^ -if . *...• c,o ^ *• Vv .*'% .'i>^^ ^ V ^_<-i^^ v-'^^-",/ %.'''^^\°' v*^'\**- %. *' -^ •^^^■' \/ /Jllfe'-. **..** :'^£'. \..^ FOUNDERS OF FREEDOM IN AMERICA A Biographical History for the Elementary Grades BY DAVID B. CORSON SuPT. OF Schools, Newark, N. J. AND HUBERT R. CORNISH Principal, Paterson, N. J. HINDS, HAYDEN & ELDREDGE, Inc. NEW YORK PHILADELPHIA CHICAGO E\'lt55L""5k 1\/ f'^'T^ Smith's map of that ''""■''^'4^^J^'^4'^,':>^,~..V^^fe^^ region. The water was shallow near the shore, which made it necessary for the people in landing to TheMayflowerr ^tep from the boat to a great stone lying near the shore, and from that to the land. This rock, which may be seen to this day, is called Plymouth Rock. The Pilgrims landed December 21, 1620. The day was cold, and snow covered the ground. There was no shelter and food was scarce. They suffered from the severe cold but they set about to build a house. It was not many days before they had a log cabin built where all lived until other homes could be built. The first winter was filled with severe trials for these brave people. Many of them were ill, and at one time only Myles Standish and a few other men were well enough to care for the sick people. Standish proved himself as good a nurse MYLES STANDISH AND THE SETTLEMENT IN NEW ENGLAND 61 as he was a soldier. He tenderly cared for those who were too weak to help themselves, at the same time keeping care- ful watch that the Indians did not attack the settlement. Over half of the little group died the first winter. Among these were Rose Standish, Myles Standish's wife, and John Carver, the governor. In order that the Indians might not know how many had died, the graves were level with the ground, and, in the Spring, corn was planted over them as well as on the other land. An Indian named Samoset visited the settlers in the Spring. He had learned English from an English fisherman and surprised the Pilgrims by calling out, " Welcome, Englishmen!" He remained at the settlement over night and then returned to his home in the forest. He soon returned with another Indian named Squanto, who had been taken prisoner by some English explorers, had been taken to England, and while there had learned the English language. He informed the settlers that Massasoit, the chief of his tribe, would visit them in a short time. Prepa- rations were made to receive Massasoit as an important man should be received. Myles Standish and a group of soldiers met him and escorted him to the governor. Friendly greetings and presents were exchanged, and a peace compact was drawn up. This peace was kept for fifty years. Squanto liked the ways of the white people, and spent several years with them. He taught them how to raise corn and other vegetables and how to trap the game of the forest. Such pleasant relations with the Indians helped the colonists. Many hardships that John Smith and his followers suffered were thus avoided in New England. The harvest of the first season was so plentiful that the Pilgrims set aside a day of thanksgiving for the good crops. The Indians were invited, and Massasoit and several of his 62 FOUNDERS OF FREEDOM IN AMERICA followers spent three days of feasting and entertainment with the Englishmen. From this beginning, the national custom of having the last Thursday in November as Thanks- giving Day has grown up. Some Indians were not so friendly as Massasoit. One chief named Canonicus sent a bundle of arrows wrapped in a snake skin to Myles Standish. This meant that he was ready to declare war on the English. Myles Standish kept the arrows, but returned the snake skin filled with powder and shot. This was a warning to Canonicus that the set- tlers were willing and ready to fight. The Indian chief decided to leave the English alone when he received Myles Standish's message. At another time Massasoit told the Pilgrims of a plot the Massachuseuks tribe had formed to attack them. Myles Standish marched against the unfriendly Indians with such success that the threatened trouble quickly came to an end. The homes of the Pilgrims differed a great deal from ours. They were made from rough logs cut in the forest into dif- ferent lengths, depending upon the size of the house that was to be built. These logs were piled upon one another to make the four walls, and then the roof was made over all and covered with large shingles split from short logs. There was but one large room in the house which was made to serve as kitchen, dinmg room, and parlor. The cooking was done in large pots over the fire in the fire-place. Some furniture was brought from England, and other furniture was made by the Pilgruns. Every home had a spinning wheel. There was a church in every community which was attended every Sunday by all the people. In Plymouth on Sunday morning Myles Standish and a few of his brave soldiers went to the meeting-house at the head of the pro- MYLES STANDISH AND THE SETTLEMENT IN NEW ENGLAND 63 cession, followed by the men, women, and children of the settlement. The services lasted all day long. There was no heat even in the coldest weather, except from small foot stoves. You can imagine that it must have been very unpleasant in cold weather; nor was it easy for the boys and girls to listen to a sermon two hours long without falling asleep or getting into mischief. A man was appointed to «-!i^ "laiW'^-.-V^-Jj' -W--#;>","-. Pilgrims Going to Church. The desire of the Pilgrims to worship as they wished brought them to America. keep them from doing either. If they fell asleep, or behaved badly, it was his duty to tap them on the head with a stick that he carried for that purpose. All children were expected to give good attention to the sermon, no matter how long it was. The daily life of the boys and girls was a busy one. They helped their parents in the daily work and attended school. 64 FOUNDERS OF FREEDOM IN AMERICA The Pilgruns thought it was necessary to have schools, and school-houses were among the first public buildings that they erected. These school-houses were made of rough logs with the cracks filled with mud and dried grass. Inside the walls were rough; there were no pictures; and the seats were made out of thick boards split out of logs. These schools were not well lighted nor were they well heated. Books were very scarce; in fact, the only book in some of the schools belonged to the master. But with all these diffi- culties many Pilgrim boys and girls grew into worth-while men and women. Later on in our history you will see how their descendants took a leading part in helping to lay the foundation of the United States as we now know it. Myles Standish was always ready to help in every kind of labor or in fighting. He later went to England to get money to aid the colonists. His last years were spent at Duxbury, not far from Plymouth settlement. Among others who lived there with him was his friend John Alden. The story of Myles Standish, John Alden, and the Puritan maiden Priscilla is beautifully told in a poem called " The Courtship of Miles Standish," by Henry W. Longfellow. THINGS TO THINK ABOUT I. Why did the Pilgrims go to Holland? n. Why was it very brave of the Pilgrims to wish to settle in America? IIL The agreement signed on the Mayflower was called a compact. Why was it called a compact? Why was it necessary to have laws? rV. How do 5'ou think Myles Standish helped the colony? V. The Pilgrims believed in having a church and schools for the children. What does this show us about these people? CHAPTER XIV JOHN WINTHROP AND OTHER PURITAN LEADERS The Pilgrims spent several lonesome years in America before other English people decided to settle near them. Their number had increased to about three hundred when some Puritans, under the leadership of John Endicott, settled at Salem in 1628. These Puritans were those people of whom you read in the last chapter who wished to simplify or purify the form of worship in the English church. As this did not please the king he persecuted them as well as the Pilgrims. By 1630, however, there were many educated and rich men among the Puritans. Some of these men, under the leader- ship of John Winthrop, obtained a charter from the king, giving them the right to settle in America and make the laws which were to be observed in their colony. The com- pany was called the Massachusetts Bay Company, and Winthrop was named as the first governor. He held that office for twelve years. It took a fleet of eleven vessels to carry the Puritans who left England in March, 1630. They carried with them tools that they would need in making their new homes. They also took horses, cattle, and other stock, as well as seeds and extra provisions. The voyage did not end until June. The land that they saw was not like that which the weary Pilgrims selected for their home in December, 1620. The fields were covered with flowers now and the weather was warm and pleasant. 65 66 FOUNDERS OF FREEDOM IN AMERICA Winthrop and his followers selected Charlestown for a home, but the water there was so mipure that many became ill. They looked about for a better place and chose a piece of land consisting of three hills which lay across the river from Charlestown. They named this place Boston, after a fine old city in England. You may find Boston and the other places spoken of if you will look at the map of Massachusetts. The winter of 1630-31 was filled with suffering for the Puritans. Food became scarce. The weather was very cold. So many became ill that it was feared at one time that all might perish from starvation. But when nearly all hope was gone a ship arrived from England with a plenti- ful supply of provisions and the colony was saved. Over a thousand people arrived from England the next year. As others followed, it was not long before Boston became a large town. Other settlements were also started at Watertown, Roxbury, and other places near Boston. Governor John Winthrop. Winthrop's leadership helped the Puritan settlement to prosper. JOHN WINTHROP AND OTHER PURITAN LEADERS 67 When the settlers first came their chief thought was to get food, and farming became the principal industry of the colony; but as the number of colonists increased some gave their attention to ship-building and engaged in trade with the West Indies. Others became interested in fishing off Newfoundland. This industry met with so much success The Puritans' First Sunday in America. The Puritans, like the Pilgrims, were a devout people. They are shown here listening to their preacher. that fishing became and still is one of the most important industries of Massachusetts. Governor Winthrop was not only a good governor, but he set a good example for others to follow. He lived as he thought other Puritans should live. He believed, as they did, that the people should live according to very strict laws, 68 FOUNDERS OF FREEDOM IN AMERICA many of which had a great deal to do with reHgion and the church. Every one was obliged to attend church twice on Sunday. A scolding woman was punished by ducking, or by standing outside her door with a stick tied across her mouth. A man who told untruths was made to stand on the street, a large sign with the word "liar" printed on it hanging from his neck. For some crimes men were placed in the " stocks," or " pillory," where they were held stiff and rigid, and exposed for hours to the ridicule of people passing by. The daily life was a busy one. A bell rang the curfew at nine o'clock, when everyone had to go to bed. In the morning at half-past four another bell awoke them for their daily work. There were no stores where the settlers could buy food and clothing. It was necessary to raise grain and vegetables or hunt game in the forest. If a suit of clothes or a dress was wanted, the housewife had first to spin the wool, then weave it into cloth, and then make the garment. Neighbors helped one another with work that needed several men, like " raising " a barn, pulling stumps, or get- ting in such crops as corn and wheat. Women helped each other when butchering time came, or when it was necessary to sew rags for a rag carpet. No one wanted paj^ for help- ing his neighbor. They asked only for thanks and a willing- ness to help some one else in case of need. The Puritans started the custom of holding town meetings to make the laws for the different towns of the settlement. At these meetings the laws which were made were supposed to be for all the people, but no one was allowed to vote unless he was a church member. The chief reason why the Puritans left England was their desire to worship as they pleased, but as soon as the}'^ JOHN WINTHKOP AND OTHER PURITAN LEADERS 69 settled in America they seemed to forget that some might not desire to worship as they did. They not only took the right to vote away from those who did not belong to their church, but they persecuted all who preached contrary to their ideas. One man named Roger Williams thought that all should vote, that everyone should worship as he pleased, and that the king of England had no right to give away land in America until he paid the Indians for it. He was a young preacher who preached first in Salem and then in Plymouth. He took a great interest in the Indians and went to the trouble of learning their language. As he was kind to them, they became his friends. The Puritans disliked Williams' preaching and attempted to arrest him to send him back to England. He escaped and fled through the forest in mid-winter to the home of the Indian Chief Massasoit, who took him in and gave him a home until Spring. Wlien springtime came, Massasoit presented Williams with a tract of land in what is now Rhode Island that he might send for his friends in the Puri- tan colony and establish a settlement. Williams called his land Providence, and invited all who wished to settle there, no matter what church they attended. This was the first settlement in America where there was religious freedom. Later on in this history you will find that religious freedom was considered so important that the men who wrote the laws of the United States gave everyone the right to worship as he might choose. Roger Williams lived to be an old man. He was always very strong, and at seventy-three years of age he rowed a boat thirty miles. He helped make Providence a pros- perous settlement. His advice was always sought after. The Indians so trusted him that more than once he was 70 FOUNDERS OF FREEDOM IN AMERICA successful in persuading them not to fight the white men. At one time, when the Pequot Indians were urging the Nar- ragansetts to join with them in an attack on Massachu- setts, Wilhams succeeded in getting the Narragansetts not to join with the Pequots. The Pequots, however, would not listen to him. They were determined to fight the English. A party of settlers marched against them, sur- prised them, and killed nearly the whole tribe. There was no other trouble with the Indians in New England for nearly fifty 3^ears. Many of the colonists, like Winthrop and Roger Williams, were very well educated, and believed in schools. As they desired to have their children well educated, Massachu- setts, in 1647, passed a law which made it necessary to have a free school in every town ha\'ing fift}' or more house- holders. This was the beginning of the present free schoDl system of the United States. It was only six years after Winthrop and his friends reached America that they set aside money to establish a college. Two years later John Harvard died in Charlestown, and left his library and half his estate to the college. This was the beginning of Harvard College. John Winthrop lived until 1649. He was a leader of men and always stood for what he believed was right. He met with many trials but was successful in building up a great colony in Massachusetts. We shall hear more of this colony in the history of our country. In 1643 four of the New England colonies, Plymouth, Massachusetts, Connecticut, and New Haven, united to protect themselves against the Indians, and against invasion by the Dutch. This union was called The New^ England Confederation. It was one of the first steps towards the United States of America. JOHN WINTHROP AND OTHER PURITAN LEADERS 71 THINGS TO THINK ABOUT I. Why were the Puritans piiuislied in England? II. How did the Puritans differ from the Pilgrims? III. Why was it easier for the Puritans under Winthrop when they reached America than for the Pilgrims? IV. Would you like to have been among the Puritans when they first came to America? Whj^? V. Why did the neighbors help one another in early days? VI. Why did Roger Williams leave Massachusetts? VII. How did the colony that he established differ from the colony of Puritans? VIII. Remember that religious freedom has been an important cjuestion in our history and look for references to it as you read this book. IX. The group of colonies in New England that united for the sake of protection was called the New England Confederacy. Look up the word confederacy in the dictionary. X. "Which New England colony was not allowed to join the Con- federacy? Why? CHAPTER XV HENRY HUDSON AND THE DUTCH IN AMERICA For many years after the people in Europe learned that America lay between them and Eastern Asia, they sought a waterway to Asia either across or north of North America, or north of Europe. While John Smith was exploring the rivers of Vir- ginia with the hope that some of them might lead to the Pacific Ocean, another Englishman named Henry Hudson was attempting to find a north passage to China. His explorations attracted so much attention that the great trading com- pany in Holland, the Dutch East India Company, engaged him to seek a shorter western route to India than the one by way of the Cape of Good Hope which they were using. Plans were soon made, and on April 4, 1609, Hudson set forth from the Zuyder Zee in a small vessel called the Half Moon. He carried with him maps and other papers pre- pared by explorers who had visited America. Among them was a letter from Captain John Smith, in which he stated 72 Henry Hudson. The discovery of the great river that bears • his name gives Henry Hudson an important place in history. HENRY HUDSON AND THE DUTCH IN AMERICA 73 that there was " a strait leading into the western ocean, by the north English colony in Virginia." The Half Moon sailed to the northwest from Holland until Hudson was forced to turn southward to escape the great icebergs that were floating in the ocean. After a voyage of three months the account of his travels shows that he was near Newfoundland. From there he journeyed southward, exploring the coast waters very carefully with the hope that he would find the long sought-for passageway to the Pacific Ocean. He sailed as far south as Jamestown, and then turned and sailed to the north again. On Sep- tember 3, 1609, he reached the entrance of a beautiful bay. He entered the harbor and found himself at the mouth of what we know now as the Hudson River. The bay later came to be called New York Harbor and has become the greatest harbor in the world. Hudson sailed slowly up the beautiful river, filled with the hope that he had at last found the short route across America. It is hard for us to understand how he could have thought that the Hudson River extended across this great continent, but we must remember that when Henry Hudson and the other early explorers were making the first visits to this land they had very few maps, and those were m.ade by men who knew little of the new world. It was not long before the river became shallower, and Hudson saw that much land lay beyond before the west- ward ocean could be reached. He returned to Europe and sent a report of his discovery to the Dutch East India Company. While on his voyage up the Hudson River, Hudson was visited at different times by the Indians, who exchanged presents with him. He also went ashore at one place and was entertained at a great feast given by them in his honor. 74 FOUNDERS OF FREEDOM IN AMERICA The friendly feeling toward the Dutch which resulted from Henry Hudson's treatment of the Indians proved to be of great value to the men and women who later came to settle on the lands that he explored. In April, 1610, Henry Hudson again sailed for America, this time under the English flag. He travelled far to the The Half Moon. This picture sliows a model of Hudson's vessel which was made for the Hudson-Fulton celebration of New York, in 1009. North, and finally reached the entrance of the great bay that now bears his name. Here his ship was frozen fast for the winter. WTien springtime came he attempted to con- tinue the voyage to the West. His sailors rebelled, how- ever, and, putting Hudson, his son, and a few sick men in an open boat, they left them to drift on the icy waters of Hudson Bay. No one knows the exact fate of this brave HENRY HUDSON AND THE DUTCH IN AMERICA 75 man. No doubt, he soon died from the cold. His great discoveries, however, will always remind us that Henry Hudson was one of the real heroes of his time. During his voyage for the Dutch Company Hudson traded beads, cloth, and other things to the Indians for furs which he took to Holland in the Half Moon. When the Dutch saw the valuable furs that America produced ^^S^i^P^^^ Henry Hudson Trailing with the Indians. they sent men to trade with the Indians along the Hudson River. Soon many trading posts were established, the most important being Fort Amsterdam on Manhattan Island at the mouth of the Hudson River. It was several years before settlers came from Holland in large numbers. Those who came during the first few years wanted only to trade with the Indians, with no thought of home-making. 