake leave of their friends, and exchange their clothes, or what- ever moveables they have, in token of mutual friendship ; after which they proceed from the town, their wives and female rela- tions, walking before, and attending them to some distance. The warriors march dressed in all their finery, and most showy appa- rel without any order. The chief walks slowly before them, sing- in,^ the war song : while the rest observe the most profound silence. When they come up to their women, they deliver to them all their ornaments, and putting on their worst clothes, proceed on their expedition. Every nation has its peculiar ensign or standard, which is gen- erally a representation of some beast, bird, or fish. Those among the Five Nations, are the bear, otter, wolf, tortoise, and eagle, and by those names the tribes are usually distinguished. They have the figures of those animals pricked and painted on several parts of their bodies : and when they march through the woods, they commonly, at every encampment, cut the representa- tion of their ensign on trees, especially after a successful cam- paign : marking at the same time, the number of scalps and pri- soners they have taken. Their military dress is very singular: the cut off, or pull out, all their hair, except a spot about the breadth of two crown- pieces near the top of their heads, and entirely destroy their eye brows: the lock left upon their heads, they divide into several parcels : each of which is stitFened and adorned with wampum, beads, and feathers of various kinds ; the whole twisted into a form resentbling the modern poinpoon. Their heads are painted !red down to the eyes, and sprinkled over with white i to which they belong, and deternnne the precise time in which they passed ; when an European with the aid of glasses s-ould not discover the least trace of a foot step. These circumstances are of less importance as their savage enemies are equally well acquainted with them. When they go out, therefore, they take care to avoid making use of any thing that might lead to a dis<'overy. They light no fire to warm themselves, or to prepare their victuals : they lie close to the ground during the day, when they draw near the re- sidence of their enemies, and travel only in the night, and march- ing along in files ; he that closes the rear, carefully covers the tracks of his own feet, and those who preceeded him w ith leaves. When they halt to refresh themselves, scouts are sent out to re- connoitre the c<.untry, and beat up every place vihere they sus- pect an enemy lies concealed. In this manner they enter unawares the villages of their foes; and while the flower of the nation are engaged in hunting, massa- cre all the children, women and helpless old men; or make pri- soners of as many as they can manage, or have strength enough to be useful to their nation. But when the enemy is apprized of their design, and coming on in arms against them, they throw themselves flat on the ground among the withered herbs ancj I leaves, whi^h their faces are painted to resemble They then al- ' low a part to pass unn olested, when all at once, with a tremen- ; dous sh<»ut. rising up ftom their an bush, they pour a storm of ar* 1 rows or musket bullets upon their foes. ! The party attacked, returns the same cry : every one shelters himself with a tiee, and returns the fire of he adverse party, as soon as they raise then-selves from the ground to give a sec<»nd j fire. Thus does the battle continue, until the one party is so much veakened, as to be incapable of further lesij-tance. But if the force on each side continues nearly equal, the fierce spirits of the AMERICA. 13 savages, inflamed by the loss of their friends, can no longer be re- str ined. They abandon their distant war, and rush upon one ano- ther with clubs and hatchets in their hands, magnifying their own courage, and insulting their enemies with the bitterest reproaches, A cruel combat ensues, death appears in a thousand hideous forms, which would congeal the blood of civilized nations to behold ; hut which rouses the fury of savages. Tbey trample, they insult over the dead bodies, and tear the scalp from tbehead. The flame continues to rage till resistence ceases ; then they secure the pri- soners, whose fate, if men. are a thousand times more unhappy than those who died in the field. The conquerors set up a hide- ous yell to lament the friends they have lost. They approach in a melancholy severe gloom, to their ovvn vil- lage; a messenger is sent to announce their arrival, and the women with frightful shrieks, come out to mourn their dead bro- thers, or their husbands. When they are arrived, the chief re- lates in a low voice, to the elders, a circumstantial account ot every particular of the expedition. The orator then proclaims this account aloud to the people; and as he mentions the names of those who have fallen, the shrieks of the women are re- doubled. The men too join in these cries, according as each is most con- nected with the deceased, by blood or friendship. The las* cer- emony is the proclamation of victory; each individual then for- gets his private misfortunes, and joins in the triumph of his na- tion; all tears are wiped from their eyes, and by an unaccounta- ble transition, they pass in a moment from the Bitterness of sor- row to an extravagance of joy. But the manner in which they treat their prisoners, is the chief characteristic of the savages. The friendly affections whicli glow with an intense warmth within the bounds of their own vil- lages, seldom extend beyond them. They feel nothing for the enemies of their nation liut an implacable resentment. I'he pri- soners, who have themselves the same feelinj^s, know the inten- tions of their conquerors, and are prepared fir them. The persoa who has taken the captive, attends him to the cottage, where, ac- cording to the distribution made by the elders, he is to be deliver- ed to supply the loss of a relative. If those who receive him have their family weakened by war or other accidents, ihey adopt the captive into the fa nily. But if they have no occasion for him, or their resentment for the loss of their friends be too high to endure the sight of any connected with those who were concerned in it, they sentence him to death. All those who have met with the same severe sentence being collected, the whole nation is assem- bled at die execution as for some great solemnity. A scaffold is erected and the prisoners are tied to a stake, where they begin their death song, and prepare for the ensuing scene of cruelty, Q 14 HISTORY OF with the most undaunted courage. Their enemies on the other side, are determined to put it to the proof, by the most cruel and exquisite tortures. They begin at {he extremity of his body, and gradually approach his more vital parts ; one plucks out his nails by the roots, one by one ; and another takes a finger into his mouth and tears otl'the ttesh with his teeth ; a third thrusts the mangled finger into the bowl of a pipe made red hot, which he smokes like tobacco; then they pound his toes and fingers to pieces betw een two stones ; they cut circles about his joints, and gashes in the fleshy parts of his limbs, which they sear immediately with red hot irons, cutting, burning, and pinching them alternately ; they pull oft'his flesh thus manjiled and roasted, bit by bit, devouring it with greediness, and smear- inaj their faces with the blood ; their passions encreasing in horror and fury, they proceed to twist the bare nerves and tendons about an iron, tearing and^snapping them, while others are employed in pulling and extending the limbs in every direction so as to in- crease the torment. This continues often five or six hours, and sometimes (such is the constitutional strength of the savages.) for days together. Then they frequently unbind him, to give a breath- ing to their fury, to think what new tortures they shall inflict, and to refresh the strength of the sufferer, who, wearied out with such a variety of unheard of torments, often falls into so profound a sleep that they apply the fire to awake him, and renew his suf- ferings. He is again fastened to a stake, and again they renew their cruelty: they stick him all over with matches of a wood that easily takes fire, and burns but slowly, they run sharp reeds into every part of his body, they drag out his teeth with pincers, and thrust out his eyes ; and lastly, having burned his flesh from his bones with slow fiies, after having mangled his body in the most shocking manner, and so nmtilated his face that nothing hu- man appears in it, after having peeled the skin from the head, and poured a heap of red hot coals or boiling water on the naked scull, they once more unbind the miserable victim ; who, blind and staggering with pain and weakness, is assaulted on every side with clubs and stones, and fa' ling into their fires at every step, until one of the chiefs, out of compassion, or weary of cruelty, puts an end to his life by a club or dagger. The body is then put into a kettle, and this inhuman and horrid employment is succeeded by a feast as barbarous. The women, forgetting the human as well as the female nature, surpass the men in cruelty, and act like furies while this scene of horror is going on : the principal persons of the nation sit around the stake looking on, and smoking their pipes without the least emotion. But what is most extraordinary, the sufferer himself, in the little intervals of his torments, smokes, appears unconcerned, and converses with his tormentors about inUitferent matters. Dur- AMERICA. 15 ing the whole time of his execution, there seems a contest which shall succeed ; they by inflicting the most horrid pains, or he, by enduring them with a firmness and constancy almost above hu- man ; not a sigh, not a groan, not a distortion of countenance, escapes him : he possesses his mind entirely in the midst of his torments : he recounts his own exploits : he informs them of the cruelties he has committed uj>on their countrymen, and threatens them with the revenge that will attend his death ; that they were old women who knew not how to put a warrior to death ; and though his reproaches exasperate them to madness, he continues to insult them with their ignorance in the art of torinentini; ; pointing out himself more exquisite methods, and more sensible parts of the body to be afflicted. Tiie women have this part of courage as well as the men, and it is as rare for an Indian to be- have otherwise, as it would be for an European to suffer as an Indian. Such is the wonderful power of an early intuition, and a feroci- ous thirst of glory. ** 1 am brave and intrepid," says the savage in the fiice of his tormentors, " I neither fear death nor torments; *' those who fear them are cowards; they are less than women : *' life is nothing to those who have courage ! may my enemies be <' confounded with despair and rage : oh I that I could devour " them and drink their blood to the last drop." But neither the intrepidity on one side, nor the inflexibility on the other, are mat- ter of astonishment ; for vengeance and fortitude, in the midst of torments, are duties considered with them as sacred : they are the effects of their earliest education, and depend upon princi- ples instilled into them from their infancy. On all other occasions they are humane and compassionate. Nothing can exceed the warmth of their affection towards their friends, who consist of all those who live in the same village, or ^re in alliance with them; atnong these all things are common; their houses, their provisions, and their most valuable articles are not withheld from a friend; has any one of these had ill success in hunting, his harvest failed, or his house burned, he feels no other effect of his misfortune, than it gives him an opportunity to experience the benevolence and regard of his associates. On the other hand the Indian, to the enemy of his country orhis tribe, or to those who have privately offended him, is implacable, lie con- ceals his sentiments ; he appears reconciled, until by some treach- ery or surprise, he has an opportunity of executing a horrible re- venge. No length of time is suflicient to allay his resentment; no distance of place great enough to protect the object; he crosses the steepest mountains, he pierces the most impenetrable forests, and traverses the most dismal swamps and deserts, for several hundreds of miles, bearing the inclemency of the season, the fa- tigue of the expedition, the extremes of hunger and thirst, with 16 HISTORY CF patience and cheerfulness, in hope of surprising his enemy, on whom he exercises the most shocking barbarities, even to the eating of his flesh. To such extremes do the Indians extend their friendship and their enmity ; and such indeed is the character of all strong nncultivated minds. The treatment of their dead sliows, in glowing colours, the strength of their friendship, and warm attachment to their de- parted friends. "VMien any one of the society is cut off. he is la- mented by the whole ; on this occasion a variety of ceremonies are performed. The body is washed, annointed, and painted. Then the w(.men lament the loss with hideous howlins,s, inter- mixed with songs, which celebrate the great actions of the de- ceased and his ancestors. The nfcn mourn also, though in a less extravagant manner. The whole village is present at the inter- ment, and the corpse is habiied in their most sumptuous orna- ments. Close to the body of i\\e deceased are placed his bow and arrovvs, and other weapons of war, with whatever he valued most in his lifeiime, and a quantity of jirovisions for his subsistence on the journey which he is supposed to take. The solemnity, like every other, is attended with feasting. The funeral being ended, the relations of the deceased confine themselves to their huts, for a considerable time, to indulge their grief. After an interval of some weeks, they visit the grave and repeat their sorrow, new clothe the remai.ns of the body, and act over again all the solem- nities of the funeral. The most remarkable funeral ceremony is what they call the feast of the dead, or the feast of souls. The day for this ceremo- ny is appointed in the assembly of their chiefs, who give the ne- cessary orders for every thing that may conduce to the pomp and magnificence of its celebration ; and the neighbouring nations are invited to partake of the entertainment. At this time, all who have died since the preceding feast of the kind, are taken out of their graves : even those who have been intered at the greatest dis- tance from the villages, are diligently looked for, and conducted to this general rendez.vous of the dead, which exhibits a scene of horror beyond the power of description. When the feast is con- cluded, the bodies are drest in the finest skins which can be procured, and after being exposed for some time in this pomp, are again committed to the earth, with great solemnity, which is succeeded b}' funeral games. Their taste for war, the most striking characteristic of an In- dian, gives a strong bias to their religion. The god of war whomi they call Areskoui, is revered as the great god of their people. Him they invoke before they go into the field. Some nations wor- ship the sun and moon, as symbols of the power of the great spi- rit. There are amonjr them traditions of the creation of the world, of Noah's flood, &c. Like all rude nations they are strong- AMERICA, IT ly addicted to superstition. They believe in the existence of a number of good and bad genii, or spirits who interfere in the af- fairs of mortals, and produce all our happiness or misery. It is from the evil genii in particular, they imagine all our diseases proceed, and it is to the good genii to whom we are indebted for a cure. Their priests or jugglers are supposed to be inspired by the good genii in their dreams, with the knowledge of future events; they are called in to the assistance of the sick, and are supposed to know the event, and in what way they must be treat- ed. But these spirits appear to be extremely simple in their sys- tem of physic : in almost every disease they prescribe the same remedy. The patient is enclosed in a narrow cabin, in the midst of M'hich a large stone is made red hot ; on this they throw wa- ter, the steam produces a profuse sweat, they then hurry him from this hot bath, and plunge him instantly into the adjacent creek or river. This method, although it costs many their liveS| often performs many remarkable cures. They are known, howeser, to have considerable knowledge in the vegetable kingdom, and the white inhabitants are indebted to them for the knowledge of many powerful plants as restoratives, and antidotes to the poison of reptiles, with which the woods, in tnany parts of America, abound. Although the Indian women generally bear' the laborious part of domestic economy, their condition, at least among the tribes of North America, is far from being so wretched, so slavish and de- pressed, as has been represented by Dr. Robertson and other writers. " Their employment (says Dr. Barton, ^ is chiefly in their houses, except when they are raising their crops of maize, or Indian corn, at which times they generally turn out to assist their husbands and parents, but they are not compelled to do this.'* «' Vou may depend on my assertion (says the same gentleman, who had ample opportunities of being informed of the customs and manners of the Indians) that there are no people any where who love their women more than these people do, or men of better un- derstanding, in distinguishing the merits of the opposite sex, or men more faithful in rendering suitable compensation. They are courteous and polite to their women, tender, gentle and fond even loan appearance of effeminacy. An Indian man seldom attempts to use a woman of i ny description with indelicacy, either of ac- tion or lanojuage." I wish we could with propriety adopt the same language when speaking of the young men of the present age, who would think it a disparagement to be compared with the un- tutored savage of the wilderness. In the hunting seasons, that is, in autumn and winter, when the men are out in the forest, the whole care of the house or fami- ly rests upon the women; at these times they undergo much care, and fatigue, such as cutting wood, &c. but this labour is in part re- 18 ^v HISTORY OF lieved by the old men, W'IA)se vigour is so far diminished as not to be able to sustain the fatigue of hunting, or the toHs of \maitia1 achievements. But nothing shows the importance aud respecta- bility of the women among the Indians, more than that custom many of the tribes are in, of letting their women preside in the councils of their country : to this we may add, that several of the Florida nations have at different times, been governed by the wisdom and the prudence of female caziques. Liberty in its fullest extent, being.'the darling passion of the Indians, their education is directed in;Such a manner as to cherish this disposition to the utr|ost. Hence^ their children are never chastised with blows,^ and they are seldom even reprimanded. Reason, they say, will guide their children when they come to the use of it, anil befor© that time their fauljs cannot be very great. But blows might damp their fierce and juartial spirit, by the habit of a slavish moti've to action. When grown up diey expe- rience nothing likecorfimand, dependence or subordination ; even strong persuasion is carefully avoided by those of influence among them. No man is held 'in £^reat esteem, unless he has increased the strength of his country with a captive^ or adorned his hut with a scalp of one of^his enemies. ^ v Controversies amoiT^the Indians are few, and- quickly decided. When any criminal matter is so flagrant as to become a national concern, it is brought under the jurisdiction of the great council 5 but in common cases the parlies settle the dispute between them- selves. If a murder be committed, the family which has lost a relation prepares to retaliate on that of the offender. Ihey often kill the murderer ; and when this happens (which is but seldom) the kindred of the last person slain, look upon themselves as much injured, and to have the same right toj vengeance, as the other party. It is common, however, for the offender to absent himself; the friends send compliments of condolence to those of the person who has been murdered. The head of the family a.t length appears, with a number of presents, the delivery of v/hiA, he accompanies with a formal speech :.the whole ends as usISal in mutual feast- ings, in songs and in dances. \i the murder is committed by one of the same family or cabin, that family has the full right of judg- ment within itself ; either to punish the guilty with death, or to pardon him; or to oblige him to give some recompetise to the wife and children of the deceased. Instance* of this kind are very rare, for their attachment to those of the same family, is so remarkably strong, that it may vie with the most celebrated friendships of fabulous antiquity. Such, in general, are the customs and manners of the Indians. But almost every tribe has something peculiar to itself. Among the Hurons and the Natchez^, the dignity of the chief is said AMERICA. 19 to be hereditarj, and the right of succession in the/female line. When this happens to be extinct, the most repu^le matron of the tribe, we are informed, makes a choice of vV-nom she pleases to succeipd. The Gherokees are goverr.ed by several sachems, or chiefs, elected b}* the different villages, as are also the Creeks and the Chactaws : the two latter punish adultery in a woman ^[V cutting off her hair; which ihey will not suffer to grow, until corn is ripe, the next season ; but the Illinois, for the same crime, cut off the nose and ears. The Indians on the upper lakes are formed into a sort of em- pire. The emperor is elected from the eldest tribe, which is the Ottawawas ; this authority is very considerable. A few years ago, the person who held this rank, formed a design of uniting all the Indian nations under his sovereignty; but this bold attempt proved unsuccessful. In general, the Indians of America live to a great age, although it is difficult to obtain from them an exact account of the number of their years. It was asked of one, who appeared extemely old, what age he was of. I am about twenty, said he; but, upon put- ting the question in a differt-Mt manner, and reminding him of for- mer times, and some particular circumstanees, my machee, said he, spoke to me when I was young, of the Incas: and he had seen those princes. According to this reply, there «iust have elapsed from the date of his machee's. or grandfather's, remem- brance to that time SS-S yeat s. The Indian who made this reply, appeared to be 120 years of age : for besides the whiteness of hair and beard, his body was almost bent to the ground; without shoNung any other mark of debility, or suffering. This happened in 1764. This longevity, and state of uninterrupted health, is thought bj some to be the consequence in part of their vacancy from all serf- ous tlioughl and employment; joined also with their robust tex« ture, and formation of their bodily organs. Were the Indians to abstain from spiritous liquors, and their destructive wars, of all races of men who inhabit the globe, they would be the most likely to extend the bounds and enjoyments of animal life to their ut- most duration. Before we take our leave of the Indian natives, let us attend to some other accounts which will set their character in a more clear and strong point of view, and rescue it fn)m that degrada- tion and obscurity, in which some Spanish historians have en- deavoured to envelope it. "^ Their friendships are strong, and faithful to the last extremity; of which no further proof need be adduced, than the following anecdote of the late colonel Byrd, of Virginia, who was sent to the Cherokee nation, to transact some business with them. It happen- so HISTORY OF ed tliat some of our disorderly people had just killed one or f wo of that nation. It was tlierefore proposed in fheir council, that colonel Byrd should be put to death, in revenge for the loss of their eountrYiuan. Anmng them was a chief called Silouee, who, on some former oceasirm,had contracted an acquaintance and friend- ship with colonel Byrd. He came to him every night in his tent, and to\d him not to be afraid for they should not kill him. After many days deliberation, contrary to Silouee's expectations, the determination of the council was, that Byrd should be put to death, and some warriors were despatphed as executioners. Silouee at- tended them, and when they entered the tent, he threw himself between them and Byrd, and said to the warriors, " This man is " my friend: before you get at him you must kill me.'^ (^n which they returned, and tlie council respected the principle so much as to recede from their determination. Of their bravery and address in war, we have had sufficient proofs; of their eminence in oratory we have fewer examples, because it is chiefly displayed in their own councils. One. how- ever, we have of superior lustre: the speech of Lo2;an, a Mingoe chief, to Lord Dunmore, when governor of Virginia, at the close of a war in which the iShawanese, Mingoes, and Delawares were united. The Indians were defeated by the Virginia militia, and sued for peace. Logan, however, disdained io bo amonjj the sup- pliants; but lest the sincerity of a tre>vty should be distrusted fio»n which so distinguished a chief ab>t'!^.ted himself, he sent by a mejisenger, the following speech to L ini Dunmore: '•! appeal *'to any white man to say if he ever entered Logan's cabin hun- ** gry, and he gave hi«n not meat : If ever he came cold and naked, *»and he clothed him not. During tl^e c<*urse of the last long and <• bloody war, liOgan remained idle in his cabin, an advocate for ** peace. Such was my love for the whites, that my countrymen, **as they passed, pointed and said, 'Logan is the friend of the ** whitemen.' 1 had even thought to have lived with you, but for ** the injuries done by one man. Colonel Cresap, the last spring, ia *' cold blood, and unprovoked, murdered all the relations of Logan, "not even sparing my women and children. There runs not a ** drop of my blood in the veins of any liviMU creature. This cali- *• ed on me for revenge. I have sought it ; I have killed many ; *' 1 have fully glutted my vengeance; for my country I rejoice at ** tlie heaui.^ of peace ; but do not harbour a thought that mine is *'thejoy of fear; liOgan never knew fetir; He will not turn on his " heel to >>ave his life. Who is lefi to n.ourn for Logan .^ not <'one" Another anecdote in favour <'f the Ijidlan cliaracter, related by Doctor Benjamin Fraiiklin. ix NaJions, and spoke the Ma- r>lr I'.) iKf iiQo'a «i-i>ll ir>-ifo hVoiiLIiii iltu foll.tti irtir !)/^/< England. They grease themselves with bear's fat claritied ; and using no defence against the sun and ueatr;er, their skins must needs be swarthy. Their eyes are little and black, not unlike a strait-looked Jew. I have seen as comly Euro; ean-like faces among them, as on yonr side of the sea. An Italian complexion hath not much more of the w bite ; and the nose;* ()t many of them have as much of the Roman. Their language is lofty, yet narrow : but, like the Hebrew, in signification, full; like short hand in writing, one word serveth in the place of three, and the rest are supplied by the understanding of the hearer. Imperfect in their tenses, wanting in their moods, participles, adverbs, conjunctions, and interjections: I have made it my business to understand it, that I might not want an interpreter on any occasion; and I must say that I know not a language spoken in Europe, that hath *\ords of more sweetness or greatness in accent and emphasis than theirs. Their children, as soon as they are born, are washed in water, and while young they plunge them into rivers in cold weather, to AMERICA. ^3 harden and embolden them. Having wrapt them in a clout, thev lay them on a straight thin board, a little more than the length and breadth of the child, and swaddle it fast upon the board, to make it straight, and thus they carry them at their backs. The children will walk when very yonng. at nine months commonly : they wear only a clout round their waist, till ihey are grown up : if boys, they go a fishing till ripe for the woods, which IS about fifteen; they then hu!it; and after having a:iven some proofs of their manhood, by a good return of skins, they may marry: otherwise it is a shatne to thirik of a wif». The girls stay with their mothers, and help to hoe the ground, plant corn, and carry burdens When the young women are fit for marriage, they wear something on their heads for advertisement, but so as their faces are hardly to be seen, except when they please. Their houses are made of poles stuck in the ground, covered with mats and bark, in the fashion of an English barn ; their beds are reeds, grass, or skins. If an Europe in comes to see them, or calls for lodging at their house or wigwam, they give him the best place, and first cut. If they come to visit the white inhabitants, their salutation is commonly, Itah! which is as much as to say, good be to you ! and set them down, which is mostly on the ground; sometimes not speaking a word, but observe all that passes. If you give them any thinu to eat or drink, it is well, for they will not ask; and, if it be little or much, if it be with kind- ness, they are well pleased: else they go away sullen, but say nothing. In liberality they excel : nothing is too good for their friend. Light of heart, strong affections, but soon spent: they are the most merry creatures that live ; they feast and dance per- petually; they never have much nor do they want much. If they are ignorant of our pleasures, they are free from our pains. We sweat and toil to live; their pleasure fecils them; I loean their hunting, fishing and fowling; and their table is spead every where: they eat twice a day, morning and evening. In sickness impatient to be cured, and for it give any thing, especially to their children, to whom they are exire nely natural. They are great concealers of their own resentments. A tra- gical instance fell out hince 1 cu^.e inio the country :— A king's daughter thinking herself slighted by her husband, in suffering another woman to lie down between them, rose up, went out, plueked a root out of the ground and ate it; upon which she im- mediately died :-and for which, he, some time after, made an of- fering to her kindred, for att(mement and liberty of marriage: as two others did to the knuired of their wives, that died a na- tural death. For until the v>idovvers have done so they must not marry again. They believe in God ajid immortality, without i\\e help of metaphysics} for Ihey say :^** There is a great King that made 24 HISTORY OF •*them, who dwells in a glorious country to the southward c^ " them, and the souls of the good shall go thither, where they shall "live again.