'.y ^. o ..0- 0*^ <^^/' ,^'\ ^o^c,'' ^^<^ 6* .•".?. *o **..** .♦. .^"^ ^"^^ 'bV w^iffl2n(ii^®s ijrME^iMri)it'^SKi Scale of Miles 60 lOO \iO 2(10 ' x;^ /..■„,,,/„,/.■ ii:- ■ '• 7\i •^ r- UNITED STATES BOOK; INTERESTING EVENTS HISTORY OF THE UNITED STATES: BKING A SELECTION OF THE MJST IMPORTANT AND INTEREST- ING EVENTS WHICH HAVE TJANSPIRED SINCE THE DISCO- VERY OF THIS COUNTRY, TO THE PRESENT TIME ; WITH BIOGRAPHICAL SKETCHES OF PERSONS DISTINGlISHED IN AMERICAN HISTORY" COMPILED FROM 'HE MOST APPROVED AUTHORITIES, B7 J. W.'feARBER ;W HAVEN : PUBLISHED BY L. H. YOUNG 1834. ^ y^ f ^ /'j^i ■Z ^' [Entered according to act pf CongTes^int.he year 1S33, by J. VV Barber, in the Clerk's Office of the District Court of Connecticut..' V_ >JU.f«.*-r,.//rV- PREFACE. -VuTHENTic accounts of important events wliich have taken , .,ice in past ages, are of much utility ; especially to the coun- f tries and people whose affairs are related. In a country like ours, it seems necessary to the existence of true and enlight- ened patriotism, that every person should possess some know- ledge of the history of his own country. By the aid of history we can call up past scenes and events in review — we can see the effects they have had upon the nations before us, and from thence we can learn wisdom for Ihe future. It is, in reality, interesting and instructive to every intelligent mind, lo be transported back to the time of the first settlement of our coun- try, to observe the courage, fortitude, and self-denial of our foi%fathers, amidst many surrounding dangers, difficulties, and privations, — their unconquerable love of freedom, — the resist- ance they manifested to tyranny in all its shapes, — and the final success of their efforts to preserve the freedom and in- dependence of their country entire. This work is not designed for the information of those who are conversant with the history of our country in all its parts ; (this class of community is comparatively small;) but for those who cannot spare the time or expense of reading or procuring a full and complete history. The object of the work is to give an account, in ^shoi-L but comprehensive manner, of the most important and intere^Bg events which have taken place in our country, nearly all ^^-hich are arranged in chronological *• order. Those events which are deemed of minor importance, are inserted in the Chronological Tables, at the end of the book, as every event which is mentioned could not be detailed, without swelling the book to an expensive size. \ It IS believed that tins work wiU beToimTi useful as a refer" ence book, for events recorded'in'5?inerican history ; there be- ing, it is presumed, no event of any very considerable impor- tance, which is not noticed in its pages. In making the selection of events, care has been taken to consult the most approved authorities; and the compiler would here state, that he feels himself under particular obligations to Holmes' American Annals, the most valuable work of the kind which has ever appeared in this cotintry, — a work from which a great proportion of the late Histories of the United States haA'e been benefited, either directly or indirectly. Other authors have also been consulted, and extracts taken from them in many instances, as will be perceived in exam- ining the work. In this edition, many accounts given in the previous ones are considerably enlarged, an outline history of the United States is prefixed, and a short biographical sketch of some of the most distinguished men in American history, is given ; the constitution of the United States, and Washington's farewell address, besides other additions. The numerous en- gravings interspersed through the book, it is thought, will be of utility in making the work interesting, and of fixing tjie facts more firmly in the mind. J. W. B. CONTENTS. Outline History of the United States, - - -♦ pack 9 North American Indians, 27 Expeditions of Ferdinand de Soto and M. de la Salle, - 32 Introduction of the use of Tobacco, - . . - 33 Settlement of Jamestown, Va., 34 •Pocahontas, 36 Plymouth settlers, --....--38 Discovery of Indian corn, ...-.- 39 Massasoit, the Indian Sachem, 40 Exploits of Capt. Standish, 41 First settlements in Connecticut, 43 Blue Laws of Connecticut, ..... 44 Earthquakes, 47 Indian cunning and sagacity, ..... 49 Expedition against the Pequots, 49 Elliot, the Indian Missionary, 52 King Philip's War.— Attack on Brookfield, - - - 53 Swamp fight with the Narragansetts, .... 54 Death of King Philip, 56 Bacon's Insurrection in Virginia, .... 