76 FOUNDERS OF FREEDOM IN AMERICA In 1G25 the Dutch West India Company, as the East India Company was then called, sent out Peter Minuit to act as Governor of the whole region claimed by the Dutch, known as New Netherlands. This consisted of the land on both banks of the Hudson and what is now the New Jer- sey coast, as far south as Delaware Bay. Up to the time that Peter Minuit was sent to America, the Dutch had been living on Manhattan Island without questioning who owned the land. Minuit quickly decided that the land should be bought from the Indians, the right- ful owners, if the Dutch were to have a good claim to it. So he bargained with some of the Indian chiefs and gave them blankets, cloth, beads, ribbons, and buttons to the value of twenty-four dollars for the island. Both the Indians and the Dutch thought they had made a good bargain. The Indians knew nothing of money in the form of gold and silver. Their money was called Wampum, and consisted of shells or beads with holes in them so they could be strung on a string. Belts of this Wampum were woven in such forms that the Indians could tell from the woven figures for what they stood. Belts like these served as treaties between the Dutch and the Indians. The Indians and the people of New Amsterdam, as the settlement on Manhattan Island was then called, were very friendly. As the Indians brought furs to the Dutch traders, a fine business soon grew^ up. The ship which brought Governor Minuit to New Amsterdam carried a great cargo of furs back to Holland. When Peter Minuit first arrived in New Amsterdam the settlement consisted of about thirty houses. A log fort was soon built, windmills were erected, and before long some of the colonists began to build ships. More colonists came, and in a short time several real Dutch homes sprang up. HENRY HUDSON AND THE DUTCH IN AMERICA 77 with pretty little gardens in place of the dirty, smoky Indian wigwams that Henry Hudson saw on the island. There were fine opportunities to engage in fur trading, ship building, and trading with the English colonies in New England and Virginia, and the Spanish colonies in the West Indies. It seems as though many settlers would have wanted to come to New Amsterdam, but apparently people liked Holland so well that few cared to make the voyage. New Amsterdam in 1664. It would be interesting to compare this picture with those pictures of New York which show the city to-day. In order to get colonists to settle in the lands under the control of the Dutch West India Company, the Company offered to any man who would make a settlement of fifty persons a tract of land sixteen miles long on one bank of any river in the land claimed by the company. If the settler preferred he could have a tract of land eight miles long on each bank of the river. The land might run back from the river as far as the settler desired. The man who made this settlement was to be called a " patroon," and 78 FOUNDERS OF FREEDOM IN AMERICA was to have full charge of the land and the people whom he brought as settlers. He was the judge in all disputes. He could compel the settlers to pay him rents for the land on which they lived, and if he desired he might compel them to grind their grain in his mill. In return for the land, he was obliged to provide his settlers with a schoolmaster and a minister. It was not long before the proprietors of some of these estates became more interested in their own fortune than in the good of the settlers whom they had persuaded to come to America with them. Trouble soon arose, and word was sent back to the Dutch West India Company that Peter Minuit was favoring the " patroons." Because of this the Company recalled him in 1632. Whether this accusation was true or not, while Peter Minuit was Governor of the little Dutch colony he did many things to make it a prosperous settlement. At all times he seemed to be working to make a home where Dutch people could settle and be happy. Other governors followed Peter Minuit. We shall have time to learn about only the last one appointed. His name was Peter Stuyvesant and he was appointed in 1647. He was governor for seventeen years, during which time he did a great deal of valuable work for the colony. Peter Stuyvesant was a man with a strong will. He met all difficulties with a firm hand and settled them without delay. He found the colony in trouble with the Indians. He soon made a treaty with them. He next settled a dis- pute between the Dutch and some English settlers in Con- necticut who laid claim to the same tract of land. After that he turned his attention to a settlement that had been made on the Delaware River by some Swedish settlers under the leadership of Peter Minuit, who had gone to Sweden HENRY HUDSON AND THE DUTCH IN AMERICA 79 after his dismissal by the Dutch West India Company. Stiiyvesant sailed against the settlement with seven ships and took possession of the colony for the Dutch. He encouraged fur trading and helped those who were inter- ested in ship building. He forced the settlers to observe the laws of the Sabbath, forbade the sale of guns and liquor to the Indians, and helped the people to start public schools like those the English had established in New Eng- land. You might think be- cause of all these good deeds that Peter Stuy- vesant was liked by the settlers, but he was not. He was headstrong, quick-tempered, and al- ways wanted to have his own way. He thought first of all of the West India Company and then of the people. It was not long before the people had a chance to choose whether or not they wanted him to continue as their gov- ernor. England had always laid claim to the whole coast of North America from Labrador to the Carolinas because of Cabot's explorations. In 1664, therefore, a fleet of English vessels appeared in New Amsterdam harbor and demanded the Governor Peter Stuyvesant. Peter Stuyvesant stands high among the early governors who had charge of settlements. 80 FOUNDERS OF FREEDOM IN AMERICA surrender of the town to the EngUsh. Peter Stuyvesant was very angry and tore to pieces the English officer's letter, but, as he soon found that the other Dutch people would not help him defend the settlement against the English, he was obliged to surrender. Thus the rule of the Dutch in America came to an end. A treaty was signed at Stuyvesant's " Bouwerie," or country home, on Sep- tember 3, 1664. By this treaty the name of the settlement Surrender of New Amsterdam by Peter Stuyvesant in 1664. This scene shows the passing of Dutch control in North America to the English. was changed to New York in honor of the Duke of York, to whom King Charles II of England had given the tract of land in America which included the Dutch settlements. THINGS TO THINK ABOUT I. Is there a waterway across North America to the Pacific? II. Wliy do you think Hudson believed the river that bears his name reached the Pacific Ocean? Ill ^\^lat reasons had the Dutch for coming to America? HENRY HUDSON AND THE DUTCH IN AMERICA 81 rV. Why do you think both the Indians and the Dutch thought the sale of Manhattan Island was a good bargain? Who got the better of the bargain? Why? V. Why did the English claim New Netherlands? VI. Do you think Peter Stuyvesant was a good governor? Why? VII. The Dutch people would not help defend New Amsterdam against the English. Wliy? CHAPTER XVI SAMUEL DE CHAM PLAIN AND THE FRENCH IN AMERICA You have learned how the Spanish, EngHsh, and Dutch explored and laid claim to different parts of North America. We shall now turn our attention to another great country of Europe which sent out explorers and afterwards settlers to the new world. This country was France. The man who first succeeded in making a French settle- ment in North America was named Samuel de Champlain. He was a trained sailor, a brave, de- vout, and honest man. He first arrived in America in 1603. During the sum- mer of that year he and his followers explored the St. Lawrence River, which had been discovered by Cartier, a Frenchman, in 1535. They visited Hochelaga, which Cartier had seen as a great Indian village beautifully situated on a hill by the river side, but they found the town in ruins. Later both this hill and the city which the French settlers built upon it were called Montreal (Mount Royal). A short time after this the voyagers returned to France. The next year Champlain brought a few settlers to Acadia, as the land claimed by the French was then called. These people met with so many hardships that after three years 82 Samuel de Champlain. Champlain's success in estab- lishing a French settlement strengthened the claim of France to a part of the New World. SAMUEL DE CHAMPLAIN AND THE FRENCH IN AMERICA 83 at Port Royal they became discouraged and returned to France. This failure did not discourage Champlain, however. As his main desire was to establish the French in the new world, we again find him in America. This time, 1608, he started a settlement at the trading port on the St. Lawrence called Quebec. The first winter was a very hard one for the few men who were left there when their ships returned to France. Other settlers came in the spring, however, and the little colony soon became a prosperous group of people. Champlain 's settlement had as neighbors a tribe of Indi- ans called the Algonquins. These Indians were at war with the Iroquois, who lived to the south in what is now the state of New York. He thought that it would be to his advantage to gain the friendship of the Algonquins, and, in order to do so, he agreed to help them against their ene- mies. While on the way to meet the Iroquois he discovered the beautiful lake which now bears his name. Lake Cham- plain. Look for this lake on the map and you will see where the battle between the two Indian tribes took place at the southern end of the lake. When the war parties met, Champlain and his fellow Frenchmen killed two of the Iroquois chiefs. The Iroquois were so frightened when they heard the guns and saw their chiefs fall that they fled. It was a costly victory for the French, however, because from that time the Iroquois were their enemies, keeping them from carrying on trade or mak- ing explorations in their lands. They kept the French from reaching the Mississippi River valley by way of Lake Erie and the Ohio River as they desii'ed, and forced them to go by way of the Great Lakes, — a route which offered many very great difficulties, as you will learn in the story of other French explorers. 84 FOUNDERS OF FREEDOM IN AMERICA Champlain was making enemies of the Indians near the Hudson River at the time that Henry Hudson was winning their friendship. Their trade went to the Dutch, and after- wards to the English, instead of to the French, as it proba- bly would have gone but for Champlain's mistake. For what he did in encouraging the early settlers and helping to make Quebec a permanent settlement, Champlain was given the affectionate title " Father of Canada." He died December 25, 1635, after a lifetime filled with service for his country. It was several years after the French settled at Quebec before they did much exploring of the country west of that place. Even then much of the exploration done by the French must be credited to the Jesuit missionaries. These men were so filled with a desire to teach the Indians the truths of their church that they risked their health and even their lives for this purpose. One of the greatest of these missionaries was Father Marquette, who spent years of his life going from tribe to tribe for the purpose of teaching the Indians. In 1673, accompanied by Louis Joliet, he floated down the Wisconsin River into the Mississippi. They journeyed down that river until they reached the mouth of the Arkansas, and then returned to their starting place on Lake Michigan. Chief of the French explorers, however, was Robert de La Salle, who came to America in 1666. After exploring the Great Lakes and discovering the Ohio River, he returned to France to obtain permission from King Louis XIV to explore and start colonies, and to open up trade with the Indians in the land lying around the Lakes and in the Mississippi Valley. His great purpose was to build forts and start trading posts along the St. Lawrence, around the Great Lakes, and along the Mississippi. He also wanted ^ ' ''' "^ -^ 7 X V SAMUEL DE CHAMPLAIN AND THE FRENCH IN AMERICA 85 to start a colony at the luoiith of the Mississippi River so that it would be easier for the French to carry on fur trading with the Indians of the region which he meant to open up. The St. Lawrence is so far north that for much of the year it is frozen over and all navigation must stop, while the Mississippi River, being further south, is open during the whole year. The Iroquois Indians, too, were giving the French much trouble near the St. Lawrence River. In 1679, after many hardships and disappointments, La Salle set forth on Lake Erie in a boat called the Griffin, that he and his men had made. They sailed through Lake Erie and Lake Ontario to the head of Lake Michigan. There men sent ahead by La Salle loaded the Griffin with furs which they had col- lected. They then returned. Meanwhile La Salle and a few of „ i^^^.^ d L S lie his followers journeyed to the southern La saiie-s explorations mark end of Lake Michigan and paddled w™ as an earnest worker in ^ ^ the interests of Prance. their canoes up the St. Joseph River until they came to the place where that river and the head-waters of the Illinois River nearly meet. They carried their canoes from the St. Joseph to the Illinois, and, at the place where the city of Peoria now stands, they built a fort called Crevecceur, meaning " broken heart." This seems a good name for the fort, because Ija Salle had trouble enough to break his heart. He had hoped that his boatload of furs w^ould bring him enough money to make it possible for him to carry on his explorations towards the Mississippi River, but the boat was never heard from again, and, to get his supplies. La Salle was obliged to make the difficult journey from Fort 86 POUNDERS OF FREEDOM IN AMERICA Crevecoeur overland through southern Michigan to Canada. The country was covered with forests filled with under- brush and many marshes. The travelers always had to be on the lookout for unfriendly Indians. Food was hard to obtain, and their clothes were soon worn out. But after several weeks La Salle reached Canada and, after making arrangements for supplies, returned to the Illinois River. When he arrived there other difficulties arose, so that he was obliged to make another journey to Canada. At last, however, all obstacles were overcome, and the party started down the Illinois River in the Indian canoes to which La Salle had decided to trust. On February 6, 1682, they entered the Mississippi, down which they sailed until they reached the Gulf of Mexico, April 9, 1682. La Salle and his men landed and with impressive ceremonies took possession of the land in the name of King Louis of France. He called the whole region Louisiana, in honor of the king. This included the Mississippi River Valley from the Rocky Mountains in the west to the Allegheny Mountains in the east and the land around the Great Lakes. He built a small fort which he called Fort St. Louis. Leav- ing a few men there, he returned to Montreal in Canada and shortly afterwards sailed for France, hoping to persuade the French king to help him establish a colony of French people at the mouth of the Mississippi River. As France and Spain were at war, the Spaniards had for- bidden Frenchmen to trade with any of the Spanish colonies in America or even enter the Gulf of Mexico. The French king thought a settlement at the mouth of the Mississippi River would be valuable in helping him to break the power of Spain in America and was very willing to start such a colony. With a fleet of four vessels La Salle set forth with a glad SAMUEL DE CHAMPLAIN AND THE FRENCH IN AMERICA 87 heart to establish a settlement at the mouth of the Mississippi. Misfortune always seemed to follow him in his explorations in America, and this voyage was no exception. Instead of landing at the mouth of the Missis- La Salle Taking Possession of Louisiana. By such ceremonies as this picture shows, France hiid claim to a vast area in America. sippi he missed it and sailed on several miles to the west. He searched about for the great rivei-, l:)iit could not find it, and finally landed on the coast of what is now Texas. As some of his l)oats returned to France and another was wrecked, soon he and a few colonists were left in a desolate 88 FOUNDERS OF FREEDOM IN AMERICA condition. After three years had passed he thought that he might get help in Canada and so set out on the long joiu'ney northward. But he had made so many enemies among his followers that they had not gone far toward Canada before one of his men killed him. La Salle gave his life for his country. In all of his explora- tions his first thought was to serve France. He met with many difficulties but he never gave up. He first explored what has become one of the most valuable regions of the United States. He was the first white man to explore the Mississippi River to its mouth, and his attempt to build forts and trading posts encouraged other Frenchmen to imitate him. It was not long before France had a good claim to all of that great region from the Great Lakes to the mouth of the Mississippi River. THINGS TO THINK ABOUT L Wliy is the discovery of n great river like the 8t. Lawrence an ini))()r- tant event? II. Chaniplain offended the h'ociuois Indians by helping the Algon- quins. How did this hurt the PVench who came after Chaniplain? III. Would you like to have been with La Salle on his journeys? Why? IV. Many places in Michigan have French names. Wliy? V. La Salle thought it was worth while to explore the Mississippi River. Why? VI. Do you admire La Salle? Why? CHAPTER XVII WILLIAM PENN AND THE SETTLEMENT OF THE QUAKERS IN AMERICA We have already learned how the Puritans were persecuted in England. Besides the Puritans there was another group of people who did not believe in the form of worship of the English church. These people, the Religious Society of Friends, or Quakers, as they are often called, were as cruelly punished on account of their religious belief as the Puritans were. The Quakers were at first under the leadership of George Fox. He taught that all men are equal in the sight of God. They showed this belief by always keeping their hats on in public places, and even in the presence of the king. They refused to take an oath in court because men should tell the truth at all times. They also refused to go to war or to pay taxes in support of war or the English church. They used " thee " and " thou " in addressing everybody, instead of saying " you " to persons of greater rank or wealth, as was then the custom. They thought that men and women should have equal rights. As a protest against the extravagant clothes of rich-colored cloth worn by many people at that time, they dressed in very plain clothes of dark or gray color. Because of these beliefs they were persecuted by being thrown into prison, whipped in public; and in some cases put to death. They were punished both in England and in the Puritan colonies of the new world. The Puritan leaders seemed especially to dislike the Quakers, and were 90 FOUNDERS OF FREEDOM IN AMERICA very severe in their punishment of them. They sent many of them out of the Puritan colonies and even put some to death. There were many great leaders among the Quakers, but the one in whom we are most interested was William Penn. Penn was born in London, He was the son of Sir William Penn, a very wealthy man who served as admiral in the British navy. Sir William Penn was a close friend of the king. Having wealth and rank, he naturally desired to give his son such a training as would fit him to take a position at court when he became older. This was not to be, how- ever, because the young man while at Oxford Uni- versity became interested in the Friends, and after listening to one of their leaders he believed in their He refused to at- tend the religious exercises held at the college. He would not even wear the gown required to be worn by the students, because he thought it showed pride. For these and other offenses he was expelled from the college. When Penn's father heard what his son had done he was very angry, but he knew young William was honest in his belief and so did not try to argue with him. Instead, he sent him to Paris, hoping that the young man would forget the Quakers if he were to live the gay life of that city. Although William did enter somewhat into the gay life William Penn. Penn's zeal for his religious cause led to one of poiiap the most important settlements in America WILLIAM PENN AND THE SETTLEMENT OF QUAKERS 91 of Paris and actually fought a duel there, his father's hopes were in vain. It was not many years before William Penn was thrown into jail in Ireland because he was found with others listening to a Quaker preacher. This time his angry father had him return to his home in England, and there informed him that unless he would remove his hat in the presence of King Charles II and himself, he would turn him out of his house. Young Penn showed that he was an earnest Friend by refusing his father's request, though with sorrow because of the offence it gave. For his refusal he was driven from his home. His mother and the king were his friends even though his father would not forgive him. At one time when the king and Penn met, the king removed his hat. Penn said, " Friend Charles, why dost thou remove thy hat? " " Because," answered the king with a smile, " where I am, it is the custom for only one to remain uncovered." As the years passed Penn wrote and spoke for the Quaker cause. For his defence of the Quaker ideas he was obliged to suffer a great deal. He was fined, and sometimes he was kept in prison for weeks. His father finally forgave him after he saw that his son was so much in earnest; and when he died he left his great fortune to the young Quaker. The king owed Penn's father a large sum of money which he found it difficult to pay. Since Penn had for some time been looking about for a way to help his friends among the Quakers, he now proposed to the king to give him a tract of land in America for the debt. This the king was glad to do and granted to Penn a large tract on the west side of the Delaware River. Penn desired to call the land Sylvania, meaning woodland, but the king named it Pennsylvania, Penn's woods, in honor of his friend. Sir William Penn. 92 FOUNDERS OF FREEDOM IN AMERICA As soon as he had received his land Penn invited the Friends to settle there and build up a colony where they could govern themselves and worship as they desired. The invitation was gladly accepted by three thousand Quakers who sailed for the Delaware River in 1681. Penn did not come to America until the following year. He landed at Newcastle on the Delaware River in October and was given a hearty welcome by the settlers. It was not long after his arrival before he called an assembly or meeting of the people to make the laws of the colon3^ The laws made by this assembly are interesting because they show Penn's idea of government and because they were so nuich more liberal than the laws of England. The most important items were: 1 . Everybody was to be allowed to worship as he desired. 2. The first day of the week was to be kept as a day of rest. 3. All members of the family were to be thought of as equal in the sight of the law. 4. No oath was to be required in courts of justice. 5. Every taxpayer was to have the right to vote. 6. Every Christian should have the right to hold office. 7. No tax could be collected except by law. 8. Murder was the only crime punisll|[fcle by death. 