-' Their worship consists of i wo parts, vi/.. Sacri- fice and Cantico. Their sacrifice is the first fruits: the first and fattest buck they kill, they put on the fire, where he is all burned ; and he rhat performs the ceremony, sings, at the same time, a nioumful iVuty, but with such marvellous fennent, and labour of body, that he will even sweat to a foam. The other part is their Cantico, peifurmed by round dances, sometimes words, some- times sony;s. then shouts; and two ^^being the first diat begin) by singing and druminino; on a board direct the chorus; their pos- tures in ihe dance are verv antick, and diftt-rent, hut all keep measure. This is done with equal earnestness, but great appear- ance of joy In the fall, when the corn is gathered in, they be- gin to feast one another; there have been two great festivals al- ready, to which ail come that will: I was at one myseif; their entertainment was a great seat by a spring, under some shady trees, and twenty bucks, with hot cakes of new corn, both wheat and beens, which they made up in a square form, in the leaves of^i the stem, and baked them in ashes; and after that they proceedW to dancing. But they that go must carry a smajl present in their money (tvampumj, it may be six pence, which is made of the bone of a fish: the black is with them as gold, the white silver." This account of the natives, notwithstandinij; it in souie re- spects dillers from what has been observed by other writers, yet in general, it serves to establish the most prominent features of their character, already exhibited. Notwithstanding the many settlements of Europeans in this continent, great part of America remains still unknown. The northern continent contains the Briti^sh colonies of Hudson's Bay, Canada, New Brunswick, and Nova Scotia: the United States, viz. Massachusetts, w ith the district of Maine, New York, New Jersey, New Haoipshire, Rhode Island, Connecticut, Ver- mont, Pennsylvania, Delaware, Maryland, Virginia, North Caro- lina, South C'arolina, Ge<»rgia, Mississippi Territory, Tennessee, Kentucky, Ohio, and Northwestern Territory ; Louisiana, in- cluding the Island of New Orleans, purehaseil of the French, to uhom it had been ceeded by the Spaniards: it contains also the Spanish Territories of East and West Floriila, New Mexico, Calif»»rnia and Mexico; bt sides th«se there are in»mense regions tt) the west and noith, the bt'undaiies of which have never yet been discovered. Such us have in any degree been known, are inhabited by ihe Es(juimeaux, the Alij;onquiiis, the Iroquois, the Cherokees, the Chickasaws, the Chactaws, ihe Creeks, and many other tribes of Indiaus. Vast tiacts of the inland parts are un- known, being et^mprchentied under thei;eneial name uf Amazonia. A large district also, said to be the residence of a gigantic rac(j .AMERICA. ^5 of men, lies on the east side of the southern continent, between the Straits of Magellan and the province of Paraguay. This vast country produces many of the metals, minerals, plants, fruits, trees, and wood, to he met with in other parts of the 2;lobe, and many of them in greater quantities, and in high perfection. The a;old and silver of America have supplied Europe witk such large quantities, that these precious metals have become so common as to be very much diminished in value to what it was before America was discovered : it also produces diamonds, pearls, emeralds, amethysts, &c. which has been more largely treated upon in the first volume of this history. Although the Indians still live in the quiet possession of many ]arge tracts, America, so far as is known, was chiefly claimed by three European nations, and divided into colonies, viz. the Spa- niards, Eni^lish, and Portuguese. The Spaniards, as they first discovered it, have the largest and richest portion. Next to Spain, the most considerable proprietor was Great Briton, who derived her claim to North America from the first discovery of that con- tinent, by Sebastian Cabot, in the name of Henry the seventh^ in the year 1497, about six years after the discovery of Soutli America by Columbus. This country was in general called Newfoundland until Ame- ricus Vespueius, a Florentine, who accompanied Ojeda, a Spanish adventurer, on a voyage of discovery : and having drawn up an entertaining history of his voyage, it was published and read with avidity. In his narrative he had the artifice to insinuate, that he was the first who discovered the New World. Many of his read- ers gave credit to the insinuation, and from him it assumed the name of America. The original name of Newfoundland is solely appropriated to an island on the north coast. It was a longtime before the English made an attempt to settlt in this country. Sir W alter Raleigh, an uncommon genius, and a brave commander, first led the way, by planting a colony, and naming it Virginia, in honour of Queen Elizabeth. The French, from this period, until the conclusion of the war in 1763, laid claim to, and actually possessed, Canada, and Loui- siana; and comprehending all that extensive country, reaching from Hudson's Bay, on the north, to Mexico, and thegulf of the same, name on the south. But in that war, they were not only driven from Canada arid its dependencies, but obliged to relin- quish all that part of Louisiana lying on the east side of the Mis- sissippi. Thus the British colonies were preserved, secured and extended so far, as to render it difiicult to ascertain the precise bounds of empire in North America. To the northward they mio-ht have extended their claims quite to the pole, nor did any natfon shew a disposition to dispute the property of this northern coun- try with them. From that extremity they had a territory extencl- R 26 HISTORY OF in^ southward, to Cape Florida, in the Gulph of Mexico, in the _ latitude of "SJ^ north : and consequently near 4000 miles long, iaH; a direct line ; and to the westward, (heir boundaries reached to ■ nations unknown even to the Indians of Canada. Of the revolution that has since taken place, by which a great part of (hese territories have been separated from the British em- pire, and which has sriven a new face to the western world, an im- partial narrative shall be attempted, it will, however, be difficult to avoid some errors; the accounts from which the historian must derive his information, partake too much of prejudice, and the fabrications of party 5 and they want that amelioration which time alone can give. The state of the British colonies, at the conclusion of the war in 1763, was such as attracted the attention of all the politicians in Europe. At that period, their flourishing condition was re- markable and striking. Their trade had prospered and extend- ed, notwithstanding the difficulties and distresses of the war. Their population encreased ; they abounded with spirited and enterprising individuals, of all denominations; they were elated^, ivith the uncommon success that had sttended their commercial^ I and military transactions. Hence they were ready for every un- dertaking, and perceived no limits to their hopes and expecta- tions. They entertained the highest opinion of their value and importance, and of the immense benefit that Britain derived from its connexion with ihera ; their notions were equally high in their own favour. They deemed themselves entitled to every kindness :and indulgence w'hich the mother country could bestow. Although their pretensions did not amount to perfect equality of advanta- ires and privileges, in matters of commerce, yet in those of go- vernment, they thought themselves fulljr competent to the task of conduct^ng their domestic concerns, without any interference from the parent state. Though willing to admit the supremacy of Great Britain, they viewed it with a suspicious eye, and eagerly solicitous to restrain it within its strict constitutional bounds. Their improvements in necessary and useful arts, did honour to their industry and inge- miity. Thouc^h they did not live in the luxuries of Europe, they had all the solid and substantial enjo) menis of life, and were not unacquainted with man\ of its elegancies and refinements. Not- withstanding their peculiar addiction to those occupations, of which wealth is the sole object, the> were duly attentive to pro- mote the liberal sciences ; and they have ever since their first foundation, been particularly careful to provide for the education of the rising generation. Their vast augmentation of internal trade, and external com- merce, was not merely owing to their position and facility of com- iv.unication with other parts 5 it arose also from their natural turn AMERICA. '^7 and temper: full of schemes and projects; ever aiming; at new discoveries, and continually employed in the search of means to improve their condition. This carried them into every quarter, whence profit could he derived ; there v/as scarcely any port of the American hemisphere, to which they had not extended their navigation. They were continually exploring new sources of trade- To this extensive and continual application to commerce, they added an equal vigilance in the administration of their affairs at home. The same iodefatiffable industry was employed in culti- vating the soil they possessed, and in (he improvement of their do- mestic circumstances; that it may be truly said, that they made the most of nature's gifts. In the midst of this solicitude and toil in matters of business, the affairs of government were conducted with a steadiness, prudence and lenity, seldom experienced, and never exceeded, in the best regulated countries in Europe. Such was the situation of the British colonies, in general, throughout North America : and of the New England provinces in particular, at the close of the v/ar in 1763. In treating of the American revolution, the English writers as- cribe that event to the successful intrigues of the French govern- ment; they appear willing to search for the origin in any other source than that of their own misconduct. It has therefore been re- peatedly asserted," that the French having long viewed with envy and apprehension, the flourishing state of the colonies which Bri- tain had founded in America, began immediately after the peace of Paris to carry into execution their design of separating the co- lonies from the mother country. Secret emissaries, it is said, were employed in spreading dissatisfaction among the colonists; and the etfects produced by these machinating spirits, are de- ' scribed to have been a rapid diminution of that warm attachment which the inhabitants of North America had hitherto demonstrat- ed for the mother country." That such emissaries were ever employed,is a fact unsupported byany document which the purity of historical truth can admit; and although the eftects here de- scribed, have certainly appeared, it must be remembered, that their appearance followed, but did not precede, the attempts of Britain, upon the rights and liberties of America. That the French should succeed in the arts of intrigue, so far as to alienate the affections of the colonists from the mother country, and at the close of a war, in which their interests and feelings had been interwoven with more than usual strength and energy, was not in any sense probable. But if we trace these eff*ects to another cause, to a love of liberty, and a quick sense of injury, their ap- pearance will he natural and just; consistent with the American character, and corresponding with the conduct which was dis- played in all the various changes that attend their opposition. -3 HISTORY OF In March, irG4, a bill was passed in the British parliament, bj which heav> tluties were laid on goods imported by the colo- nists from such West India islands as did no\ belon,^ to Great Britain; and that these duties were to be paid into the exche- quer, in specie ; ar:d in the snine session another bill whs framed, to restrain the currency of paper money in the colonies. Not ©nly the principal of taxation, but the mode of collection was considered as nn unconstiiulional and oppressive innovation, as the penalties incurred by an inf; action of the acts of parliament, -were to be recovered in courts of admiralty, before a single judge (vvhfse salary was to be the fruit of the forfeitures he bhould descrv.) These acts threw the whole continent into a ferment. Vehe- ment remonstrances were made to the ministry, and every argu- ment made use of that reason or inoenuity could suggest, but without any good eliect; their reasoning, however, convinced a great number of people in Britain ; and thus, the American cause came to be considered as the cause of liberty. The Americans, finding that all their remonstrances were fruit- less, at last united in an agreement not to import any more of the British manufactures, but to encourage to the utmost of their power, every useful manufacture among themselves. Thus the Briiish manufacturers became a party against the ministry, and expressed their resentment in strong terms; but the ministry \vere not to be easily daunted 5 and therefore proceeded to the last step of their intended plan, which was to lay on stamp duties tliroughout the continent. Previous to this, several regulations -were made in favour of the commerce of the colonies; but they had imbibed such unfavourable impressions of the British minis- try, that they paid very little regard to any thing pretended to be done in their favour; or, if these acts had made any favourable impressions, the stamp act at once obliterated every sentiment of that nature. . The reason given for this act, so exceedingly obnoxious, was, that a sum mio-ht be raised sufficient for the defence of the colo- nies against a foreign enemy ; but this pretence was so far from giving satisfaction to the Americans, that it excited their indig- nation to the utmost. They not only asserted that they were abundantly able to defend themselves, but denied the right of the British parliament to tax them at all. To enter into the arguments of the contending parties upon this occasion, would be superfluous. It was manifest that the matter ^vas not to be decided but by the force of arms ; and the British ministry, confident of the authority and power of that country, were disposed to carry on matters with a high hand, to terrify the colonists into submission, or compel them by force. The Stamp act, after a violent opposition in parliament, wa* AiMERIGAt Si^ passed, and its reception in America was such as mi^ht have been expected. The news and the act itself, first arrived at Boston, \vhere the bells were muffled, and rung a funeral peal. The act was first hawked about the streets, with a death's head affixed to it, and styled " The folly of England, and the ruin of American It was afterwards publicly burnt by the enraged populace ; the stamps were seized and destroyed, unless brought on board of men of war, or kept in fortified places. Those who were to receive the stamp duties were eompelled to resign their offices ; and such of the Americans as favoured the government on this occasion, had their houses plundered and burned. Though these outrages were committed by the multitude, they were connived at by those of superior rank, who afterwards open- ly avowed, that Britain had no right to tax the colonies without their own consent. The ministry novv found it absolutely neces- sary, either to yield to the Americans, by repealing the obnoxious laws, or to enforce them by arms. The ferment had become general through the colonies. Virgi- nia first, and afterwards all the rest of the provinces declared against the right of Britain to tax America ; and, that every at- tempt to vest others with this power, besides the king, or the go- vernor of iwQ province, and his general assembly, was illegal, iinconstitutional, and unjust. Non-importation agreements were every where entered into; and it was resolved, to prevent the sale of any more British goods after the present year. American manufactures, though dearer, as also inferior in quality to the British, were universally preferred. An association was also en- tered into against eating of lamb, in order to promote the growth of wool ; and the ladies agreed to renounce the use of every kind ef ornament imported from Great Britain. Such a general and alarming confederacy determined the mi- nistry to repeal some of the most obnoxious acts; and to this they were the more inclined by a petition from the first American Congress, held at New York in 1765. The stamp act was therefore repealed, to the universal joy of the Americans, as well as to the general satisfaction of the Eng- lish, whose manufuctures had began to suffer, in consequence of American associations a;;ainst them. The disputes on the sub- ject, however, were by no means silenced ; every one continued to argue the case as vi(;lent as ever. Dr. Benjamin Franklin was on this occasion examined before the house of Commons; and his opinion was in substance as follows : '* That the tax in question was impracticable and ruinous. The very attempt had so far alienated the affection of the colonies, that they behaved in a less friendly manner to.vards the natives of England than before, con- sidering the whole nation as conspiring against their liberty, an?l :)U HISTORY OF the parliament as more willins; to oppress than to assist and sup> port them. America, in fact, did not stand in any need of British manufactures, having ah-eadj began to construct such as might b& deemed absolutely necessary, and that with such success, as left no doubt of their arriving in a short time at perfection. The ele- gancies of dress had already been renounced for American ma- nufactures, though much inferior, and the bulk of the people con- sisting of fiirme?s, were such as could in no way be affected by the >Yant of British commodities, as having every necessary within themselves, materials of all kinds were to be had in plenty: the w ool was tine, flax grew in sjreat abundance, and iron was* every vhere to be met with." The Doctor also insisted, that *• the Ame- ricans had been greatly misrepresented ; that they had been tia- duced as void ot gratitude and allection to the parent state; than which nothing could he mors contrary to truth. In the war in 1755, they had at their own expense raised an army of 25.000 men: and that they assisted the British expeditions against South- America, with several thousand men: and had made many brave exertions apnnst ths French in North America. It was said that tJ^e war of Jr53 had been undertaken in defence^ of the colonies: but the truth was, that it oiiginated from a con- test about the limits betVeen Camida and Nova-St'otia, and in de- fence of ihe Eng,lish rights to trade on the Ohio. The Americans, however, would still continue to act viih their usual fidelity; and- were any war to break out ia which they had no concern, they vonld be as ready as ever to assist the parent state to the utmost of their pouer. and would not fail to manifest their ready aeqoi- escence in contributing to the emergencies of pjovernment, wheji called to d'-» so in a regular and constitutional manner.*' The ministry were conscious that in repealing this obnoxion* act, they yielded to the Amerieans: and therefore, to support, as they thought, the dignity of Great Britain, it was judged proper 10 publish a declaratoiy'bill, setting forth the authority of the mo- ther country, over Ikt colonies, and her power to bind them by laws and statutes in all cases whalsoever. This much diminished the joy with which the repeal of the stamp act was received in Anierica. It was considered a proper reason to enforce any claims- equally prtjudicial with the stamp act, which might hereafter be set u]>; a spirit of jealousy pervaded the whole coutinent, and a strong party was formoiL de'.ermined to guard against the sup- posed eiicroaehmen^s ot Iiriti>h power. It wa* not loiig befuie ati occasion offered, in which the Ameri- cans manifested a S|;iiit of absolute independency ; and, that in- stead ol ht'ing bi^uncl by the British legislature in all cases whatso- I'ver. they would not be controlled by it in the most trivial affairs. The Rockingham nunistiy had passed an act, pioviding the^ Iroops btRtioned ia different parts gf the columns with such ^e- AMERieA. 3i commodations as were necessary for them. The assembly of New York, however/took upon thera to alter the mode of execution prescribed by the act of parliament, and to substitute one of their own. This gave very j^reat ofi'ence to the new ministry, and render- ed them, though composed of those who had been active against the stamp bill, less favourable to the colonies in all probubiiily, than they would otherv>ise have been. An unlucky circumstance at the same time occurred, which threw every thing once more into contusion. Que of the new ministry, Charles Townshend, bavins; declared that he could find a way of taxing America, vithoutgiving offence ; was called upon to propose his plan This was by imposing a duty upon tea, paper, painters' colours, and glass imported into America. Fhe conduct of the New Yark as* sembly. respecting; the troops, and th.at of R'^ston. which had pro- ceeded in a similar manner, caused tins bill to meet with less op- position than otherwise it might have done. As a p»inisiunent t(y the refrActor}'" assemblies, the le4;i^lative power was taken from New York, until it should fully comply with the terms of the act. That of Boston at last suoirritted with reluctance. The bill for the new taxes quickly passed, and was sent to America in 1768,- A ferment mucii greater than that occasioned by the stamp-act, now took place throusjhout the continent. The populace renewed their outrages, and thos& of superior stations, entered into regu- lar combinations a^jainst it. Circular letters were sent from Massachusetts colony, to aU the others, setting forth the injustice and impropriety of the beliaviour of the British legislature. Meetings wer*^ held in all the princi- pal towns. It was proposed to lessen the consumption of all fo- reign manufactures, by giving proper encouragt-ment to their own. Continual disputes ensued betwixt the governors and general as- semblies, which were acrgrravated by a letter from lord Shelburne, to governor Barnard of Massachusetts Bay, containing complamts of the people he governed. The assembly exasperated, to the highest degree, charged their governor with hitving misrepresent- ed them at the court of Britain; required him to produce copies of the letters he had sent ; and on his refusal, wrote leltCi s to the English ministry, accusing him f misrepresentation and partial- ity, complaining at the same titnc most'grievously of the proceed- ings of parliament, as utterly subversive of the liberties of Auier- ica, and the rights of British subjects. The governor, at a loss hov»' to defend himself, prorogued the assembly, and in his speech the occasion, gave a loose to his resentment, accusing the membe of an.bitious designs, incompatible with those of dutiful una U)^ al subjects. To counteract the circmar letter of the provin '^'-^> Massachusetts Bay, lord Hilisborouih, secretary fo. the \^ ?^ ^a department, sent another to the goveraoii of t!ie di*^^ "^ $2 HISTORY OF colonies, reprobatin* that sent by the Assembly of MassachU,- setts Bay, as full of misrepresentation, and lending to excite a rebellion against the parent state. Matters were now drawing to a crisis. The governor had been ordered to proceed with vigour, and by no means show any dis- position to yield to tlie people as formerly. In particular they weie required to rescind that resolution by which they had writ- ten the circular letter above mentioned ; and in case of a refusal, it was tuld them that they would be dis^solved. As this letter had been framed by the resolutions of a former house, they desired after a week's consultation, that a recess might be granted to con- sult with their constituents ; but this being; refused, they came to a determination, 92 against 17, to adhere to the resolution which produced the circular letter. At the same ti'ne a letter was sent to lord Hillsborough, and a message to the governor, in justification of their proceedings. In both they expressed themselves with such freedom, fts was bv no means calculated to accord with the views of those in power. They insisted they had a right to communicate their sentiments to their fellow subjects upon matters of importance; complaified of the requisition to rescind the circular latter, as unconstitutional and upjust : and particularly insisted, that they vvcre represented as harbouring seditious designs, when they were doing nothing but what was lawful and risjht. At the same time they condemjied the late acts of parlia«nent as highly oppressive, and subversive of liberty. The >\hole was concluded by a list of accusations against their governor, representing him as unfit to continue in his sta- tion, and petitionitig the king for his removal from it. These proceedings were followed by a violent tumult at Boston. A vessel belonging to a capital trader, had been seized in con- sequence of his having neglected some of the new regulations, and beins taken under the protection of a man of war, at that time l.>itig iti the harbour; the populace attacked the houses of the excise officers, broke their windows, destroyed the collector's boats, and obliged the custom house officers to take refuge in Castle William, on an island situated at the entrance of the har- bour. The governor now took the last step in his power to put a slop to the violent proceedings of the assembly, by dissolving it entirely ; but this was of little momenta Their behaviour had been Wi^My approved of by the other colonies, who had written letters to them, expressive of their approbation. After the dissolution of the assembly, frequent meetings were held by the people in Boston, which ended in a remonstrance to be governor, to the same purpose as some of the former ; but I vei'uding with a request, that he would take upon him to order The ng's ships out of the harbour. While the disposition of the iroopsiasis was thus going ou from bud to worse, news arrived.. I AMERICA. SS that the agent of the colony had not been allowed to deliver their peiiti«)n to the kinij: it having been objected, that the assembly without the governor, was not sufficient authority. This did not allay the Fei inent ; it was further augmenled, by the news that a ntimher of troops had been ordered to repair to Boston, to keep the inhabitants in awe. A dreadful alarm now ensued ; the people called on the ucivernor to convene a general assembly, in order to remove the fears of the military ; who, they said, were to be assembled to overthrow their liberties, and ftTce obedience to the laws to which they were entirely averse. The governor re- plied, it was no lonjjer in his power to call an assembly, having, in his last instructions from England, been required to wait the king's orders: the matter being then under consideration there. Thus refused, the people took upon themselves to call an as- sembly, which they termed a convention. The proceedings and resolutions of this bodv, partook of the temper and disposition of the late assembly ; but they went a step further : and having voted, '"That there is apprehension in the minds of many, of an approaching rupture with France," requested the inhabitants to put themselves in a posture of defence, against any sudden attack of an enemy ; and circular letters were directed to all the towns in the province, acquainting them with the resolutions that had been taken in the capital, and exhorting them to proceed in the same manner. The town of Hatfield alone refused its concur- rence. The convention thought proper, however, to assure the governor of their pacific intentions, and renewed their request, that a general assembly might be called ; bul being refused an audience, and threateried to be treated as rebels, they at last thought proper to dissolve themselves, arid sent over to Britain a circumstantial account of their proceedings, with the reason for having assembled in the nianner already mentioned. On the very day the convention broke up, the troops arrived, and houses in the town were fitted up for their reception. Their arrival had a considerable influence on the people, and for some time put a stop to the disturbances ; but the seeds of discord had taken such deep root, that it was impossible to quench the flame. The outrageous behaviour of the people of Boston had given 2;reat ofience in England : and, notwithstanding all the efforts of opposition, an address from both houses of parliament was pre» sented to the king : in which the behaviour of the colony of Mas- sachusetts Bay was set forth in the most ample manner, and vig- orous measures recommended for rc'ucing them to obedience. The Americans, however, continued steadfast in the ideas they had adopted. Though the troops had for some time quieted the disturbances, yet the calm continued no longer than they were formidable on account of their number, but as soon as they were separated by 34 HISTORY OF the departure of a large detachment, the remainder were treated with contempt, and it was even resolved to expel them altogether. The country people took up arms for this purpose, and were to have assisted their friends in Boston ; but before the plot could be put in execution, an event happened which put an end to every idea of reconciliation betwixt the contending parties. On the oth of March 1770, a scuffle happened between the sol- diers and a party of the town's people ; the inhabitants poured in to the assistance of their fellow-citizens; a violent tumult ensued, during which the military fired upon the populace, kill- ed and wounded several of them. The whole province now rose in arms, and the soldiers were obliged to retire to Castle William to prevent their being cut to pieces. Let it be remembered, however, that on the trial, not- withstanding popular prejudice and apprehension, the captain and six of the men were acquitted : two men only being found guilty of raau-slaughter. In other respects, the determination of the Americans gained strength ; until at last, the government determining to act with vigour and, at the same time, with as much condescension as was consistent with its dignity, without abandoning their principles, repealled all (he duties laid ; that on tea alone excepted : and this, it was thought, could not be productive of any discontent in America, as being an affair of very little moment; the produce of which was not expected to exceed sixteen thousand pounds sterling. The opposition, however, were strenuous in their endeavours to get this tax repealed ; insisting that the Amerii'ans would consider it as an inlet to others; and, that the repeal of all the rest, without tiiis, would answer no good purpose : the event shewed that their opinion was well founded. The Americans op- posed the tea tax with the same violence, as they had done all the rest; and at last, when they were informed, that salaries had been settled on the judge of the superior court of Boston, the governor ^^ as addressed on the subject; tlie measure was con- demned in the strongest terms : and a committee selected out of the several districts of the colony to inquire into it. The new assembly proceeded in the most formal manner to disavow the supremacy of the British legislature ; and accused the parliament of Great Britain of having violated the natural rights of the Americans, in a number of instances. Copies of the transactions of this assembly, were transmitted to every town in Massachusetts, exhorting the inhabitants to rouse themselves, and exert every nerve in opposition to the iron hand of oppres- sion, which was daily tearing the choicest fruits from the fair tree of liberty. These disturbances were also greatly heightened by an acq^ m AMERICA. ^J dental discovery, thai e;overnor Huichinson lia^ written several coutideatial letters to persons in no wer in Kno;land, complaining of the behaviour of the people of the province, recommending vigorous measures against them ; and amongother things, assert- ing that, " there must be an abridojement ot what is called {Brit- ish liberty." Letters of this kind had fallen into the hands, of the agent for the colony at London. They were immediately transmitted to Boston, where the assembly was sitting, by whom they were laid bofore the governor, who was thus reduced to at very mortifying situation. Losing; every idea of respect or friendship for him, as their gov- ernor, they instantly despatched a petition to the king, request- ing him to remove the governor and deputy -governor from their places : but to this they not only received an unfavourable an- swer, but the petition itself was declared groundless and scan- dalous. Matters were now nearly ripe for the utmost extremities on the part of the Americans, and they were precipitated in the following manner. Though the colonies had entered into a non- important agreement against tea, as well as other commodi- ties from Britain, it had nevertheless, found its way into America, though in smaller quantities than before. This was sensibly felt by the East India company, who had now agreed to pay a large sum .annually to government; in recompense for which compli- ance, and to make up their losses in other respects, they were em- powered to export their tea free from any duty payable in Eng- land : and, in consequence of this permission, several ships freight- ed with this commodity, were sent to North America, and prop- er agents appointed for taking; charge, and disposing of it. The Americans now perceiving that the tax was thus likely to be enforced, whether they would or not, determined to take every possible method to preventjthe tea from being landed ; well know- ing that it would be impossible to hinder the sale, should the com- modity once be brought on shore. For this purpose the people as- sembled in great numbers, forcing those to whom the tea was consigned, to resign their offices ; and to promise solemnly never to resume them ; and comndttees were appointed to examine the accounts of merchants, and make public tests, declaring such as would not take them, enemies to their country. Nor was this be- haviour confined to the colony of Massachusetts Bay; the restof the, provinces entered into the contest, with the same warmth : and manifested the same resolution to oppose this invasion of their rights. In the midst of this confusion, three ships laden with tea, arriv- ed at Boston ; but so much were the captains alarmed at the dis- position of the people, that they offered, providing they could ge# the proper discharges from the tea consignees, custom-house and governorj to return to Britain without landing their cargoes. The ;36 HISTORY OF parties concerned, however, thouj^h they durst not order (he tea to be landed, refused to grant the discharges required. The ships, therefore, would have been obliged to remain in the harbour: but the people apprehensive that if they rensained there, the tea wouldbe lauded in small quantities, and disposed of in spite of every endeavour to prevent it : resolved to destroy it at once. This resolution was executed with equal speed and seereej. The verj evenino; after the above mentioned discharjres had been refused, a number of people, dressed like Mohock Indians, board- ed the ships, and threw into the sea their whole cargoes, consist- ing of three hundred and forty chests of tea; after which, they retired without making any further disturbance or doing any other damage. No tea was destroyed in other ports, but the same spi- rit was manifested. At Philadelphia the pilots were enjoined not to conduct the Vessels up the river ; and at New York, though the governor caused some tea to be landed under the protection of a man of war, he was obliged to delivt*- it up to the people, to prevent its being sold. The destruction of the tea at Boston, which happened in 1773, was the immediate prelude to the disasters attending civil discord. Government finding themselves every where insulted and despis- ed, resolved to enforce their authority by all possible means; and as Boston had been the principal scene of the riots and outrages, it was determined to punish that city in an exemplary manner. Parliament was acquainted, by a message from his n>ajesty, with the undutifui behaviour of the inhabitants of Boston, as well as of all the colonies, recommending at the same time the most vigor- ous and spirited exertions to reduce them to obedience. The parliament in its address promised a ready compliance; and the Americans now seemed to have lost many of their partizans. It was proposed to lay a fine on the town of Boston, equal to the price of tlie tea which had been destroyed, and to shut up its port by armed vessels, until the refractory sjjirit of its inhabitants was subdued ; which it was thought must quickly yield, as a total stop would thus be put to their trade. The bill was strongly opposed on the same ground that the other had been ; and it was predicted, that instead of having any tendency to reconcile or subdue the Americans, it would infallibly exasperate them beyond any possi- bility of reconciliation. The petitions against it were presented by the colony's agent, who pointed out the same consequence in the strongest terms, and in the most positive manner declared the Americans never %vould submit to it ; but such was the infatuation attending every rank and degree of men, thai it never was imagined the Ameri- cans would dare to resist the parent state openly : but would in the end submit implicitly to her commands. In this confidence a AMKIUCA. 