57 The Regicides, GofTe and Whalley, - - - - 58 William Penn, 60 Tyranny of Audros, 61 Preservation of the Charter of Connecticut, - - 62 Destruction of Schenectady, 64 First culture of Rice in the Colonies, .... 64 Salem Witchcraft, 65 Captain Kidd, the Pirate, 66 Great Snow Storm, 68 Dark Days, 71 Northern Lights, 72 Gov. Fletcher and Capt. Wadsworth, .... - 74 6 CONTENTS, • War with the Tuscaroras, . - . . . page 75 War with the Yamasees, 76 Inoculation introduced, 78 Father Ralle, the French Jesuit, 80 Natchez Indians extirpated, -...-- 81 Negro Insurrection in Carolina, 82 Invasion of Georgia, -.....-83 Capture of Louisburg, ------- 85 D'Anville's Expedition, 86 Tumult in Boston, 88 Braddock's Defeat, ------.-89 Massacre at Fort William Henry, . - - - 90 Abercrombie's Defeat, ....... 02 Capture of Cluebec, 93 War with the Cherokees, 95 Expeditions against the Spanish settlements in the W. Indies, 99 Dr. Franklin's Experiment in Electricity, - - - 100 Whitefield, the celebrated Preacher, . - . - 102 Col. Boon's first settlement of Kentucky, - - - 103 Stamp Act, 107 Massacre in Boston, 108 Destruction of Tea in Boston, 110 First .Continental Congress, Ill Battle of Lexington, 113 Taking of Ticonderoga by Col. Allen, • - - 115 Battle of Bunker Hill, ------- 117 Arnold's march through the Wilderness, - - - 125 Death of Gen. Montgomery, 126 Washington Commander in Chief of the American Army, 128 Attack on Sullivan's Island, 130 Declaration of Independence, 132 Battle on Long Island, - - - • - - - 134 Death of Capt. Hale, 137 Battle of Trenton, 139 Battle of Princeton, 141 Battle of Brandywine, 142 Battle of Germantown, and attack on Red Bank, - - 144 Murder of Miss McCrea, - - ,_ - - - - 145 CONTENTS. 7 Battle of Bennington and Capture of Burgoyne, - PiOE 146 Treaty with France, 150 Battle of Monmouth or Freehold, ----- 151 Taking of Savannah and Charleston, - - - 152 Paul Jones' Naval Battle, 154 Gen. Putnam's Escape at Horseneck, and Wolf Den, - 155 Storming of Stony Point, 157 Battle of Camden, 158 Murder of Mrs. and Mr. Caldwell, - - - - 159 Massacre of Wyoming, 161 Distress and mutiny of the American Army, - - 162 Capture of Andre and Treason of Arnold, - r • 165 Battle at King's Movmtain, - 167 Battle of the Cowpens, 170 Battle of Guilford, - 171 Battle of Eutaw Springs, 172 Storming of Fort Griswold, - 174 Siege of Yorktown and Surrender of Cornwallis, - 175 Washington taking leave of the Army, . - - 178 Continental Money, 178 Shays' Insurrection in Massachusetts, .... 180 Adoption of the Federal Constitution, ... 18I Inauguration of President Washington, - - - 183 Whiskey Insurrection in Pennsylvania, - . . 184 Yellow Fever in Philadelphia in 1793, - - - - 185 St. Clair's Defeat and Wayne's Victory, ... 187 Difficulties with the French, ---... 189 Death of Washington, - 191 Invention of Steamboats, - . . . ^ . 193 Wars with the Barbary States, - - - .^ . 196 Burr's Conspiracy, - . 200 Expeditions of Captains Lewis and Clark to the Pacific Ocean, 204 Burning of the Theatre at Richmond, Va., - - 205 Second War with Great Britain, - . - . . 207 Mob in Baltimore, 209 Gen. Hull's Surrender, -. -----211 Capture of the Guerriere, • 213 Battle of Clueenstown, ....... 214 8 CONTENTS. Massacre at Port Mimras, page 21S CaptureofYork, U. C, - .- -> - - - - 217 Battle on Lake Erie, 219 Death of Tecumseh, 220 Barbarities of the British at Hampton, Va., - - 222 Battle of Niagara, 325 Burning of Washington City, . . . - . 228 Battle of Plallsburg, 230 Hartford Convention, 236 Gen. Jackson's Victory at New Orleans, ... 237 Bank of the United States, 240 Piracies in the West Indies, 246 Conspiracy of the Blacks in Charleston, S. C, - - 247 Western Antiquities, 254 Erie Canal, 258 Gen. Lafayette's Visit, 260 Insurrection and Massacre in Virginia, (1831,) - - 262 Riot in Providence, R. I., (1831,) 268 Chronological Table. — Discoveries, &c., . - - 275 Wars and Military Events, 277 Remarkable Events, -.--..- 283 Colleges, 290 Biographical Sketches, ...... 291 Declaration of Independence, - - -' - - 327 Constitution of the United States, .... 33i. Farewell Address of Washington, - - - - ^ - 350 Circular Letter to the Governors of the States, . - 367 Farewell Orders to the Army of the U. States, - - 378 Indian Eloquence. — Speech of Logan, ... 