9. Prisoners were to be taught useful trades. Before sailing from England Penn had made plans to build a city in Pennsylvania. After looking about he selected the place where the Schujdkill River flows into the Delaware as the best place for this city. He planned it carefully. It was laid out like a checker board, with broad streets and large building lots, giving each house plenty of room. The streets were given such names as Walnut, WILLIAM PENN AND THE SETTLEMENT OF QUAKERS 93 Chestnut, Spruce, Mulberry and Pine, after the trees of the forest. The city was called Philadelphia, meaning brotherly love. One of William Penn's first acts was to call a meeting of the Indians at which he told them that the Quakers were willing to buy the land from them. As the Indians were willing to sell, they were given knives, blankets, and hatchets, as they wished, for their claim on the lands. William Penn had also prepared a treaty of peace. When they were all together he read the treaty and explained to the Indians iiiiititiitiiimMniiiiiiiiiHiiiiiinuiiiui;;i: MiiB[tgiiiHiioaiiiiir.;icDuViiiiii^^ 'IOII(llinil9»»f||l||DiliniHMI|llllll (0)lllllIlllttl)IIIH!»tQl)nTJI!ll9D }])1Q tOjIiD Penn's Belt. This belt was really a treaty of peace — a treaty that was never broken. that the Quakers wished to deal fairly with them and did not care to fight. He^so told them that in case of trouble the dispute was to beHttled by a council of six white men and six Indians. The Indians were so much pleased with William Penn's words and manner that they agreed to the treaty. Both parties were true to their promise, for the treaty was never broken during Penn's life. The treaty made between William Penn and the Indians was not in the form of the treaties of to-day which are written on paper. That treaty, which is still in existence, is a woven belt of wampum consisting of eighteen strings of beads. There are two figures shown on the belt. They 94 FOUNDEES OF FREEDOM IN AMERICA are clasping hands to show that the Indians and EngUsh- men were to be friends. The city of Philadelphia grew so rapidly that by 1683 it numbered over three hundred and fifty houses. By 1685 there were over twenty-five hundred people in the city. Returning to England in 1684, William Penn remained there for fifteen years, spending much time and money in helping the Quakers. In 1699 he again returned to Philadelphia, this time for a 1 eriod of two years. He had a fine home in the city and another in the country, with beautiful grounds around them. He was very hospitable; he gave great dinners and enter- tained many visitors. Penn's last days were spent in England, where he died in 1718. No other one of the early leaders of America was loved as William Penn was. His colony was a great suc- cess. The men and women who lived in Pennsylvania were happy because they were always treated fairly, could worship as they desired, and share in making the laws. THINGS TO THINK ABOUT I. What do you admire most in the Quakers' beHef? II. William Penn was a good Quaker. How may this be proven? III. William Penn planned his city carefully. Explain what is meant by this statement. IV. Why did William Penn have no trouble with the Indians? V. Wliat does the name Philadelphia mean? Do you think that this name was a good one for Penn's city? Why? CHAPTER XVIII LORD BALTIMORE AND JAMES OGLETHORPE AND THEIR SERVICES TO FREEDOM One hundred years after the settlement of Jamestown in 1607, the English had established twelve colonies all along the Atlantic coast of what is now the United States. The colonies in New England were Massachusetts, which included Maine, New Hampshire, Rhode Island, and Con- necticut. South of New England, in what we now call the Middle States, were New York, New Jersey, Delaware, and Pennsylvania. Then still farther south were Maryland, Virginia, North Carolina, and South Carolina. The Spaniards also had settlements in what is now our country at St. Augustine in Florida, and at Santa Fe in New Mexico. They were also trying to colonize Texas. The French had begun to settle the Mississippi and soon had small towns from Mobile and New Orleans to Green Bay in Wisconsin. This was the dream which La Salle did not live to see realized. More and more people came to America every year. Some came to secure comfortable homes, some to escape persecution, some for freedom to carry out great ideas of their own. As people had found out by this time that our territory did not have any easily found gold, not many of those who wanted to " get rich quick " came during these years. An important group who came to escape persecution w ere the Catholics. Like the Separatists and Quakers, they 95 96 FOUNDERS OF FREEDOM IN AMERICA were persecuted in England, and their leaders, therefore, looked for a place where they could have more freedom. America offered such a home. In 1634 some men and women under the leadership of Lord Baltimore settled in Maryland. Like the Quakers, these people allowed all to come and worship in whatever manner they wished. It was not long before Maryland was a thriving colony. Rhode Island, Pennsylvania, and Maryland were the only colonies where there was complete religious liberty, though in the other English colonies there was less in- terference with peoples' religion Lord Baltimore. than in most parts The leadership of this man made possible a strong colony of of the WOrld. lu all freedom-loving people. p ,^ i 01 them, however, there was a great deal of political Uberty. From the time of the first assembly in Virginia in 1619, where representa- tives elected by the people made their own laws, every English colony sought to have the same privilege, and finally obtained it. So America came to be known as the land of liberty and thus attracted many settlers of the finest type. LORD BALTIMORE AND JAMES OGLETHORPE 97 In 1732 we find another man looking towards America with the hope that another group of people in England might have more liberty. This man was General James Oglethorpe, a highl}^ respected man who had for some time been interested in the condition of English prisons and prisoners. It was a common thing at that time to throw a man into prison for failure to pay his debts. The prisons were so dark, dirty, dismal, and unhealthful that a prisoner suffered many hardships. If his friends did not come to his aid with food, cloth- ing, and other comforts, he was soon in a pitiful condition, suffering from hunger, cold, and disease. General Oglethorpe was full of sympathy for the many prisoners who were suffering so much for very light offenses. He at last thought of starting a colony in America with james Ogelthorpe. the purpose of sending some of the ogeithorpe-s sympathy for the , , 1 1 1 f ,1 oppressed led to the settlement prisoners to the new world tor another ^f Georgia. chance. The place selected for the colony was that land lying south of South Carolina along the Atlantic Ocean. Still farther south were the Spaniards, and the other colonies gladly welcomed neighbors in that direction because they thought such a settlement would be a defense against Spanish attacks. The English king thought so too, and in 1732 granted Oglethorpe and his association a charter of the territory lying on the seacoast, south of South Carolina, between the Savannah and the Altamaha Rivers. The charter stated that the land was granted " in trust for the poor." It was called Georgia in honor of the English king. 98 FOUNDERS OF FREEDOM IN AMERICA Besides the poor debtors it was the plan of Oglethorpe and his friends to welcome all persecuted Protestants from all parts of Europe to the colony. The first group of emigrants to Georgia set out in 1732. When they reached America General Oglethorpe explored the Savannah River and selected as a site for his settle- ment a high bluff on the bank of that river. The little town thus started has grown to be the great city of Savannah of the present. Oglethorpe laid out the streets, leaving room for public parks, and sent the happy people to work with glad hearts, rejoicing that they were free and where they could have homes of their own. James Oglethorpe, like William Penn, believed that the Indians should be treated fairly. He not only paid them for their lands but also gave them many presents which they gladly accepted. Such kind treatment so won their friendship that the tribes for many miles around visited Oglethorpe, gave him presents, and traded with the Georgia settlers. Many settlers from different parts of Europe found their way to Georgia. Planned as a home for the oppressed, it drew colonists from Germany, Austria, Scotland, and else- where. Some people even left New England for Georgia. James Oglethorpe lived to be a very old man. He saw his little settlement grow into a successful colony and saw it unite with the twelve other colonics to declare itself inde- pendent of British rule. In the early days of the settle- ment he bravely and successfully defended it against the attacks of the Spanish from Florida. He forbade slavery in Georgia, or the importation of liquor. He was always such a friend of the poor and weak that they sought his advice on e\'ery variety of subject. For his good (|ualities, as well as his work in founding the last of the thirteen LORD BALTIMORE AND JAMES OGLETHORPE 99 original English colonies, we should remember and honor James Oglethorpe. THINGS TO THINK ABOUT I. The Puritans, Quakers, and Catholics were persecuted in Europe. Did they all believe in religious freedom? II. What do you mean by religious liberty? III. General Oglethorpe was pul^lic spirited. Explain. IV. Oglethorpe laid out Savannah so that there would be space for public parks. Why did he do so? V. What do yf)u mean by " a home fcr the oppressed " ? CHAPTER XIX JAMES WOLFE AND THE WAR BETWEEN ENGLAND AND FRANCE IN AMERICA As you have learned, by the middle of the eighteenth century the English had made settlements along the Atlantic coast from Massachusetts to Georgia. You may see from the map that the English claimed the land far inland from the coast. In fact, although their settlements were all near the coast, the territory claimed by the English extended from the Atlantic to the Pacific, but, because of the explora- tions of La Salle and other Frenchmen, the French laid claim to large areas around the Great Lakes and in the Mississippi Valley, as well as in Canada, which last claim the English did not at this time contest. As France and England w^ere both eager to get possession of the rich Ohio country, both countries knew there would be trouble when settlers attempted to make homes there. In 1752 the French began to build a line of forts from Lake Erie to the Ohio River in order to keep the English back. The governor of Virginia protested against this action, but the French were determined to stand their ground and sent word back to Governor Dinwiddle, by his messenger, George Washington, that they would not give up their claims. They continued to build forts, and, after driving the English away from the spot where Pittsburgh now stands, at the junction of the Allegheny and Monongahela Rivers, they built a fort there, also. This was called Fort Duquesne in honor of the governor of New France, or Canada. 100 \ 1? Ojv 4 it ^^ o M •4 -^ /9^ 11 :'^^^^^^m'r illlll F si V i -ilwiT^"^" [ 1 ENGLISH ^^^- iTin v^.^^-^^ 1 FRENCH ^^ . /TT" LI_ SPANISH ^""S^^-nS^ • •• DUTCH y This maj) iiulicntos the chiiins that led to disputes between the European nations JAMES WOLFE AND THE WAR 101 An expedition against this fort under the command of Washington failed. Then, in 1755, General Braddock, a famous EngHsh general, marched against it. He lost his life in the battle that followed, and his followers were driven back. The next year war was declared against the French by the English. In Europe this was called the " Seven Years' War ": in America, the " French and Indian War." Braddock's Defeat. The first year of the war in America was filled with failures for the English. This \a as largely due to the brilliant French General, Louis de Montcalm, who had been sent over from France to command the French troops. With the help of the Indians Montcalm succeeded in taking the English fort at Oswego, also Fort William Henry on Lake George, and Fort Edward on the Hudson River. The close of the year 1757 looked dark for the English. A change came the next year, however, for a new leader took charge of affairs in England. This was William Pitt, 102 FOUNDERS OF FREEDOM IN AMERICA who very soon selected new men to take charge of the war in America. iVmong others chosen was the young general, James Wolfe. James Wolfe was the son of an English army officer. At the time of his appointment to the important position in America he was but thirty years of age. He had entered the army at the age of fifteen and, although always in ill health, he was faithful to all duties assigned him, even though his strength at times did not seem equal to the task. His duties as a soldier did not seem to lessen the time he devoted to his mother, of whom he was ever thoughtful. He carried on a regular correspondence with her wherever he was stationed. These letters show the kind of man he really was. His mother loved him because he was a faithful son. His soldiers admired and loved him because he alwaj^s treated them fairly, and because they believed in his ability as a leader. The first victory with which he was connected in America was the capture of Louisburg. The taking of this strong fortress with nearly six thousand French prisoners greatly encouraged the English. With that fort in their possession, and the St. Lawrence open to them, the}^ could sail directly to Quebec, the strongest of the French forts. Wolfe entered the St. Lawrence and landed his troops near Quebec. He planned to attack ]\Iontcalm, who com- manded the French, but there seemed to be no way to get into the city. Montcalm's army was strongly fortified on the top of a rocky hill by the riverside. The French army consisted of over sixteen thousand soldiers; Wolfe had about five thousand. More than one hundred cannon were mounted on the walls of the city. Every gate was barricaded and guarded by cannon. Along the river front lay gunboats and five large ships. So strongly JAMES WOLFE AND THE WAR 103 protected was the fort that it seemed impossible to take it. Wolfe's army took up a position across the river from Quebec and there spent the summer. There was some General James Wolfe Climbing the Heights of Abraham in 1759. fighting, but nothing was accomplished. The weather was very warm and there was a good deal of rain. But though many of the British soldiers were ill, and he was suffering severely from a fever, Wolfe would not give up his attempt to take Quebec. 104 FOUNDERS OF FREEDOM IN AMERICA On a September day, as Wolfe was sailing up and down the river, trying to find some way to reach the French on top of the rocks, he saw through his spy glass a narrow path up the hillside. At last he had found a way to make an attack, for the hill was so steep that the French thought of it as their strongest defense, hardly taking the trouble to guard it. In the darkness of the night the English boats floated down the river. The men landed at the foot of the rocky shore, and, led by Wolfe, scrambled up the narrow pathway until they reached the open plains above, called the Plains of Abraham, directly in front of the city of Quebec. In the morning a French runner carried the news to Montcalm that the English were drawn up in readiness for battle on the Plains outside the city. It seemed impossible, but there they were — a solid wall of red-coated men ready to march upon the city on its weakest side. It truly was a " serious business," as Montcalm said when he saw Wolfe's arm}^ The watchword of the English was " Victory or death." They knew they must win or all would be lost, as no way was open to retreat. About ten o'clock, with Montcalm at their head, the French opened the attack. The English waited until the charging Frenchmen were but a short distance from them and then opened up a terrible fire that mowed the advancing army down like grass. Before they could recover, another volley was poured into the broken ranks. Then the English sprang forward with shouts of victory and rushed into the confused mass of Montcalm's army. Wolfe was in the thickest of the fight, encouraging his men and leading at-tacks. While at the head of a charge he received a wound in his wrist. He wrapped his handkerchief JAMES WOLFE AND THE WAR 105 about his arm and went on. Soon he was wounded again. A third shot struck him in the breast. His soldiers caught him as he fell and carried him to the rear. He would not have a surgeon. " There's no need," he said, " it is all over with me." His thoughts were all of the battle. The cry, " They run, see how they run!" went up. " Wlio runs? " inquired Wolfe. " The enemy, sir; they give way every- where." With his last breath the dying hero said, " Now, God be praised; I die in peace." The brave Montcalm also was wounded while leading his men. When told by the surgeon that he could not live long, he said, " Thank God, I shall not live to see Quebec surrendered." With the fall of Quebec the French power in America was broken. The English were filled with joy over the victory. The French grieved over the loss of their valuable American possessions. In the homes of the two brave leaders there was mourning. The English mother and the French mother each mourned the loss of a son given for his country's sake. The treaty of peace was signed in 1763. By the terms of this treaty France gave to Spain all the territory west of the Mississippi to the Rocky Mountains; also the town of New Orleans. To England she gave Canada and all the terri- tory claimed by her east of the Mississippi River. In the governor's garden in Quebec there is an imposing monument erected in memory of the two great men who gave their lives in the battle of Quebec. On one side of the monument is the name Wolfe; on the other side, Mont- calm. The following inscription is on the stone: " Valor gave a united death, history a united fame, posterity a united monument." 106 FOUNDERS OF FREEDOM IN AMERICA THINGS TO THINK ABOUT I. Why did the French and the Englif^h both want the Ohio country? II. Wolfe was very young when he was sent to America. Why was he selected? III. What does W^olfe's kindness towards his mother teach us about him? IV. W}n' was it difficult to capture Quebec? V. The English thought well of Montcalm and the French of Wolfe. Explain. CHAPTER XX PROJECT— IMPERSONATION BY PUPILS OF EXPLORERS AND PIONEERS By Mabel L. Bennett, Union County, N. J. Teacher's Aim: I. As a means of review and as a liasis for a l:)etter understanding of further development of American history, to teach the differ- ences between the English, Spanish, French and Dutch explora- tions and settlements. 1. Regarding reasons for coming to America. 2. Regarding ideals of life. 3. Regarding geographic location. II. To have the children realize the courage and determination that characterized the pioneers. III. Comparison between then and now. Pupils' Aim: I. and II. To learn more about the English, Spanish, French and Dutch pioneers, by imagining that they themselves lived 400 or 500 years ago. III. To compare the homes and lives of the children of that time with those of to-day. Procedure : (1) Have pupils choose one of their classmates to represent each of the following pioneers: e.g.: Spanish — Pizarro and de Soto. English — John Smith and Myles Standish. Dutch — Henry Hudson and Peter Minuit. French — Father Marquette and La Salle. 107 108 FOUNDERS OF FREEDOM IN AMERICA (2) Have them choose other pupils to represent the people of to-day who live in the part of the country to which each of the above explorers or colonists came, e.g., one pupil will pretend he is now living in Peru, and wall be able to tell Pizarro what kind of a place Peru is now; another will tell Henry Hudson about the Hudson River district as it is now. (3) Have the other pupils of the class choose to be sailors or colonists who came out with the pioneers, e.g., de Soto or Myles Standish, etc. (If the class be small, a longer time will, of course, be needed for this review,) Assignment : The following study questions are suggested to be given to the pupils who take the part of the explorers and their companions ; (1) From what country did you come? (2) Why did you come to America? (3) To what part of America did you come? (4) How did you treat the Indians and how did they treat j'ou? (5) Tell about some of your experiences. (6) What great good did you do for America? Assign the following to the pupils who represent the people of to-day, living in the parts of America to which the early settlers came, e.g. : Several pupils will pretend that they now live in New York City and will tell Henry Hudson and Peter Minuit about the big buildings, the modes of transportation, etc., there. Another in Canada, etc. Be able to tell these early explorers and colonists about the changes that have taken place since they were in America. (Have pupils illus- trate by use of pictures, maps, etc.) Suggestions : During the recitation, if desired, the pupils who take the part of the explorers and colonists may appear in the chronological order in which these people really appeared in history. (See list of important dates in this book.) Urge the pupils to make an attempt at wearing some article of costume illustrative of the country which they represent. (Look for pictures in all available geographies, histories, etc.) Or, they might make and carry the flag of the country from which they came. PROJECT — IMPERSONATION BY PUPILS 109 Correlations : Geography: Good use should be made of geographies and maps in this project, e.g., Mexico, Canada, etc. English: Written as well as oral composition should be given in connection with this history work. Allow pupils to choose the characters whom they wish to represent and write about, e.g., pioneers, Indians, boys or girls of the early colonies. Urge initiative in the choice of titles, e.g., My experience with the Indians (Captain John Smith) ; Our Feast for Henry Hudson (Indian Chief who entertained Henry Hudson); My Home in the Pilgrim Colony (Pilgrim boy or girl), etc. Spelling: Words in connection with reading and composition work. Drawing: Have pupils illustrate their stories, by drawings or pictures cut from old histories, etc. Make Spanish, French, English, Dutch and American flags. Make a book to hold all of these stories. Keep it in the schoolroom as a part of the school library so that all pupils may have access to it. (A loose-leaf book is convenient.) Design a cover for the book. Reference Material: All available histories and geographies. Pioneer Stories Florence Bass Builders of Our Country , G. V. D. Soidhworth Colonial Days L. D. Welsh THE PERIOD OF THE REVOLUTION, MARKED BY THE WAR FOR INDEPENDENCE, THE CON- FEDERATION OF THE STATES, AND THE ESTABLISHMENT OF THE CONSTITUTION OF THE UNITED STATES, 1775-1789, 14 YEARS. CHAPTER XXI THE ESTABLISHMENT OF A NEW NATION You will now study an account of the separation of the British colonies from the mother country. Great Britain, and of the leaders in the great movement for freedom which led to the setting up of a new government called the United States of America. The desire to be free was brought to America from Europe. There was a feeling in the colonies that America should be independent. There were great men who took an active part in preparing the way for the change that gave the colonies the right of self-government. A revolution means a change. In America this change from the customs of Europe had been going on from the time the first settlers reached America, but the final struggle which ended in setting up a new government lasted only a few years. This final struggle was called the Revolutionary War for many years, but of late it has been called the War for Independence. Wars do not come suddenly, however, as you will find if you have studied this book carefully. The cause of a war may be found to date back many years before the real fighting. 