37 third bill was proposed, for the impartial administration of jus- tice, by such persons as mi2,ht be employed in the suppression of riots and tumults in the province of Massachusetts Bay. By this act it was provided, " That should any person acting in that ca- pacity be indicted for murder, and not be able to obtain a fai trial in the province, they might be sent by (he governor to Eng- land, or to some other colony, if necessary, to be tried for the supposed crime." These three bills having passed so easily, the ministry proposed a fourth, relative to the government of Canada ; which it was said had not yet been settled upon any proper plan. By this bill the extent of that province was greatly enlarged ; its affairs were put under the direction of a council, in which Roman Catholics were to be admitted ; the Roman Catholic clergy were secured in their possessions, and the usual perquisites from those of their own profession. The council above mentioned, were to be ap- pointed by the crown; to be removed at its pleasure, and to bft invested with every legislative power, except that of taxation. No sooner were these laws made known in America, than they cemented the union of the colonies, beyond the possibility of dis- solving it. The Assembly of Massachusetts Bay had passed a vote against the judges accepting salaries from the crown, and put the question. Whether tliey would accept them as usual, froni the general assembly ? Four answered in the affirmative, but Peter Oliver, the chief justice, refused. A petition against him, and an accusation, were brought before the governor ; but the latter refused interfering in the matter: but as they still insisted for justice against chief justice Oliver, the governor, thought proper to dissolve the assembly. In this situation of aftairs, a new alarm was occasioned by the Port bill. This had i>een totally unexpected and was received with the most extravagant expressions of displeasure among the people ; and while these continued, the new governor, general Gage, arrived from England. He had been chosen to this office on account of his being well acquainted in America, and generally agreeable to the people ; but human wisdom could not now point out a method, by which the flame could be allayed. The first act of his office, as gover- nor, was to remove the assembly to Salem, a town seventeen miles distant from Boston, in consequence of the late act. When this was intimated to the assembly, they replied by requesting him. to appoint a day of public humiliation, for deprecating the wrath of heaven, but met with a refusal. When the assembly met at Sa- lem they passed a resolution, declaring the necessity of a general Congress, composed of delegates from all the provinces ; in order that they might take the aftairs of the colonies at large, under their consideration 5 and five gentlemen, who had been remarka- 38 HISTORY OF ble for their opposition, were chosen to represent that of Massa- chusetts 15ay. They then proceeded, with all expediiion, to draw up a declaration, containing a detail of the grievances, which they laboured under ; and the necessity of exerting themselves against lawless power; they set forth the disregard that had been paid to their petitions, and the attempts of Great Britain to destroy their ancient constitution; and c(»ncluding with exhorting the inhabi- tants of the colony to obstruct, by every method in their power, such evil designs, recommending at the same time, a total re- nunciation of every thing imported from Great Britain, until a redress of grievances could be procured. Intelligence of this declaration was carried to the governor on the very day that it was completed, on which he dissolved the as- sembly. This was followed by an address from the inhabitants of Salem, in favour of those of Boston, and concluding with these remarkable words, " By shutting up the port of Boston someima- *' gine that the course of trade might be turned hither, and to our <' benefit ; but nature, in the formation of our harbour, forbids our ^^ becominj* rivals in commerce to that convenient mart ; and were *' it otherwise, we must be dead to every idea of justice, lost to all « feelings of humanity, could we indulge one thought to seize " on wealth, and raise our fortunes on the ruin of our suffering <^ nei^hbtturs." It had been fondly hoped by the ministerial party in England, that the advantages which other towns might derive from the an- nihilation of the trade of Boston, would make them readily ac- quiesce in the measure of shutting up that port, and rather rejoice in it than otherwise ; but the words of the address above-men- tioned, seemed to preclude all hope of this kind ; and subsequent transactions soon manifested it to be altogether vain. No sooner did intelligence arrive of the bills passed in the ses- sion of 1774, than the cause of Boston became the cause of all the colonies. The port bill had already occasioned violent comnio- Itons throughout them all. It had been reprobated in provincial meetings, and resistance to the last, had b^ien recommended ag'iinst such oppression. In Virginia, the 1st of June, 1774 the day on which the port of Boston was to be shut up, was held as a day of humiliation, and a public intercession, in favour of America was recommended. The style of the prayer enjoined at this time, was, that " God would give the people One heart, and one **mind, tirmly to oppose every invasion of the American rights." The Virginians, however, did not content themselves with acts of religion only : they recommended, in the strongest uiaiiner, a general congie^s of all the colonies ; as fully persuaded that an attempt to tax any colony in an arbitrary n:anner, was in reality, an attack upon them all. The provinces of New York and Penn- sylvaui(i, were, however, less sanguine than the rest, being so AMERICA. S9 dosely connected in the \\'ay of trade with Great Britain, that the givinjr it up entirely, appeared a matter of the most serious magni- tude and not to he thought of but after every other method had failed. The intelli2;ence of the remaining; bills, respecting; Boston, spread a fresh alar»n through the continent, and fixed those \^h(l had appeared the most wavering. The proposal of giving up aU commercial intercourse with Great Britain was again proposed ; contributions for the relief of ihe inhabitants of Boston were rais- ed in exery quarter; and tln^v received addresses from the other provinces commending: thenn for the heroic courage with which they sustained their calaniity. The Bost()rsians,thiis supported, did every thing in their power to promote the general eau?e. An agreement was framed, which, in ioiitation. of former times, was called a solemn league and co- venant. By this, the subscribers most religiously bound themselves to break off all communication '.vith Great Britain after the expira- tion of the month of August ensuing, until the obnoxious acts were repealed ; at the same time they engaged neither topurchase nor use any goods imported after that time, and to renounce all con- rexion with those who did, or refused to subscribe to this cove- nant ; threatening to publish the names of the refractory ; which at this time was a punishment too serious to be despised. Agreements of a similar nature, were immediately entered into throughout ail America. And although general Gage attempted lo counteract the covenant by a proclamation, wherein it was de- clared an illegal and traitorous combination, threatenina; with the pains of the law, such as subscribed or countenanced it. But it was now too late for proclamations to have any effect. The Ame- ricans retorted the charge of illegality on his own proclamation, and insisted that the law allowed subjects to meet, in order to consider of their grievances, and associate for relief from op- pression. Preparations were now made for holding a general Congress. Philadelphia, as being the n?ost centrical, and considerable town, was chosen as the place of its meetin^^. The delegates of whom it was composed, were elected by the representatives of each pro- vince, and were in number from two to seven from each colony, though no province had more than one vote. The first Congress which met at Philadelphia, in the begin- ning of September 1774, consisted of fifty-one delegates. The novelty and importance of the meeting, excited universal atten- tion 5 and their transactions were such as rendered them respect- able. The first act of Congress, was an approbation of the con- duct of the inhai)ilants of Massachusetts Bay, and an exhortation to continue in the same spirit which they had begun. Supplies for the suffering inhabitants were strongly recommended, as they fv&vQ reduced to great distress by tlie operation of the Port-bill ,• '^O HISTORY OF and it was declared, that in case an attempt should be made to enforce the obnoxious act'^by arms, all Anierica should join to as- sist the town of Boston ; and should the inhabitants be obliged, during the course of hostilities, to remove further up into the ^country, the losses they u;i^ht sustain should be repaired at the public expense. They next addressed general Gage by letter ; in which, having stated the grievances of the people of iSlassachusetts colony, they informed him of the fixed and unalterable determination of all 1he other provinces, to su|>port their brethren, and to oppose the cruel and oppressive British acts of Parliarnent; that they were appointed to watch over the liberties of America ; and entreated him to desist from military operations, lest such hostilities ought !>e brought on, as would frustrate all hopes of reconciliation with the parent state. The next step was to publish a declaration of their rights. These they summed up in the rights belonging to Enja;lish;nen ; and particularly insisted, that as their distance rendered it im- possible for them to be represented in the British parliament, their provincial assemblies, with the governor appointed by the kingj, constituted the only legislative power within each province. They ^vould however, consent to such acts of Parliament, as were evi- dently calculated merely for the regulation of commerce, and se- curing for the parent state the benefits of the American trade ; but would never allow that they could impose any tax on the col- onies, for the purpose of raising a 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 enu- merated as being unalienable ; and what none could deprive them of. The Canada act they particularly pointed out as being extremely inimical to the colonies, by whose assistance it had been conquered ; and they termed it, " An act for establishing the Koman Catholic religion in Canada, abolishing the equitable sys- tem of Ens;lish laws, and establishing a tyranny there." They further declared in fiivour of a non-importation and non- consumption of British goods, until the acts were repealed, by Avhich duties were laid upon tea, coft'ee, wine, sugar, and mo- lasses imported into x\merica, as well as the Boston Fort-act, and the three others passed in the preceedino; session of Parliament. The new regulations against the importation and consumption of British commodities, were then draw n up with great solemni- ty; and they concluded with returning the warmest thanks, ta those members of Parliament who had, with so much zeal, but without success, opposed the obnoxious acts of Parliament. Their nest proceedings were, to draw up a petition to the king, an address to the British nation, and anotherto the colonies, all of which bein^ iu the usual strain of Amciicau language, adopted AMERICA. 41 for some time past, that a repetition is altoo;ether unnecessary. It is suflicient to savi they were executed in a masterly manner, both with respect to the style, and composition, and ought to have im- pressed the people of fengland with more favourable sentiments of the Americans, than they were at that time willing to entertain. All this time the disposition of the people had corresponded with the warmest wishes of congress. The tirst of June had been kept as a fast, not only throughout Virginia, where it was first proposed, but through the whole eontinent. Contributions for the relief of the inhabitants of Boston were recommended, and raised through- out the country. Even those who were most likely to derive the greatest ailvan'ages from the Port-bill, with a generosity unequal- led, refused to enrich themselves at the expense of their suffering neighbours. The inhabitants of Marblehead, who were among the number, though situated in the neighbourhood of Boston, and most likely to receive benefit from the stoppage of their trade, did not attempt to avail themselves of it: but so far from it, that they generously oftered the use of their harbour, wharves, and stores, rent fVee. In the meantime the British forces at Boston were continually augmentina: in number, which greatly increased the general jea- lousy and disaffection ; the country people were ready to rise at a moment's warning; : and the experiment was tried, by giving a false alarm, that the communication was to be cutoff between the town and country ; in order to reduce the former by famine to a compliance with the acts of parliament. On this intelligence, the country people assembled, in great numbers, and could not be sat isfied, till they had sent messengers into the city, to inquire into the truth of the report. These messengers were enjoined to in- form the people in Boston, that if they should be so pusillanimous as to make a surrender of their liberties, the province would not thin!: itself bound by such examples ; and that Britain, by break- ing their original charter, had annulled the contract subsisting between them, and \th them to act as they thought proper. The people in every other respect manifested their inflexible determination to adhere to the plan they had so Ion* followed. The new counsellors and judges were obliged to resign their off]- ees, in order to preserve their lives and properties from the fury of the multitude. In som.e places they shut up the avenues to the eourt houses; and when required to make way for the judges, re- plied, that tliey knew of none but such as were appointed by the ancient usage and custom of the province. They manifested in every place the most ardent desire of learning the art of v/ar: and every one who could bear arms, was most assiduous in procuring them, and learning the military ex- ercise. Matters at last proceeded to such a height, that 2;eneral Gage thought proper to fortify the neck of land which joins the i^ ^ HISTORY OF ''1st Columbus, conscious of his own integrity, appeared at court 'mth that determined confidence, which those who have perform- ed great actions, will always assume. Ferdinand and Isabella ashamed of lending too favourable an ear to frivolous and ill found- ed accusations, received him with such distinguished marks of respect, as overwhelmed his enemies with sliame. Their calum- ny and censui-es were not heard at (hat juncture. The gold, the pearls, the cotton, and other rich commodities which Columbus produced, seemed fully to refute the stories the malecontents had propagated with respect to the poverty of the country. By reducing the ludians to obedience and imposing a rejiular tax upon them, he had secured to Spain a large accession of new subjects, and a revenue that promised much. By the mines which he had found out and examined, a source of vvcaith was still more copiously opene4 Columbus represented these only as preludes to future and much larger acrpiisitions, and as an earnest of more important discoveries. The attentive consideration of all these circum- stances made such an impression upon Ferdinand and Isabella, that they resolved to supply the colony with every thing necessa- ry to render it a permanent establishment, and to furnish Colum- bus with s^t'h a tieet, that he might proceed to make such dis- coveries as he meditated. A plan was now formed of a regular colony, that might serve as a model for all future establishments. Every particular was i'onsidered with attention, and arranged with scrupulous accura- cy. The exact number of adventurers who should be permitted to embark v^as lixed : these were to be of different ranks and pro- fessions; and the proportion of each was established, according U' their usefulness and benefit to the colony. A proper number of women were chosen to accompany ^hese new settlers. As a want of provision had occasioned great distress in the col- ony, a number of husbandmen were to be carried over. Asthey had formed and entertained the mo^t sanguine hopes with respect to the riches contained in the mines, a number cf artists were en- gaged v\ho were skilful in refining the precious metals ; who were to receive pay from the government far a number of years. ^ Thus far the regulations vere well adapted to the end in view ; but as it was foreseen that few would engage to emt)ark to settle in a country that had proved «o fatal to many of their country- men, Cohnnbus pro})osed to employ such convicts and malefac- tors who were c«;nvicted of erim.es, which, though capital, vcre of a less attrock'-js nature ; and instead of sending them to the l^allies, they "should be condemned to labour in the mines which Were to be opened. This advice was inconsiderately adopted ; the prisons were drained to collect members for the intended col- ony 5 and the judges were iastructed to recruit it by their future AMERICA. 4b sentences. But thev,were not aware tiiat such corrupt members V f-j!d poison ihe'booy politic, and be productive of violent and unhappy eft'ects. This the Spaniards fatally experienced, and other European powers imitated iheir practit-e, from which pernicious consequen- ces have followed, and can be imputed to no other cause. Columbus easily obtained the royal approbation to every mea- sure and regulation he proposed : but his endeavours to carry them into execution, weie long retarded, and must have tired out any man of less patience than himself. Those delays were occasioned, paitly by tliat tedious procrastination, so natural to the Spaniards; partly by the esiiausted state of the treasury, \vh/ich at that time was drained by the celebration of the marriage of Ftiviinand and Isabella's only son, with Margaret, of Austria; and that of Joanna, their daughter, with Philip of Austria : but the chief source of all these delaj's, must principally be imputed to the malice of his eneasies. These, astonished at the reception Columbus had met with, and overawed by his presence, gave way for some time, to a tide of favour too strong for then^ to oppose. Their enmity hovvever, was too strong to remain long inactive: but by the assistance of Fonseca, minister for Indian atfairs, who was now promoted to be bishop of Badajos, they threw in so many obstacles, that the pre- parations were retarded one whole year, before he could procure tv,o ships, to send over a pait of the supplies intended for the col- ony ; and near two years were spent before the small squadron was ready, of which he waste take the command. This squad- ron cr)nsisted of six ships of no great burden, and indifferently provided for a long voyage. He now meditated a diiferent course from v/hat he had before undertaken: still possessed with those erroneous ideas, which at iirst induced hi in to consider the country he had discovered, as a part of the continent of India ; he expected to find those fertile regiorij^ to the south-west of the countries he had discovered. lie tiierefpre proposed, as the most certain for finding out these to stand directly for the Cape de Vera islands, until he came under the equinoctial line, and then to stretch to tlie west before a fa- vournble wind vvhich blows invariably betv.'een tlie tropics. Full of this idea he sel sail for his third voyage, on the thirtieth of Mavj 1^98, and touclied at the Canaries and Cape de Veid I'Niands ; from Ferro he despatched three of his ships with a sup- ply of provisions for th.e colony of Hispaniola, with the other three he pursued his course to the south. No remarkable occurrence happened u!itil they arrived within five degrees of the line, when ihey were becalmed, and the heat was so excessive that the Spaniards were apprehensive the ships, would take fire j their fears were relieved by a shower of raLP> 44 HISTORY OF New-Hampshire followed the example of Rhode-Island, and seized a small fort for the sake of the powder and military stores it contained. In Pennsylvania, however, a t-onvention was held which expressed an earnest desire of reconciliation with the mo- ther country; though at the same time in the strongest manner declaring, that they were resolved to take up arms in defence of their just rights, and defend, to the last, their opposition to the late acts of parliament; and the people were exhorted to apply themselves with the greatest diligence to the prosecution of such manufactures, as were lucessary for their defence and subsist- ence; such as salt, saltpetre, gunpowder, steel, &c. This was the universal voice of the colonies, New-York only excepted. The assembly of that province, as yet ignorant of the fate of their last remonstrance, refused to concur with the other colonies in their determinati«m, to throw off' the British yoke: their attach- ment was nevertheless very faint, and by the event, it appeared, that a perseverance of the measures which the ministry had adopted, was sufficient to unite them to the rest. In the beginning of February, the provincial congress met at Cambridge, and as no friends to Britain could now find admit- tance into tliat assembly, tiie only consideration was how to make proper preparations for war. Expertness in military discipline was earnestly recommended, and several military institolions es- tablished : among which that of the minute-men was most remark- able. These were chnsen from the most active and expert among the militia ; and their business was to keep themselves in constant readiness, at the call of their officers; from which perpetual dU ligence they derived their appellation. it was now thought that a very slight occasion would bring on hostilities, for both parties were so much exasperated by a long course of reproaches, and literary warfare, that they wore filled with the utmost inveteracy against each other. On the twenty-sixth of February, 1775, general Gage, having been infornjed that a number of field pieces had been brought up to Salem, despatched a party to seize them. Their road was ob- structed by a river, over which was a dra\i'-bridge. This the peoj»le had palled up, and refused to let down : upon >'»hich the soldiers seized a boat to ferry them over, but the people cut out her bottom. Hostilities would immediately have comnienced had it not been for the interposition of a clergyman, who represented to the military, on the onejiand, the folly of opposing such num- bers ; and to the people, on the other, that as the day was far spent the military could not execute their design, so that they might, without any fear, leave them in the quiet possession of the draw- bridge. This was complied with; and the soldiers, after having remained some time at the bridge, returned without executing their orders. AMERICA. 45 The next attempt was attended with more serious consequences. General Gasre iincherstandinp; tliat a large quantity of ammunition and military stores had been collected at Concord, about twenty miles from Boston, and where the provincial congress was sitiing, sent a detatchment, under the command of colonel Smith and major Piti'airn, to destroy the stores; and, as was reported, to seize Hancock and Adams, two leading men of the conpjress. They set out before day break, on the nineteenth of April, Tnarchinq; with the utmost silence, and securing every one they Jit with upon the road, that they might not be discovered; but, notwithstanding all their care, the continual ringing of the bells and firing of guns,as they went along, soon gave ihem notice, that the country was alarmed; about five in the morning they had reached Lexifjgton, fifteen miles from Boston, where the mili- tia of the place were exercising. A British officer called out to them to disperse ; but as t!»ey still continued in a body, he advanc- ed and discharged his pistol, and ordered his men to fire; who instantly obeyed, and killed and wounded several of the militia; the detachment then proceeded to Concord, where, having des- troyed the stores, they were encountered by tha Americans; and a scuttle ensued, in which several fell on both sides. The purpose of their expedition being accomplished, it was ne- cessary for the king's troops to retreat, which they did through a continual fire kept upon them from Concord to Lexin^jton. Here their ammunition was totally expended ; and they would have been unavoidably cut off, had not a considerable reinforcement, com- manded by lord Percy, met them. The Americans, however, con- tinued the attack with great fury, and galled the British from behind stone fences, as they retreated : and had it not been for two field pieces, which lord Percy brought with him, the whole detachment would stiil have been in the utmost danger. The impetuosity of the Americans beinjj; thus checked, the British made good their retreat to Boston, with the loss of two hundred and fifty killed and wounded ; that of the Atnericans about sixty ». The spirits of die Americans were raised by this engagement, and the power of Britain became less formidable in their view;, they now meditated nothing less than the total expulsion of the troops from Boston. An artny of tv/cnty thousand men was assem- bled ; a line of encampment was formed from Roxbury to Mystic, through a si)ace of about thirty miles; and here tliey were soon after joined by a large body of Connecticut troops, under the command of general Putnam, an old ofncer of great bravery and experieiipe. By this formidable force was the town of Boston shut up. Gefieral Guge, however, had so strorgly fortified it, thac the enen»y, powerful as they were, feared to make the attack. But towards the end of May, a considerable reinforcement hav» ing arrived, with the generals, Howe, Burgojne, and Clmtonj.h5i; 46 HISTORY OF was soon enafbled to attempt something of consequence: and tliis tlie boast of the provincials seemed to render necessary. Some skirmishing, in the meantime, happened in the islands lying oft' Boston harbour, in which the Americans had the advantage, and burnt an armed schooner. Nothing decisive, however, took place, till the seventeenth of June. In the neighbourhood of Charles- town, a place on the northern shore, opposite the peninsula on which Boston stands, is a high ground, called Bunker's-hill, which overlooks and commands the whole town of Boston. On the sixteenth, the provincials took possession of this place;, and worked wiih such indefatigable industry, that, to the astonishment of their enemies, they had before day light, alinost completed a redoubt, with a strong en^renchinent, reaching half a mile east- ward, as far as the river My^tic. After this, they w ere obliged to sustain a heavy and incessant fire from the ships and floating batteries, with \\hibability. have been defeated, had not general CI riton advanced to his relief: upon which the attack was renewed with fresh fury, so that the provincials were driven beyond the neck that leads to Charlestown. In the heat of the engaa;ement, the British troops, in order to deprive the enemy of a cover, set fire to Charleetown, which was totally consumed; and. eventually, the Americans were obliged to retreat over Chaikstown neck, which was incessantly raked by the fire of the Glasgow man of war, and several floating batteries. The loss on the side of the British was computed at one thousand ; among whom were nineteen officers killed and seventy wounded. The loss of the Americans did not exceed five hundred. This w as a dear-bought victory to the British. The Americans boasted that the advantage lay on their side, as they had so weak- ened the enemy, that they durst not afterwards u.ove out of their entrenchments'. This being the first time the provincials were in actual service., it must be owned they behaved wilhgreat spirit^: AMElliCA. 4? Und by no means merited the appellation of cowards, with which they were ^o often branded in Britain. In other places the same determined spirit appeared. Lord North's conciliatory scheme was utterly rejected by the assemblies of Pennsylvania' and New-Jersey; and afterwards in every other province. The affray at Lexini^ton determined the colony of Nev'-York, which had hitherto continued to waver; and as the situation of New- York rendered it unable to resist an attack from the sea, it was resolved, before the arrival of a british fleet, to secure the military stores, send off the women and children, and set fire to the city, if it was still found incapable of defence. The exportation of provisions was every where prohibited, particularly to the British fishery on the banks of Newfoundland, or to such other colonies in -Vmerica, as should adhere to the Bri- tish interest. Congress resolved on the establishment of an army, and of a large paper currency, in order to support it. In the inland noithern colonies, colonels Easton and Ethan Al- len, without receiving any orders from Congress, or communi- cating their design to any body, with a party of two hundred and fifty men, surprised the forts of Crown-point and Ticonderoga, and those that formed a communication betwixt the colonies and Canada. On this o«*easion two hundred cannon fell into their hands, some brass field-pieces, mortars and milifary stores, to«;e- ther with two armed vessels, and materials for the construction of others. After the battle of Bunker's-hill, the provincials erected for- tifications on the heights which commanded Charlestown, and strengthened the rest in such a manner, that there was no hope of their being driven from thence; at the same time, their bold- ness and activity astonished the British officers, who had been accustomed to entertain a mean and unjust opinion of their courage. The troops shut up in Boston, were soon reduced to distress* They were obliged to attempt carry ina; off the cattle on the islands before Boston, which produced frequent skirmishes; but the provincials, better acquainted with the navigation of the shores, landi'd on the islands, and destroyed or carried oft' what- ever was of any use, burned the lighthouse at the entrance of the harbour, and took prisoners the workmen employed to repair it, as weii as a party of marines sent to protect them. Thus the garrison was reduced to the necessity of sending out armed ves- sels, to make prizes indiscrisninately of all that came iti their way, and of landing in different places, "to plunder for subsistence, as well as they could. The Congress, in the meantime, continued to act with vigour. Articles of coi* federation and perpetual union were drawn up, and solemnly agreed to: by which they bound themselves and their posterity forever, as follows. 48 HISTORY OF 1. Each colony was to he independent within Itself, and to re- tain an iihst)lute sovereignty in all domestic aft.;irs. £. lK«le}]fates to be annually elected, to meet in Congress, at such tiuie and place as shouldi be enacted in the pieceediug Con- gress. 3. This assembly siionld have the power of determining war, or peace, making alliances; and in short, ail that power which sovereigns of states usually claim as their own. 4. The expenses were to be paid out of the common treasury, and raised bv a poll tax on niales between 16 and GO, the pro- portions to he deter<'.ined by the laws of the colony. 5. An executive council to be appointed to act in place of the Congress dufing its recess. 6. No colony to make war with the Indians without consent of Congress. 7. The boundaries of all the Indian lands to be ascertained and secured to them; and no purchases of lands were to be made by individuals, or even by a c(dony, without consent of Congress. 8. Agents appointed by Congress should reside among the Indi- ans, to prevent frauds in tiading with them, and to relieve, at the public expense, their wants and distresses. 9. This confederation to last until there should be a reconcili- ation with Britain; or if that event should not take plaee, it waat^j to be perpetual. ™' After the action of Bunker's-hill, however, when the power of Great Britain appeared less formidable to the Americans than be- fore, Congress proceeded to justify their proceedings, in a decla- ration drawn up in terms more expressive, and well calculated to excite attention. ** Were it possible (said they) for men who ex- ercise their reason, to believe that the Divine Author of our exis- tence intended a part of the human race to hold an absolute pro- petty in, and unbounded power over others, marked out by his infinite goodness as the objects of a legal dott.-ination, never to be resisted, however severe and oppressive, the inhabitants of these colonies, might at least require from the parliament of Great Britain, some evidence that this dreadful authority over them had been granted to that body ; but a reverence for our great Creator, principles of humanity, and the dictates of common sense must convince all those who reflect on the subject, that government was instituted to pron.ote the welfare of mankind, and ought to be administered to the attainment of that end. The legislature of great Britain, stimulated by an inordinate passion for pov^er, not only unjustitiable, but which they know to be particularl)' repugnant to the constitution of that kingdom, and despairing of success in an}' mode of contest where regard should be had to law, truth or right, have at length, deserting those, at- tempted to efftct their cruel, and impolitic purpose of enslaving AMERICA. 4H these colonies, by violence; and have thereby rendered it neces- sary for us to clo^ with their last appeal from reason, to arms. Yet, however blind that assembly niay be, by their intemperate rage for unlimited domination, so to slight juslice in the opinion of mankind, we esteem ourselves bound by obligations to the rest of the world, to make known the justice of our cause." After takinjt^ notice of the manner in whioJi their ancestors left Britain, the happiness attending the mutual and friendly inter- course betwixt that country and her colonies, and the remarkable success in the late war; they proceed as follows: *' The new ministry finding the brave foes of Britain, though frequently de- feated, yet still contending, look up to the unfortunate idea of granting them a hasty peace, and of then subduing her faithful friend. These devoted colonies were judged to be in such a sfate as to prevent victories without bloodshed ; and all the easy euiolument of statutable plunder. The uninterrupted tenor uf their peacea- ble and respectful behaviour, from the beginning of their coloniza- tion; tiieir dutiful, zealotis, and useful services, durinaj the war, though so recently and amply acknowledged in the most honour- able manner, by his Majesty, the late king, and by parliament; could not save them from the intended innovations. Parliament was influenced to adopt the pernicious project; and assuming a new power over them, has, in the course of eleven years, {^iven such decisive specimens of the spirit and consequences attending this power, as to leave no doubt of the etiects of acquiescence under it. They have undertaken to give and grant our money without our consent ; though we have ever exercised an exclusive right to dispose of our own property. Statutes have been passed for ex- tending the jurisdiction of the courts of admiralty, and vce admi- ralty, beyond their ancient limits; for depriving us of theaccus- tomed and inestimable rights of trial by jury, in eases ailecting both life and property; for suspending the legislature of one of our colonies; for interdicting all commerce to the capital ofano- ' ther ; and for altering fundamentally the form of government es- tablished by charter, and secured by acts of its own legislature, and solemnly confirmed by the crown; for exempting murderers from legal trial, and in eflect from punishment; for erecting in a neighbouring province, acquired by the joint arms of Great Bri- tain and America, a disj)osition dangerous to our very existence ; and for quartering soldiers upon the colonists in time of profound peace. It has alsu been resolved in [>arliament, that colonists, ^ charged with committing certain offences, shall be trans]:M>rted to England to be tried. But why should we enumerate our injuihs i\i in detail ? By one statute it was declared, that parliamenttn w'itli of right, make laws to bind us in all cases whatever. W hafsev did T 50 HISTORY UF defend us aa;aiiist so enormous, so unlimited a power ? Not a sin* gle person who assumes it, is chosen by us, or is subject to our control, or inHuence ; but on the contrary, they are all of them exempt from the operation of such laws; and an American re- venue, if not diverted from the ostensible purposes for which it is raised, would actually lighten their own burdens iu proportion as it increases ours. AVe saw the misery to which such despotism would reduce us. We for ten years incessantly and ineft'ectually besiej^ed the tin one as supplicants; we reasoned, we remonstrated with parliament, in the most mild and decent languajre; but administration, sen- sible that we should rei^ard these measures as freemen ought to do. sent over lieets and armies to enforce them. %Ve have pursued every temperate, every respectful measure; ve have even proceeded to break oft' all commercial intercourse Avith our fellow subjects, as our last peaceable admonition, that our littachment to no nation on earth would supplant our liberty : this xve flattered ourselves was the ultimate step of the controversy ; but subsequent events have show n how vain was this hope of find- ing moderation in our enemies! The lords and c(»mmons. in their address in the month of Fe- bruary, ir7\?, said, that a rebellion at that time actually existed in the province of ^lassacliusetts I>ay ; and that those concerned in it had been countenanced and entour:ij:ed by unlawful combina- tions, and engageuRMits entered into by his majesty's subjects in several of the colonies; and therefore they besought his majesty That he would take the most etVecttial measures to enforce due obedience to the laws and authority of the supreme leg;islature. Soon after, the commercial intercourse of those colonies with fo- reign countries was cut off by an act of parliaujent; by another, several of them were entirely prohibited from the fisheries in the ::?eas near their coasts, on wluch they always depended for their i^ubcistenee; and large reinforcements of ships and troops were immediately sent over to ijeneral Gage. Fruitless wei e all the en- treaties, arguments, and eloquence, of an illustrious band of the most distiiiiiuislied peers and commoners, who nobly and strenu- ously asserted the justice of our cause, to stay or even to mitigate, ihe heedless fury w ith which these accumulated outrajjes were hur- jied on. Equally fruitless was the interference of the city of Lon- don, of Bristol, and of many other respectable towns in our favour. After havina; reproached parliament, general Gage, and the ;i^ritish oovcrnment, in general, they proceed thus: »» We are re- duced to tl.e alternative of choosing an unconditional subn)ission ^.•^ tyranny, or resistance by force, 'ihe latter is our choice. We r^^\^^ counted the cost of this coitest. and find nothing so dreadful be ha^j^i^^^^y gj^vcry. Honou'*. justice, and humanity, forbid us tempo., ^^j surrender that freedom which we leeeived from our AMEPJCA. at gallant ancestors, and which our innocent posterity have a n2;ht to receive frotn us. Oar cause is just; oar union is perfect; our internal resources are great; ami if necessary, foreign assistance is undoubtedly attainable. We light not for -lory or conquest ; we exhibit to m-rinkind the remarkable spectacle of a people attacked bv unprovoked enemies. Tliey boast of their privilej^es and civi- lisation, and yet proller no uiilder conditions than servitude or death. In our nauve land, in defence of the freedom that is our birthright, for the protection of our property, acquired by the honest industry of our forefathers, and ourown, aj;:tiast violence actually otVered, we have taken up arms; we shall lay them down when hostilities shall cease on the part of our aggressors, and all danger of their being renewed shall be removed and not before.-' These are so:ne of the most striking passages in the declaration of Cona;ress on taking up arms against Great Britain. Without inquiring whether the principles on which it is founded are right or wrong, the determined spirit which it shows, ou^ht to have con- vinced the ministry that the conquest of America was an event not reasonably to be expected. In every oiher respect an equal spirit was shown ; and the rulers of the British nation had the mortifi- cation to see those whom they styled rebels and traitors, succeed in negociations in which they themselves were utterly foiled. In the passing the Quebec bill the ministry had flattered themselves that the Canadians would be so much attached to them on account of restoring the French laws, that they would readily join in any attempt against the colonists, who had reprobated tliat bill in such strong terras; but in this, as in every thing else, they found themselves much mistaken. The Canadians having been subject to the British government for a period of fifteen years, and being thus made sensible of the superior advantages of the laws of that country, received the bill with evident marks of disapprobation ; so far, that they repro- bated it as tyrannical and oppressive. A scheme had been formed for general Carlefcony governor of the province, to raise an army of Canadians, wherewith to act against the Americans; and so sanguine were t\\Q hopes of ad- niinistrati<»n, in this respect, that they had sent twenty thousand stands of arms and a great quantity of military stores to Quebec, for that purpose. But the people, though they did not join thft Americans, yet were fotind immovitble in their purpose to remain neuter. Application was made to the bishop; but he declined to use his inlluence, as contrary to the rules of the popish clergy ; Sf» that the utmost elVorts of government in this province were found abortive. The British administration ncvt tried to engage the Indians, in their cause. But though agents were dispersed among them with hv^c presents to the chiefs, they universally replietl,that they did 52 HISTORY OF not understand the nature of the quarrel, nor could they distin- guish whether those who dwelt in America, or those on the other side of the ocean, w ere in the fault ; but lliej v/ere surprised to see Englishmen ask their assistance against one another, and advis- ed them to be reconciled, and not to think of shedding the blood cf their brethren. To the representations of congress they paid more attention. These informed them that the English on the other side of the ocean, had taken up arms to enslave, not only their countrymen in America, but the Indians also; and if they overeame the colonists, themselves would soon be reduced to slavery also. The savages, upon maturely weighing the subject, concluded to remain neuter; and thus the colonists were freed from a most danijerous enemy. On this occasion, Congress held a solemn conference with the different tribes of Indians. A speech was proposed, which exhi- bits a specimen of the manner in which Europeans always address the savage inhabitants of America. ^'Brothers, Sache?ns, and IVarriors! "We, the delegates from the twelve united provinces, now '^sitting in general congress at Philadelphia, send our talk to you " our brotliers. '* Brothers and Friends now attend! " When our fathers crossed the great water, and came over io «• this land, the king of England gave them a talk, promising them <'that they and their children should be his children, and if they " would leave their native country, and make settlements, and " live here, and buy and sell, and trade with their brethren beyond " the great water, they should still keep hold of the same cove- " nant chain, and enjoy peace ; and it was covenanted, that the "fields, houses, goods, and possessions, which our fathers should "acquire, should remain to them as their own, and be their chil- ♦'dren's forever, and at their sole disposal. ^i Brothers and Friends o;pen an ear! "We will now tell you of the quarrel betwixt the counsellors "of king George and tlie inhabitants of the colonies of America. "Many of his counsellors have persuaded him to break the "covenant chain, and not to send us any more goOd talks. They " have prevailed upon him to enter into a i.'ovenafit against us. and "have torn asunder, and cast behind their backs, the good old " covenant which their ancestors and ours entered into, and took " strono-hold of. They now tell us they wvil put their hands into [' our pockets without asking, as though it were their own, and at AMERICA. 53 "their will and pleasure ; they will take from us our charter, or « written civil constitution, which we love as our lives; also our «' plantations, our houses, and our goods, whenever they please, <« without asking our leave. They tell us also, that our vessels may « go to that or this island in the sea, but to this or that particular <' island, we shall not trade any more ; and in case of our non-com- « pliance with these new orders, they shut up our harbours. "Brothers, we live on the same ground with you; the same « island is our common birth-place. We desire to sit down under " the same tree of peace with you : let us water its roots, and " cherish the growth, till the large leaves and flourishing branches <' shall extend to the setting; sun, and reach the skies. If any "thing disa,:.r;reeabie should ever fall out between us, the twelve " United Colonies, and you, the Six Nations, to wound our peace, " let us immediately seek measures for healing the breach. From " the present situation of our affairs, we judge it expedient to kin- " die up a small fire at Albany, where we may hear each other's « voice, and disclose our minds fully to one another." The other remarkable transactions of this Congress, were the ultimate refusal of the conciliatory proposal made by lord North, of which such sanguine expectations had been formed by the Eng- lish ministry; and the appointment of a generalissimo to com- mand their armies, which were now very numerous. The person chosen for this purpose, was George VVashington, a man univer- sally beloved : he was raised to the high station of Commander in Chief, by the unanimous voice of Congress, in 1775: and his subsequent conduct shewe^'him every way worthy of it. Horatio Gates and Charles Lee, two English officers of considerable re- putation, were also chosen ; the former adjutant-general, the lat- ter major general. Artemas Ward, Philip Schuyler, and Israel Putnam, were likewise nominated major-generals. Seth Pome- roy, Richard Monls»;omery, David Wooster, William Heath, John Thomas, John Sullivan, and Nathaniel Green, were chosen brigadier-generals at the same time. About this period Georgia sent deputies to congress, expressing their desire to join the confederacy. The reasons they gave for their renouncing their allegiance to Britain was, that the conduct ofparliament towards the other colonies had been oppressive; and though the obnoxious acts had nut been extended to them, they could view this only as an omission, because of the seeming little consequence of their colony; and therefore looked upon it rather as a slight than a favour. At the same time, they framed a pe- tition lo the kin%, similar to that sent by the other colonies, and whu-h met a sin^ilar reception. The success which had hitherto attended the Americans, now emboldened them to act offensively against Great Britain. The eon^uest of Canada appeared to be practicable, and which Avould T2 54 mSTORY OF be attended with many advantages ; and as Crown Point and Ti^ conderoga were already in their hands, the invasion that way might be easily ett'eeted, and supposed that Quebec might be re- duced during the winter, before the fleets and armies, which they ■were well assured would sail thither from Britain, should arrive. Congress therefore ordered three thousand men under the com- mand of generals Montgomery and Schuyler to proceed to Lake Champlain, from whence they were to be conveyed in flat-bot- tomed boats to the mouth of the river Sorel, a branch of the river St. Lawrence, and en N\hich is situated a fort of the same name with the river. On the other hand, they were opposed by general Carleton, governor of Canada, a man of great activity and expe- rience in var; \^ho, with a small number of troops, had been able to keep in av\e the disaSi'ected people in Canada, notwithstand- ing all the representations of the colonists. He had now aug- mented his army with a number of Indians, and prom-ised, even in his present situation, to make a formidable resistance. When general Montgomery arrived at Crown Point, he re- ceived information that several armed vessels were stationed at St. Johns, a strong fort on the Surel, v\ith a view to prevent his crossing the lake : on which he took possession of an island which commands the mouth of the Sorel, and by which he could prevent them from entering the lake. In- conjunction with general Schuy- ler, he next proceeded to St. Johns; but finding that place too strong, it v\as agreed in a council of war, to retire to Isle aux Koix, where general Schu^^ler being taken ill, Montgomery \^as left to command alone. His first step was to gain over the Indi- ans, whom general Carleton had employed, and this he in part accomplishtnl ; after which, on receiving the full number of troops appointed for the expedition, he determined to lay siege to St. Johns; in this he was the more encouraged by the reduction of Chan bjee, a small fort in the neighbourheo pedients in order to elude them. The declining health of Columbus, flattered Ferdinand wit the hopes of being soon delivered from an importunate suitor : nor was he deceived in his expectations. Disgusted with the in gratitude of a monarch, whom he had served with such fidelitw and success, worn out with fatigue and hardships, and brokery with infirmities, which these brought upon him, Columbus end- ed his life at Valladolid, on the twentieth of May, one thousai# five hundred and six, in the fifty- ninth year of his age. He died with composure of mind, suitable to the magnanimity M^hich distinguished his character, and with sentiments of pietv becoming that supreme respect for religion, which he manifested in every occurrence of his life. HISTORY OF AMERICA. BOOK IT. WHILE Columbus was employed in his last voyage, the colo- 7 of Hispaniola was g;ra«iually acquiring the form of a regular >vernment : the humarie solicitude of Isabella to protect the In- ans from oppression, and the prnclatnation, by which the Span- rds were prohibited from fiompelling them to work, retarded, r some time, the progress of improvement. The natives, who )nsidcred exemptitin fr^m labour as supreme happiness, reject- !, with scorn, every alurement by which they were invited to 01 k. The Spaniards, accustomed to the service of the Indians, •litted the island ; many of those who came over with Ovando ere seized with distempers pecu^liar to the climate; and in a iorf time near a thousand of them died. At the same time, the emand of one half of the product of the mines claimed by the own, was found to be an exaction so exorbitant, that there was ne to be found that would engage to work them upon such terms. Hando, to save the colony from ruin, relaxed the rigour of the lyal edicts, and again distributed the Indians among the Span- rds, compelling them to work for a stated time, in digging the tines, or in cultivating the ground : to cover this breach of his istructions, he enjoined their masters to pay them a certain sum s the price of their work. He reduced the royal share of the JA found in the mines to one fifth, and was so fortunate as to erHuade the court to approve of these regulations. The Indians, after enjoying a short respite from servitude, now "elt the yoke of bondage to be so galling, that they made several ttempts to regain their freedom. This the Spaniards considered iS rebellion, and took arms in order to reduce them to obedience : considering them not as men fighting in defence of their liberty, out as slaves, who had revolted against their masters. Their ca- ziques when taken, were condemned like the leaders of a ban- ditti, to the most cruel and ignominious punishments; and all their subjects, without regard to rank, were reduced to the same abject slavery. Such was the fate of the cazique of Higuey, a province in the eastern extremity of the island. This war was occasioned by the perfidy of the Spaniards, in vi- olating a treaty, began and concluded by them with the natives: and was terminated by hanging up ihe cazique, who defended his people with a bravery that deserved a better fate. But his treatment of Anacoana, a female cazique, was still more treacherous and cruel. The proviuce anciently called Xaragua, which extends from the fertile plain where Leogane is now sita- ()0 HISTORY OF chester-neck, which (he Americans had fortified in such a mac- ner, as would in all probability, have rendered the enterprixe next to desperate. No difficulties, however, were sufficient to daunt the spirit of the {general ; and every thing was in readiness, when a sudden storm prevented an exertion, which must have been productive of a dreadful waste of blood. Next ents :... For suspending our own legislatures, and declaring themselves invested with power to legislate for us in all cases whatsoever. He has abdicated government here, by declaring us ou' of his protection, and waging war against us. He has plundered our seas, ravaged our coasts, burnt our towns, and destroyed the lives of our people. He is, at this time, transporting large armies of foreign mer- cenaries to complete the works of death, desolation and tyranny, AMEUICA. 63 already begun, with circumstances of cruelty and perfidy, scarce- ly parallelled in tiie most barbarous ages, and totally unworthy the head of a civilized nation. He has constrained our fellow citizens, taken captive on the high seas, to bear arms against their country, to become the ^ex- ecutioners of their friends and brethren, or to fall themselve by their hands. He has excited domestic insurrections amon2:st us, and has en- deavoured to bring on the inhabitants of our frontiers, the mer- ciless Indian savas;es, whose known rule of warfare is an undis- tinguished destruction of all ages, sexes, and conditions. In every stage of these oppressions, avo hiwe petitioned for re- dress in the most humble terms ; our repeated petitions have been answered only by repeated injury. A piince whose character is thus marked by every act which may define a tyrant, h unfit to be the ruler of a Free People, Nor have we been wanting in attention to our British brethren, V/e have warned them from time to time, of attempts made by their Legislature to extend an unwarrantable jurisdiction over us. We have reminded them of the eircumstances of our emi- gration and settlement here. We have appealed to their native justice and magnanimity, and we have conjured them, by the ti«s of our common kindred, to disavow these usurpations, which would inevitably interrupt our connexions and correspondence. They, too, have been deafto the voice of justice and consangui- nity. We must, therefore, acquiesce in the necessity which de- nounces our separation, and hold them, as we hold^^^he rest of mankind. ...enemies in.w^r....in peace, friends. *' We, therefore, the Representatives of the United States of America, in Congress assembled, appealing to the Supreme Judg(5 of the world for the rectiiude of our intentions, Do, in the name and by the authority of the good People(f these colonies, solemn- ly declare, that these United Colonics are, and, of right ought to be Ft ee and Independent States :....that they are absolved from all allegiance to the British Crown, and that all political connexion, between them and the State of Great Britain, is, and ought to be, totally dissolved ; and that, as Free and Independent States, they have full power to levy war, conclude peace, contract alliances, estabiisii commeree, and to do all other acts and things which In- dependent States may of right do. And for the support of this declaration, with a firm reliance on the protection of Divine Pro- vidence, we mutually pledge to each other our lives, our fortunes, and our sacred honour." Previous lo this, a circular letter had been sent through each colony, stating the reason for it ; and such was the animosity now every where prevailing against Great Britain, that it met ^vith general approbation, except in the province of Maryland. 64 HISTORY OF alone. It was not long, however, before the people of that coion y, finding themselves left in a very dangerous minority, thought proper to accede to the measures" of the rest. The manifesto itself, was in the usual nervous style, statino- a long list of grievances, for a redress of which they had often ap- plied, but in vain ; for these reasons they determined on a final separation ; and to hold the people of Great Britain, as well as the rest of mankind, "enemies in war, in peace friends." Alter thus publicly throwing ofiall allei;iance and hope of re- conciliation, the colonists soon found that an exertion of ail their strength would be necessary to support their pretensions. Their arms had not been successful in Canada. Reinforcements had been promised to general Arnold, who still continued to blockade Quebec : but they did not arrive in time to second his operations. But being; sensible (hat he must either desist from the enterprise or finish it successfully, he recommenced his operations in form and attempted to destroy the shipping: and burn the town. They succeeded so far as to burn a number of houses in the suburbs, and the garrison were obliged to pull down the remainder, in order to prevent the fire from spreading. Notwithstanding the provincials were unable to reduce the town, they kept the garrison in contin- ual alarms, and in a very disagreeable situation. Some of the nobility collected in a body under the command of one gentleman whose name was Beaujeau, in order to relieve their capital ; but they were met on their march by the provincials and defeated. The Americans had but little reason to plume themselves upon this success. The want of artillery convinced them that it was impracticable in their situation to reduce a town so strongly fortified ; the small-pox at the same time made its appearance in their camp, and carried off great numbers; inti- midating the rest to such a dej^ree, that they deserted in crowds. To add to their misfortunes, "the British reinforcements unex- pectedly appeared, and the ships made their way with such sur- prisina: celerity through the ice, that the one part of the army Mas separated from the other, and general Carleton sallying out, as soon as the reinforcement was landed, obliged them to fly with the utmost precipitation, leaving behind them all their cannon and n>ilitary stores ; at the same time that their shipping was cap- tured by vessels sent up the river for that purpose. On this occasion, the provincials fled with such haste, that they could not be overtaken ; so that none fell into the hands of the British excepting the sick and the wounded. General Carleton, now gave an instance of his hunjanity ; being well apprized that many of the provincials had not been able to accompany the rest in their retreat: and that they were concealed in the woods, &c. in a very deplorable situation, he generously issued a proclama- tion, ordering proper persons to seek them out, and give them re^ A^IERICA. be- lief at the public expense ; and at the same time, lest through fear of their being made prisoners, they should refuse these offers of humanity, he promised that as soon as their situation enabled them they should be at liberty to depart to their respecvive homes. The British general, now freed from any danger of an attack, was soon enabled to act offensively agitinst the provincials, by the arrival of the forces destined for that purpose from Britain. By these he was putal the head of twelve thousand rei^ular troops ; among whom v^ere those of Brunswick. With this force he set out for the Three rivers, where he expected Arnold would have made a stand ; but he had retired to JSorei, a place one hundred and ^(ty miles from Quebec ; where he was at last met by the reinforcements ordered by Congress. Here, though the preceding events were by no means caleulat" cd to inspire much military ardour, a very daring enterprize was undertaken ; and this was to surprise the British troops, posted under generals Fraser and Nesbit ; of whom the former com- mandtid those on land ; the latter, such as were on board the trans- ports, and were but a little way distant. The enterprize was very hazardous both on account of the strength of the parties, against whom they were to act, and as the main body of the British forces were advanced within fifty miles of the place ; besides that a number of armed vessels, and transports with troops, lay between them and the Three Rivers. Two thousand chosen men, however, under general Thompson, engaged in this undertaking. Their success v,'as by no means answerable to their spirit and valour. Thou2;h they passed the shipping without being observed, gen- eral Frazer had notice of their landing, and thus beinaj prepar- ed to receive them, they were soon thrown into disorder; at the same time that general Nesbit, having landed ids forces, prepared ^ attack them in the rear. On this occasion, some field pieces did prodigious execution ; and a retreat was found to be unavoida- ble. General Nesbit Mas now between them and their boats ; so that they were obliged to take a circuit through a deep swamp, while they were hotly pursued by both parties at the same time, >^ho marched for some miles on each side of the swamp, till at last the unfortunate provincials were sheltered from further dan- ger by a wood at the end of the swamp. Their general, however, was taken with iwo hundred of his men. By this disaster, the provincials lost all hopes of accomplishing any thing in Canada. They, therefore, demolished their works, and carried off' their artillery, with the utmost expedition. They were pursued b}' general Burgoyne, against whom it was expect- ed they would have collected all their force, and make a resolute stand. But they were now too much dispirited by ndsfortune, to make any more exertions of valour. On the eighteenth of June, tlie British general arrived at Fort St. Johns, which he fountt U.2 66 HISTORY OF abandoned and burnt. Chamblee had shared the same fate ; as well as all the vessels that v ere not cspable^^of being drage;ed up the river. It wasthoui^ht thej' would have made some resistance at Nut-Island, the entrance to Lake Champlain : but this also they abandoned : and retreated across the lake to Crown-point, whither they could not be immediately followed. Thus was the province of Canada entirely evacuated by the provincials, whose loss in their retreat from Quebec, was calcu- lated at not less than one thousand men, of whom fourliundred in one body, fell into the hands of the enemy at a place called the Cedars, ai)out fifty miles from Montreal. General Sullivan, who conducted this retreat, after tiie affair of general Thompson, had great merit in what he did, and received the thanks of Congress accord inoly. The bad success in the north was in some measure compensat- ed by what happened in the southern colonies.. ..It has been for- merly noticed that governor Martin of North Carolina, had been obliged (0 leave his province, and take refuge on board of a man of war. He notwithstanding did not despair of reducing it again to obedience. He, therefore, applied to the regulators, a daring set of banditti, who lived in a kind of independent state ; and though considered by government as rebels, yet had never been molested on account of their known skill in the use of fire arms. To the chiefs of these people commissions were sent, in order to raise some regiments ; and a colonel Macdonald was appointed to command them. In the month of February he erected the king's standard, issued proclamations, &c. and collected some forces; expecting soon tobe joined by a body of regular troops, who wero known to be shipped from Britain to act against the southern col- onies. The Americans, sensible of their danger, despatched immedi-* ately w hat forces they had to act against the royalists, at the samo time they exerted themselves to support these with suitable rein- forcements. General Moore's numbers at first were inferior to Macdonakrs, which induced the latter to hope that he might in- timidate him tojoin the king's standard ; with this intention he summoned him under the pain of being treated as a rebel if he re- fused. But Moore being well provided with cannon, and conscious that nothing could be attempted against him, returned the compli- ment by acquainting Macdonald, that if he and his party would lay down their arms, and subscribe an oath of fidelity to (Jongress, they should he treated ar friends, but if the}' persisted in an un- dertaking for vvhich it was evident he had not sufficient strength, they could not but expect the severest treatment. In a few days general Moore found himself at (hie head of 8,000 men, by reason of the continual supplies which daily arrived from all parts. The royal party only amounted to 2,000. and as thej AMERICA. 