110 THE ESTABLISHMENT OF A NEW NATION 111 As you have studied the lives and work of great leaders among the explorers and settlers, you were asked to look for traits that made them great. One of these traits is that of '' serving." Service given by such men as Franklin, Samuel Adams, Washington, and other revolutionary leaders brought about freedom from foreign rule. Great men should be known as boys as well as men. Why? Look for other stories in your school books about the boy- hood days of such men as Washington and Franklin. Imagine yourself at play and at work with them. Why do you admire them as men? You should think about these great men after you have finished the stories of their lives. Note how the story of our country thus far has been like a series of links making a chain. Each link has been an event, a discovery, an exploration, a settlement made, an attempt to form a government by and for the people. Note, too, that men worked from the time of Columbus to Washington to make America into a home for free men. CHAPTER XXII BENJAMIN FRANKLIN AND THE UNION OF THE COLONIES It took the best thought and labor of many wise men to build the thirteen English colonies into a great nation. Every man about whom we have studied thus far did an important work in discovery, exploration, or colonization. After the settlements were firmly established, many im- portant questions arose in which all the colonies were inter- ested. Such questions were best settled by men who were interested in the whole group rather than in any particular colony. Benjamin Franklin was one of these men. He was a great American whose life was filled with good deeds done for his home city and for his country. Franklin was born in Boston in 1706. His father, Josiah Franklin, was a soap boiler and candle maker. He planned to make a minister of Benjamin and sent him to school at eight years of age, expecting to fit him for college. As the Franklin family was large, however, it was not long before Benjamin's father took him out of school because of the expense. Benjamin worked for his father, at first making tallow candles, but he did not like that work or other trades in which his father tried to interest him. He liked books, and was happiest when he had something to read. As Benjamin's brother, James, was a printer, his father thought, at last, that he would have Benjamin work for James and become a printer. He was to work without 112 BENJAMIN FRANKLIN AND THE UNION OF THE COLONIES 113 pay until he was twenty-one years of age. This suited young Benjamin better than anything else. It suited him SO well that before he was sixteen he began to write articles to be printed in the paper. He did not dare to hand them to his brother, but would go at night to the office and slip them under the door. His brother printed them because he thought that some clever man must have written them. The boy wanted to do better, however, and, while working for his brother, bor- rowed books and spent all his spare time reading. Anxious as Benja- min was to become a good printer, mat- ters did not go well between the two brothers. When he Benjamin Franklin. was seventeen years As a writer, as an inventor, and as a statesman, Franklin n 1 • 1 J 1 ) served his country as few others have served it. 01 age, his brother s treatment seemed to him so harsh that he decided to leave Boston and make his way in the world in some other city. He raised a little money by selling a few of his books, and in 1723 sailed for New York. He found no work for a printer in New York and decided to go to Philadelphia. To-day we may go from New York to Philadelphia by train in two hours, or even less by aero- 114 FOUNDERS OF FREEDOM IN AMERICA plane. It took Benjamin Franklin several days to make the journey. He went by boat to Amboy, New Jersey. Because of a storm the journey took thirty hours. He had nothing to eat or drink during the trip and was ill when he arrived. The next morning, however, he was up early and started for Burlington, fifty miles away. Two daj^s hewalked through rain over muddy roads, and then took a boat from Burlington to Philadelphia. When he reached Philadelphia he was so tired and hungry that his first thought was of food. He went to a bakery where for three pennies he was given three large loaves. As the loaves were too large for his pockets, he tucked one under each arm, and, eating the other, started up Market Street. Benjamin Franklin as He Arrived in Philadelphia. After such a journey through rain and mud you may be sure his clothes were badly soiled. In muddy buckskin breeches, his pockets bulging with extra shirts and stockings, a loaf of bread under each arm, he made a funny picture. It was no wonder that a young girl who was standing in her doorway laughed as he passed. This girl, Deborah Read, BENJAMIN FRANKLIN AND THE UNION OF THE COLONIES 115 could not imagine that the strange-appearing lad would within a few years become her husband, and some years later be known as the greatest man in Philadelphia, with admirers throughout the world. As he soon found employment in a printing shop, it was not long before his employer found that Franklin had good judgment and a great deal of common sense. In fact, he did his work so well that he attracted the notice of Sir NOM. 1 08^ The AMERICAN WE E KLY MERCURY. Froffl Tburfiay OSiaber 2, to Tburfday (MobeTqt^ i/^a Pbiladelpbla and Its Shipping In 1740. (Heading of a Newspaper of the Time.) The Heading of a Newspaper of Franklin's Day. William Keith, the governor of Pennsylvania. The gov- ernor visited him at the shop and urged him to go to Lon- don to buy a press and type in order to set up a business of his own in Philadelphia. He promised Franklin that he would provide the money to buy whatever he needed to start a printing business; also that he would give him the public printing of Delaware and Pennsylvania. Franklin went to London, but the governor did not keep his promise. He did nothing for the young man, and Frank- 116 FOUNDERS OF FREEDOM IN AMERICA lin was obliged to find work in London to provide himself with food and clothing. He remained in London two years and then returned to Philadelphia. Without looking for the governor's backing, he set up a business of his own. As there was only one newspaper in Philadelphia at that time, and that a poor one, he decided to start another, which he called the Pennsyl- vania Gazette. It was not easy to gather news in those days, for there were no railroads, telephones, or telegraph lines. Franklin succeeded in making a good paper, however. People liked it not only for the news it contained but also for the articles that he often wrote for it. Besides his newspaper Franklin published what he called '' Poor Richard's Almanac. ' ' This almanac was soon to be found in many homes, not only in the United States but also in England. It was popular for the information it contained on many subjects, but especiallj'- for the wise sayings that Franklin put in from year to year. The following are some of these maxims which are as good to-day as they were in Franklin's time: " Lost time is never found again." " There are no gains without pains." " Little strokes fell great oaks." " A word to the wise is enough." " One to-day is worth two to-morrows." It was not easy for Franklin to carry on his business. He was obliged to work hard. It was sometimes necessary A Hand Printing Press of Franklin's Time. BENJAMIN FRANKLIN AND THE UNION OF THE COLONIES 117 for him to go himself with a wheelbarrow to get the paper needed for his newspaper and ahnanac. For a long time his breakfast consisted of bread and milk, eaten out of an earthen bowl with a pewter spoon. At the age of twenty-six he married Miss Deborah Read, the girl who laughed at him on his arrival in Philadelphia. She helped him by saving in the household and by selling stationery in the shop. As time went on Benjamin Franklin became prosperous. In 1736 he was elected to his first public office, clerk of the general assembly of Pennsylvania. The next year he was made deputy postmaster general of the colony. He established the first public library. Through his efforts an academy was opened, which later became the University of Pennsylvania. He invented the Franklin stove, which was a great improvement over the fire-place for heating houses. When he went to Philadelphia there were no street lights. He invented a light which proved to be much better than those used in London at that time. He had the streets cleaned and paved. When he was forty-six Franklin made the great scientific discovery that lightning is the same as electricity. He did this by means of a kite, on the top of which was a pointed wire. He flew this kite during a thunder shower and soon saw the little fibers on the string standing out stiffly. When he placed his knuckles near a key tied to the string, he saw a spark and felt a shock. This discovery added much to Franklin's fame. Some great universities in Europe gave him the title of Doctor; and he was now looked upon as one of the world's great men. In 1754 Franklin was called upon to give his services to his country in another way. As the French from Canada were taking possession of land claimed by the English, a meeting 118 FOUNDEKS OF FREEDOM IN AMERICA was called in Albany which representatives from the dif- ferent colonies were asked to attend. The purpose of the meeting was to find out what was the best thing that could be done to stop the French. Franklin's paper came out with the motto, " Unite or Die." Sent to the meeting in Albany as Pennsylvania's representative, he proposed a plan of union by which all the colonies might be united. The colonists thought so much of their independence, however, that when Frank- lin's plan was voted upon it was rejected. Nevertheless, it was not many years before they found that they needed to stand together if they were to have those rights which they had come to America to win. When trouble arose in Pennsylvania over the manner in which the heirs of William Penn were managing the colony, Franklin was sent to England to settle the matter. His discoveries had made the British people so well acquainted with him that he was warmly welcomed in England. The king gladly listened to him, and, at Franklin's suggestion, took the government of the colony into his own hands. Later, when the colonies felt that England was taxing them unjustly, they sent Franklin to England to present their claims. He showed great wisdom in his dealing with the king and his representatives, but he could not convince them that it was wrong to pass an act taxing the colonists when the colonies were not represented in the English law- making body. He stayed in England until the beginning of the Revo- lutionary War, or the War for Independence, as it is now called by many. When he reached home he was made a member of the Continental Congress which first met in Philadelphia in 1774. When it was proposed, in 1776, to draw up a Declaration BENJAMIN FRANKLIN AND THE UNION OF THE COLONIES 119 of Independence, Franklin was one of the five men selected for this important task. Though Thomas Jefferson actually wrote the Declaration, he doubtless discussed every item in it with the other members of the committee. After the colonies had declared themselves independent, and were at war with England, it became necessary to get money and arms if they were to win their cause. Again Franklin was chosen as their spokesman, this time to go to France, which coun- try they hoped would help them in their struggle for liberty. He met with a hearty welcome from the French people and was shown great re- spect and honor by their statesmen. So successful was he in his mission that the French agreed in 1778 to aid the colonists. The news of Franklin's suc- cess was most welcome to Washington who had fought under great difficulties so long. In 1781, when the war closed, men from England and from the colonies met in Paris in 1783 to sign the treaty of peace which was to make Framing the Declaration of Independence. Franklin is shown advising other Revolutionary leaders. 120 FOUNDERS OF FREEDOM IN AMERICA the colonies a free nation. Franklin, of course, was one of those representing the colonies. The next step was to prepare a Constitution, under which all the colonies should be united into one nation, and which should make certain the rights and liberties of everyone. Franklin was one of the men who drew up this Constitu- tion under which we live to-day. Franklin died in Philadelphia in 1790 at the age of eighty- four years. He was mourned by the whole nation, for no American of his time did more for his country. TfflNGS TO THINK ABOUT I. What is an apprentice? Would you like to serve as Franklin did? Why? II. Why was it not easy to print a paper in Franklin's time? III. What made Poor Richard's Almanac famous? IV. How did Frankhn aid his city? V. How did he help to win the War for Independence? VI. "Why did his signing the Declaration of Independence and his giving help in making the Constitution of the United States add to his greatness? VII. Why is Franklin called one of the first great Americans? CHAPTER XXIII PATRICK HENRY AND SAMUEL ADAMS AND THE DESIRE FOR LIBERTY For many years before the French and Indian War there had been disagreement between the mother country and her colonies in America. Many " Navigation Acts " were passed by the British government, the first in 1651. By these Acts the colonists were forbidden to trade with any country but England. For one hundred years the law was not enforced, however, and the colonies sent many goods to Spain, France, and the West Indies. When George II became king in 1760 he determined to rule the colonies as he wished. He soon made up his mind to enforce the " Navigation Acts " and, more than that, to see to it that the colonists obeyed them. The colonists believed these laws to be very unjust. They also realized that they would be ruined if their trade were meddled with in this way. They therefore paid little attention to the " Acts," and continued to trade with other countries, such as France and the West Indies. Now, however, this trade had to be carried on secretly, for, accord- ing to the " Acts," their ships were carrying smuggled goods. As much of this smuggled goods was hidden in their houses, the colonists soon found their homes subject to search by the king's officers, who, when given papers called " Writs of Assistance," entered any home and searched it. This 121 122 FOUNDERS OF FREEDOM IN AMERICA SO aroused the Americans that they sent numerous appeals to the king. He, however, would listen to none of them. As England faced a great debt at the close of the French and Indian War, the king asked the colonies to help pay it, although they had already given assistance in many other ways. Because the war had really meant more to England than to the American colonies, this did not seem fair. The colonists were willing to help pay the debt, but they refused to pay in the manner in which the king planned to collect it. He had a law passed called the Stamp Act by which he could oblige the colonists to put stamps, costing from a half penny to several pounds, on newspapers and legal docu- ments, such as deeds, notes, and wills. This act was passed in 1765, and the colonists were informed that by November of that year the Stamp Act w^ould be put into elTect. The colonists were very much opposed to the Stamp Act. They had two good reasons for not liking it. First of all, a part of the money was to be used to support a British army in the colonies, and, secondly, they did not feel that it was fair to be taxed by England unless some representa- tives from the colonies could have seats in the British law- making body to share in making laws for the American people. As James Otis declared in a stirring speech, " There must be no taxation without representation." From Massachusetts to Georgia the people were opposed to the Stamp Act. They had come to America to escape persecution, and they felt they had the right to have a voice in making the laws. To have a tax like this forced upon them was contrary to the ideals of a British subject or of an American colonist. All colonists were British subjects, and for that reason they might be called British, but, though they loved their mother country and were loyal to her, they PATRICK HENRY AND SAMUEL ADAMS 123 had a common cause and common sympathies which united them as Americans. In Virginia at that time Uved an able young lawyer named Patrick Henry who has been given a place among our great Americans for the stand that he took against the Stamp Act. He was a brilliant orator as well as a lawyer. When he arose in the courts to make a speech everybody gave attention. It is told that his father shed " tears of ecstasy " when he first heard Patrick speak in court. When his first trial came to an end his friends carried him in triumph around the courtyard on their shoulders. When the Virginia House of Burgesses, of which Henry was a member, met to discuss the Stamp Act, there was great excitement. Some supporters of the king did not wish to disobey his laws, but there were many who did not hesitate to speak against so unjust a law. In the midst of the debate: Patrick Henry sprang to his feet. He held a piece of paper, torn from a law book, on which he had written some reso- lutions. His resolutions condemned the Stamp Act as an attack upon American liberties. He defended his state- ments with a speech such as had never before been heard in America. In a ringing voice he set forth the rights of Virginians as given them by their charter, and showed that no tax could lawfully be collected unless the Virginia House of Burgesses levied it. At the close of his address everyone wanted the floor. The excitement was tremendous. Such action as Henry proposed meant trouble, and perhaps war with England. Suddenly Henry rose again. In a voice so loud and clear that no one could fail to hear and understand, he exclaimed, " Caesar had his Brutus, Charles the First his Cromwell, and George the Third " — " Treason! Treason! " cried the friends of the king. After all was quiet the orator 124 FOUNDERS OF FREEDOM IN AMERICA earnestly continued, " may profit by their example. If this be treason," he added, " make the most of it." After more arguments for and against the resolutions, the men who at first opposed them were convinced that the Patrick Henry Speaking Before Virginia House of Burgesses. America needed a leader to voice the thoughts on liberty — Patrick Henry was such a leader. king's action should be condemned and the tax opposed. When a vote w^as taken, Patrick Henry's resolutions were passed, — the boldest declaration of colonial rights that had yet been made. PATRICK HENRY AND SAMEUL ADAMS 125 In the English king's judgment Henry was guilty of treason, the worst of crimes. But Patrick Henry had no thought of treason. His request was only for justice from George IH. In this he had many supporters in England. Many Englishmen thought George III was unfair to the colonists. William Pitt, the British Prime Minister, in a great speech, said, " I rejoice that America has resisted." The Americans did resist. They would not buy the stamps. They burned them, tarred and feathered some of the stamp agents, and in every way possible showed the British king that they would not be taxed in the manner that he had planned. Patrick Henry was a leader in Virginia from the day of his speech in which he introduced his resolutions to the House of Burgesses. He finally became convinced that the colonies should free themselves from British rule and become inde- pendent. Soon afterward we find him openly favoring war. In a great speech in the House of Burgesses, he said, " What is it that the gentlemen wish? What would they have? Is life so dear, or peace so sweet, as to be purchased at the price of chains or slavery? Forbid it. Almighty God! I know not what course others may take, but as for me, give me liberty or give me death." In all the colonies there was opposition to the Stamp Act. The merchants refused to import goods until it was repealed. Everywhere speeches were made, giving the same reasons as those given by Patrick Henry against the hated law. Finally, the king, who was very stubborn, decided to repeal the law, but at the same time he declared that the British Parliament had the right to tax the colonies. In 1767 this right was enforced by laying a tax on the glass, lead, paper, and tea which might be used in the colonies. One of the first to oppose the Stamp Act in Massachu- 126 FOUNDERS OF FREEDOM IN AMERICA setts was Samuel Adams who was born in Boston in 1722. His father was a well-to-do citizen who gave his son a good education in Harvard College. After graduating Adams went into business but later gave up his business to devote his whole time to public life. WTien the trouble arose over the Stamp Act he was forty-three years old. He was a leader among his towns- men who gladly followed his advice. When the new tax law was passed Adams advised against buying anything from England while such a law was in force. The colo- nists followed his sugges- tion, and English trade was hurt so much that the king was obliged to recall the law. But just to show the colonists that he did have a right to tax them the tax on tea was retained. The colonists were so act- Samuel Adams. ive in their opposition to Foremost among the leaders in M.nssachusetts ^J^^gg hSited taXeS that thc for Freedom of tiic colonies. British governor in Boston asked for troops to help keep order and enforce the law. Ac- cordingly, in 1768, two regiments of the king's troops were landed in Boston. The presence of these troops, " red- coats," or " lobsterbacks," as they were called, displeased the colonists so much that from time to time quarrels arose between the citizens and the troops. One day two years later some of the British soldiers became so angered at a PATRICK HENRY AND SAMUEL ADAMS 127 crowd of citizens gathered on the Boston Common that they fired at them, kilHng several men. Enraged at this Boston Massacre, as it was called, the citizens held a great public meeting in Faneuil Hall, at which Samuel Adams urged that the king's regiments be withdrawn from the city. As it was plain to the British governor that, if the soldiers were not withdrawn, more bloodshed would follow, the troops were sent from the city to an island in the harbor. In 1773 word came to the citizens of Boston that ships loaded with tea were bound for America. You may be sure that the colonists were aroused when they heard that the taxed tea was to be landed in the colonies. They were fond of tea, but they were determined not to have tea upon which they were obliged to pay a tax. When the ships laden with tea arrived in New York the people refused to let them land. Tea was brought ashore in Charlestown, but, as the people would not allow it to be sold, it was stored in damp cellars, where it spoiled. In Boston the governor was not friendly to the colon- ists. He was called a Tory, as were all colonists who were more in favor of England than the colonies. As this Tory governor would not allow the ships to return to England as the colonists desired they should, another great meeting 1 ^. Faneuil Hall, Boston. This building is often called the "Cradle of Liberty" be- cause of the many meetings held there to protest the claims of Great Britain to tax the colonies. 