67 were destitute of artillery, they were prevented from attacking the enemy with success, when they had the advantage of num- bers. Notliing now remained but to have recourse to a desperate exertion of their own personal valour; by dint of which they ef- fected a retreat for eighty miles to Moore's Creek, within sixteen miles of Wilmington. Could they have gained this place, they ex- pected to have been joined by governor Martin, and general Clin- ton, who had lately arrived with a considerable detachment. But Moore, with his army, pursued them so close, that they were obliged to attempt the passage of the creek, on the opposite side of v/hich was colonel Casv/ell, with a considerable body of provin- cials posted to oppose his passage, with fortitications well planted with cannon. On attempting the creek, it was found not to be fordable. They were obliged, therefore, to cross over a wooden bridge, which the provincials had not time entirely to destroy. They had, however, by pulling up part of the planks, and greasing the remainder, made the passage so difficult that the roy- alists could not attempt it. In this situation they were, on the 2rth of February, 1776, at- tacked by Moore and his superior army and totally defeated, with, the loss of their general and most of their leaders, as well as the best and bravest of their men. Thus was the power of the pro- vincials established in North Carolina. Nor \f ere they less suc- cessful in Virginia, where Lord Dunmore, having long continued a predatory war, was at last driven from every creek and road in the province. The people he had on board were distressed to the highest de^^rre, by contiement in small vessels. The heat of the season, and the numbeis crowded together, produced a pes- tilential fever, which made great havoc, especially among the blacks. At last, finding themselves in the utmost hazard of per- ishing by famine, as well as disease, they set fire to the least val- uable vessels, reserving only aI>out iifty for themselves, in which they bid a final adieu to Virginia, some sailing to Florida, some to Bern;uda, and the rest to the West-Indies. In South Carolina the provincials had a more formidable ene- my to deal with. A squadron, whose object was the reduction of Charleston, bad been littcd out in December, 1775, but by reason of unfavourable weather did not reach (3ape F^ar in Nv)rth Car= olina till the month of May, 1776: and here it met with further cbtacles to the end of the month. Thus the Americans had time to strengthen the works of Charleston in such a manner as ren- dered it extremely difficult to be attacked. The British squadron consisted of two fifty gun ships, four of thirty guns, two of twenty, and an armed schooner, and bomb- ketch, all under *he command of sir Peter Parker. The land for- ces were commanded by lord Cornwallis, with generals Clinton 9,nd Vaughan. As they had yet no iaieiligence of the evacuation €^ fllSTORY OF of Boston, general Howe despatched a vessel to Cape Fear witli some instructions; but it was too late; and in the beginning of June, the squadron anchored off* Charleston bar. Here they met with some difficulty in crossing, being obliged to take out the guns from the two largest ships, which were, notwithstanding, several times in danger of sticking fast. The next obstacle was a strong fort on Sullivan's island, six miles east of Charleston, which, though not completely finished, was very strong. However, the British generals resolved without hesitation to attack it; but though an attack was easy from sea, it was difficult to obtain a cooperation of the land forces. This was, however, attempted by landing them on Long Island, adjacent to Sullivan's Island on the east, from which it is separted by a very narrow creek, not above two feet deep at low water. Opposite to this ford, the provincials had posted a strong body of troops, with cannon and entrenchments; while general Lee was pos'ea on the main land, with a bridge of boats betuixt that and Sullivan's island, so 'hat he could at pleasure, send reinforce- ments to the troops in the fort on Sullivan's island. There were so many delays occurred on the part of the Britishj. th".tit was the 24th of June, I7r6, before matters were in readi- ness for an attack; and, by this time, the provincials had abun- dantly provided fyr their reception. On the morning of that day, the bomb-ketch began to throw shells into fort Sullivan, and about nnd-day the two Mty 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 en- filade the battel ies. and cut off the communication with the main land ; but through the ignorance of the pilots, they all stuck fast, and though two of them were disefitangled, they were found to be totally unfit for service; the third was burnt, that she might not fall into the hands of the enemy. 1 he attack was therefore confined to the five armed vessels,, and bomb-ketch, between whom and the fort, a dreadful fire en- sued. The Bristol suffered excessively, the springs on her cable being shot auay, she was for a time entirely exposed to the ene- my's fire. As the provincials poured in great quantities of red hot balls, she was twice in flames. Captain Morris, her commander, after receiving five wounds, was obliged to go below deck in or- der to have his arm amputated : after undergoing this operation, he returned to his station, where he received another wound, but still refused to quit his place; at last he received a red hot ball in his belly, which instantly put an end to his life. Of all the oflicers and seamen, who stood on the quarter deck of this vessel, not one escaped without a wound, except sir Peter Parker alone^ whose intrepidity and presence of mind, on this occasioDj was •y.er^ reinarkkbie> AMERICA. 69 Tlie engagement lasted until the darkness put an end to it. Lit- tle damage was doYie bj the British, as the works of the enemy lay so low, that many of the shot, flew over ; and the fortifications, being compose^'i\t ()blis;AM tu rai Washin^ti-n torelinauish his strong situa- tion.* A i-; — ■ '^'^w \ork was evacuated by the Amcri- AMERICA. fS cans, a dreadful fire broke out, said to be occasioned by the licen- tious conduct oi some of its new masters ; and had it not been for the active exertions of the sailors and soldiery, the whole town probably would have been consumed ; the wind being high, and the weather remarkably dry, about a thousand houses were de- stroyed. General Howe, having left lord Percy with a sufficient force to garrison New York, embarked his army in flat bottomed boats, by which they were conveyed through the dangerous passage called Ilfll Gate, and landed at Frog's Point, near the town of West Chester, lying on the continent towards Connecticut. Here, having received a supply of men and provisions, they moved on the tv*'enty-lirst of October, to New Rochelle, situated on the Sound which separates Long Island from the continent. After this, still receiving fresh reinforcements, they made such movements as threatened to distress the provincials very much, by cutting oft* their convoys of provisions from Connecticut, and thus force them to an engagement. This general Washington determined at all events to avoid. He therefore extended his forces into a long line opposite to the way in which the enemy marched, keeping the Bronx, a river of considerable magnitude, between the two armies, with the North river in his rear. Here the provincials continued for some time to skirmish with the roval army, until, at last, by some manuBu vers, the British general found means to attack them on the twenty-eighth of October, 1776, ad- vantageously, at a place called the White Plains, and drove them from some of their posts. The success on this occasion was not so complete as on the for- mer ; however, it obliged the provincials to change their ground, and retreat further up the country. General Howe pursued them for some time ; but at last, finding all his endeavours to bring on a general action, fruitless, he determined to give over the pursuit, and employ himself in reducing the forts which the provincials still retained in the neighbourhood of New York. Fort Washington was the only post the Americans then held on New York island, and was under the command of colonel Ma- gaw. The royal army made four attacks upon it. The first on the north side, was led on by general Knyphauzen: the second, on the east by general Matthews, supported by lord Cornwallis: the third was under the direction of lieutenant-colonel Sterling: and the fourth by lord Percy. The troops under Knyphauzen, when advancing to the fort, had to pass through a thick wood, which was occupied by llawling's regiment of ntiemen, and suf- fered very much from their well-directed fire, during this at- tack, a body of British light infantry advanced against a party of the Americans, who were annoying them from behind rocks and trees, and obliged them to dbperse. Lord Percy carried au ad- X 74 HISTORY OF vance work on his side ; and lieutenant colonel Sterling forced hi» way up a steep asceiitj and took one hundred and seventy prison- ers. Tlieir outworks being carried, the Americans lelt their lines and crowded into the fort. Colonel Rahl, who led the riglit column of Knyphauzen''s attack, pushed forwards, and lodged his column wiihin a hundred yards of the fort, and was there soon joined by the left column. The garrison surrendered on terms of capitulation, by which the men w ere to be considered as prisoners of war, and the officers to keep their baggage and side arms. The number of prisoners amounted to two thousand seven hua- dred. The loss of the British was considerable. Shortly after the surrender of fort Washington, fort Lee, situ- ate on the opposite shore of the North liver, was evacuated by the Americans at the approach of lord Cornwallis; and at the expense of their artillery and stores. Fort Lee being evacuated by the Americans, the Jerseys lay wholly open to the incursions of the British troops, and was so entirely taken possession of by the royal army, that their winter quarters extended from New Brunswick to the river Delaware. Had any number of boats been at hand, it was thought Philadel- phia would have fallen into their hands. Ail these had been carefully removed by the Americans. Instead of this enterprise, Sir Henry Clinton undertook an expedition to Rhode-Island, and became master of it without losing a man. His expedition was attended with this further advantage, that the American fleet, un- der commodore Hopkins, was obliged to sail so far up Providence river, that it was entirely useless. The same ill success attended the Americans in other parts. After their expulsion from Cana- da, they had crossed lake Champlain, and taken up their quar- ters at Crown Point, as we have already mentioned. Here they remained for some time in safety, as the British had no vessels on the lake; and consequently general Eurgoyne could not pur- sue them. TV) remedy this deficiency, there was no other method, but (o construct vessels on the spot, or take to pieces some vessels al- ready constructed, and drag tliem up the river into the lake. This, however,* was eifected in th.e space of three months; and the British general, after incredible toil and difficulty, saw himself in possession of a great number of vessels: by which means, he was enabled to pursue his enemies, and invade them in his turn. The labour undergone at this time, by the sea and land forces, must in- deed have been prodigious; since they v. ere conveyed over land, and dragged up the rapids of St. Lav»'rence, no fewer than tliiity large long boats, four hundred batteaux, besides a vast num- ber of fitit- bottomed boais, and a gondola of thirty tons. The intent ot tlie c)cpec!ition vas to push forward, before winter, to Albany, whore the army would take up its \unter quarters ; and the next AMERICA. . ^ spring effect a junction with that under general Ha\vc; when it was not doubted, that the united force and skill of th^ two com- manders, would speedily put an end to the war. It was the beginning of October, before the expedition could be undertaken; it was then allowetl to be completely able to an- swer the p!irpose for which it was intended. The fleet consisted of one lari;e vessel of three masjs, carrying 18 twelve pounders; two schooners, the one carrying 14, the "other 1^2 six pounders; a large llat-bottomed radeau, with 6 twenty-four, and 6 twelve pounders; and a gondola with 8 nine pounders; besides tiiese, there were twenty vessels of a smaller size; also gun-boats, carrying each a piece of brass ordnance, xfrom nine, to twenty four pounders, or howitzers. Several long- boats were fitted out in the same manner, and a vast number of boats and tenders of various si/-es to be used as transports for the troops and baggage. It was manned by a number of select sea- men ; and the gun-boats were served by a detaehment from the corps of artillery. The ofiic-ers and soldiers appointed for this expedition, were also chosen out of the whole army. The American force was too inconsiderable to withstand this formidable armament; general Arnold, who commanded it, after engaging the British fleet for a whole day, took advantage of the darkness of the night to set sail without being perceived, and was next morning out of sight: but he was so quickly pursued by the British, that on the second day after, he was overtaken and forced to a second engagement. And notwithstanding his gallant beha- viour, he was obliged to run his ships ashore, and set diem on lire. A few only escaped to lake George ; and the garrison of Crown Point having destroyed or carried oti'every thing of value, retired to Ticonderoga, Thither general Carleton intended to have pursued them; but the ditHcu lues he had to encounter were so many, and so great, that it was thought proper to march back into Canada, and de- sist from any further opera'ions until the next spring. The Amei ican aifairs now seemed every where going to wreck ; even those who had been most sanguine in her caust;, began to despair. The time also for which the soldiers had enlisted, was now expired; and the bad success of the preceding campaign had been so very discouraging, that no person was willing to engage hin^self during the continuance of the war, of which the event ap- peared so doubtful. General Washington had the mortifying evi- dence of the daily decrease of his army ; so that from thirty thou- sand, of which it consisted when geneVal Howe landed on Stateu island, scarce a tenth part could be raustered. General Lee had collected a body of troops to assist the commander in chief, but having imprudently taken up his lodgings at a distance from the troops, information was given to colonel Harcourt, who happened at the time to be in the neighbourhood, and who took him prisoner. To HISTORY OF The loss of this general was much regretted, the more especi- ally as he was of superior quality to any prisoner in possession of the colonists, and could not therefore 'be exchanged. Six field officers were offered in exchange for him, and refused; and con- gress was highly irritated at its being reported that he was to he treated as a deserter, having been a half-pay officer in the Bri- tish service at the commencement of the war. They therefore is- sued a proclamation, threatening to retaliate on the prisoners in their possession, whatever punisiiment should be infiicled on any of those taken by the Britisii ; and especially that their conduct should be regulated by their treatment of general Lee. Congress now proceeded with the utmost diligence to recruit their arm}'; and bound their soldiers to serve for the term of three years, or during the continuance of the war. The army for the ensuing campaign, was to consist of eighty eight battalions, of which each province was to contribute its quota ;~and twenty dol- lars was ottered as a bounty to each soldier, besides an allotment of lands at the end of the war. In this agreement it was stipulat- ed, that each soldier should have one hundred acres, an ensign one hundred and fifty, a lieutenant two hundred, a captain three hundred, a major four hundred, a lieutenant-colonel four hun- dred and fifty, and a colonel five hundred. Those who only en- listed for three years were not entitled to any lands. Those who were wounded in the service, both officers and soldiers, were to enjoy half-pay during life. To meet tliis expense, congress bor- rowed five millions of dollars at five per cent, for which the Unit- ed States was security. At the same time a declaration was published tending to ani- mate the people to vigorous exertions, in which they set forth the necessity there was of taking proper methods for securing suc- cess. They endeavoured to palliate as much as possible, the misfortunes which had already happened ; and represented the true cause of the present distress to be the short term of enlist- ment. This declaration, and the imminent danger of Philadelphia, roused the Americans to exert themselves to the utmost, to ob- tain reinforcements for general Washington's army. An exploit of that general, however, did more to animate the Americans in the cause than all the declarations of congress. As the royal ar- my extended in different cantonments for a great way, general Washington saw the necessity of making an attempt on some of those divisions which lay nearest to Philadelphia. These happen- ed to be the Hessians, who lay in three divisions, the last only twenty miles from that city. On the twenty-fifth of December, having collected as considerable a force as he could, he set out with an intent to surprise that body of the enemy which Jay at Trenton. AMERICA. 77 His army was divided into three bodies; one of which he or- dered to cross the Delaware at Trenton ferry, a little below the town; the second at a distance below, at a place called Borden- town, where the second division of Hessians was placed; while he himself with the third, directed his course to a ferry some miles above Trenton, which he intended to have passed at mid- night, and make the attack at break of day ; but various impedi- ments so far obstructed his plans, that it was eight in the morn- m% before he reached the place of his destination. The enemy, however, did not perceive his approach till they were suddenly attacked. Colonel Rahl, their commander, did all that could be expected from a brave and experienced officer; biiteveiy thing was in such confusion, that no efforts of valour or skill could now retrieve matters. The colonel himself was mortally wounded, his troops were entirely broken, their artillery seized, and about ■one thousand taken prisoners. After (his gallant exploit, general Washington returned into Pennsylvania. This action, though to appearance of no very decisive nature, was what turned the forttine of war in favour of America. It lessened the apprehensions uhich the Americans had of the Hes- eiaiis, at the same time that it equally abated the confidence which the British had till now put in them; it also raised the desponding hopes of the Americans, and s^ave a new spring to all their operations. Reinforcements now came in from all quarters, and general Washington soon found himself in a condition once more to repass the Delaware, and take up his quarters in Trenton, where he was emboldened to take his station, notwithstanding that accounts were received of the enemy's rapid advance towards him under lordCornwallis, who shortly after made his appearance in full force; and on the evening of his arrival, the little town of Trenton contained the two hostile armies, separated only by a small creek, which was fordable in many places. This was indeed the crisis of the American revolution; and had his lordship made an immediate attack, in pursuance of what is reported to have been the advice of Sir William Erskin, general Washington's defeat would have been inevitable; but a night's del^ turned the fortune of the war, and projiuced an en- terprise, the mganitude and glory of which, can only be equalled by its success. A council of war having been called, general Washington stated the calaraitous situation to which his army was reduced, and after hearing the various opinions of liis officers, finally proposed acir- iiuitous march to Princeton, as xUa means of avoiding at once, the imputation of a retreat and the danger of a battle, with forces so inferior and in a situ'ition so ineligible. The idea was unanimous'- \y approved, and as soon as it was dark, the necessary measures ^\i£re effected for accomplishing it. A line of fires were kindled? X-2 rs HISTORY OF which served te give light to the Americans, while it obscured* them from the observation of the enemy ; the weather, which had been for some time warm and foggy, suddenly changed to a hard frost; and rendered the road, which had been deep and heavy, smooth and firm as a pavement. The Americans considered this as a providential interposition in their favour. At break of day general \Vashing?on was discovered by a party of British troops, consisting of three regiments, under the com- mand of colonel Mawhood, near Princeton, on their march to Trenton. With these the centre of the Americans engaged, and after killing sixty, wounded many, and taking three hundred prisoners, obliged the rest to make a precipitate retreat; some towards Trenton, and others to Brunswick. The loss of t!ie Ame- ricans, as to nutuher, was inconsiderable, but the fall of general Mercer was sensibly felt. The Bi i(ish, astonished and discouraged at the success and spi- rit of these repeated enterprises, abandoned both Trenton and Princeton, and retreated to Brunswick ; while the Americans in triumph retired to Morristown. General Washington, however^ omitted no opportunity in recovering what had been lost; and by dividing his army into small parties, which could be called into general action at a few hours notice, he in a manner almost entire- ly covered the country with it, and took possession of the most Important places. Thus ended the campaign of 1776. with no other real advantage '^o the British, than the possession of New York, and a few for- tresses in the neighbourhood, where the troops were constrained to act with as much circunsspection us if they had been besieged Sy a victorious army, instead of bein^ themselves the conquerors, ' The British, in New York, began in 1777 to carry on a kind of predatory war, by sending out parties to destroy magazines, make •recursions, and take or destroy such forts as lay on the banks of ivers accessible to their shipping; in this the}^ were generally .successful; the provincial maj?:azines at Peek's kill, a place about fifty miles distant from New A'ork, were destroyed; the town of .Uanbury in Connecticut was buint, and that of llidgefield in the same province was taken possession of. The British,^owever, as ',8V w-ere returning from this last expedition, were harrassed by generals Arnold, Wooster, and vSullivan; but they made good li.eir retreat, in spite of alt opposition, wiih the loss of only se- ' ontf killed and wounded. On the American side the loss was /liuch greater: general Wooster was killed, and Arnold was in the raost fmmincnt danger. On the other hand, the Americans de- stroyed the stores at Sagg harbour, in the east end of Long Island,. and made prisoners of ail \mio defended the place. As this method of making war answered no essential purpose, . ., pc r(>«nivf,>d to make an attempt on Philadelphia. It was fisft I AMERICA. 79 proposed to pass through the Jerseys to that city ; but the impo- litic conduct of the British ia countenancing the devastation of their plundering parties, had created universal abhorrence, and the large reinforcements which had joined general Washington, who had posted himself so strongly, that it was concluded to be impracticable. Many stratagems were used to draw him from his secure situation, but without success ; it was therefore deter- mined to make the attempt by sea. While the preparations were going forward for this enterprise, the Americans found means to capture general Present and one of his aids, who were seized in. their quarters much in the same manner as 3;enerai Lee had been. The ujonth of July was far advanced before the preparations for the expedition against Philadelphia were completed, and it was the twenty-third before the fleet was able to sail from Sandy Hook. The force employed in this expedition consisted of thirty- six battalions of British and Hessians, a regiment of light-horse, and a body of loyalists raised at New York. The remainder of the forces, consisting of seventeen battalions and another body of light horse, were stationed at New Yoik, under Sir Henry Clinton ; and seven battalions were stationed at llhoi4e Island. After sailing about a week, they arrived at the mouth of the Delauare; but there having received certain intelligence that the navigation of the river was so obstructed that it would be im- possible to force a passage, it was resolved to proceed further southward to Chesapeake bay, from whence the distance of Phil- adelphia v/as not very great, and where tlie provincial army would find less advantage from the nature of the country, than in the Jersey-. The navigation from the Delaware to the Chesapeake took up the best part of the month of August, and that up the bay was difficult and tedious. At last, having sailed up the river Elk as far as possible, the troops v/ere landed without opposition^ and moved forwards tov;ards Philadelphia. On the^newsof their arrival in the Chesapeake, general Wash» ington left the Jeriey?, and fled to the relief of the city ; and, ia the beginning of September, met the royal army at Brandywine creek, about mid-way between ihe head of Elk and Philadelphia, General \V\^shington practised his former method of skirmishing with and harrassing the army on its march. But as this was found insui^cient to stop its course, he retired to that side of the creek next to Philadelpihia, with an intent to dispute the passage. A general engagement commenced on the eleventh of September, in which the Americans were defeated; and, perhaps, the night saved them from total destruction. The Provincials lost, in this engagement, about one thousand in killed and wounded^ be- sides four hundred taken prisoners. feO HISTORY OF The loss of this battle proved the loss of Philadelphia. Gene- ral \Vashinj:^ton retired towards Lancaster, an inland town, about sixty miles from Philadelphia. But though he could not prevent the loss of Philadelphia, he still adhered to his original plan of distressing the roval party, by laying ambushes and cutting off detached parties ; but in this he was not so successful as formerly ; and one of his own detachments, which lay in ambush in tlie w oods were themselves surprised, and entirely defeated, with the loss of three hundred skilled and wounded ; besides seventy or eighty taken prisoners, and all their arms and baggage. General Howe finding that the Amerieans would not venture another battle, even for the sake of their capital, took peaceable possession of it on the twenty-sixth of September. His first care Mas to cut off by strong batteries, the communication between the upper and lower parts of the river ; which was executed, not- withstanding the opposition of some American arnjed vessels : one of which carrying thirty six guns was taken. His next task was to open a communieation with the sea; and this was a work of no small difficulty. A vast number of bitteries and forts had been erected, and machines formed like chevaii.r defrize (from whence they took their name) had been sunk in the river to pi event its navigation. As the fleet had been sent round to the Delaware in order to co- operate with the army, this work, however difficult, was effected 5 nor did the provincials give mueh opposition, well knowing that all places of the kind were now untenable. General VV^ashington, however, took advantage of the royal army being divided, to at- tack the camp of the principal division of it, that lay at German- town in the neighbourhood of Philadelphia. In this he met with very little success :'for though he reached the place of destination by three o'clock in the mcrning, the patroles had time to call the troops to arms. The Americans notwitiistanding, made a very resolute attack; but were received with so much braverj', that they were compelled to abandon the attempt, and retreat in great disorder ; with the advantage of carrying off their cannon, though pursued a considerable way, after having upwards of two hundred killed, five hundred wounded, and four hundred made prisoners ; among whom were fifly-four officers. On the side of the British the loss amounted to four hundred and thirty wounded and pri- soners; and seventy killed .; among the last, were general Ag- new and colonel Bird, with some other excellent officers. There still remained tv»o strong forts to be reduced on the Dei- aware. These were Mud Island and Red Back. The various obstructions which the Americans had thrown in the way, ren- dered it necessary to bring up the Augusta, a ship of the line, and the Merlia frigate, to the attack of Mud Island; but during the ^aat of ih^actiop^ bo-th were grounded. The Aiaerican;s ohssry* AMERICA. 81 ing this, sent down four fire ships, and directed the whole fire from their gallies.against them ; but the couraa;e and skill of the British seamen, prevented the farmer from taking effect. But during the engagement both the Augusta and Merlin took fire, and were burnt; and the other ships were obliged to withdraw. The Americans encouraged by this, proceeded to throw new obstructions in the way, but the British general having found means to convey a number of cannon, and to erect batteries with- in gun shot of the fort by land, and having brought up three ships of the line mounted with heavy cannon, and the Vigilant, a large ship cut down so as to draw but iiitle water, mounted with 24 pounders, made her way to a position from which she might enfi- lade the works on Mud inland. This gave the British such an ad- vantage, that the post was no longer tenable. Colonel Smith, who had with great gallantry defended the fort from the latter end of September, to the eleventh of November, being wounded, was removed to the main ; within five days after his removal, major Thayer, nobly ottered to take charge of this dangerous post; but was obliged to evacuate it within twenty-five days. But this event did not take place until the works were en- tirely beat down, every piece of cannon dismounted, and one of the British ships so near, that she threw hand^grenadoes into the fort and killed the men who were uncovered on the platform. The troops who had so bravely defended fort Mifflin, (which was the name given to it) made a safe retreat to Red Bank. Within three days after Mud Island was evacuated, the garrison was also withdrawn from Red Bank on the approach of lord Corn wal lis. A great number of the American shipping, now entirely without protection, sailed up the river in the night time. Seventeen, however, remained, whose retreat was intercepted, by a frigate and some armed vessels ; on which the Americans ran them on shore and burnt them. Thus the campaign of 1777, in Pennsylvania, concluded suc- cessfully on the part of the British. In the North, however, matters wore a different aspect. The expedition in that quarter had been projected by the British ministry, as the most etfectu- al method that could be taken to subjugate the colonies at once. The New England provinces were still considered by the British, as the most active in the continuation of the war; and it was thouglU, that any imj)ression made upon them, would contribute in an effectual manner, to the reduction of the re^t. To carry this into execution, an army of four thousand chosen British troops, and three thousand Germans, were put under the command of general Burgoyne ; and general Carleton was di- rected to use his interest with the Indians, to persuade them to join in this expedition ; and the province of Quebec was to furnish large parties to join the same. The officers who commanded 82 RISTORY OF under general Burgojne, weregeneral Phillips, of the artillery, generals Frazer, Povvel, and Hamilton, with the German officers, Reidesel and Speecht. These soldiers were under excellent discipline, and had been kept in their winter quarters with great care, that they mi2;ht be prepared for the expedition, on which tliey were going. To en- sure the success of the niain expedition, another was formed on the Mohawk river, under colonel St. Leger, who was to be assist- ed by Sir William Johnson, who had so greatly signalized him- self, in the war of 1755. On the 21st of June, 1777. the British army encar-!ped on the western side of lake Champlaio; where being joined by a considerable body of Indians,, getieral Burgoynemade a speech, in which he exhorted these new allies to lay aside their ferocious and barbarous manner of making war ; to kill only such as opposed them inarms; and (o spare prisoners, and such Avomen and children, as should fall into their hands. He after- wards issued a proilansation, in which the force of Britain, and that which he commanded, was displayed in strong and nervous language, calculated to intimidate tlie provincials, but it had a contrary effett. The campaign opened with the siege of Ticonderoga. This place was very strong, ande;airisonedby six thousand men under general St. Clair ; nevertheless, the w orks were so extensive, that even this number was not thought sufficient to defend them properly. They had therefore omitted to fortify a ruggid emi- nence, called Sugar-h/ll, which overlooked and effectually com- nianded the whole works. The Americans vainly imagined, that it was too difficult an ascent, for the enemy to take possession of it ; on the approach of the first divif-ion of the army, the pro- vincials abandoned and set tire* to their outworks, and so expe- ditious were the British troops, that on the fifth of July, every post was secured, which was judged necessary for investing it completely. A road was soon after made to the very summit of that emi- iience which the Americans supposed could not be ascended; and they were now so much disheartened, that thsy instantly aban- doned the fort and made a precipitate retreat to Skenesborough, a place to the south of lake George ; while their baggage and military stores, which they could not carry oft*, were sent to the same place by water. But the British generals were not disposed to let them get oft' so easily : but pursued and overtook tliem. Their armed vessels consisted only of five galleys : two of which ^vere taken and three blown up; on which" they set fire to their boats and fortifications, at Skenesborough. The provincials lost two hundred boats, and one hundred and thirty pieces of cannon, ^vitli all their provisions and baggage. AMERICA. 83 Their land forces under colonel Francis, made a brave defence against general Kraser : and as they were superior in number, they almost overpowered him, when e;eneral Reidesel, with a large body of Germans, came to his assistance. The Americans were now overpowered in their turn ; their commander killed, they fled in every direction. In this action two hundred of the provincials were killed, as many taken prisoners, and above six hundred wounded ; many of whom perished in the woods for want of assistance. Daring the engagement, general St. Clair was at Castleton, about six miles from the place ; but instead of going forward to fort Ann, the next place of streni^th, he repaired to the woods which lie between that fortress and New England. General Burgoyne, therefore, detached colonel Hill, with the ninth regi- ment, to intercept their retreat towards fort Ann : on his way he met with a body of tbe enemy, said to be six times as numerous as his own ; but after an engagement of three hours, they were obliged to retire with great loss. After so many disasters, and finding themselves unable to make any stand at fort Ann, they set fire to it, and retired to fort Edward. In all these engagements, the loss of the killed and v.ounded, in the royal army, did not exceed two hundred men. General Burgoyne now suspended his operations for some time ; and waited at Skenesborough for the arrival of his tents, pro- visions, &c. But employed ihis interval in making roads through the country about fort Ann, and in clearing a passage for his troops to pt oceed agniust Ihe enemy. This was attended with incredible toil. But the resolution and patience of the army surmounted all obstacles. Thus, after having undergone the greatest difficulties, and having made every exertion that man could make, he arrived with his army before fort Edward about the latter end of Jidy. Here general Schuyler had been for some time endeavouring to recruit the scattered American forces, and had been joined by- general St. Clair, with the remains of his army ; the garrison of fort George had also taken shelter there. But on the approach of the royal army they retired from fort Edward, and formed their head quarters at Saratoga. Notwithstanding these discouraging circumstances, the Amer- icans shewed no disposition to submit; but prepared in ihe best manner they could to make the most effectual resistance. For this purpose the militia was every where raised and drafted, to join the army at Saratoga; and such numbers of volunteers were obtained, that they soon began to recover from the alanii into. which their late losses had thrown them. The forces now collected were put under the command of general Arnold, who repaired to Saratoga with a considerable 84 HISTORY OF ij train of artillery ; but receiving intellie:ence that colonel St. Le^er was proceeding with great rapidity in his expedition on the Mo- hawk river, he removed to Stillwater, a place about half way be- tween Saratogaand the junction of the Mohawk with Hudson's river. The colonel, in the meantime, had advanced as far as fort Staawix; the siege of which he pressed with great vigour; and understanding that a supply of provisions, guarded by eight or nine hundred men, was on its way to the fort, he despatched sir John Johnson with a strong detachment to intercept it. This he performed so effectually, that four hundred of the escort were slain and two hundred taken ; the residue escaping with great difficulty. The garrison, it was expected, would be intimidated by this disaster, and by the threats and representations of St. Leger : on the contrary, they made several successful sallies un- L der colonel Willet, the second officer in command ; who, with T another gentleman, ventured out of the fort, and eluding the vigilance of the enemy, passed through them, in order to hasten the march of general Arnold to their relief The affairs of colonel St. Le2;er, notwiihstanding his recent suc- cess, appeared in no very favourable situation ; and they were totally ruined by tlie desertion of the Indians ; who had been alarmed by the report of general Arnold's advancing with two thousand men, to the relief of the fort ; and while the colonel was endeavouring to encourage them, another report was spread that general Burgoyne had been defeated with great slaughter, and was flying before the provincials. On this he was obliged to comply with their fears and ordered a retreat ; which was not effected without the loss of the tents, some artillery, and military stores. Difficulties and disappointments still continued to press upon . j general Burgoyne : the roads he had made with so much labour f\ and pains, were destroyed by the enemy, and wetness of the sea- " son ; so that provisions from fort George could not be brought to his camp, without prodigious toil. Having been informed of the siege of fort Stanwix, by colonel St. Leger; he determined to move forward, that he might enclose the enemy betwixt his own army and thai of St. Leger; and in hopes of securing the com- mand of all the country between fort Stanwix and Albany. At any rate a junction with St. Leger, was likely to produce the most happy consequences. The only difficulty was, the want of provisions ; and this it was proposed to remedy, by seizing the magazines of the provincials. For this purpose, colonel Baum, a German officer of great bra- very, was chosen with a body of five hundred troops. The mag- azines lay at Bennington, about twenty miles east\\ard of Hud- son's river : in order to support colonel Baum's party, the whole armv marched up the bank of the river, and encamped almost op- AMERICA. S' posite to Saratoga, with the river between it and that place. An advanced party w.as posted at Batten-kili, between the camp and Bennington, in order to support colonel Baum. In their way the royal detachment seized a large supply of cattle and provisions, which v/ere immediately sentto the camp; but the badness of the roads retarded their march so much, that intelligence of their de- sign was sent to Bennington. Colonel Baum understanding that the American force at that place, was much superior to his own^ acquainted the general ; who immediately sent colonel Breyman, with a party to his assistance : but the same causes which retard- ed the march of colonel Baum, also impeded the march of colonel Breyman, who could not arrive in time. General Starke, in the meantime, who commanded at Bennington, determined to attack the two parties separately ; and advanced against colonel Baum, whom he surrounded on all sides, and attacked with the utmost violence. The German troops defended themselves with great valour, but were to a man either killed or taken. Colonel Brey- man, after a desperate enp;agement, had the good fortune to effect a retreat through the darkness of the night : which, otherwise, he could not have done, as his men had expended all their ammu- nition. Disappointed in his attempt on Bennington, general Bur^oyne applied himself with indefatigable diligence, to procure provisions from Fort George; and having at length procured a sufficient quantity to last for a month, he threw a bridge of boats over the river Hudson, which he crossed about the middle of September, encamping on the hills and plains of Saratoga. As soon as he approached the provincial army, which was en- camped at Still Water, under general Gates, he determined to make an attack; he placed himself at the head of the centre, having general Fraser and Colonel Breyman on his right, and generals Reidesel and Phillips, with the artillery on the left. In this position, the 19th of September, he advanced towards the ene- my. But the Americans confident in their number, did not now wait to be engaged : but attacked the central division with great impetuosity, and it v/as not till general Phillips with the artillery came up, at eleven o'olock at night, that they could be induced to retire to their camp. In this action the British lost five hun- dred in killed and wounded, and the Americans three hundred and nineteen. The resolution manifested by the Americans upon this occasion, surprised and alarmed the British forces. But this did not pre- vent them from advancing towards the enemy, and postino- them- selves within cannon shot of their lines the next day. But tlieir Indian allies now began to desert in great numbers": and at the same time the general was exceedingly mortified by having no Y ^ " I 86 HISTORY 5jF intelligence from Sir Henry Clinton, who was to have assisted J him as had been stipulated. v ' He now received a letter from him by which -he was informed that Sir Henry intended to make a diversion on the North River in his favour. This aftbrdcd but lillle comfort ; and he re- turned an answer by several trusty persons who took different routes, stating his distressed situation ; at the same time inform- ing him that his provisions and other necessaries would only en-, able him to hold out till the twelfth of October. The Americans, in the meantime, that they might effectually cut oft' the retreat of the British, undertook an expedition to Ti- conderoga ; but failed in the attempt, notwithstanding they sur- prised all the out posts, and took a great number of boats, and some armed vessels, and a few prisoners. The army under general Burgoyne, however, continued to la- bour under various distresses; his provisions fell short, so that in the beginning of October he diminished the soldiers' allowance. On the seventh of that month he dtermined to move towards the enemy : for tiiis purpose he sent a body of one thousand five hundred men to reconnoitre their left wing ; intending if possible, to break through it, and effect a retreat. The detachment had liot proceeded far^ when a dreadful attack was made by the Ame- ricans on the left wing of the British aimy, which was with great difficulty preserved It om being entirely broken, by a reinforce- ment brought up by general Fraser, who was killed in the attack. After the troops had with the most desperate efforts regained their cam.p, it was fujiously assaulted by general Arnold; who, TiOtwithstanding all opposition, would have forced the entrench- ments, had he not received a dangerous wound, which obliged him to retire. Thus the attack failed, but on the right, the German reserve was forced, colonel Breyman killed, and his country- men defeated with great slaughter, and with the loss of their artillery and baggage. t This was b} far the greatest loss the British sustained since the battle of Bunker's hill : the list of the killed and wounded amount- ed to near twelve hundred, exclusive of the Germans: but the greatest misfortune was, that the Americans had now an opening on the right, and rear of the British forces, so that the army was threatened with entire destruction. This obliged general Bur- goyne once more to shift his position, that the eneniy might also be obliged to alter theirs. This was accomplished on the night of the seventh without any loss, and all the next day he continued to offer the enemj battle. The enemy now advanced on the right that they might enclose him enlitely, which obliged general Bur- goyne to direct a retreat to Saratoga. V>\xt the Americans had stationed a strong force at the ford on Hudson's river, so that the only posbibiliry of retreat was by securing a passage to Lake AMERICA, 87 George ', and to eflect this, workmen were despatched with a- strong guard, to repair the roads arid bridges that led to Fort Edward. As soon as they were gone, the enemy seemed to pre- pare for an attack; which rendered it necessary to recall the guard, and the v/orkmen being left exposed, could not proceed. The boats whicii conveyed provisions down the Hudson river, were exposed to the continual fire of the American marksmen, who captured many ; so that it became necessary to convey them over land. General Burgoyne finding it impossible to stay here, with any safety to his army, resolved to attempt a march to Fort Edward in the night, and force the passaj^es at the fords either above or below. That he might eifect ihjs the more easily, it was resolved that the soldiers should carry their provisions on their backs, and leave behind them their baggage and every other in- cumbrance. But intelligence being received that the enemy had raised strong entrenchments opposite the fords, well provided with cannon, and that they had also taken possession of the rising ground between Fort George and Fort Edward, it was judged im- possible to succeed in the attempt. The American army was still increasing in numbers : and re- inforcements flocked in from all quarters, elated with the certain prospect of capturing the whole British army. Small parties ex- tended all along the opposite bank of Hudson's river, and some had passed it. that they might the more exactly observe every movement of the enemy. The forces under general Gates were computed at sixteen thousand men, while the army under gene- ral Burgoyne amounted to six thousand. Every part of the British camp was reached by the rifle and grape shot of the Americans, in this state of extreme distress and imminent danger, the army continued with the greatest con- stancy and perseverance, till the evening of the thirteenth of October, when an inventory of provisions being taken, it was found that no more remained than was suiHi'ient to last three days ; a c<»uncil of Vv'ar being called, it was unanimously determined that there was no other alternative but to treat with the enemy. In consequence of this, a negociation was opened the next day, which terminated in a capitulation of the whole British army ; the principal article of which was, "That the troops were to have a free passage to Britain, on condition of not serving against Ame- rica during the war." On this occasion General Gates generously ordered his army to keep within their camp, while the British soldiers went to a place appointed to lay down their arms, that the latter might not have the additional mortification of being made sj)ectacles on so melancholy an event. , The number of those who surrendered at Saratoga, amounted to live thousand seven hundred and fifty. Accordingto the Ame- rican accounts, the list of sick and wounded left in the camp when S8 HISTORY OF the army retreated to Saratoga, amounted to five hundred and twenty-eight, and the number of those by other accounts, since the taking of Ticonderoga, to near three thousand. Thirty-tlve brass field-pieces, seven thousand stand of arms, clothing for an equal number of soldiers, with tents, military chests, &c. con- stituted the booty on this occasion. Sir Henry Clinton in the meantime, instead of taking effectual measures for the immediate relief of general Burgoyne, of whose situation he had been informed, amused himself with destroying the two forts called Montgomery and Clinton, with fort Consti- tution, and another place called Continental Village, where there were barracks for two thousand men ; he also carried away se- venty large cannon, a number of smaller ones, and a quantity of t^tores and ammunition. Another attack was made by Sir James Wallace with some frigates, and a body of land forces, under general Vaughan, upon Esopus, a small flourishing town on the iiver. But these successes only tended to irritate the Americans^ and injure the royal cause. On the sixteenth of March, 1778, lord North informed the house of commons, that a paper had been laid before the king by the French ambassador, intimating the conclusion of an alliance between the court of France, and the United States of America. It was on the sixth of February, 1778, that the articles were for- mally signed, to the great satisfaction of France ; by which it was hoped that the pride of her formidable rival would be humbled, and her power lessened. For this purpose and her own agran- dizement, did France enter into an alliance with the revolted subjects of Great Britain 5 but not till after the capture of Bur-. gojne's army, when the Americans had made it manifest, that they were able to defend themselves, without the interference of any foreign power. How far that interference has been beneficial to France, the dreadful features of her own revolution must de- cide ; and to which the American revolution, undoubtedly gave birth. The articles were in substance, as follow. 1. If Great Britain should, in consequence of this treaty, pro- ceed to hostilities against France, the two nations should mutu- ally assist one another. i2. The main end of the treaty was, in an effectual manner to maintain the independency of America. 3. Should those places in North America, still subject to Great Britain, be reduced by the colonies, they should be confederated with them, or subjected to their jurisdiction. 4. Should any of the West India islands, be reduced 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 5 and it was mutually engaged^ that they should uot lay down tli.cir I AMEIUCA. 89 arn-.s, liil the independency of the States had been foni^.ally ac- knowledged. * . 6. The contracting parties mutually a.^reed to invite those pow- ers who liad received injuries from Great Britain, to join the com- mon cause. 7. The United States guaranteed to France all the possessions in the West Indies, which she should conquer; and France gua- ranteed the absolute Independence of the United States, and their supreme authority over every country they possessed, or might acquire durins; the Vv'ar. The house of commons looked upon this treaty asa declaratiom of war; and the members were unanimous in an address to his iHiijesty, promising to stand by him to the utmost, in the present emergency ; but it \\as warmly contended by the membeis of the opposition, that the present ministry should be removed, on ac- count of their numerous blunders and miscarriages in every in- stance. Many were of opinion, that the only way to extricate the nation from its trouble, was to acknowledge at once, the indepen- dency of America, that so tiiey mia:ht do with a good grace, what they would inevitably have to do at last. Instigated with zeal for the national honour, the ministerial party was determined to re- sent the arrogance of Franfte, and prosecute the ^^ar in America, with increased vigour, should the terms about to be oiTered them be rejected. The agents of the Americans, in the meantime, were assidu- ously employed at the court of Spain, Vienna, Prussia, and Tus- cany, in order if possible, to conclude alliances wit!) them ; or, at least, to procure an acknowledgement of their independency. As it had been reported, that Great Britain had applied for as-> sistance to Russia, the American commissioners were enjoined to use their utmost endeavours with the German princes, to prevent yuch auxiliaries from marching through their territories ; and f'.lso to prevail With them to recall the German troops already sent to America. To the Spanish court they proposed, that in case they should think proper to espouse their cause, the American States should assist in reducing Pensacola under the dominion of vSpain; pro- vided the citizens of the United States were allov/ed the free na- vigation of the river Mississippi, and the use of the harbour of Pen- sacola : and they further oiiered, that if ar^reenble to Spain, they would declare war against Portugal, should that pov/er expel the American ships from their ports. The troops untler general Burgoyne in the meantime, were pre- paring to embark, agreeably to the convention of Saratoga, but Cona:ress having received inn^^mation that articles of ammunition and accoutrements, had not been surrendered as stipulated ; and ^Hedging also, some other cause, as that they apprehended siuis- Y-2 1>0 HISTORY Ot ter clesj|*ns were haibourcd by Great Britain, to convey these troops to join the army at Philadelphia, or New York, positively refused to let them embark uithout amexplicit ralificatioii of the convention, properly notilied by the British court. The senst5n for action approacliing. Congress was indefatigable in making preparations for a new campai«;n ; which, it was con- fidently affirmed, would be the last. General Washington, at the same Mme, to remove ail necessary incumbrances from the army, lightened t'le bagga^ze as much as possible, by substituting sacks and portmanteaus, in place of chests and boxes ; and using pack horses instead of vva'|pns. Tlie British army on the other hand expecting to be reinforced by twenty thousand men, thought of nothing but concluding the war according to their wishes, be- fore tlie end of another campaign. ' ;^ - Lord North's concili.itory bill, therefore, was received by them, "with the utmost concern and indigna'ion ; they considered it as a national disgrace ; and some even tore the cockades from their hats and trampled them under their feet. By the colonists it was received with indiiiA^rence. The British comndsioners endea- voured to make it as public as possible; and congress, as usual, ordered it to be pritjted in all the newspapers. Governor Tryon inclosed several copiv'^s of the bill in a letter to general Washing- ton, intreatino hia-, (hat he would allow them to be circulated ; to which the general reluined for answer, a newspaper, in which the bill was printed, with the resolutions of congress upon it, whicf «^' ere, thd't whosoever presumed to make a separate agree- ment with Great Britain, should be deemed a public enemy ; that the United States could not, with any propriety, keep correspon- dence with the commisj'ioners, until their independence Mas ac- knowledged, and the British fleets and armies removed from America. The colonies were also warned not to, softer themselves to be deceived into securily by any offers that might be made ; but ta use their u finest endeavours to send their quotas into the field. Some indivicfuals, who conversed v.'ith the commissioners on the subject of the conciliatory hill, intimated to them that the day of reconciliation was past : ih^t the haughtiness of Britain had ex- tinii,ui^:h;'d all filial regard in the breast of the Americans. Silaa Deane about this time arrived from Prance with two co- pies of t!ie treaty of con.inerce and alliance, to be signed by con- gress. Advices of the most llattering nature were received from vu'ious parts, representing the friendly dispositions of the Euro- pean powers; all of wlHun, it was said, wished to see the inde- pendence of America settled upon the most permanent basis. Considering, therefore, the situation of the colonies at this time, it was no wonder tb.at the comndssioncrs did not succeed. Their proposals v.ere utterly rejected, and themselves threatened to be America. 91 treatcil as spies. But before any answer could be obtained from Congress, iSir Henry Clinton had takt^n the resolution of evacu- ating Philadelphia. Accordine;Iy, on the eishteenth of June, after having made the necessary pre^jarations, the army marched out of the city, and crossed the Delaware before noon, with all its big- gage, and other incunibrances. General VVa«ihington, apprised of this design, had despatched expresses into the Jerseys, with or- ders to collect all the force that could be assembled, in order to obstruct the march of the enemy. After various movements on both sides, Sir Henry Clinton, with the royal armv, airived at a place called Freehold, on the twenty-seventh of June, where, ex- pecting the eiiemy would attack him, he chose a strong situation. General Washington, as was expected, meditated an attack as soon as theiinny began to march. The night was spent in mak- ing the neces-^ary preparations, and general Lee was ordered with his division to be ready at day break. Sir Henry Clinton, justly apprehendin;^ that the chief object of the enemy was the bagga^ie, eo!rimitte so unexpected, that several vessels laden with provisions fell inio his hands. The Experiment, a fifty gun ship, commanded by Sii James Wallace, was taken, after a stout resis- tance. On the continent, the British troops were divided. Gener- al Prevost, witli an inconsiderable party, was at Savannah; but the main force, under colonel Maitland, was at Port Royal. On the first appearance of the French fleet, an express was sent off to colonel Alaitland, but it was intercepted by the enemy; so (hat before he could get out to join the commander in chief, the Americans had secured the piincipal passes by land, while the French effectually blockaded the passage by sea. But by taking advantage of creeks and inlets, and marching over land, he ar- rived just in time to relieve Savannah. D'Estaing had allowed general Prevost twenty-four hours to deliberate whether he should capitulate or not; this interval he made use of in making the best preparations in his power, and during this time colonel Maitland arrived. D'Estaing's sum- mons was now rejected. The garrison consisted of three thou- sand men of approved valour and experience. The united force of the French and Americans was about ten thousand. The event was answerable to the expectation of the British general: having the advantage of a strong fortification, and ex- cellent engineers, the fire of the allies made but little impression 5 so that D'Estaing resolved to bombaid the town, and a battery of nine niorlars was erected for that purpose. The allied commanders, from motives of policy, refused gene- ral Prevost's request to permit the women and childi en to retire to a place of safety, and they resolved to make a general assault. This was attempted on tlie ninth of October ; but the assailants %vere every where repulsed with great slaughter; one thousand two hundred were killed and wounded; among the first was Count Pulaski, one of the conspirators against the king of Poland, and umong the latter was D'Estaing himself. This defeat entirely overthrew the sanguine hopes of the French and Americans ; after waiting eight days longer, the allied forces retreated; the French to their shipping, and the Americans to Carolina. About this time Sir George Collier was sent with a fleet, having general Matthews and a body of land forces on board, to Virginia. The first attempt was against the town of AMERICA, &5 I^Oitsrnouth, where the British troops carrieiS oS' twenty vessels, with an immense quantity of provisions, designed for general Washington's army, together with a variety of naval and milita- ry stores: at the same time and place were burnt one hundred and twenty vessels; after which the British returned to New York with little or no loss. The successful issue of this expedition^ encouraged them to un- dertake another. The Amerifans had erected two strong forts on the Hudson river, the one at Verplank's neck on the east, and the other at Stoney Point on the west side; ihese were likely to be of the utmost service to the Americans, as they commanded the principal pass, called King's ferry, between the northern and southern colonies. The force employed upon this occasion, was divided into two bodies, one of which was directed against Ver- plank's, under the command of general Vaughan, the latter by general Patterson, while the shipping was under the direction of SirGeorge Collier. General Vaughan met with no resistance; the enemy abandoned their works at his approach ; but at Stoney point, a vigorous defence was made. The garrison, notwithstand- ing, was obliged to capitulate, but upon honourable conditions. General Clinton, desirous to secure the possession of this last, removed from his former situation, and encamped in such a man- ner, that general Washington could not give any assistance. The Americans, however, revenged themselves of the British, by distressing the trade of New York, by their numerous priva- teers. These privateers were chiefly built and harboured in Con- necticut; an expedition, therefore, under the command of gov- ernor Tryon and general Garth, an officer of known valour and experience, was undertaken, under a convoy of a considerable number of armed vessels; they landed at New Haven, where they destroyed the batteries that had been erected to oppose them, besides a number of shipping and naval stores; but as the inhabitants did not fire upon the troops from the houses the build- ina;s in town were spared. From New Haven they proceeded to Fairfield, which they reduc- ed to ashes. Norwaik was next attacked and afterwards Greenfield, a small sea-port in the neigiibourhood, both of which were burnt. These successes were alarmino;, as well as detrimental to the Americans, so that general Washington was determined at all events, to drive the enemy from Stoney Point. For this purpose general Wayne was sent with a detachment of chosen men, with directions to take it by surprise. After the capture of it by the British, the fortifications had been completed and made very strong; notwithstanding, the Americans passed through a heavy fire of musquetry and grape shot, and in spite of all opposition obliged (he surviving part of the garrison, consisting of five hun- dred men, to surrender themselves prisoners of war, z i)« HISTORY OF The Americans dipl not attempt to retain possession of Stonejr Point, but their success in surprising it, ^couraged them to make a similar attack on Paulns Ilnnk, a post strong! j fortified on the Jersey side, opposite to New York. After having completely sur- prised the posts, major Lee, (he American commander, finding it impossible to retain them, made an orderly retreat with about one hundred and sixty-one prisoners, among whom were seven officers. Another expedition, and of irreater importance, was now under- taken by the Americans. This was against a post on the river Penobscot, on the borders of Nova Scotia, of which the British had taken possession, and where they had begun to erect a fort, which threatened to be very incovenient to the Americans. Tho armament destined against it was so expeditiously fitted out, that colonel Machine, the commanding officer at Penobscot, was obli- ged to content himself with putting the vvoi ks ah-eady construct- ed in as good a posture of defence as possible. The Americans could not effect a landing, or bring the guns of the largest ves- sels to hear upon the shore, without much difficulty. As soon as this was done, they erected several batteries, and kept up a b? isk fire, for the space of a fortnight ; after which they ])roposed to give a general assault: but bef()re this could be er- fected, sir George Collier, with a British fleet, was seen sailing up the river to attack them. On this they instantly embarked their iirtillery and stores, sailing up the jiver as far as possible, to avoid being taken. But ihey were so closely pursued, that not a single vessel escaped ; thus the American fleet, consisting of nine- teen armed vessels and twenty -four transports, were destroyed. The soldiers and sailors were obliged to wander through im- mense deserts, uhere they sufi'ered much for want of provisions: and to add to their calamities, a quarrel between th(^ seamen and soldiers broke out, concerning the cause of their misfortunes; a violent aliVay ensued, in which a great number were killed. Thus the arms of France and Auierica being every where un- successful, the independency of the latter seemed yet to be in danger, notwithstanding the assistance of so powerful an ally. The hopes of the Americans were again revived by the acces- sion of Spain to th.e confederacv against Great Britain. The eager desire of Spain to humble Great Britain, appeared to have depriv- ed her of that cautious reserve which seems interwoven with the constiiution of the Spanish government. They certainly did not consider that, by establishing an independent empire so near them, their rich pr.ssessions in South America would be in danger, and open to the incursions of a powerful and enterprising people, whenever they clsose posure, and dig- nity, between two oflicers of his guard, his aim locked in theirs. Upon seeing the preparations at the fatal spot, he asked with some concern, *• Must 1 die in this manner .