128 FOUNDERS OF FREEDOM IN AMERICA was called at the Old South Church. When a last request to have the ships returned to their home ports was refused, Samuel Adams, who was in charge of the meeting, said, " Then this meeting can do no more to save the country." It had been agreed that this remark should be a signal for action. A war whoop was heard on the street, and about fifty men dressed as Indians started down Milk Street towards the dock where the tea ships were at anchor. These " Indians " quickly boarded the ships and, while great crowds gathered on the docks to watch them, carried three hundred and forty-two chests of tea to the rail of the ships, chopped them open with their tomahawks and threw them into the sea. It was not long before the whole country had heard of the "Boston Tea Party." Every true Amer- ican rejoiced in the bravery of Samuel Adams and his followers, who had thus shown the English king that the Americans would not pay his tax. But the king determined to punish the people of Massa- chusetts for resisting his laws. He closed the port of Boston to all ships except British war vessels. This cut off much of New England's trade and caused much suf- fering. Next he made General Gage governor of Massachu- setts and denied the right of the colonists to have any voice in making the laws. The people of Massachusetts soon formed a government of their own, making John Hancock president. In 1774 a meeting of delegates from all the colonies met in Philadelphia. This was the First Continental Congress. Samuel Adams, who was there, took a leading part in the debates over the necessity for union among the colonies as a better protection against England. He was one of the few men who even at that time argued that the colonies should become independent of England. For his many PATRICK HENRY AND SAMUEL ADAMS 129 speeches and writings about the rights of the colonists he was called the " Father of the Revolution." In order that the colonists might be ready at a moment's notice to defend themselves against the English army, a small army of " minute men " was organized. This army was made up of farmers, shopmen, and others who promised to march to any point of danger whenever they were called. General Gage heard that the Americans had collected some army supplies at Concord, about twenty miles from Boston. He planned to seize these suppUes. On the night of April 18, 1775, he sent out some soldiers to take whatever they could find in Concord. General Gage hoped to surprise the Americans, but he was disap- pointed. The Americans learned his plans, and, when the soldiers started for Concord, two men, Paul Revere and William Dawes, mounted swift horses and galloped off on different roads to warn the people that the British were com- ing. With the cry, " To arms! to arms! The British regulars are coming!", they rode through the night. Revere reached Lexington on the way to Concord in time to warn Samuel Adams and John Hancock whom the British hoped to capture. These two patriots made their escape by running across the fields as the British regulars marched into the town. A Minute Man. 130 FOUNDERS OF FREEDOM IN AMERICA On the village green the British came face to face with a small body of minute men who had heard of Revere's warn- ing and had quickly gathered to give battle if it were necessar}^ Captain Parker was in command. His orders to his men were, ''Stand your ground. Don't fire un- less fired upon. But if they mean to have a war, let it begin here." "WTien the British ap- peared, Major Pitcairn, their conmiander, rode forward and shouted, " Disperse, ye rebels! " No one moved . Pitcairn gave the order to fire, and eight Americans fell. The Revolution had begun. The British then marched to Concord and destroyed the army stores. There was hard fighting there, and when they set out for Boston minute men fired upon them from every tree and hiding place along the roadway. Many of the regulars were killed, and those who reached Lexington, where they were met by other British soldiers, were nearly worn out by their efforts to defend themselves against the Americans. The first real bottle of the Revolution was fought on The Old North Church, Boston. From the tower of this church lanterns were hung, April 18, 1775, as a warning to Paul Revere to rouse the minute men to attack the British. PATRICK HENRY AND SAMUEL ADAMS 131 Bunker Hill in Charlestown, just out of Boston. On the morning of June 17, 1775, when General Gage awoke, he was astonished to find that the Americans had fortified Bunker Hill, From their fortifications they could fire into his camp. Quickly making up his mind that he must fight, Battle of Lexington. Here was fired the shot "Heard Round the World. "(Note — See poem, Concord Hymn, by Ralph Waldo Emerson.) he sent three thousand soldiers against the fifteen hundred Americans awaiting them on the hilltop. The Americans fought so bravely that they drove the British down the hill twice with great loss of life. But as their ammunition was exhausted with the second attack, the British drove them from the hill when they advanced the third time. Among those who fell on the American side was the brave 132 FOUNDERS OF FREEDOM IN AMERICA Doctor Joseph Warren who had been very active in defend- ing the rights of the colonists. Bunker Hill was a victory for the British, but it helped to unite the colonists in their fight for liberty. Samuel Adams served his country in many ways. In 1776 he was a member of the Congress that passed upon the greatest document in the history of our country, " The Declaration of Independence." His friend, John Hancock, Rattle of Bunker Hill. Tlie first important conflict in the strniit;''' for ^'roprlom from Englisli rule. was there and was the first to sign. He put his name down in large letters so that, as he said, " The English king may read it without spectacles." One of the signers remarked, " We must all hang together now." '' Yes," said the witty Franklin, " or we shall all hang separately." After independence had been won by the colonies, a Con- stitution, under which they might live as one nation, w^as offered them for discussion. Patrick Henry and Samuel Adams both opposed this Constitution because they PATRICK HENRY AND SAMUEL ADAMS 133 thought it took too much power from the individual states. But as Washington, Frankhn, and Hamilton, with many other leaders, were in favor of the new Constitution, it was finally adopted. THINGS TO THINK ABOUT I. Why did George III wish to control America's trade? II. Wh}^ should the colonists have helped to pay the debt caused by the French and Indian War? III. Why did the Americans wish to make their own laws? IV. Many people in England thought the colonists should not be taxed as George III planned. Why did they think so? V. Why was the tea thrown from the British ships into Boston Harbor? VI. What was the Continental Congress for? VII. What is meant by, " Give me liberty or give me death " ? CHAPTER XXIV GEORGE WASHINGTON AND THE WAR FOR INDEPENDENCE In the history of any country there has often been one man who stood out above all others as the greatest. The United States has had many great men, but George Wash- ington, whose life story you have perhaps read in other books, holds first place in the hearts of his countrymen. He is called ^' The Father of his Countr^^" It will interest you, I am sure, to read more about Washington's life and work, for he was one of the foremost of the world's great leaders and champions of liberty. He was born in Westmoreland Countj^, Virginia, in 1732. His early childhood was passed near Fredericksburg on a large estate. Here he attended a small school taught by the sexton of the church. The master was not a first class teacher, the building was poor, and books were few. George learned a little reading, a little writing, and a little arith- metic, which he called ciphering. Young Washington and the other school boys had the fields as a playground. He was looked upon as a leader among the boys because he could beat all others in running, jump- ing, or throwing. The boys called him " Captain George " and loved to follow him when he drew his wooden sword and shouted for his brave band to " come on." When George was eleven years old his father died, leaving to him an estate on the Rappahannock River and to his brother Lawrence the large estate on the Potomac. 134 GEORGE WASHINGTON — WAR FOR INDEPENDENCE 135 Lawrence Washington had been educated in Europe, and had later fought in the Spanish wars in the West Indies. He named his estate Mount Vernon, after Admiral Vernon, under whom he had fought. A third son, Augustine, received an estate on Bridges Creek in Westmoreland County. As there was a good school near Bridges Creek, George was sent to live with his brother so that he could attend that school. Bztract from Washington's //f-^/f' Copy Book. J An Extract from Washington's Copy Book. His copy books made in that school still exist. They were done very neatly. They show that he had already formed the habit of being careful and doing all tasks well. He entered into all the sports boys enjoy and excelled in whatever he attempted. During these years his mother looked after him carefully. She was kind, firm, and possessed much practical sense. To her training we must give credit for the many good traits that Washington possessed. Lawrence Washington married the daughter of his neigh- 136 FOUNDERS OF FREEDOM IN AMERICA bor, Lord Fairfax. When George visited his brother at Mount Vernon he became acquainted with Lord Fairfax and soon became a great favorite of the Enghsh Lord. They spent many hours together ridhig or hunting over Fairfax's vast plantation. By the tune Washington was sixteen years of age he had become a first class surveyor. His love of outdoor life probably encouraged him to give his attention to this work. When his friend, Lord Fairfax, wanted his estate surveyed, young Washington, though hardly seventeen years of age, undertook the work. He set out with one companion to survey the property which was made up largely of an of an almost untouched wilderness. It was a difficult task that he undertook. He was obliged to spend days and nights in the woods. His food was the game that he could kill and his bed a pile of grass or brush on the ground by a fire made of sticks gathered from the woods. During the time that he was surveying he kept a diary of his experiences. The life was hard, but it helped to fit him for more important labors which he was soon to undertake. His report of his surveys so pleased Lord Fairfax that he had him appointed public surveyor of Culpeper County. \ATien George Washington was twenty his brother Lawrence died, leaving Mount Vernon to his young daughter. As she, too, died in a short time, George became the owner of Mount Vernon. With this added to his other land, he was kept busy looking after the servants and directing the farm work. He was soon called, however, to do an impor- tant work for his country. You have learned of tlu^ French and Indian War over the claims to the land in the Ohio and Mississippi Valley. Washington took an important part in that struggle. GEORGE WASHINGTON — WAR FOR INDEPENDENCE 137 When the Enghsh learned that the French w ere building forts to defend their rights in the land west of the Alleghany Mountains, they were very much aroused. Governor Dinwiddle of Virginia sent letters to England explaining the danger to the English colonies. From England he received instructions to di'ive the French out of that country by force of arms if they would not go peacefull}^ A letter was prepared to be sent to the French commander at Fort Le Boeuf, a short distance south of Lake Erie. It was easier to write letters, however, than to get a messenger to take them over the dangerous way which led through the forests of Virginia to Fort Le Boeuf. Governor Din- widdle was familiar with Washington's ability, knew that he was to be trusted, and that he possessed the courage to overcome the difficulties of a hard journey through a strange country. In the middle of November the young man set out with the governor's letter. He traveled five hundred miles through the snow, through dense woods, over swollen streams. On December 11 he reached the fort and delivered the message. The French were unwilling to give up the lands to the English and stated this in a letter which was given to Washington to carry back to Virginia. The journey back was filled wdth adventures. Washington nearly lost his life when he fell off a raft on which he and his companions were crossing an ice-filled river. A faithless Indian at- tempted to shoot him. The weather was terribly cold. It was very difficult to get food and water. However, he succeeded in escaping the many -dangers of the journey, finally arrived at Williamsburg, the capital of Virginia, and delivered the French letter to Governor Dinwiddle. He kept a careful account of all the incidents of his journey. He set down in his journal the condition of the 138 FOUNDERS OF FREEDOM IN AMERICA countiy through which he travelled. Governor Dinwiddle considered this journal so valuable that he had a copy made of it for each of the colonial governors. George Washington. "First in War, First in Peace, and First in the Hearts of his Countrymen." The letter from the French was not satisfactory, but Washington's success in making the journey and the valu- able information that he obtained made him the hero of GEORGE WASHINGTON WAR FOR INDEPENDENCE 139 the hour. He was already a major on the governor's staff; he was made a colonel when he returned from his trip. It was clear to the English that the French must be driven out by force of arms if they were to leave the Ohio country. Colonel Washington, who was even now only twenty-three, was soon on his way to get possession of the land near the Ohio River. He commanded one hundred and fifty men. Others had been sent ahead to build a fort where the Alle- gheny and Monongahela Rivers unite to form the Ohio. A short time after he started, Washington received news that the French had driven these men away, had seized the land, and were building Fort Duquesne on the site selected by the English. This was discouraging news for Washington but he con- tinued his journey. When he had traveled about half way to Fort Duquesne an Indian came to him with the news that the French were coming to attack him. He hastily threw up some rough earthworks and waited for the French. This rough fort was called Fort Necessity. The French did attack him, their forces so greatly outnumbering his that he was obliged to surrender and return to Virginia. For a time Washington enjoyed the life of a planter at Mount Vernon. It was but two years, though, before he was again on his way to drive out the French. This time he was with General Braddock who had been sent from England with the British troops to proceed against Fort Duquesne. General Braddock was thought to be a fine commander. He had been very successful in wars in other countries but he had never fought American Indians. Washington attempted to warn him of the danger of marching against the French and Indians as he would against an army in Europe. Braddock laughed at him. His army marched 140 FOUNDERS OF FREEDOM IN AMERICA on with colors flying, drums beating, bayonets flashing, the red coats of the soldiers showing brightly in the sun. Before Braddock or his soldiers knew they were near, the Indians burst upon them from the woods. They fought from the bushes, behind trees, from everywhere there was a place to hide. The British soldiers fell on all sides. They could see no enemy and did not know what to do, for they had never fought such men. Soon they became panic-stricken and bewildered. Many were killed by their own comrades. During the battle Washington and the Virginians fought in true Indian fashion. He was everywhere, encouraging his men to seek shelter and do what they could to protect the British soldiers who were helpless against the foe. When General Braddock, their commander, was shot down, the British Regulars broke and ran. Such a defeat was discouraging to Washington and the Virginians. He was soon busy, however, making new plans to capture Fort Duquesne. Another battle was not necessary. The French became frightened and destroyed Fort Duquesne on the very day that Washington was about to attack them. The fort was rebuilt by the English and named Fort Pitt. Washington resigned from the army and returned to Mount Vernon. In the same year he married Martha Custis, a young widow, who owned great estates in Virginia and belonged to one of the best known Virginian families. With his vast plantations Washington became one of the greatest land-holders in the colonies. He loved life in the country. He took an active interest in his estates and each day could be seen riding from place to place, directing and sometimes helping with the farm work. He enjoyed hunting, and, by the side of his friend, Lord Fairfax, took great pleasure in following the hounds GEORGE WASHINGTON — WAR FOR INDEPENDENCE 141 in fox hunts. He and Mrs. Washington entertained their friends at Mount Vernon. Sometimes, as was the custom of the time, whole famihes would come for a week's stay. The Washington home always offered a hearty welcome to all. While living the life of a Virginia gentleman, Washington took great interest in the affairs of the country. As you have learned, the history of our country during the period following the French and Indian War was filled with impor- tant events. Many questions arose over the treatment of the colonies by Great Britain. Following the closing of the port of Boston by the British king because of his anger over the " Boston Tea Party," a meeting of delegates from the different colonies was called at Philadelphia. It was called the First Continental Con- gress. It met on September 5, 1774. Washington was was one of the representatives from Virginia. He also was one of the delegates from Virginia to the Continental Con- gress which met in May, 1775. This body elected him Commander-in-chief of the American army to carry on the war against Great Britain. He accepted the office 'out would take no salary. He asked to be paid only his actual expenses. On June 21 Washington was on his way to Boston to take command of the army. The battle of Lexington had already been fought. The people were aroused and were anxious to have one whom they could trust in command of the army. Before he reached Boston the battle of Bunker Hill took place. When he heard the news he asked, " Did the American troops stand the fire of the British Regulars? " '' Yes," was the reply. " Then," cried Wash- ington, " the liberties of the country are safe! " He reached Cambridge on July 21. On the next day he took command of the troops. The tree under which he 142 FOUNDERS OF FREEDOM IN AMERICA stood on this occasion still stands, and is known as the Washington Elm. The army that Washington found around Boston was made up of about sixteen thousand untrained men. Some had fought Indians but not armies. They were poorly provided with guns and ammunition. He set about to drill them and enforce the obedience necessary to make soldiers. He also sent messengers over the country to obtain guns, powder, and shot wherever they could borrow or buy. One daj^ he was greatly pleased to greet General Knox who came to him with forty cannon which he had dragged o\'er the snow with ox teams and sleds from Fort Ticonderoga which had been recently captured by the Americans. As Washmgton now felt prepared to drive the British from Boston, one night in March, 1776, troops and supplies were moved to Dorchester Heights overlooking Boston. When the British awoke the next morning they rubbed their eyes in surprise. They saw fortifications on Dor- chester Heights. Back of the fortifications were Americans ready to destroy the British army. The Americans had done more in a night than it seemed they could have done in a week. General Howe, the British commander, had wished for " the rebels to attack him," but when he saw how strong their position was he gave up all hope of successfully attacking them and sailed away to Halifax with his army. In his haste to get away he left behind great stores of guns and ammunition. General Washington knew the British would soon attempt to gain possession of New York in order to control the Hud- son River and separate New England from the other colonies. He left Boston with a part of his army and marched to New York. He was joined there by raw recruits until his army numbered nearly eighteen thousand men. GEORGE WASHINGTON — WAR FOR INDEPENDENCE 143 While at New York Washington and his men heard of the adoption of the Declaration of Independence at Phila- delphia on July 4, 1776. They had hardly heard this news, however, before a British army much larger than Wash- ington's, under the command of General Howe, was landed on vStaten Island. In August the British army advanced against the Ameri- cans on Long Island, and it was not long before Washington was obliged to retreat. He crossed the Hudson River and hastened across New Jersey. At times it looked as if the little army would surely be captured, but Washington managed to reach the Delaware River where he seized all the boats for miles along its bank and crossed over into Pennsylvania. As Cornwallis could get no boats the Americans were safe for a while. Lord Cornwallis left about fifteen hundred soldiers at Trenton. His intention was to cross the Delaware as soon as it was frozen and attack Washington's army. He placed other divisions of his army at various places in New Jersey. The troops at Trenton were a part of the Hessian army that King George III had been obliged to hire in Germany because there were so few Englishmen, Scotchmen, Irishmen, or Welshmen desired to fight America. On Christmas eve, while they were celebrating, Washington and a part of his army crossed the Delaware in small boats. The night was stormy, the wind blew, and it was dark and cold. Great cakes of ice floated in the river. At four o'clock in the morning the Hessians were awakened from their pleasant sleep following the celebration to be taken prisoners by the little army that they had thought was on the other side of the river. This victory caused great rejoicing in the colonies. 