^" He wus toUi it was unavoidable. He replied, " 1 am reconciled to my fate, but not to the mode:" but soon added, *'it will be hut a momentary pang." He ascended the cart with a pleasing countenance, and with a composure that excited the admiration, and melted the AMERICA. 10? hearts of the spectators. Their sensihility was strongly impress- ed, by beholtling a well-dressed youth in the bloom of life, of a peculiarly engaging; person, mien, and aspect, devoted to imme- diate execution. He was asked, when the fatal moment was at hand, if he had any thing to say : he answered, " Nothing but to request that you will witness to the world that I die like a brave man." In a few succeeding moments the affecting scene was closed. To offer any further remarks upon the fate of this valu- able and accomplished officer, would be unnecessary, as the world has been sufficiently acquainted wilh every transaction respecting it. After the defeat of general Gates by Earl Cornwallis, that no- bleman exerted himself to the utmost, in extending the progress of the British arms, and with considerable effect. But one enter- prise, which was conducted by major Ferguson, was unsuccessful. That ofiicer had been very active in his exertions in the royal cause, and had taken great pains to improve the discipline of the loyal militia; wilh about one thousand four hundred of these, he nriade several incursions into the country. He was, however, at- tacked on the 7th of October, 1780, by a superior body of Ameri- cans, at King's mountain, and totally defeated. One hundred and fifty were killed in the action, and eight hundred and ten made prisoners, and one thousand five hundred stand of arms were taken. But the month following, lieutenant-colonel Tarleton, with a party of one hundred and seventy cavalry, attacked general Sumpter, who is said to have had one thousand men, at a place called Black Stocks, and obliged him to retire. Sumpter was wounded, and about one hundred and twenty of his party killed, wounded, and taken prisoners: about fifty of the British were killed and wounded. On the tliird of September, the Mercury, a Congress packet, was taken by the Vestal, commanded by captain Kepple, near Newfoundland. On board this packet was Henry Laurens, late president of Congress, who was bound on an embassy to Holland. He had thrown his papers overboard, but the greatest part of them were recovered, without receiving much damage. He was brought to London, and examined before the privy council ; in consequence of which, he was committed a close prisoner to the tower, on a charge of high treason. The contents of those papers, hastened the rupture which soon after took place, between Great Britain and Holland ; for among them was found, the plan of a treaty, between the (Jnited States of North America, and the republic of Holland. On the first of January, T781, the troops that were hutted at Morristown, called the Pennsylvania line, turned out, in number aboi^ one thousand three hundred, and declared they would serve 108 HISTORY OF no longer, unless their grievances were redressed. A riot ensued, in which an officer was killed and some wounded. They then collected the artillery and stores, and marched out of the camp. As they passed by the quarters of general Wayne, he sent a mes- sage to them, requesting them to desist, or the consequences might prove fatal. They nevertheless proceeded on their march, till the evening, when they posted themselves advantageously, and elected officers to command them ; the next day they marched to Middlebrook, and on the third they reached Princeton, where they fixed their quarters! On that "day, a flag of truce was se»t to Ihem from the officers of the American camp, with a message, desiring to be informed what were their intentions. Some alledg- cd they had served out the time of their enlistment, and would serve no longer; and others declared they would not return, unless their grievances were redressed. But they all at the same time protested, that they were^ot actuated by motives of disaffection to the American cause. This they soon had it in their power to make manifest, when general Clinton (who was soon informed «f the revolt, and hoped to draw them over to the British interest) sent two messengers with tempting offers to that purpose : these they disdainfully refused, and delivered up the messengers to Congress. Joseph Reid, esq. president of the state of Pennsylva- nia, afterwards effected an accommodation ; those who had served outtheirfull time, were permitted to return home, and the others, upon satisfactory assurances that their grievances should be re- dressed, rejoined their countrymen in arms. To return to North Carolina, where lord Cornwallishad began to make vigorous exertions in order to reduce that province, but was delayed by general Morgan and the troops under him, who attempted to make themselves masters of the valuable district of Kinety-Six. To prevent this, his lordship despatched lieutenant- colonel Tarleton, with three hundred cavalry, three hundred light infantry, the seventh regiment, the first battalion of the seventy- first regiment, and two three pounders, to oppose the progress of Morgan. The British commander had not the least doubt of the success of the expedition. On the 17th of January, the royal detachment came up with the Americans under general Morgan, two-thirds of whom were militia : these were drawn up in a wood, at a place called the Cowpens, near Pacolet river. The British, besides the advantage of field pieces, had five to four in infantry, and more than three to one in cavalry. The attack was begun by the first line of infantry, consisting of the seventh regiment, and a corps of light infantry, with a troop of cavalry placed on each flank. The first battalion of the sevent}? -first, and the remainder of the cavalry, formed the reserve. The American line soon gave way, and the militia quitted the field ; upon whiHi the king's troops Supposing victory certain, engaged with aidour hx the pursuit arm AMERICA. 109 were thereby thrown into disorder : general Morgan's corps, who were supposed to have been routed, immediately faced about ; and discharged so heavy a fire upon the royal troops, as threw them into such confusion, that they were at length totally defeated by the Americans. Four hundred of the British light infantry were killed, wounded or taken prisoners : the two field -pieces fell into the hands of the Americans, together with the colours of the sev- enth regiment ; and almost all the detachment of royal artillery- were cut to pieces in defence of their colours. Colonel Tarleton then retreated to Hamilton's ford, near the mouth of Bullock's creek, with part of his baggage, having destroyed the rest. This stroke was sensibly felt by lord Cornwallis. The care of collectini^'the remains of Tarleton's corps, now principally employed his thoughts, as well as to endeavour to form a junction wiih general Leslie, who had been ordered to march towards him with a body of British troops from VVynnesborough. Considerable exertions were then made by part of the army, to retake the prisoners, and intercept general Morgan's corps on its retreat to the Catawba. But that officer, by forced marches, had crossed it the evening before a great rain, which swelled the river to such a height as prevented the British from crossing for seve- ral days ; in which time the prisoners, with their captors, had crossed the Yadkin river, whence they proceeded to the river Dan, which they also passed : and on the 14th of February reached Guilford court-house in Virginia. Lord Cornwallis halted two days to collect flour, and rid him* self of all unnecessary incumbrances. Being thus prepared, he marched through North Carolina with great rapidity, and pene- trated to the extremities of that province, to the banks of the river Dan : some skirmishes ensued, but he met with no very consider- able opposition. On the first of February, 1781, the king'si^roops crossed the Catawba, at M'Cowan's ford, where genera] David- son with a party of American militia was posted, m order to op- pose their passage, but he was killed by the first discharge ; the royal troops made good their landing, and the militia retreated. "When lord Cornwallis arrived at Hillsborough, he erected the royal standard, and invited by proclamation, all loyal subjects to repair to it, and assist in the restoration of order and good gov- ^nraent. He had been informed that the king's friends were numerous in that part of the country; but the event did not con- firm the truth of such information. The royalists were but few in number, or too timid to join the king's standard. About two hundred were proceeding to Hillsborough, to avow their attach- ment to the royal cause, under colonel Pyle, but they were met accidentally by a detachment of the American army, who killed several of them, as they v/ere begging for quarters, without mak- ing the least resistajicg. General Greene in the me^while wag no HISTORY OF inarching with great expedition with the troops under his com- mand, to form a junction with other American corps, that he might impede the progress of lord Cornwallis. General Greene, having effected a junction on the tenth of March 1781, with a regiment of continental troops, and two large bodies of militia from Virginia and North Carolina, was resolved to attack the British troops under lord Cornwallis. They accord- ingly marched on the twelfth, and on the fourteenth arrived ^t Guilford. Lord Cornwallis was apprised of the designs of the American general ; as they approached- nearer to each other, a few skirmishes between the advanced parties took place. On the fifteenth, lord Cornwallis proceeded with his whole force, to at- tack the Americans on their march, or in their encampment. About four miles from Guilford the advanced guard of the Bri- tish army, commanded by colonel Tarleton, were met by lieuten- ant-colonel Lee's division, with whom he had a severe skirmish, and was obliged to make a precipitate retreat. The country in which the action happened is a perfect wilderness, excepting some few fields interspersed. The American army was posted on a rising ground, about a mile and a half from Guilford court-house : ii was drawn up in three lines, the front composed of the North Carolina militia, un- der the command of generals Butler and Eaton; the second line of Virginia militia commanded by generals Stephens and Lawson, forming two brigades ; the third line consisting of two brigades, one of Maryland and the other of Virginia continental troops ; and a regiment of riflemen, under the command of col- onel Lynch, formed a corps of observation for the security of the right flank ; lieutenant-colonel Lee, with his legion, a detachment of light infantry, and a corps of liflemen under colonel Campbell, formed a corps of observation for the security of the left flank. The attack on the American arn\7, was made in the following order, Ijy the directions of lord Cornwallis. On the right the regi- ment of Bose, and the seventy -first regiment, led by major-gen- eral Leslie, and supported by the first battalion of guards ; on the left, the twenty-third and thirty-third regiments, led by lieuten- ant-colonel Webster, and supported by the grenadiers, and se- cond battalion of guards, commanded by Brigadier general 0*Ha- ra. The yagers and light infantry, remained in a wood on the left of the ordnance, ready to act as circumstances might require. About two o'clock P. M. the attack began by a cannonade, which lasted about twenty minutes, when the action became general. The American forces under colonels Washington and Lee, were warmly engaged and did great execution. Colonel Tarleton's orders were to keep the cavalry con>pact, and not to charge without positive orders, except it was to protect any of the divi- sions ffom the most imminent danger of being defeated. The^ AMERICA. Ill woods were so thick, that the British could not make a free use of the ba^yonet. The second battalion of guards, were the first that gained the clear ground, near Guilford court-house, where was a corps of continental infantry, superior in number; these were formed in the open field, on the left of the road. Desirous of sig- nalizing themselves, they immediately attacked, and soon de- feated them, taking two six pounders; but as they pursue^ the Americans with too mu«h ardour to a wood, they were thrown into confusion by a heavy fire, and were instantly driven into the field, by colonel Washington's dragoons, who recovered the two six-pounders. The American cavalry were afterwards repulsed, and the two six-pounders again fell into the hands of the British. The British having broken the second Maryland regiment and turned the left flank of the Americans, got into the rear of the Virginia brigade, and were endeavouring to gain their right, which would have enclosed the whole of the* continental troops; a retreat was immediately ordered by general Greene, which was conducted with good order to Reedy-Fork river, and they crossed the ford about three miles from the field of action, where they halted. After the stragglers were collected, they retreated to the Iron-works about ten miles from Guilford, and encamped. The Americans lost their artillery and ammunition-wagons. The action lasted one hour and a half, in which short space, according to the account of lord Cornvvallis, (here were of the British five hundred and thirty -two killed, wounded, and taken prisoners. General Greena in his account to Congress, gives an account of no more than three hundred and twenty-nine killed, wounded and missing: but he gave no account of the militia, which was more than one hundred. Lieutenant-colonel Stewart was killed in the action, and lieutenant-colonel Webster; the cap- tains Schutz, Maynard and Goodriehe, died of the wounds they received, and the brigadier generals O'Hara and Howard, and colonel Tarleton were wounded. The principal officer among the Americans killed, was major Anderson, of the Maryland line, and generals Stephens and Huger, were wounded. Notwithstanding general Greene's defeat, he endeavoured to make some further attempts against the king's forces in South Car- olina. Lord Rawdon, an experienced and very gallant officer, was posted at Camden, with about eight hundred British troops and provincials. Greene appeared before that place on the 19tK of April, with a large body of continental troops, and militia. De- spairing of success, shoidd he attempt to storm the town, he therefore took such a position, as he imagined, would be likely to induce the enemy to make a sally from their works; when he thought he might attack them with advantage. Greene there- fore posted the Americans on an eminence, which was covered with wood, flanked on the left by an impassible swamp. im HISTORY OF On the morning of the twenty-fifth, lord Rawdon marched out of Camden, and attacked Greene in his camp, who was com- pelled to give way, after making a vigorous resistance : he had been in hopes of defeating the British, as he had chosen so advan- tageous a situation, and had a commanding superiority in point of number. The bravery of colonel Washington, was very conspicu- ous in this action ; he made two hundred of the English prisoners, besides ten or twelve officers, before he perceived the Americans were retreating. The British had about one hundred killed and wounded, upwards of one hundred of the Americans were taken prisoners; and according to general Greene's account, there were one hundred and twenty-six Americans killed and wound- ed. The British, it was said, continued the pursuit three miles. After this action, the Americans retreated to Rugely mills, twelve miles from Camden. Lord Rawdon soon after left that place, having lirst horned the jail, mills, and some private houses. Greene's next expedition was an attack upon Ninety Six, which he attempted to storm, but was repulsed with great bra- very ; he then retired with his army behind the Saluda river, a strong situation, about sixteen miles from Ninety six. About this time, major-general Phillips, and brigadier general Arnold, made some predatory excursions into Virginia and did considerable dam- age by destroying the American stores and magazines ; but the roy- al cause was not much becnefited by such a waste of property. LordCornwallis, after his victory over general Greene at Guil- fordj proceeded as aforesaid, to Wilmington 5 and on the twenti- eth of May, arrived at Petersburgh, in Virginia. On the six- teenth of June, 1781., about six miles from Williamsburg, lieuten- ant-colonel Simcoe, with about three hundred and fifty of the queen's rangers, and eighty yagers i:.ounted, were attacked by a much superior body of Americans whom the repulsed with great gallantry and success, making four officers, and twenty private men prisoners. The loss of the Americans in this action, is said to have been niore than one hundred and twenty. Of the .British only forty. On the sixth of July, an action took place near the Green Springs, in Virginia, between a reconnoitering party of Ameri- cans, under general Wayne, and a large party of the British army under lord Cornwallis, in which the Americans had one hundred and twenty-seven killed and wounded 5 and the loss of the roy- al troops is said to have been much greater. In a variety of skirmishes about this time, the marquis de la Fayette distinguished himself. On the 9th of September, general Greene defeated colonel Stuart, near the Eutaw Springs, in South Carolina : it was an obsiinate engagement, and lasted two hours. Lord Cornwallis now began to be sensible that his situation in Virginia was very critical 5 the reinforcementa and supplies bc-» AMERICA. 113 iTig expected from Sir Henry Clinton (and without wdich he could not ensure himself success in his operations) had not arrived. General Washington's military movements were such as impress- ed on the mind of the British general, a fear that his designs were upon New York ; he therefore thought it too hazardous, to send any lar2;e body of troops to the assistance of his lordship. General Washington having thus, for a considerable time, kept Sir Henry Clinton in continual alarms, suddenly quitted his camp at the White Plains, crossed the Delaware, and marched towards Virginia, with the design of attacking lord Cornwallis. Sir Henry Clinton, about the same time, was informed that the count de Grasse with a large French fleet, was expected every moment in the Chesapeake, in order that he might co-operate with general AVashington. He immediately sent both by land and water, in- telligence to lord Cornwallis ; and also sent him assurances, that he would either reinforce him, or make the most eft'ectual diver- sion in his power. On the twenty-eighth of August, Sir Samuel Hood, with a squad- ron from the West Indies, joined the squadron under admiral Greaves, before New York. They immediately proceeded to the Chesapeake, where they arrived on the fifth of September, with nineteen ships of the line, when they found the count de Grasse anchored in the bay, with twenty-four ships of the line. The French admiral had previously landed a large body of troops who immediately marched to join the American army under general Washington. On the same day the two fleets came to an engage- ment ; on board the British fleet ninety were killed, and two hun- dred and forty-six wounded. Some of the ships were much dam- aged, and the Terrible, a 74 gun-ship, was so much shattered, that it was found most expedient to set her on fire. The two fleets continued in sight of each other for five dayg. At length the Fieneh fleet anchored within the Capes, so as to block up the passage. Admiral Greaves then held a council of war, in which it was resolved, that the fleet should proceed to New York, and the ships be put in the best state for service. Be- fore the news of this action had reached New York, a council of war was held there, in which it was resolved that five thousand men should be embarked in the king's ships, and proceed to the assistance of lord Cornwallis : but this resolution was rescinded, when it was kn'»%vn that the French were absolute masters of the Chesapeake. In another council it was resolved that, as lord Cornwallis had provisions to last him to the end of Ootober, it v/as most adviseable. to wait for fKearrival of admiral Digby, who was expected vviti'. tliree ships of the line. In the meantirne the m(5st effectual measures were adopted by general Washington for surrounding the British army under lord CDrawailis. A large body of French troops were under the coiu- Aa.2 114 HISTORY OF mand of lieutenant-general the count tie Rochambeau, with a large train of artillery. The American forces were in number one thousand three hundred : eight hundred of whom were continental troops ; the whole under the command of general Washington, On the twenty-ninth of September, 1781, York Town in Vir- ginia was completely invef5ted, and the British army quite blocked up. The day following, Sir Henry Clinton wrote a letter to lord Cornwall is, containing assurances that he would do every thing that was in his power to relieve him, and some further information respecting the manner in which he intended to accomplish that relief. A duplicate of this letter was sent to lord Cornwaliis by major Cochran : that gentleman went in a vessel to the Capes, and made his way through the whole French fleet in an open boat. He got to York Town on the tenth of October, and the next day had his head taken off by a cannon ball, as he was walking by the side of lord Cornwaliis. The fate of this gallant officer drew tears from the eyes of his lordship. After the return of admiral Greaves to New York, a council of ■».var was held, in which it was resolved, that a large body of troops should be embarked, and that exertions of both fleet and army should be made in order to form a junction with lord Cornwaliis. Sir Henry Clinton, himself, with seven thousand troops, went on board the fleet, on the eighteenth. They came abreast of Cape Charles, at the entrance of the Chesapeake, on the twenty- fourth, where they received intelligence that lord Cornwaliis Jiad been obliged to capitulate live days before. It was on the nine- teenth that his lordship surrendered himself and his whole army, by capitulation, prisoners to the combined armies of America and France. He made a defence worthy of his former fame for inili- tary achievements, but was compelled to submit by imperious ne- cessity, and superior numbers. The British prisoners amounted to upwards of six thousand, but many of them, at the time of sur- render, were incapable of duty. The prisoners, cannon, and inilitary stores, fell to the Americans, except the seamen, who, with the shipping, found they were, by the articles of capitulation, to be delivered up to the French. After this event the subjugation of the colonies was virtually <>iven up. Some inconsiderable skirmishes took place between the Refugees and the Americans, afterwards ; but were not of that importance as to merit a place in history. On the fifth of May, 1782, Sir Guy Carleton arrived at New York, being appointed to the command of the British troops in North America : soon after his arrival he wrote a letter to gene- ral Washington, informing him that admiral Digby, with himself, were appointed commissioners to treat for peace v\ith the people cf ^^merica. Another letter vt^as sent, dated the second of August, *Ed signed by Sir Ouy Carleton and adnjiiil Higby, in which AMERICA. 115 they informed general Wash inj^ton, that neejociations for a gene- ral peace had commenced at Paris. Notwithstanding these fa- vorable appearances, the Americans were jealous that it was the design of the British court to disunite them, or induce them to treat of a peace separately from their ally, the king of France. Congress, therefore, passed a resolution : that any man or body of men, who should presume to make any separate treaty, partial convention, or agreement, with the king of Great Britain, or witk any commissioner or commissioners, under the crown of Great Britain, ought to be treated as open and avowed enemies of the United States of America, and that those States could not with propriety hold any conference or treaty with any commissioners on the part of Great Britain, unless they should, as a preliminary thereto, either withdraw their iieets and armies, or in express terms acknowledge the independence of the said States. On the thirtieth of November, ITS^sJ, the provincial articles of peace and reconciliation between Great Britain and the American States were signed at Paris; by which Great Britain acknowledged the Independence and sovereignty of the United States of America. These articles were ratified by a definitive treai;y, September the third, 1783. John Adams, Johii Jay, and Benjamin Franklin, Fsq'rs. were the gentlemen appointed by Congress to negociate this peace on the part of America; and two gentlemen, Oswald and Hartly, on the part of the British. It ought to be remarked here, and known to every American citizen, that France repeat- edly declared that her only view in assisting the Americans, was to diminish the power of Great Britain, and thereby promote her own interest ; that she officiously interfered in the proposed treaty between Spain and America, by her endeavours to circumscribe the latter within very narrow limits, proposing to deprive the Americans of the right of navigation on the Mississippi, &c. Thus ended a long and unnatural contest, in which Great Bri- tain expended many millions of pounds sterling, lost thousands of her bravest subjects, and won nothing. America obtained her Independence, at the expense of many thousands of lives and much treasure; and has suftered exceedingly in the religious and moral character of her citizens. The great influx of foreigners which poured into America from all quarters, disseminated their pernicious principles amonsjst the people. Infidelity spread like the plague through the different states, and threatens tRe subversion of those sober manners, and that love of order, which tlie christian religion inculcates. . The eighteenth of October, 1783, Congress issued a proclama- tion, in which the armies of the United States were applauded <'for haviog displayed, through the progress of an arduous and difficult war,* very military and patriotic virtue, and for -which the thanks of their country were given them/' Ti^^^J a^so declared 116 HISTORY OF that such part of their armies as stood engaged to serve during the war, should from and after the third day of November, be dis- charged from the said service. The day preceding their dismis- sion, general Washington issr^ed his farewell orders. The evacu- ation of New York took place about three weeks after the Ame- rican army was discharged. For a twelve month preceding, there had been an unrestrained communication between that city, though a British garrison, and the adjacent country ; the bitter- ness of war had passed away, and civilities were freely exchang- ed between those who lately were engaged in deadly contests, and sought for all opportunities to destroy each other. As soon as the royal army was withdrawn, general Washing- ton and governor Clinton, with their suites, made a public entry into New York: a general joy was manifested by the citizens on their return to their habitations, and in the evening there was a dis- play of fire-works; they exceeded every thing of the kind which had been seen in America. General Washington, soon after, took leave of his officers, they having been previously assembled for that purpose. Calling for a glass ofwine he thus addressed them, "with ti heart full of love-and gratitude, I now take leave of you, I most devoutly wish that your latter days may be as prosperous and hap- py, as your former ones have been glorious and honourable." He afterwards took an affectionate leave of each of them ; when this aftecting scene was over, Washington left the room, and passed through the corps of light infantry, to the place of em- barkation ; as he entered the barge, to cross the North river, he turned to his companions in glory, and waved his hat, and took a silent adieu. The officers, who had followed him in mute pro- cession, answered his last signal with tears, and hung upon the barge which conveyed him from their sight, till they could no longer distinguish their beloved commander in chief. The gene- ral proceeded to Annapolis, the seat of congress, to resign his commission. Oji his way thither, he delivered to the comptroller ill Philadelphia, an account of ihe expenditure of all the public money he had ever received. This was in his own hand-writing, and every entry made in a very exact manner. The whole sum which passed through his hands during the war, amounted only to fourteen thousand four hundred and seventy-nine pounds eighteen shillings and nine pence, sterlingj no sum charged or retained for personal services. The day on which he resigned his commission, a great number of distinguished personages aaended the interesting scene. On the twenty-thii'd of December, 1783, he addressed the president, Thomas Mifflin, as follows: The great events on which my resignation depended, having at length taken place, I have now the honour of ofe ring my sincere AMERICA. 