144 FOUNDERS OF FREEDOM IN AMERICA Many had thought the Ainericaii cause k)st when Wash- ington was th-i\'en across New Jersey. Lord CornwaUis was so sure of it that he had aheady made preparations to go back to England. After the visit of Washington to Trenton he decided to make a longer stay. The victory at Trenton encouraged Washington, but it did not end his troubles. He needed money to pay his soldiers and provide supplies for the army. Many of the soldiers would be obliged to leave the army and go back to their farms unless they could have money to send to their families. Washington, in his need, turned to his friend, Robert Morris of Philadelphia. Robert Morris had already helped the American cause by loaning large sums of money. He could not secure all that Washington wanted at this time but he went from house to house to get from each man all he could loan. In this manner he succeeded in raising $50,000 which he sent to Washington. On January 3, 1777, Washington attacked a part of Corn- waUis' army at Princeton and w^on another victory. He then went to Morristown and spent the winter raising new troops and improving his army in whatever w^ay he could. During the summer of 1777 the British took Philadelphia. Washington's army was defeated at Brand3avine, twenty- five miles from Philadelphia. The battle at Germantown was another loss for the Americans. The winter of 1778 found Washington and his army at Valley Forge. This winter was very severe. The men were poorly clad. Many did not have shoes and often the snow w^as red from bleeding feet. Many cold nights were spent by the men huddled around a camp fire. ' There were no blankets to sleep on. With the coming of the spring, the Americans received GEOEGE WASHINGTON WAR FOR INDEPENDENCE 145 news from New York State and then from France that made them all happy. Dr. Franklin had succeeded, after a great victory had been won over the British at Saratoga, in getting France to aid the Americans. Several officers from Europe offered their services to Washington about the same time. Among them was Baron von Steuben, a Prussian, and the Marquis de Lafayette. These men helped to drill Washington's army, and in many ways gave him much encouragement. Lafayette gave from his private fortune to buy clothing and supplies for the soldiers. There were some men in the American army who hindered Washington in his efforts to drive the British army from America. One of these was Benedict Arnold. He had been a trusted officer and had won some great victories over the British. Because of a wrong that he felt Con- gress had done hun in not promoting him as he desired, he turned traitor. He asked to be made commander at West Point which was a strong fort on the Hudson River. As soon as he was given this position, he planned to surrender it to the British. His messenger, Major Andre of the British army, was captured by some Americans. The maps of the fort and plans as to how it was to be surrendered to the British were found upon Andre. The young British officer was hanged as a spy. Arnold escaped and later served as a general in the British army. No one ever trusted him nor had any respect for him. When he was on his death bed he had his old American uniform brought to him. He asked to have it put on him, and then died with a prayer that lie might be forgiven for deserting his country. His plot ended in what happens to all traitors — disgrace, dishonor, and sorrow. During the two years following the winter at Valley 146 FOUNDERS OF FREEDOM IN AMERICA Forge, most of the fighting was done in the South. The leading American general there was General Nathanael Greene, whose army Lord Cornwailis spent many months trying to captm*e. General Greene's army was defeated at Guilford Court House, but the British loss was so great in the battle that it was not long before Cornwailis was driven out of South and North Carolina into Virginia. Greene received a great deal of help from such men as Francis Marion and Daniel Morgan, whose victory over part of Cornwailis' army at Cowpens helped greatly to cause Cornwailis to leave South Carolina. Francis Marion commanded a small group of loyal Ameri- cans who furnished their own food, horses, and guns. These men did great damage to the British army by suddenly appearing from the woods or swamps and as quickly dis- appearing, after the}^ had done as much harm to the British as possible. So difficult was it to tell where Marion and his men found hiding places that he was called the " swamp fox." Lafayette also gave General Greene valuable assistance by keeping Cornwailis busy in an attempt to capture him. Cornwailis thought Lafayette, who was not much over twenty at this time, was a boy, but the boy was always too sharp for the British general. After he found that he could do nothing against the young Frenchman, Cornwailis took his army to Yorktown, Virginia, and began to put up fortifications. Washington at that time was watching the British army in New York. As soon as he heard that Cornwailis had shut himself up at Yorktown, he made plans to captiu'e him and his men. Arrangements were made to have tlu^ French fleet keep the British from getting help to the army at Yorktown from the sea. Then, leaving a part of his troops near New GEORGE WASHINGTON — WAR FOR INDEPENDENCE 147 York in order that the British commander there might not know his plans, Washington hurried his army to Virginia and united with Lafayette in an attack upon Cornwalhs. The British held out for a week under the severe fire of Surrender of General Cornwallis at Yorktown, 1781. The closing scene of the struggle for Independence. the American guns. One house in the town had over a hundred cannon balls in it. On October 19, 1781, Corn- wallis saw that it was useless to continue the battle and surrendered to Washington. His army marched from the city to the tune of " Yankee Doodle." The Americans and 148 FOUNDERS OF FREEDOM IN AMERICA the French were drawn up in long Hnes facing each other. Between these hnes marched the defeated British army. You may be sure that it was a great day for Washington and for our beloved country. The news of Cornwallis' defeat was carried from colony to colony by swift horsemen who were everywhere welcomed by the happy Americans. They knew that Washington's victory would end the war and set the colonists free from British rule. A year later a treaty of peace was made. By this treaty, which was signed in Paris in January, 1783, by Benjamin Franklin and three other leading Americans, the colonies gained the right to govern themselves. The United States became independent and took its place among the nations of the world. Washington resigned his position as commander-in-chief of the American army, and, after bidding his officers fare- well, went to his home in Virginia. He had given much for his country's sake, but he later was called upon to give still more. After the War for Independence was over it was found necessary to call a meeting of the leading men from the different colonies to form a plan of goverimient for the new nation. This meeting or convention was called at Phila- delphia in 1787. Washington was president of the con- vention. After several months of discussion, a great document was drawn up and signed by thirty-nine delegates. Washington was the first signer, and among others was Benjamin Franklin who was now an old man eightj'-two years of age. This famous document was the Constitution of the United States of America. From 1789 until the present time it has been the supreme law of our country. This Constitution provided that a president of the United States should be chosen. When it came time to select one GEORGE WASHINGTON — WAR FOR INDEPENDENCE 149 all thought Washington the man who could best perform the duties of that office. He was elected, and on April 30, 1789, in the city of New York, the capital of the United States, Washington took the oath of office as president. After he had served his country for eight years as presi- dent, he bade the American people farewell in a great paper called Washington's Farewell Address. He retired to his home at Mount Vernon and spent the next two years look- ing after the great plantation which he loved so well. In December, 1799, while riding in a severe storm, he caught cold and died after a brief illness of two days. The '' father of his country " was mourned throughout the land. Even the British ships lowered their flags to half mast. The French people went into mourning for ten days. The fame of Washington will last as long as there are Americans. He always stood for liberty and justice. His wisdom is shown by his great success whenever he was called by his countrymen to protect the country's welfare. He not only won independence but helped to give the new country a government which made independence secure. THINGS TO THINK ABOUT I. What do 3''ou find in Washington's boyhood that would help him as a man? II. Why was Washington selected to carry the Virguiia governor's letter to the French commander? III. What training helped to prepare Washington for a soldier's life? IV. Washington could fight the Indians better than General Braddock. Why? V. The Americans had confidence in Washington. WTiat does this mean? VI. Why did General Howe call the Americans rebels? VII. Why was the victory at Trenton important? 150 FOUNDERS OF FREEDOM IN AMERICA VIII. Washington was defeated many times but he did not give up. What does this fact show about him? iX. Wliat is a traitor? 'Wliat should be done with traitors? X. Some people say that we repaid France during the last war. What do they mean? XI. Why do we call Washington, " The Father of his Country " ? CHAPTER XXV JOHN PAUL JONES AND THE BEGINNING OF THE AMERICAN NAVY The colonies had no navy at the beginning of the War for Independence. As Great Britain possessed one her vessels could go and come wherever and whenever she might desire. The colonists, however, were skillful and daring sailors, for they owned many merchant ships. There was not so much difference then as now between merchant vessels and war vessels. When war came many merchants armed their ships and sent them to sea to fight. They were called privateers. As these privateers were used as their owners wished, Congress acquired some vessels of its own. In charge of one of these naval vessels was a young lieu- tenant named John Paul Jones. John Paul Jones was the son of a Scotch gardener named William Paul. William Paul had another son, also named William, who was adopted by a wealthy Virginian named William Jones. Mr. Jones gave the boy the name Jones. While sailing on the brig, Friendship, John visited his brother William in Virginia. Mr. Jones liked John so well that he offered to adopt him, too, but the lad preferred the sea and did not accept Mr. Jones' kind offer. John Paul continued on the sea and made several trips across the Atlantic. He was promoted from time to time until he became a captain and part owner of a vessel. John's brother, William Paul Jones, died in 1773. Wil- liam Jones died soon after, leaving his estate to John Paul 151 152 FOUNDERS OF FREEDOM IN AMERICA on condition that he would take the name of Jones. He thus became known as John Paul Jones. The training of John Paul Jones on the seas fitted him to take an active part in the work of the first American navy. He was with the little squadron of four vessels that sailed in 1776 for Fort Nasasu on one of the Bahama Islands. From the masthead of his vessel floated a flag made of yellow silk on which was coiled a rattle snake with the motto, "Don't tread on me!" printed below. The fort was taken, along with many supplies and several cannon. Afterwards, as commander of the Providence, Jones captured sixteen British vessels in six weeks. In 1777 Jones was called before Congress in Philadelphia and his advice asked as to the best course to follow on the sea. He surprised his hearers by stating that the, best thing to do was to fit out ships and attack British vessels in British waters. This seemed too daring a thing to do, but finall}^ the plan Statue of John Paul Jones in ^yas approved, the Ranqer was fitted Washington, D. C. , i i • xi out, and he was given the com- mand. On this vessel he unfurled the new flag, the *' Stars and Stripes," which had been adopted by Congress June 14, 1777. About the time that the Ramjer was ready to sail other JOHN PAUL JONES — BEGINNING OF THE AMERICAN NAVY 153 great events occurred in the colonies. i\s yon have learned, the British attempted to cut New England off from the other colonies by getting possession of the Hudson River. Burgoyne's army made its way from the North to meet another army from the South. This Southern army was delayed, however, until it was too late to help. General Schuyler commanding the Americans met Burgoyne at Saratoga, and, after a desperate battle, compelled him to surrender. The glad news of the victory at Saratoga was carried to Jones, who sped away to France. Dr. Franklin was there trying to get the French to aid his country. How happy he was when Jones arrived with the news of Burgoyne's defeat. Soon after John Paul Jones reached Paris, France agreed to send aid to America. Jones at once ventured into British waters where he met the Drake, a sloop of war. The Drake was much larger than the Ranger, but Jones' daring made up for the lack of size in his vessel. He gave battle and so crippled the Drake that she surrendered. Jones took her as a prize back to France. It was difficult for the French king to believe that Jones had been so successful. It was true, however, and Jones obtained the promise of more vessels from France with which to attack the British. Four small vessels were fitted up for Jones. His flag-ship, an old merchant ship made over, was called Le Bon Homme Richard, meaning Good Man Richard. This name was selected out of regard for Benjamin Franklin whose friend- vship Jones had won. Jones was very fond of " Poor Rich- ard's Almanac," a paper published by Franklin. After cruising for some time Jones sighted the British warship Serapis on the evening of September 23, 1779. The battle between this ship and the Bon Homme Richard 154 FOUNDERS OF FREEDOM IN AMERICA is famous in history. The sea was cahii, the sky was clear, and the nioon made it nearly as hght as day. Nearer and nearer the vessels drifted together. Suddenly there was a roar of cannon. Each commander, knowing the fight would be to the finish, turned all guns on his enemy. With the first firing, two of the guns of the Bon Hormne Richard exploded, killing several men, and causing more confusion to the already excited crew. Jones was everywhere, encouraging his men, directing their fire, and urging all to stick to their guns. His presence made heroes out of all who saw him. When the firing was heaviest, the smoke was so dense that it hid Jones' vessel from the British commander's view. Thinking that perhaps Jones might surrender, he called, " Have you struck? " meaning, are you willing to surrender? In a calm, even voice Jones called back, " I have only just begun to fight." With both boats afire, and his own slowly sinking, Jones saw a chance to win. With his own hands he lashed the vessels together. His men were then sent to the rigging where they easily shot down the British sailors on the deck of the Serapis. Hand grenades were thrown on the deck of the Serapis, doing great damage. One grenade dropped through an open hatchway into some ammunition. Instantly a great explosion followed. Smoke and fire poured out of the hole blown in the deck. The battle soon ended, and the British commander himself hauled down his colors. As Jones saw that his ship would not float long, he ordered all his men to board the Serapis. The Bon Homme Richard soon sank with the American dead, the American flag flying to the last. Jones' victory was one of the great achieve- ments of the War for Independence. rOHN PAUL JONES — BEGINNING OF THE AMERICAN NAVY 155 John Paul Jones received many honors after his brilhant victory. He was given a vote of thanks and a gold medal by Congress. Even European rulers conferred honors upon him. He became a great American hero. His last years were spent in Paris where he was held in much respect. He was a handsome man, his face bronzed by the wind and sun. He had black piercing eyes and a very pleasant voice. His company was sought after and he was entertained by the king and great men of France. He died when only forty-five. France and America joined in mourning his loss. For a long time the little cemetery in which John Paul Jones was buried was neglected and it was only through the efforts of General Horace Porter, in 1899, that the grave was found. The remains of the " Father of our Navy," in a leaden coffin, were brought to America in 1906, and buried with great honor at Annapolis. THINGS TO THINK ABOUT I. Why do you think we had no navy at the beginning of the War for Independence? II. How was John Paul Jones fitted to do the work that he was called to do? III. Why is the American flag called the symbol of liberty and justice? IV. Do you think John Paul Jones was a bra^-e man? Give some reasons for your answer. V. Why do we honor the memory of John Paul Jones? CHAPTER XXVI THOMAS JEFFERSON AND THE WAR FOR INDEPENDENCE Another great leader in the struggle for freedom from British rule was Thomas Jefferson. He was born on a large estate at Charlottes- ville, Virginia, in 1743. On this estate, where his playground was the open fields, Jefferson spent the first fifteen years of his life. He enjoyed the out- doors. He liked riding, hunting, and other sports of the field and forest. He was fond of study, also, and spent much time reading. At the age of seven- teen Jefferson went to Williamsburg, the capi- tal of Virginia at that time, to attend William and Mary College. His college life was a happy and profitable one. He made many friends, chief among these being Patrick Henr}'. When Patrick Henry made his first great speech Jeffer- 156 Thomas Jefferson. Jefferson's statesmanship made him an im- portant leader during and after the War for Independence. THOMAS JEFFERSON — WAR FOR INDEPENDENCE 157 son heard him. The stand Patrick Henry took against the unjust Stamp Act no doubt influenced Jefferson a great deal. Jefferson practiced law for a while after he left college. When Patrick Henry made his second great speech in the House of Burgesses in 1775, Jefferson was also a member. By that time he had become convinced, like Patrick Henry, that " liberty or death " should be the motto of all true lovers of liberty. After Henry's stirring speech, Jefferson urged that Virginia " be immediately put into a state of defense." In 1775 Jefferson was sent to represent Virginia in the first Continental Congress at Philadelphia. At this time he was over six feet in height, with sandy hair, hazel eyes, and a face so pleasant that people liked him at first sight. His selection of such a fun-loving person as Patrick Henry for a friend shows that he had a happy disposition. Jefferson was not a good public speaker like Patrick Henry, but what he lacked in ability as a speaker he made up as a writer. He was always ready with his pen to defend the colonists against their enemy, George HI. He took a great interest in the events which ended in the battles of Lexing- ton, Concord, and Bunker Hill. After these conflicts he believed, as did most other members of the Continental Congress, that it was time for America to become inde- pendent. The Congress appointed a committee of five men, Benjamin Franklin, John Adams, Roger Sherman, Robert Livingston, and Thomas Jefferson, to draw up a paper setting forth the reasons for the independence of the colonies. Because of his ability as a writer, the committee selected Jefferson to write the Declaration. Such a paper called for a great deal of careful thought. For three weeks Jef- ferson worked on his task. When he had finished writing, 158 FOUNDERS OF FREEDOM IN AMERICA the committee discussed and approved the great paper, and it was presented to the Congress for consideration. His work was so well done that after a very few days of study and discussion the Declaration of Independence was adopted, July 4, 1776. Great were the rejoicings of the people when they heard what Congress had done. In Philadelphia it had been Independence Hall, Philadelphia, as It Appears To-day. In this building was signed the document that declared the colonists free and independent. planned to announce the news by ringing the State House Bell. A great throng gathered outside the building and anxiously watched the little boy who stood by the door waiting for the doorkeeper's signal that the great Declara- tion was adopted. Finally the door opened ; the boy waited just to see the doorkeeper nod his head. With the cry, " Ring! Grandpa! ring! " he called to the old bell ringer. How the old bell clanged out the glad news! The Liberty THOMAS JEFFERSON — WAR FOR INDEPENDENCE 159 Bell thrilled the people. Men cheered, children shouted; all were excited, glad, and happy. A copy of the Declaration was sent to each of the colonies. There were many celebrations. Everywhere flags were waved, cannon fired, bells rung. All made merry as lib- erty was proclaimed " throughout all the land unto all the inhabitants thereof." A new nation had been born upon the earth. July 4 is the day that every American celebrates as the birthday of independence, freedom, and justice on American soil. Jefferson wrote in the Declaration of Independence " All men are created equal." He believed this was true in family life as well as public. In Virginia there was a law which permitted the eldest son to inherit all of his parent's estate. Jefferson had a law passed providing that all the children might have a share of the property on the death of the parent. There was another Virginia law which compelled the people to pay taxes in support of the established church. Jefferson had this law repealed, so that no one was obliged to support any church by taxation; each person was at liberty to support the church of his choice, or none. Jefferson enjoyed the country life in Virginia. His home to which he went after the war stood on a high hill. On account of this he called it Monticello, an Italian word meaning " little mountain." He had not lived there long, however, before he was again called upon to serve his country. In 1784 he was sent to France to represent the colonists and remained there five years until Washington was elected president and had appointed him his Secre- tary of State Jefferson was vice-president for four years, and in 1801 was elected president of the United States. 