117 fcdngratulations to congress, and of presenting myself before them to surrender intotheir hands, the trust conimitted to me, and to claim the indulgence of retiring from the service of my country. Happy in the confirmation of our independence and sovereign- ty, and pleased with the opportunity aftbrded the United States of ' ?coming a respectable nation, I resii^u with safisfaction the appointment I accepted with diffidence ; a diffidence in ray abilities to accomplish so arduous a task, which, however, was superseded by a eonndence in the rectitude of our cause, the support of the supreme power of the Union, and the patronage of Heaven. The successful termination of the war has verified the most sanguine expectations, and my gratitude for the interposition of providence, and the assistance I have received from my country- men, increases with every review of the momentous contest. While I repeat my obligations to the army in general, I shouW do injustice to my on feelings not to acknoM ledge, in this place, the peculiar services and distinguished merits, of the persons who have been attached to my person during the war ; it was impossible the choice of confidential officers to compose my family should have been more fortunate : permit me, sir, to recommend in particular those who have continued in the service to the present moment, as worthy of the favourable notice and patronage of congress. I consider it as an indispensable duty to close this last solemn act of my official life, by commending the interest of our dearest country to the protection of Almighty God, and those who hav© the superintendance of them, to his holy keeping. Having now finished the work assigned me, I retire from the great theatre of action: and bidding an aftectionate farev/ell to this august body, under whose orders I have long acted, I here ofter my commission, and take my leave of all the employments of public life." To which the president made a suitable reply. The mingled emotions that agitated the minds of the spectators during this interesting and solemn scene, were beyond description. Immediately on resigning his commission, general Washington "hastened with ineftkble delights," (to use his own words) to his seat at Mount Vernon, on the banks of the Potomac, in Virginia. The country now free from foreign force and domestic violence, and in the enjoyment of general tranquility, a proposition was made by Virginia to all the other slates, to meet in convention, for the purpose of digesting a form of government; which finally issued in the establishment of a new constitution. Congress, which formerly consisted of one body, was made to consist of two : one of which was to be chosen by the people, in proportion to their numbers^ the other by the state legislatures. Warm and animating debates took place on the propriety of establishing or rejecting it. The ratification of it was celebrated in most of the, states with eleganf processions. il8 HISTORY OF The first congress under the new constitution met at New York, in April, 1789. Thou^ih there were a great diversity of opinions about the new constitution, all were of one mind who should be their chief executive officer. The people unanimously turned their eyes on the late commander in chief, as the most proper person to be their first president. Unambitious of any increase of hon- ours, he had- retired to his farm in Virginia, and hoped to be ex- cused from all further public service. But his country called him by an unanimous vote to fill the highest station in its gift. That pure and upright zeal for his country's welfare, which fcad'uniformly influenced him to devote his time and talents to its service, again influenced him io relinquish the more pleasing scenes of retirement, and induced him once more to engage in the important concerns of public life. The intelligence of his election was communicated to him while he was on his farm in Virginia; he soon after set out for New York : on his way thither, every expression of respect, that a greatful people could bestow, was shewn him. Gentlemen of the first character and station, attend- ed him from state to state. A day was fixed soon after his arrival at New York for his taking the oath of office. In the morning of the day appointed for this purpose, the clergy, of different de- nominations, assembled iheir congregations in their respective places of worship, and offered up prayers for the president and people of the United States. About noon, a procession, followed by a Uiultitude of citizens, moved from the president's house to Federal Hall. When they came within a short distance of the hall, the troops formed a line on both sides of the way, through "which the president and vice-president, John Adams, passed into the senate chamber. Immediately after, accompanied by both houses, he went into the gallery fronting Broad street, and be- fore them and an immense crowd of spectators, took the oath prescribed by th econstitution : which was administered by|R. R. Livingston, the chancellor of the state of New York. During the performance of this ceremony, an awful silence prevailed. The chancellor then proclaimed him. President of the United States of ^America. This was announced by the discharge of thirteen guns, and by the joyful acclamations of near ten thousand citizens. He then retired to the senate chamber, where he delivered a speech to both houses •* near the conclusion of vhich he renounced all pecuniary compensation. This memorable day completed the organization of the new constitution. The experience of former ages, as well as of later times, has given many melancholy and fatal proofs, that popular governments have seldom answered in practice. The inhabitants of the United States are now making the experiment. That they may succeed in asserting the dignity of human nafure, and a ca- pacity for self government, is devoutly to be wished. AMERICA. 119 The appointment of general Washington to the presidency of the United States, was peculiarly fortunate; he possessed such a commanding influence in the minds of the great bulk of the peo- ple, arising from a sure and well placed confidence in his patri- otism and integrity ; that they, with cheerfulness, acquiesced in all his measures for the public welfare; and notwithstanding, that during his administration, Great Britain and France were involved in a ruinous war, and there were many partizans in America, in favour of the latter, and would gladly nave made a common cause with her against Great Britain ; yet his firmness and sagacity, prevented the threatened evil, though they were encouraged by Genet, the ambassador from France, who openly and in defiance of the government of the United States, attempt- ed to commission American citizens to arm and fit out vessels, to cruise against British subjects. The president's proclamation, enjoining a strict neutrality, was sanctioned by the great body of the people ; and the insolent ravings of Genet were taken no further notice of, than to furnish the different states with a fresh opportunity of expressing their continued approbation and con- fidence, in his political measures. When the term of his appointment as president had expired, he intimated to his friends, his intention to return once more to his loved retirement; he had even contemplated his farewell ad- dress, and was preparing to retire trom the weight of public cares, when his countrymen, apprehensive for the public safety, in so critical a moment, united to implore him to desist from a resolu- tion so alarming to their fears. Their interposition prevailed, and he again entered upon the arfj^uous task, to the manifest satisfac- tion of every honest American ; but what made the ta;^ sit more easy upon him, was the assistance of eminent men in the execu- tive department. The names of Adams, Hamilton, Pickering, Wollcott, and others, are names which will long be remembered with gratitude by posterity, when the envenomed tongue of detraction will be forgotten. In 1796, in the month of September, a new election was to take place, when the public was anxiously desirous, that general Washington would agam accept the first* office in their gift; but his unalterable resolution was taken, to recede from the toils of state. His farewell address, contains such prudent and sound advice to his fellow-citizens, as shews that his country's welfare was still dear to his heart. ^'Friends and Fellow -citizens, ^* The period for anew ele^'tion of a citizen to administer th^ executive government of the United Srates, being not far distant, , and the time actually arrived, when your thoughts must be em- ployed in designating the person, who is to be cloihed with that im» ^ortaat tcust; it appears to me proper, especially as it may coaducQ^ t 3^20 HISTORY OF to a more distinct expression of the public voice, that I shou'u now appri-e J ou of the i ^solution I have formed, to dpcline bciug consid- ered amona: the nuiaber of those, out of whom a choice is to be made. 1 begjcu, ut the sauu; time-, to do me the justice to be assured, that this resolution has not been taken without a strict regard to all the considerations appertaining to tht' relation which binds a dutiful citizen to his country ; and that, in withdrawing the tender of service which silence in my situation ii>i^ht imply, I am influ- enced by no diminution of zeal for yeut future interest; no defi- ciency of grateful respect for your past kindnesses ; but am sup- ported by a full conviction that the step is compatible with both.^X The aceepiance of, and continuance hitherto in, the office to Jj which your suffrages have twice called me, have been an uniform sacrifice of inclin«tion to the opinion of duty, and to a deference for what appeared to be your desire. I constantly hoped, that it would have been much earlier in my power, consistently with mo- tives, which 1 was not at liberty to disregard, to return to that re- tirement, from which I had been reluctantly drawn. The strength of my inclination to this, previous to the last election, had even led to the preparation of an address to declare it to you ; but ma- ture reflection on the then perplexed and critical posture of our affairs with foreign nations, and the unanimous advice of persons entitled to my confidence, impelled me to abandon the idea. I rejoice, that the state of our concerns, external as well as in^ ternal, no longer renders the pursuit of inclination incompatible with the sentiment of duty, or propriety; and am persuaded, whatever partiality may be retained for my services, that in the present circumstances of our cour^y, you will not disapprove ., my determination to retire. i The impressions with which I first undertook the arduous trust, *' were explained on the proper occasion. In the discharge of this trust, I will only say, that I have, with good intentions, contributed towards the organization and administration of the government, with the best exertions of which a very fallible judgment was ca- pable. Not uncojiscious, in the outset, of the inferiority of my qualifications, experience in my own eyes, perhaps still more in the eyes of others, has strengthened the motives to diflideucc of myself; and every (jay the encreasing weight of years admonishes me raoire and more, that the shade of retirement is as necessary to me, as it will be welcome. Satisfied that if any circumstances have given peculiar value to my services, they were temporatry ; I have the consolation to believe, that while choice and prudence invite me to quit the political scene, patriotism does not forbid it. In looking forward to the moment, which is intended to termi- nate the career of my public life, my feelings do not permit me to suspend the deep acknovdedgment of that debt of gratitude which I £we to my beloved couatry, for the many hoaoBirs it has conferred AMERICA; 121 upon me ; stiil more for the stedfasi confidence "with which it has supported me ; ahd for the opportunities I have thence enjoyed of manifesting my inviolable atfachment, by services faithful and persevering, though in usefulness unequal to my zeal. If benefits have resulted to our country from these services, let it always be remembered to your praise, and as an instructive example in our annals, that under circumstances in which the passions, agitated in every direction, were liable to mislead, amidst appearances some* times dubious, vicissitudes of fortune often discouraging, in situa- tions in which, not unfrequently, want of success has countenanc- ed the spirit of criticism, the constancy of your support was the essential prop of the efforts, and a guarantee of the plans by which they were effected. ...Profoundly penetrated with this idea, I shall carry it with me to my grave, as a strong incitement io unceasing vows, that Heaven may continue to you the choicest tokens of its beneficence ; that your union and brotherly affection my be per- petual ; that the free constitution, which is the work of your hands^ may be sacredly maintained : that its administration in every de- partment may be stamped with wisdom and virtue; that, in fine, the happiness of the people of these states, under the auspices of liberty, may he made complete, by so careful a preservation, and so prudent a use of this blessing, as will acquire to them the glory of recommending it to applause, the affection and adoption of eve- ry nation which is yet a stranger to it. Here, perhaps, 1 ought to stop; but a solicitude for your weF- fare, which cannot end but with my life, and the apprehension of danger, natural to that solicitude, urge me on an occasion like the present, to offer to your solemn contemplations, and to recommend to your frequent review, some sentiments which are the result of much reflection, of no inconsiderable observation, and which ap- pear to me all-important to the permanency of your felicity as a people. These will be offered to you with the more freedom, as you can only see in them the disinterested warnings of a parting friend, who can possibly have no personal motive to bias his coun- sel. Nor can I forget, as an encouragement to it, your indulgent reception of my sentiments on a former and not dissimilar occasion. Interwoven as is the love of liberty with every ligament of your hearts, no recommendation of mine is necessary to fortify op confirm the attachment. The unity of government which constitutes you one people, is also now dear to you. It is justly so ; for it is a main pillar in the edifice of your real independence, the support of your tranquility at home, your peace abroad: of your safety; of your prosperity; of that very liberty which you so highly prize. But as it is easy to foresee, that from different causes, and from different quarters^ much pains will be tbJken, many artifices employed, to weaken in your miads the wmviction of this truth; as this is the point ih Bb 122 HISTORY OF your political fortress against which the batteries of internal and external enemies will be most constantly and actively (though often covertly and insidiously) directed, it is of infinite moment, that you should properly estimate the immense value of your na- tional union, to your collective and individual happiness ; that you should cherish a cordial, habitual, and immoveable attachment to it; accustoming yourselves to think and speak of it as of the pal- ladium of your political safety and prosperity; watching for its preservation with jealous anxiety; discountenancing whatever may sujrgest even a suspicion that it can in an event be abandoned ; and indignantly frowning upon the first dawning of every attempt to alienate any portion of our country from the rest, or to enfee- ble the sacred ties which now link together the various parts. For this you have every inducement of sympathy and interest. Citizens, by birth or choice, of a common country, that country has a riglit to concentrate your affections. The name of *^merican, which belongs to you, in your national capacity, must always exalt the just pride of patriotism, more than any appellation derived from local discriminations. With slight shades of difference, you have the same religion, manners, habits, and poliiical principles. You have in a common cause fought and tiiumphed together: the independence and liberty you possess are the work of joint coun- cils and joint efforts, of common dangers, sufferings and successes. But these considerations, however powerfully they address themselves to your sensibility, are greatly outweighed by those which apply more immediately to your interest. Here every por- tion of our country finds the most commanding raOiives for care- fully s;uarding and preserving the union of the whole. The North, in an unrestrained intercourse w ith the South, pro- tected by the equal laws of a common i^overnment, finds in the productions of the latter, great additional resources of maritime and commercial enterprise, a*nd precious materials of manufac- turing industry. The South, in the same intercourse, benefitting by the agency of the North, sees its agriculture grow, and its commerce expand. Turning; partly into its own channels the seair.en of the North, it finds its particular navigation invigo- rated ; and while it contributes in diff'erent ways, to nourish and increase the general mass of the national navigation, it looks for- ward to the protection of a maritime strength to which itself is unequally adapted. The East, in a like intercourse with the West, already finds, and in the progressive improvement of inte- rior communications, by land and water, will more and more find a valuable vent for the commodities which it brings from abroad, or manufactures at home. The West derives fron> the East, sup- plies requisite to its growth and comfort; and wh?.t is perhaps of still greaier consequence, it must of necessity owt the secure en- joyment of indispensable outlets for its own productions, to the AMERICA. 123 weight, influence, and the future mariiinie strength of the Atlantic side of the Union, directed by an indissoluble community of in- terest as one nation.... Any other tenure by which the West can hold this essential advantage, whether derived from its own sepa- rate strength, orfroin an apostate and unnatural connexion with any foreign power, must be intrinsically precarious. While then every part of our country thus feels an immediate and particular interest in Union, all the parts combined cannot fail to tind in the united mass of means and eftorts, greater strength, greater resource, proportionably greater security from external danger, a less frequent interruption of their peace by foreign nations; and what is of inestimable value! they must de- rive from Union an exemption from those brtdls and wars between themselves, which so frequently atlliet neighbouring countries, not tied together by the same government; which their own ri- valships alone would be sufficient to produce, but which opposite foreign alliances, attachments and intrigues would stimulate and embitter.. ..Hence, likewise, they will avoid the necessity of those over-grown military establishments, which under any form of go- vernment are inauspicious to liberty, and wliich are to be regard- ed as particularly hostile to Republican Liberty ; in this sense, it is that your Union ought to be considered as a main prop of your liberty, and that the love of the one ought to endear to you the preservation of the other. These considerations speak a persuasive language to every re- flecting and virtuous mind, apd exhibit the continuance of the Union as a primary object of patriotic desire Is there a doubt whether a common gavernment can embrace so large a sphere ? Let experience solve it. To listen to mere speculation in sueh a case were criminal. We are authorised to hope that a proper or- ganization of the vvhole, with the auxiliary agency of governments for the respective sub-divisions, will afford a happy issue to the experiment. It is well worth a fair and full experiment. ^Vith such powerful and obvi »us motives (o Union, atteciing all parts of our country, while experience shall uoi have detnonstrated its im- practicability, th%re will aUva^s be rea-ion to distrust the patriotism of those, who, in any quarter, may endeavour to weaken its bands. In contemplating tliC causes which may disturb our union, it oc- curs as matters ol" serious concern, that any 2;round should have been furnished for characterising parties by Geographical discri- minations, '^ JS'art/iern and Southern, Jlttantic and iVetdern ;'^'* whence desiging men may endeavour to excite a belief, that there is a real dilVerence of local interest and views. One of the expedients of party to acquire influence within particular districts, is to misrepresent the opinions and aims of other districts. You cannotshieldyourselvestoo much against the jealousies and heart- b^'inings, which spring from these misrepresentations: they tend 134 HISTORY OF Id render alien to each other those who ought to be bound togeth- er by frdternar affection. The inhabitants of our western coun- try have lately had an useful lesson on this hear) ; they have seen in the negociation by the executive, and in the unanimous ratifi- cation by the senate, of the treaty with Spain, and in the universal satisfaction at that event, throug;hout the United States, a deci- sive proof how unfounded were the suspicions propagated among them, of the policy in the general government and in the Atlantic states unfriendly to their interests, in regard to the Mississippi : they have been witnesses to the formation of two treaties, that with Gteat Britain, and that with Spain, which secure to them €very thing thty could desire, in respee? to our foreign relations, towards confirming their prt»sperity. Will it not be their v/isdom to rely for the preservation of iheHC advantages on the Union^ by -which they were procured? Will they not henceforth be deaf to those advisers, if sueh there are, who would sever them from their brethren, and connect them with aliens? To the efficacy aind permaneney of your union, a government for the whole is indispensible.- — No alliances, however strict, be- tween the parts, can bean adequate substitute; they must inevit- ably experience the infractions and interruptions, which ail alli- ances, in all times, have experienced. Sensible of this moment- ous truth, you have improved upon your first essay, by the adop- tion of a eonstitution of government, better calculated than your ibrmer, for an intimate union, and fer the efficatious management of your common concerns. This government, the offspring of our own choice, uninfluenced and unawed, adopted upon full investi- gation and mature deliberation, completely free in its principles, m the distribution of its powers, uniting security with energy, and containing, within itself, a provision for its own amendment, has a just claim to your confidence and your support. Respect for its authority, compliance with its laws, acquiescence in its mea- sures, are duties enjoined by the fundamental maxims of true Liberty. The basis of our political system is the right of the peo- ple to make and to alter their constitution of government; but, the constitution which at any lime exists, till changed by an ex- plicit and authentic aet of the whole people, is sacredly obligatory upon all. The very idea of the power and the right of the peo- ple to establish government, pre supposes the duty of every indi- vidual to obey the established government. All obstructions to the execution of the laws, all combinations and associations, under whatever plausible character, with real design to direct, control, counteract, or awe, the regular delib- erations and actions of the constituted authorities, are destructive of this fundamental principle, and of fatal tendency. They serve to organize faction, to give it an artificial and extraordinary force ; to put in the place of the delegated will of the natioflj the wili of a AMERICA. H5 party, often a small but artful and enterprising minority of the community; and according to the alternate trium phs of ditFer* ent parties, to make the public administration the mirror of the ill concerted and incongruous projects of faction, rather than the organ of consistent and wholesome plans digested by commoii councils, and modified by mutual interests. However combinations or associations of the above description, may now and then answer popular ends, they are likely, in the course of time and things, to become potent engines, by which cunning, ambitious, and unprincipled men, will be enabled to subvert the power of the people, and to usurp for themselves Ihe reigns of government: destroying, afterwards, the very engines which lifted them to unjust dominion. Towards the preservation of your government, and the perma- nency of your present happy state, it is requisite, not only that you steadily discountenance irregular oppositions to its acknowledged authority, but also that you resist with care the spirit of innova- tion upon its principles, however spacious the pretexts. One me- thod of assault may be to effect in the tbrms of the constitution, al- terations which will impair the energy of the system, and thus to undermine what cannot be directly overthrown. In all the changes to which you may be invited, remember that time and habit are at least as necessary to fix the true character of governments, as of other human institutions ; ^t experience is the surest standard by which to test the real tencrocy of the existing constitution of a country; that facility in changes upon the credit of mere hypo- thesis and opinion, and remember, especially, that fur the effi- cient management of your common interest, in a country so ex- tensive as ours, a government of as much vigour as is consistent with the perfect security of liberty, is indispensible. Liberty itself will find in such a government, with powers properly dis- tributed and adjusted, its ssurest guardian. It is indeed little else than a name, where the government is too feeble to withstand the enterprises of faction, to coufine each member of the society within the limits prescribed by the laws, and to maintain all in the secure and tranquil enjoyment of the rights of person and property. I have already intimated to you, the danger of parties in the state, with a particular reference to the founding of them on geo- graphical discriminations. Let me now take a more coinprehen- sive view, and warn you, in the most solemn manner, against the baneful effects of the spirit of party, generally. This spirit, unfortunately, is inseparable from our nature, hav- ing its root in the strongest passions of the human mind. It exists under different shapes in all governments, more or less stifled, controlled, or repressed; but in those of the popular form, ii is seen in the greatest rankness, and is truly their worst enemy. The alternate dominion of one faction over another, .sharn^^rx- Bb-2 126 HISTORY OF ed by the spirit of revenge, natural to party dissention, which, ii^ different ages and countries, has perpetrated the most horrid en- ormilies, is itself a frightful despotism. ...But this leads at length to a more formal and permanent despotism. The disorders and miseries which generally result, gradually incline the minds of men to seek security and repose in the absolute power of an individual : and sooner or later the chief of some prevailing faction, more able or more fortunate than his competitors, turns this disposition to the purpose of his own elevation, on the ruins of public liberty. Without looking forsvard to an extremity of this kind, (which nevertheless ouj^ht not to be entirely out of sight) the common and continual mischiefs of the spirit of party are sufficient to make it the interest and dutyofa^ise people to discourage and restrain it. it serves always io distract the public councils, and enfeeble the public administration. It agjitaies the community with ill-founded jealousies and false alarms; kindles the animosity of one party against another; foments, occasionally* riot and insurrection. It opens the door to foreign influence and corruption, which lind a- facilitated access to the government itself, through the channels of party passions. Thus the policy and the will of one country are subjected to the policy atal will of another. There is an opinion, that parties in free countries arc useful checks upon the adminis ration of the governrnent, and serve to keep alive the spi«it of liberty, 'l^ig, within certain limits, is probably true; and in govern menip^' a monarchical cast, patri- otism may look with indulgence, iSiot with favour, upon ihe spi- rit of party. But in those of the popular character, in governments purely elective, it is a spirit not to be encouraged. From their natural tendency, it is certain there will al'Aays be enough of that spirit for every salutary purpose. And there being constant dan- ger ot excess, the effort ought to be, by force of public opinion, to mitigate and assuage it. A tire not to be quenched ; it demands an uniform vigtlaace to prevent ils bursting into a flame, lest in- ■■. stead of vvaroiiiig, it should consume. It is important, likewi.-e, that the habits of thinking in a free country should inspire caution, in those entrusted with its admi- nistration, to confine themselves within their respective consti- tutional spheres, avoiding in the exercise of the powers of one departmentto encroach upon another. The spirit of encroachment tends to consolidate the powers ot all the departments in one, and thus, to create, whatever the form of government, a real despot- ism. A jiist estimate of that love of power, and proneness to abuse it^ which predominates in the human heart, is sufficient to satisfy us of the truth of thi» position. 'Ihe necessity of recij)rocal checks in the exercise of political power, by dividing and distributing it Into diilei ent depositories, and constituting each the guardian of ;he DublJc weu.' sjri.inst invasions by ihe others, has been evinced AMERICA. 127 by experiment ancient and modern ; somcof them.in our country and under our oivn eyes. To preserve them must be as necessary as to institute them. If, in the opinion of the people, the distribu- tion or modification of the constitutional powers he in any particu- lar wrong;, let it be corrected by an amendment, in. a way which the constitution designates. But let there be no change by usur- pation ; for though this, in one instance, may be the instrument of good, it is the customary weapon by which free governments are destroyed. The precedent must alwaj'S greatly overbalance in permanent evil, and partial or transient benefit, which the use can at any time yield. Of all the dispositions and habits which lead to political pros- perity. Religion and Morality are indispensible supports. In vaia would that man claim the tribute of patriotism, who should labour to subvert these great pillars of human happiness, these firmest props of the duties of men and citizens. The mere politician, equally wifh the pious man, oughl to respect and cherish them. A volunie could not trace all their connexions with private and public felicity. Let it simply be asked, where is the security for property, for reputation, tor life, if the sense of religious ooligation desert the oaths, which are the instruments of investi^j^ation in courts of justice ? And let us with caution indulge tl»e supposition, that morality can be Uiaijitained without religion. Whatever may be conceded to the influence of refined education on mimls of pe- culiar stiuciure, reason and experience both lorbid us to expect that national morality can prevail in exclusion of religious principle. It is substantially true, that virtue or morality is a necessary spring of popular governrr'ent. The rule indeed extends with more or less force to every species of free goverunient. Who tiiat is a sincere friend to it, can look with indifference upon attempts to shake the foundation of tho fabric ? Pr<»mote, then, as an object ol primary importance, institutions for the general diffusion of knowledge. In proportion as the struc- ture of a government gives force to public opinion, it is essen- tial that public opinion should be enlightened. As a very important source of strength and security, cherish public credit. One n^ethod of preserving it, is to use it as spar- ingly as possible ; avoiding the occasions of expense \y cultivatino* peace : but remembering also, Jhat timely disbursements to pre- pare for danger, frequently prevent much greater disburseu)ents to repel it; avoiding; likewise the acns, and to progress without interruption, to that degree of strength and consistency, which is necessary to give it, humanly speaking, the command of its own fortunes. Though in revie\\ing the incidents of my administration, I ani unconscious of witentional error: 1 am, nevertheless, too sensible of n^^efects nft to thiiLit probable that I may ha^Lexpnurilled ^32 HISTOHY OF AMERICA: many errors. Whatever they may be, I fervently leseech the ^^Iniiffhty to avert or mitigate the evils to which they may tend. I shall also carry with me the hope that my country will never cease to view them with indulgence ; and that after forty five years of my life dedicated to its service, with an upright zeal, the faults of incompetent abilities will he consigned to oblivion, as w.yself must soon, be to the mansions of rest. Relying on its kindness in this, as in other things, and actuated by that fervent love towards it which is so natural to a man, who views in it the natural soil of himself and his progenitors for •everal generations, I anticipate, with pleasing expectation, that retreat, in which I promise myself to realize, without alloy, the sweet enjoyment of partaking, in the midst of my fellow-citizens, the benign influence of good laws under a free government; the ever favourite object of n.y heart, and the happy reward, as I trust, of our mutual cares, labours, and dangers." He resigned with pleasure, the seat he had filled with so much honour and applause, to his successor, and retired to his farm at Mount Vernon, where he remained tranq uilly in possession of those rural delights which were mos^ congenial to his natural inclination. While he was thus peacefully enjoying the evening of life, he tvas again supplicated to assist his country. The insults and aggressions received from France threatened an appeal to arms. All eyes were upon the late commander in chief, as the only person that ought lo be trusted with the command of the army. He felt himself implicated as an American, in the national honour, and accepted of the important charge. This was the last official act, of this Father of his country. On the fourteenth of December, 1799, he departed this life, at his seat at Mount Vernon, in the sixty-eighth year of his age, after baving reaped a full harvest of glory. General Washington was about six feet in height, his eyes were ^ grey but full of animation : his countenance serene and expres-' give, not exposed to the frequent indulgence of mirth : his limbs muscular and well proportioned. Majestic and solemn in his deportment. It has been asserted that he never was seen to smile during the revolutionary war. He generally expressed himself uith perspicuity and diffidence, but seldom used more \vords than were necessary for the elucidating of his opinion. He had the urbanity of a gentleman, without the pageantry of pride ; he qualified denials in so kind a manner, that a disap- jKvintment tarried no sting along with it. Such was the great ys ashingtoB i Where will America find his equal i ^^^jp^^^^/* mmm '^-■r^.^^^ylr^^f^y'^r '^mr:::\y,?^. n.^%A>k^ ,aA/^ ;-/^ A/:^ ^■>'^.^AAA Af.A^*..A 55S^"^-|S?f?^ 'V.Arsr ,, , s^^^v^^A^*^,. ^^.)^?^. A/^^ ^-,.;?A^CA.^■ >.A■ a/> 'mf'm4..\^..v. /^A A' :Afll '^A/y'\^ A ^??.*?.^^%i ^■;^^^''e^^.■^ (vjSjoji;;-: ffii^! ^.*^/^/^;'^.^, ^Z^' AaA, ^^m aA-A;--, .';':aa';a>. '^^AA» ?^.C'^^;^;^itli»^""S /v - '- ' AA • . . AA.nAi^'^A'* A.-^'-^^A^.K^r ^^rtA^I- A^A^^;>AA^.:AA p^.^'/.:^A^A?' >Ac^;^A aa C-^A'':Aa'^v^a;