160 FOUNDERS OF FREEDOM IN AMERICA He was the first president to take office in the city of Washington, the present capital of our country. New York was the first capital of the United States; Philadelphia was the capital for a short time before 1801. Washington and John Adams, the second president, thought that the president should not mingle freely with the people. They were friends of the people but thought the president should stand a little apart from other men, Jefferson believed in simplicity of manners even in the president. He walked to the capital on the day he was to take the oath of office. He was dressed in his everyday clothes and invited some of his friends to walk with him. He held no formal reception as Washington did, but instead, on January 1 and July 4, he opened his house to all who wished to come. He believed in what he called, " Repub- lican Simplicity," which teaches that all are equal and that even the president should be ready to shake the hand of anyone. When Jefferson became president the western boundary of the United States was the Mississippi River. The land near the mouth of the river where New Orleans now stands, and all the region between the Missouri River and the Rocky Mountains from Canada in the North to Texas in the South, was owned by France and was known as Louisiana. The people west of the Alleghany Mountains urged the president to get possession of enough land at the mouth of the Mississippi River to secure to the United States the use of the river as a trade route. Jefferson sent James Monroe to France to bargain with Napoleon for the land where New Orleans stands, along wdth other lands near that city. Napoleon needed money badly to carry on war with Eng- land, and offered to sell all the Louisiana territory for $15,000,000. The acceptance of this offer nearly doubled THOMAS JEFFERSON — WAR FOR INDEPENDENCE 161 the size of our country. No one at that time reahzed the great importance of this purchase. Now we look upon Jeffer- son's act as one of the greatest achievements in our history. With its mines, forests, and farms, the region which was included in the Louisiana territory has become a very important part of our country. In 1804 two men, Meriwether Lewis and William Clarke, were sent out to explore the country bought from France. They set out from the village of St. I^ouis and followed the Missouri River to the Rocky Mountains. They crossed the mountains and after months of traveling reached the Pacific Ocean. They began the return journey in 1806 and reached home after an absence of over two years, bringing back with them wonderful tales of adventures. They also prepared descriptions and maps of the country through which they passed. Jefferson lived until 1826. He served his country well. As author of the Declaration of Independence he set forth the great principles of freedom and justice. As an officer in Washington's cabinet he helped to solve many of the problems of the young nation. As president he doubled the area of his country and set an example in acquiring territory that led to increasing the size of our country, until now it reaches from coast to coast and from Canada to Mexico. THINGS TO THINK ABOUT I. What did Thomas Jefferson learn from Patrick Henry? II. Why was Jefferson selected to ^Tite the Declaration of Inde- pendence? III. What is meant by celebrating the Fourth of July? IV. What are some good ways of celebrating a holiday? V. How did Jefferson show that he was a friend of all the people? VI. The purchase of Louisiana was an important event in our history. Wliy? VII. The work of Lewis and Clarke was important. Why? PERIOD OF DEVELOPMENT AND THE GROWTH OF NATIONALITY, 1789-18(35, 76 YEARS CHAPTER XXVII THE GROWTH OF THE NATION After gaining independence from the mother country it was necessary for the new nation to estabhsh a go\'ern- ment of its own. Many able men helped in the early days of the history of the young nation to adjust the government and to secure happiness and prosperity to all the people. You will find stories about these men and their work in the following chapters. You will also find stories of some of the pioneers who helped to settle the lands west of the Alleghany Mountains. The history of the pioneers is in many ways like the history of the early explorers and settlers. It is full of adventure. These men and women left their homes in the East and traveled by wagon to the far West to make new homes. They suffered hardships to prepare the way for many others who were to follow them. These hardships and adven- tures made men self-reliant and independent. These people helped to make the land of freedom as much as the early colonists. New territory was added to the country from time to time. Some was bought from European nations, some was acquired by treaty, and some was obtained only after disputes o\'er 162 THE GROWTH OF THE NATION 163 it were settled by war. You will find the facts about this growth in the different stories. It was necessary, as the desire for traveling increased, to find better ways to transport people and goods from place to place. Find in the stories what inventions were made to do this. Better means of travel helped to develop the country. Explain as you study about the different inventors and inventions just what it means to " develop the country." Other great inventions were made that made it possible for people to live more comfortably without the drudgeries of the early settlers. The country grew ; new lands were settled ; better homes were made; larger cities sprang up. Such things did not bring happiness to all the people. There was a great dif- ference in the beliefs of those who lived in the North and those who lived in the South as to the question of slavery. It would seem that in a country where freedom had been so long cherished no one would have held slaves, but such was not the case. There w^ere many slaves in the country even when the colonists were fighting for their own freedom. Read carefully the various passages about this subject. Such disputes in the past have been settled by war. War — the w^ar of the states between themselves — came to the United States. This war settled forever that America was to be a land free for aU. CHAPTER XXVIII DANIEL BOONE AND THE SETTLEMENT OF THE WEST In the last few chapters we have read about some of the men who helped make the United States a free and inde- pendent nation. It is now time to learn of one of the sturdy pioneers who, by slow degrees, pushed our western frontier back from the Alleghany Mountains to the Pacific Ocean. As the number of settlers along the Atlantic coast increased, many home seekers began to look for farms far- ther inland. Not many years after a settlement was made, some man would find it " crowded " and would make up his mind to settle a little farther west than any one else. Thus every year found many men and their families travel- ing in covered wagons, searching for good places in which to make new homes. These pioneers helped a great deal in opening up the vast regions of the Mississippi Valley. The men who first settle in a new country live mostly from the land. The best farming land in the world was to be found west of the Alleghany Mountains. Who would be the first to cross these mountains and prepare the way for others? Daniel Boone answered this question for himself by being the first to venture into what is now Kentucky. Daniel Boone was the leader of the thousands of early Americans who changed the rough wilderness of colonial times into the great farms and busy cities of our own times. He was born in Bucks County, Pennsylvania. When he was about thirteen his father moved to North Carolina 164 1 DANIEL BOONE AND THE SETTLEMENT OF THE WEST 165 and made a home on the Yadkin River. Daniel spent several years there. He went to school as he had oppor- tunity, but not for very long. He learned to read, write, and cipher, but liked to hunt and tramp through the woods better than anything else. He was better at hunting than at spelling, as we learn from what he cut into the bark of a tree in 1760 after he had shot a bear by the tree. Using his large hunting knife he carved so deeply into the bark that it may be read to this day: " D Boon cilled a Bar on this tree year 1760." West of the Al- leghany Mountains was "The Dark and Bloody Ground," as the Indians called it. It belonged to no particular tribe but was well-known as a hunting ground, and served as the battlefield where the northern and southern tribes settled many of their disputes. Thinking he would hke to explore the great hunting grounds in the West, Boone set out on May 1, 1769, with a few companions to visit " The Dark and Bloody Ground." It Was a journey such as Daniel Boone enjoyed, with plenty 'fe^^' ■^ \i- M 1 '^'^^^^UMB^ y ^1 ^^^^^^^1 B ^ "^^ ||^^^~- '^^M ^HP ' B f 1 Daniel Boone. The young nation needed sturdy men like Boone to lead settlers into the western lands. 166 FOUNDERS OF FREEDOM IN AMERICA of good hunting and adventures with Indians and wild beasts of the forest. Finall}^ the travelers reached a beautiful country which they knew must be the land they were seeking. They built a rough shelter of logs and spent many pleasant days going about the surrounding country. All went well until Boone and one of his friends while hunting were surprised by some Indians and taken captive. There was no chance to escape for several days. Finally the Indians killed a large quantity of game and held a great feast, after which all fell sound asleep by the fire. Boone also pretended to sleep, but as soon as he saw that the Indians were not watching him, he awoke his friend and both of them quietly crawled out of the camp. Wlien far enough away they ran swiftly through the dark woods until they were sure they were safe. Wlien they reached their camp there was no trace of the men who had been left there, nor could they find any sign to show what had happened. After two years' absence Boone returned to North Caro- lina and soon prepared to take his family to Kentucky. He formed a party of five families, and they set out in cov- ered wagons filled with household goods. Men on horse- back drove the cattle and extra horses. All went well until Indians attacked the little band. Boone's son and six men were killed in the fight that followed. This so dis- couraged those who survived that they returned to the Yadkin River. Boone had a friend, Richard Henderson by name, who made a treaty with the Cherokee Indians in the West and planned to open up the whole country to the white settlers. Henderson sent out Boone and thirty men to cut a road through the woods to the Kentucky River. The road that Boone made was called the Wilderness road and was the DANIEL BOONE AND THE SETTLEMENT OF THE WEST 167 path over which thousands of settlers gradually found theu* way to the Western lands. Boone and his men built a fort on the Kentucky River and called it Boonesborough. This fort was oblong in shape and consisted of log cabins built side by side. Between the cabins was a stockade made by driving sharpened posts into the ground. In each cabin there were loop holes through which the settlers could fight the Indians if trouble arose. If you could have seen Daniel Boone at that time you you would have seen a tall, slender man dressed in a fringed hunting shirt, leggings, and moccasins made of skins of wild animals. On his head he wore a coonskin cap so fashioned that the tail fell at the side of his head. He was very strong, and so rugged that he could easily stand the hard life of a backwoodsman. He had many friends because he was always ready when called upon for advice or for help in time of need. After building the fort Boone returned to North Carolina to bring his family and other settlers to Boonesborough. These settlers did not have an easy life. They were obliged to clear the land before they could plant crops. After the crops were raised they threshed the wheat by hand. Com was ground into meal by pounding it with a blunt stick in the hollow made by burning out the end of a short log. Meat that was to be kept was dried by the fireside until it was very hard, and was called jerked beef. It was necessary to make most of the clothing. The homes were rough cabins made of logs, with a large fire-place in one end. There were sometimes two rooms, more often but one, and sometimes an attic which was reached by a ladder. The furniture was home made. In a home like this in the state of Kentucky one of our 168 FOUNDERS OF FREEDOM IN AMERICA greatest men, Abraham Lincoln, was born. Other great Americans had just such birthplaces. The boys in those early times were kept busy. They had a few months of school in the winter. In the spring they helped with the planting of corn and potatoes. They picked up stones and helped to clear away the stumps. In the autumn they helped with the harvest and worked with the men getting the winter wood ready. The girls were busy too, helping in the home, preparing food, and making clothing. When the work w^as done the boys had great sport hunting and trap- ping. You will learn later how some of these boys, when grown to man- hood, helped to A Settler's Log Cabin. In sucK homes lived brave men and women who cleared away will victorlcS for the forests and made the wilderness into productive farms. their country, as soldiers, as inventors, or as statesmen. In 1778 Boone and several other men were captured by Indians who were fighting for the British. They took Boone and the other men to Detroit, surrendering all but Boone to the English. Boone they decided to keep, and, because they admired his courage and daring so nmch, they adopted him into their tribe. This was done in a long ceremony during \\'hich Boone was thoroughly scrubbed in the river and then covered with different colored paints. DANIEL BOONE AND THE SETTLEMENT OF THE WEST 169 His hair was also pulled out with the exception of one lock on the top of his head, which was called a scalp lock. Boone was treated as one of the tribe but was always watched so that he could not escape. Finally, however, he did succeed in getting away, and after traveling over a hundred niiles through the forest he found his way back to his home, where he was warmly welcomed. He warned the settlers of an attack which the Indians had planned to make on Boonesborough. The attack was made, but the settlers were ready, and, after a hard struggle, drove the savages away. After a time Kentucky became too crowded for Daniel Boone. He wished for more " elbow room." It was not long before he was on the way to Missouri which was the western outpost of civilization at that time. Here Boone lived with his sons until his death at the age of eighty-six. Although living in his sons' fine home, he would never sleep in a bed. He was a real backwoodsman who loved best the life of the forest, where he could hunt and trap during the day and sleep rolled in a blanket by a brush fire at night. Through the leadership of such men as Daniel Boone, our country has finally become settled from East to West. In Boone's time Kentucky was '' Out West." To-day it is very difficult to tell where the " West " begins and where the " East " ends. THINGS TO THINK ABOUT I. Why was Daniel Boone a pioneer? II. How did Boone's early life fit him to do the work of a pioneer? III. Do you think Boone liked the life he led? Why? IV. Would you like to have known Daniel Boone? Give reasons for your answer. V. Do you think Daniel Boone would have been a good scout? VI. Suppose you could have taken dinner with Daniel Boone. What would you have had to eat? VII. Why did the Indians dislike to have white settlers in Kentucky? VIII. What do you like most about the story of Daniel Boone? CHAPTER XXIX PROJECT: THE LIFE OF DANIEL BOONE By Vera M. Telfer, Warren County, N. J. The history of a people is nothing more than the story of the hves of its great men and women. Purpose in the Mind of the Teacher: (1) To teach the Ufe of Daniel Boone; a man who personified the great movement to explore and settle new parts of the country then occupied by the Indians. (2) To teach in such a way as to make pupils feel that they are per- sonally acquainted with Boone — a real backwoodsman. (3) Through Boone's life to teach what perseverance, power of leader- ship, and physical strength can do in spite of adverse circum- stances. Purpose in the Mind of the PupiL — (Stimulated by the teacher's assignment.) (1) To find out about Boone's interesting adventures in the wilderness. (2) To reproduce the experiences of Boone through their play. Assignment : The story of Daniel Boone is always interesting to pupils. Tell them just enough of his life to arouse them to read their text book and other available books for more information. Stud}^ with the pupils pictures illustrating the life of Boone, for the purpose of helping them the better to interpret what they read. In order that they may understand the reasons for Boone's hard journey into Kentucky, explain the conditions of the frontier settlements and, with the use of the map, locate the part of the country in question. In order to develop good judgment in selecting important parts of the story, and to give pupils a purpose for clear thinking in their study period, give them a definite assignment. 170 project: the life of daniel boone 171 The following are some suggestions for study which might be given to pupils : (1) Make a list of incidents of Boone's life that we might play. (2) Which one would you like best to play? (3) Be able to describe one in detail. Look in other books for more information. (Teach use of index.) (4) Imagine that 3T)u were a boy or a girl who went with Boone into the wilderness and be able to tell one of your experiences to prove that Boone was persevering, brave, kindhearted, and strong. (5) How was Boone dreesed? (6) Imagine you are Boone. Come into school and tell some of the things you did and saw. (7) Make a list of pictures for use on the sandtable or on a poster. NoTK. — If you should happen to be teaching in a school near some woods, encourage the boys to build Boone's cabin or fort. Take your class or whole school out there for your dramatization. SUGGESTIONS FOR CORRELATED SUBJECTS English: (1) After the pupils have decided upon one incident of Boone's life which they would like to dramatize, write this play in class. Later, give it before another group of pupils or before parents. (2) Write a composition about one of Boone's experiences. (3) Let each pupil write a story of his or her own life as a pioneer boy or girl. Ha7idwork: (1) Make a booklet to contain the play or illustrated compositions. (2) Have the class make a poster representing an incident. (3) Make a sandtable representation, e.g.: (1) Boone's first experiences in the " Indians' Hunting Ground." (2) The pioneers on their trip over the " Wilderness Road." (3) Boone's escape from the Indians. (4) Boonesborough. 172 FOUNDERS OF FREEDOM IN AMERICA Geography: Locate Kentucky, noticing the physical features, size, etc. Note some of the changes which have taken place since Boone's time. Note. — Encourage pupils to bring pictures of pioneer life and to read other books besides their regular text books, — e.g., The Life of Daniel Boone, by Theodore Roosevelt; American Leaders and Heroes by Gordy; Primary History — Stories of Heroism, by Mace. Summary: (1) As a conclusion to the Study of Daniel Boone have pupils formu- late their reasons why Boone was a man of whom all Americans should be proud. (2) Go Ijack to the study of the pictures ^Aith the purpose of finding out whether these pictures correspond with what we have learned in this project, CHAPTER XXX ALEXANDER HAMILTON AND THE FINANCES OF THE NEW NATION At the close of the War for Independence the new nation had many difficult questions to answer. We may think at times that the most important events in the history of a nation are the wars that it has fought, but that is not true. There are many questions that have to do with trade, with the church, schools, industries, and finances that are far more important than the wars. With- the new nation the relation that one state bore to another and the financial needs of the country were very important matters. Men who loved their country and were wise enough to solve her problems were needed. Alexander Hamilton was such a man. He was one of the leaders of that time. He was born in the West Indies in 1757, but came to the United States at an early age. At fifteen he became a student at Columbia College in New York City. If you had visited in New York at that time you would have found the people taking sides on the question of the right of Great Britain to govern the colonies. Those who fav- ored the British king in his claims were called " Tories " or " LoyaHsts." Others who took a stand against the King's demands upon the colonies were called " Sons of Liberty." The Sons of Liberty erected liberty poles in the city. They held meetings around these poles and listened to speeches on the questions of the time. Alexander Ham- 173 174 FOUNDERS OF FREEDOM IN AMERICA ilton attended these meetings and became much interested in the cause of Hbert}^ Though but seventeen years old at the time of the call for the First Continental Congress, Hamilton took an active part in working for the cause of free- dom. When the war opened he drilled troops and com- manded a company in the fighting around New York. He soon attracted the attention of Washington on ac- count of his ability as a writer and orator. Appointed to Washington's staff, he took charge of Washington's cor- respondence, drew up orders, and pre- pared important papers to be issued. After the war there was a great debt. Paper money had been issued by the Continental Congress to the extent of thousands of dollars, but as there was no gold or silver back of it it became valueless. A picture of one of the Continental notes is shown on page 176. It took several hundred dollars in these bills at one time to buy a dollar's Alexander Hamilton. This nation has few statesmen equal to Alexander Hamilton. ALEXANDER HAMILTON AND THE FINANCES 175 worth of food. Thus we came to have the term, " Not worth a continental." The various states were jealous of each other and did not agree on many matters. Some laid claim to the same terri- tory in the West. New York and Virginia thought they owned land which was also claimed by Connecticut and Massachusetts. It seemed as if there might be trouble, but finally the different states gave up their claims in order that a vast territory in the West and Northwest might become common property of the nation. It was seen by Washington, Hamilton, and others that a strong central government must be established if the nation was to succeed. This was the only way to settle the ques- tions of the national debt and of the trade rights of the different states. A convention was therefore called in 1787, at Philadelphia, to adopt a Constitution for the states in order to form a more perfect union. It was not an easy matter to get all the states to agree to such a Constitution. Hamilton took a leading part in the debates. After months of hard work the Constitution was adopted by enough states to make it the supreme law. According to the Constitution a president was to be elected and the laws of the land made by a Congress con- sisting of men elected from the various states. The presi- dent has a Cabinet whose members act as his advisors. Washington appointed Alexander Hamilton, who was but thirty-two. Secretary of the Treasury. This position was the most important of all the Cabinet offices at that time because of the financial condition of the country. There was a great debt and no money with which to pay it. Nor was there any money that could be called United States mone3^ Hamilton immediately set about 176 FOUNDEES OF FREEDOM IN AMERICA making plans to levy taxes, establish a bank, build a mint, and to arrange to pay all debts that the country owed. In every one of these matters he was successful. It was not long, therefore, before the United States had a sound finan- cial system and was paying her debts so fast that the countries of Europe were surprised. This great service was of tremendous importance to the new nation. !ONESHILLlNGANDrHRE& ' Pence Cu^ne^fit AIoj\r£:y OF Tjr GijsriA. " PASSED JULY 17 177^ : ^ — '"^ ?! ^^^^-ere"to move to anotKerX"'*® ^^^ ^^^^^^^ ^^^ ^ ^^^' for^able home to live in. The Lii^^^^ family went to an unsettled country. There were no #"^®^ ^^^^P^ *^^ ^^^'^ built by the various settlers. There ^'^""^ '''' ^'''^^^'" '^'^^ which to make a house. Young Abe '^^^^"^ ^'^ ^^*^^'' ^"* trees and build a " camp." This was "^^^^""^ ^"* ^ ^^^^ enclosed on three sides and covered wi^^ P'^^'^'' ^'*"'^' '''''^ ABRAHAM LINCOLN: THE GREAT EMANCIPATOR 209 leaves. Such a building furnished shelter but that was all. All food was cooked on an open fire in front of the building. Their scanty furniture, such as tables, chairs, and beds, was made by hand from logs cut in the nearby woods. Young Lincoln's food consisted of potatoes, the principal vegetable, bread made of corn meal, and such game as he or his father might kill. He had no cakes, no sweetmeats, and, if he had white bread, it was only for Sunday dinner. For many years the boy Lincoln had no clothing except that made from the skins of animals. For a change you might like to dress in deerskin coat and breeches with a coon skin cap. It would not be pleasant to be obliged to wear such clothes all the time. It is toH that Lincoln's deerskin trousers shrank so much when they became wet that they were very tight and several inches too short for his long legs. The life in the cold and snow of the first winter must have been hard for young Abe. His only companion during much of the time was his mother. It is difficult to realize how he suffered when this mother, who meant so much to him, was taken away by death the year after they came to Indiana. Her parting words to him were, " I know that you will always be good and kind. Try to live as I have taught you, and love your Heavenly Father." Her teaching helped a great deal in making Abraham Lincoln the man whom so many love. After he became famous he said, "All that I am or ever hope to be I owe to my mother." His father married again the year following the death of Abe's mother. The stepmother was a thrifty, kind-hearted woman. She had the cabin rebuilt with a good floor, win- dows, and a fire-place so that the cooking could be done inside. Lincoln spent a year at school, but the school was a poor 210 FOUNDERS OF FREEDOM IN AMERICA one. The master was ignorant, the building was unfit, and books were scarce. He learned far more from his mother and by himself than he did in school. He had few books but he read them so much that he knew them well. The books that he read most were the Bible, Aesop's Fables, Pilgrim's Progress, Robinson Crusoe, and Weems' Life of Washington. He read, as his stepmother said, everything he could lay his hands on. He not only read but he studied what he read. At night, when his work was done, he sat down by the fireplace and read, or sometimes, stretched full length on the floor, he wrote or did arithmetic problems on a wooden fire shovel with pieces of charcoal for a pencil. When the shovel was covered he whittled it clean and started in anew. Once he borrowed a copy of the Life of Washington from a friend. He took it to the attic where he slept, read until he was tired, and then thrust the book between two logs in the roof. In the morning the book was soaked and spoiled by rain. He took it to his friend and offered to pay for it in work. As his offer was accepted, he worked hard for three days. When the book was his he took it home in triumph and prized it all the more for what it had cost him. His life was influenced greatly by what he learned about the life of the " Father of his Country." Lincoln became a strong, rugged man. As he could do a man's work when he was seventeen, from time to time his father hired him out to the neighbors for six dollars a month, or about thirty cents a day. When Lincoln was in his twentieth year his father decided to move again, this time to Illinois, They had hard work making their way through the rough country and over ABRAHAM LINCOLN: THE GREAT EMANCIPATOR 211 swollen streams. Young Lincoln drove an ox team. He was obliged to hunt game sometimes for food. He also served as cook and was, in fact, a general helper. When they arrived in Illinois Abraham helped clear the land and also helped split several hundred walnut rails for fences. It is said that about this time he bargained for his first suit of cloth trousers. He agreed to split four hundred rails for each yard of brown jean to be woven by a neighbor woman. He was so tall that it took three and a half yards of cloth for the trousers. He made several trips to New Orleans on a flatboat. These journeys were full of interest to the young man who had never been far from his farm home. At one time he spent two or three weeks in New Orleans, and while there saw slaves sold at a public auction. To see men, women, and girls placed on a block and sold like cattle to the highest bidder filled him with indignation. He little thought then that he would be the one to stop the traffic which he hated so much. When he was twenty-one years of age and his own master, Lincoln became a clerk in a store in New Salem, Illinois. His fair dealings with customers gained him the title of " Honest Abe." One day he overcharged a woman six cents by mistake. When he discovered the error he walked six miles to return the money. For a time he had a store of his own in New Salem but it was not a success. He served as postmaster after he left the store. There was so little mail that he carried it in his hat until he saw the persons who were to get it. During his spare time he studied grammar and law and did some surveying. When the Indians under the chief, '' Black Hawk," declared war on the settlers, Lincoln was sent as 212 FOUNDERS OF FREEDOM IN AMERICA captain with a compaii}^ of men to fight the Indians, but he never had an opportunity. He reported later that the only battles he fought were with the mosquitoes. In 1834, when he was twenty-five years of age, he was elected to the state legislature. In order to reach the state capital he walked many miles. Two years later Lincoln became a lawyer. He had been studying law for four years during his spare time. In 1837 he began to practice law in Springfield, the capital of Illinois. While practicing law he rode from town to town, following the judges who went from county to county to try cases. This was called " riding the circuit." Lincoln was looked upon as a kind, good-hearted, honest man, always ready to help the poor, or anyone he thought was in trouble. While riding with other men one day he was missed. When they turned back for him they saw him putting two small birds back into the nest from which they had been blown by the wind. Lincoln spent one term in Congress, where he heard many discussions on the question of slavery. After returning to Illinois from Congress he made several fine speeches. He was so well thought of by 1858 that he was nominated for the United States Senate against Stephen A. Douglas, a noted speaker called the " Little Giant " because of his small size and his great ability as a speaker. Lincoln and Douglas had several debates over the slave question. People came for miles to hear them talk about this important question of the day. Lincoln made some remarkable speeches, but Douglas was elected. There was something better in store for Lincoln, however, for, in 1860, because of his stand on the slave question and the many strong speeches he had made about that subject, he was nominated and elected President of the United States. ■^ IvlA^P OK- V UNITJED STATES SHOWING EXTENT OF THE SOUTHERN CONFEDERACY 1861. Kcj^'e^'-' 1 95 Wp- '- * -' . ■ ^"" "- .SliiiBiP?!??^""'**" — "r —" [I 'l U P iii i p* "J i i i iin^ A Submarine As It Appears When on the Surface. sentative in this country informed President Wilson that after January 31, 1917, any vessels found in a large area around Great Britain would be sunk without warning. This open refusal of Germany to pay any attention to the rights of our ships on the seas and her many broken promises led President Wilson to go before Congress and ask for a declaration of war against Germany. War was declared April 6, 1917. When asking Congress for a declaration of war President Wilson said, " Our object is to vindicate the principle of 270 FOUNDERS OF FREEDOM IN AMERICA SiftP-llftJ (Congress of t(|t Snttcb States of America; a^t the ^irst Session, Brgun and held M the City of Washington on Monday, the s*riiMi('ni''liii>i <-i)|iiiiiiiiiil T<-|H-:ii.'ti tu'is <>!' war agaiiiM tlic t* America: Therefori,- l>c it tivmlri-il hi/ l/i<- Sviiillr mid llnii.ii- iij Hrfirfsnifiiliri-i «/ ///<• t'lilliil SI'i/i .< • '>/ Aiiifririi 1,1 <'iiiiard in Boston Harbor; Another stood his ground with Warren : Another hungered with Washington at ^'alley Forge. My forefathers were America in the making: They spoke in her council halls; They died on her battle-fields; They commanded her ships ; They cleared her forests. Dawns reddened and paled. Stanch hearts of mine beat fast at each new star PAGEANT 289 In the nation's flag. Keen eyes of mine foresaw her greater glory. The sweep of her seas, The plenty of her plains, The man-hives in her bilhon-wired cities. Every drop of blood in me holds a heritage of patriotism. I am proud of my past. I am an American. At the conclusion of the recitation the boy passes to one side of the stage and a foreign-looking boy comes forward and recites : / am an American. I am an American. My father was an atom of dust. My mother a straw in the wind, To his serene, majesty. One of my ancestors died in the mines of Siberia; Another was crippled for life by twenty blows of the kmd: Another was killed defending his home during the massacres. The history of my ancestors is a trail of blood To the palace-gate of the Great Wliite Czar. But then the dream came. The dream of America. In the light of the Liberty torch The atom of dust became a man And the straw in the wind a woman For the first time. " See," said my father, pointing to the flag that fluttered near. " That flag of stars and stripes is yours; " It is the emblem of the promised land. " It means, my son, the hope of humanity. " Live for it — die for it." Under the open sky of my new country I swore to do so; And every drop of blood in me will keep that vow. I am proud of my future. I am an American. 290 FOUNDERS OF FREEDOM IN AMERICA The two boys leave the stage and a class passes up for the Flag Drill. XVT. Flag Drill. XVII. During this recitation a boy passes down the center aisle to the front of the stage, carrying the American flag. The group on the stage and the school rise to give the flag salute. XVIII. Flag Salute. They then sing one stanza of the " Star Spangled Banner." The American flag is then borne from the platform. Columbia followed by History and the Child pass next with the flags of the Allies passing at the end. During this the school sings two stanzas of " America, the Beautiful." IMPORTANT DATES IN OUR HISTORY 1000 — (?) — Norsemen discovered America. 1492 — Columbus discovered America. 1497 — John Cabot reached the mainland of North America. 1513 — Balboa first saw the Pacific Ocean. Ponce de Leon journeyed to Florida. 1519-21 — Cortez conquered Mexico. Magellan's ships sailed around the world. 1534-35 — Cartier explored in Canada. 1541 — De Soto discovered the Mississippi River. 1577-80 — Drake's voyage. 1584-87 — Raleigh attempted to colonize in what is now Virginia. 1607 — Settlement made at Jamestown. 1608 — Champlain made settlement at Quebec. 1614 — New Netherlands first settled. 1619 — Meeting of first representative body in America in Virginia. Slaves brought to Virginia. 1620 — Pilgrims landed at Plymouth. 1634— Maryland settled at St. Mary's. 1635 — Connecticut settled. 1636— Roger Williams started settlement at Providence, Rhode Island. 1638 — Delaware settled by the Swedes. IMPORTANT DATES IN OUR HISTORY 291 1643 — New England Confederation formed. 1664 — New Netherlands became New York. New Jersey founded. 1681-82 — La Salle explored Mississippi. 1682 — Pennsylvania settled. 1733— Georgia settled. 1754 — Plan of Union proposed, — called Albany plan of union. 1754-63 — French and Indian War. 1755 — Braddock defeated at Fort Duquesne. 1759 — Quebec taken by the English. 1765 — Stamp Act passed. 1773— Boston Tea Party. 1774 — First Continental Congress met. 1775 — Battle of Lexington. 1775 — Second Continental Congress met. 1775— Battle of Bunker Hill. 1776 — Declaration of Independence adopted. 1^77 — Battle of Saratoga won by the Americans. 1780 — Arnold's treason. 1781 — Surrender of Cornwallis at Yorktown. 1783 — Treaty of Peace with England signed. 1787 — Constitutional Convention met at Philadelphia. 1787 — Constitution adopted. (Adopted by 9 states- in 1788, but by Convention, September 17, 1787.) 1789— Washington chosen first president of the United States. 1791— United States Bank established. 1793 — Whitney invented the Cotton-gin. 1800 — City of Washington became the national Capital. 1803 — Louisiana purchased from France. 1804 — Lewis and Clark explored in the West. 1807 — Fulton invented the Steamboat. 1812-15 — Second war with England. 1815 — Battle of New Orleans won by Andrew Jackson's troops. 1819 — Florida purchased. 1820 — Missouri Compromise passed. 1830 — First steam railway opened in the United States. 1844 — Morse sent first telegraph message. 1846-48 — War between the United States and Mexico. 1848 — California and Southwest annexed. 292 FOUNDERS OF FREEDOM IN AMERICA 1858 — Debates between Lincoln and Douglas. 1861-65— Civil War. 1863 — Emancipation Proclamation signed by President Lincoln. 1865 — General Lee surrendered to General Grant. 1867 — Alaska purchased from Russia. 1876 — Centennial Exibition at Philadelphia. 1898 — War between the United States and Spain. Hawaiian Islands annexed. Porto Rico annexed. 1899 — Philippine Islands purchased from Spain. 1904 — Panama Canal Zone purchased. 1907 — Wireless message sent across the Atlantic Ocean, 1914 — Panama Canal opened to commerce. World War opened by Germany. 1917 — The United States declared war against Germany. 1918 — Armistice signed ending the World War. 1919 — Treaty of Peace signed between Allies and Germany. 1921— Separate Treaty of Peace between United States and Germany, INDEX Adams, Samuel, 126-133 Aeroplane, Use of, 222 Agriculture, New Methods of, 225- 229 Alleghany Mountains, 164 Amendments to the Constitution, 245, 264 Americus Vespucius, 20 Armada, Spanish, 44 Arnold, Benedict, 145 Assembly, First Representative, 56, 123 Balboa, 36 Baltimore, Settlement of, 96 Baltimore, Lord, 95, 96 Barton, Clara, 246-255 Bell, Alexander Graham, 234 Boone, Daniel, Explorer and Settler, 164-172 Boston Tea Party, 128, 141 Braddock, General, Defeat of, 139, 140 Bunker Hill, Battle of, 131 Burgoyne, General, 153 Cabot, John, 30-33 Cabot, Sebastian, 30-33 Canada, Explored and Settled, 82-87 Cartier, Jacques, 82 Carver, John, Governor, 60 Catholics in Maryland, 96 Champlain, Samuel de, 82-84 Circumnavigation of Globe, First, 37 Civil War, 213 Clarke, George Rogers, Northwest, 161 Clay, Henry, 197-201 Clermont, The First Steamboat, 181 Colonies, The Thirteen, 121 Columbus, Christopher, Life, Dis- covers America, Later Voyages, 11-29 Compromises, Clay's, 200 Concord, Battle of, 130 Constantinople, 11 Continental Congress, First, 141 Cornwallis, General, 143-149 Cortez, Explorations of, 37 Declaration of Independence, Writ- ing of, Adoption of, 143 De Leon, Ponce, 34, 35 De Soto, Hernando, Explorations of, 38, 39, 40 Dinwiddle, Governor, 137, 138 Drake, Sir Francis, 42-45 Dutch in America, 72-81 Dutch East India Company, 72 Edison, Thomas A., 236 Education in Colonies, 68 Electric Telegraph, 232, 233 Elizabeth, Queen of England, 47, 48 293 294 INDEX Ericson, Leif, 6 European War of 1914, 267-276 Fairfax, Lord, 136 Ferdinand and Isabella, King and Queen of Spain, 11-29 Field, Cyrus W., 233 Florida, Discovery of, 35 Fort Amsterdam, 76 Fort Necessity, 139 France, Surrender of American Pos- sessions, 105 Franklin, Benjamin, Life of, Poor Richard's Almanac, Discoveries in Electricity, Services to His Coun- try, 112-120 French Explorers, 82-88 French War, Last, 101-105 Fugitive Slave Law of 1850, 201 Fulton, Robert, Boyhood, Inven- tions, 178-182 Gage, General, 129 Genoa, 12, 30 George III, King of England, 128- 130 Georgia, Settlement of, 97 Germany, War with, 270-275 Gettysburg, Battle of, 218 Gilbert, Sir Humphrey, 46 Gin, Cotton, 184, 185 Grant, Ulysses S., 216-221 Greene, Nathanael, 146 Half-Moon, 72-74 Hamilton, Alexander, 173-177 Hancock, John, 129 Hawkins, John, 42, 43 Henry, Patrick, 121-127 Hiawatha, 3 Hoe, -Richard M., 229 Howe, Elias, 186 Hudson, Henry, 72-81 Hudson River, Discovery of, 73 Independence, Declaration of, 143 Indians, 3, 17, 55, 61, etc. Inventions, 178-188, 225-241 Jackson, General Andrew; His Boy- hood, at Battle of New Orleans; as President, 188-192 Jamestown, Settlement of, 53-57 Jefferson, Thomas, 156-161 Joliet, Louis, 84 Jones, John Paul; Early Life, as a Naval Commander, 151-155 Knox, General, 142 Lafayette, Marquis de; in the Ameri- can Revolution; Visit to America, 145-150 La Salle, Explorations of, 85-88 Lee, General Robert E., in the Civil War, 219 Lewis and Clark Expedition, 161 Lexington, Battle of, 129, 130 Liberty Bell, 158 Lincoln, Abraham, Early Life; Mid- dle Life; as President, 206-215 Louisiana, Purchase of, 160 Lusitania, Sinking of, 269 Magellan, Ferdinand; Voyages of, 36 Marconi, 233 Marquette, Father, 84 Massachusetts, Early Settlement of, 58-71 Mayflower, 59 McCormick, Reaper, 228 McKinlcy, Assassination of, 260 Myles Standish, 58-64 Minute-men, 129 Mississippi River, Discovery of, 39 INDEX 295 Mississippi Valley, Exploration of, 86, 87 Missouri Compromise, 200 Montcalm, General, at Battle of Quebec, 102-105 Morris, Robert, 144 Morse, Samuel F. B., as Inventor of the Telegraph, 232, 233 Navigation Acts, 121 Navy, Beginnings of, 151 Negro Slavery, 43 New Amsterdam, 76 New England Confederacy, 70 New Jersey, 76, 114, 143 New Orleans, 105 Newspapers, Development and Im- portance of, 229 NdW World, Discovery of, 17 Norsemen, 5, 6, 7 Nullification, 191 Oglethorpe, General James, 97-99 Old North Church, 130 Pacific Ocean, Discovery of, 36 Panama Canal, 36, 261 Penn, William, 89-94 Pennsylvania, 91-94 Pilgrims, 58-64 Pizzaro, 37 Plenty Coups, 3 Plymouth, Landing at, 60 Preparedness, 268 Printing Press, 115, 229 Prohibition, 245 Providence, Settlement at, 69 Puritans, Settlement by, 65-71 Quakers, Characteristics of; Settle- ment of, in America, 89-93 Quebec, Capture of, 105 Railroads, 193-196 Raleigh, Sir Walter, 46-50 Reaper Invented, 226 Red Cross Society, American, 246- 255 Religion in Colonies, 67-70 Revere, Paul, His " Midnight Ride,'' 129 Revolution, Causes of; Important Events of, 121-150 Rhode Island, Settlement of, 69 Roosevelt, Theodore, Early Life; as President, 256-262 Rough-Riders, 259 Russo-Japanese War; Roosevelt as Peacemaker, 261 San Salvador, 16 Schools in Pioneer Days, 64 Secession, 213 Shaw, Anna Howard, Early Life; Worker for Woman Suffrage, 263- 266 Sherman, General, in Georgia, 218 Skraellings, 7 Smith, John, Early Life; in Virginia; Explorations, 53-57 South Carolina, 191 Spanish- American War, 259 Spanish Explorers, 34-41 Stamp Act, 122-124 Standish, Myles, Military Leader of the Pilgrims; at Plymouth, 58- 64 St. Augustine, Settlement of, 35 States Rights, 191 Steamboat Invented, 181 Suffrage, Woman, 265, 266 Tariff, 191 Taxation of Colonies, 121-127 Telephone, Invention of, 234 Tobacco, 48 296 INDEX Town Meeting, 68 Travel in Early Days, 193 Trenton, Battle, 143 Valley Forge, 144 Virginia, Settlement of, 53-57 War for Independence, 130-151 War of 1812, 189 Warren, Dr. Joseph, 132 Washington, George; Early Life; His Journey to the French Forts; at Braddock's Defeat; in the Revolution; as President, 134-150 Washington, Lawrence, 135 W. C. T. U., 244, 245 Webster, Daniel, 201-205 Whitney, Eli; Inventor of Cotton Gin, 185 Williams, Roger; Driven into Exile; Settlement of Providence, 69, 70 Wilson, Woodrow, and the World War, 267-278 Willard, Frances E., 242-245 Winthrop, John; as Puritan Leader, 65-67 Wireless Telegraph, 233, 234 Wolfe, James; His Youth; at Quebec, 100-106 I; ^ ^^'^TTT^'o^' \.'-^\<^ ^<.'^^\o^ %•- •Ik. A> .Hi.