385 Speeches of the Seneca Chiefs, 386 Speech of Farmer's Brother, 392 Speeches of Red Jacket, 393 Speech at the Grave of Black Buffalo, - -" - 399 Speech of Red Jacket at Buflalo,-in 1805, - , - - 400 UNITED STATES BOOK, &c. OUTLINE HISTORY. After the first daring and successful voyage of Co- lumbus, the attention of the European governments was directed towards exploring the " new world." In the year 1497, John Cabot, a Venetian in the service of Henry VII. of England, first discovered the Island of Newfoundland, and from thence ranged the coast of the United States to Florida. The country was peopled by uncivilized nations, who subsisted chiefly by hunting and fishing. The Europeans who first visited our shores, treated the na*tives as wild beasts of the forest, which have no property in the forests through which they roam; and therefore planted the standard of their respective masters on the spot where they first landed, and in their names took possession of the country, which they claimed by right of discovery. Previous to any settlement in North America, many titles of this kind were acquired by the English, Dutch, French, and Spanish navigators. Slight as these claims were, they were afterwards the causes of much dispute and contention between the European go- vernments. These contentions arose from the fact of the subjects of different princes laying claim to the same tract of country, because both had discovered the same river or promontory ; or because the extent of the claims of each party was undefined. The first permanent English settlements in the United States were at Jamestown in Virginia, in 1G07, and at PI jr. mouth in Massachusetts in 1620. While the European settlements were feAv and scattered in this vast aiid uncul- tivated country, and the trade of it confined to the bartering 10 of a few trinkets, &c. for furs, the interfering of different claims produced no important controversy among the Eu- ropeans. But in proportion as the settlements were ex- tended, and in proportion as the trade with the natives became valuable, the jealousies of the nations who had made discoveries and settlements on the coast were alarmed, and each power took measures to secure and extend its possessions, at the expense of its rivals. From the earliest settlement of the Colonies to the treaty of Paris in 1763, they were often harassed by fre- quent wars with the Indians, French, Spaniards, and Dutch. During the Indian wars, the savages were often instigated by the French and Dutch to fall on the English settlements, in order to exterminatei'he colonists, or drive them from the country. These wars were by far the most distressing; the first settlers lived in continual fear and anxiety, for fear their Indian foes would fall ujv3n them in some unguarded moment, and oftentimes they had to struggle to prevent their entire extermination. After the colonies had subdued the Indians in their im- mediate vicinity, they were assailed by the French and Indians. The French possessed Canada, and had made a number of settlements in Florida, and claimed the country on both sides of the Mississippi. To secure and extend their claims they established a line of forts back of the English settlements, from Canada to Florida. They used much art and persuasion to gain over the Indians to their interest, in which they were generally successful. Encroachments were accordingly made on the English possessions, and mutual injuries succeeded, which soon broke out into open war. In order to put a stop to the depredations of the French and Indians, it was contemplated to conquer Canada. In 1690 the Commissioners of the Colonies projected an expedition against Quebec. The land forces ordered for this invasion consisted of 850 men, raised from the Colo- nies of New England and New York, and commanded by Gen. Winthrop. At the same time a fleet of armed ships and transports, with 1800 men, under Sir William Phipps, was ordered to sail up the St. Lawrence, andco- 11 operate with the land forces in the reduction of Quebec. But owing to the delay of the fleet, and the want of boats and provisions among the land forces, the expedition was unsuccessful. The next expedition against Canada took place in 1709, in Q.ueen Anne's reign. The Colonies of New England and New York, raised about 2,500 men, who were placed under the command of Gen. Ni- cholson, who proceeded to Wood Creek, south of Lake George. Here they waited to hear of the arrival of the fleet which was to co-operate with them. The fleet did not arrive, and the army at Wood Creek were attacked with a malignant disease, which occasioned a great mor- tality, which compelled them to withdraw, and the ex- pedition was aband ned. In 1711, another attempt, under Gen. Nicholson with the land forces, and a fleet under Admiral Walker, was made for the conquest of Canada. But this failed by the loss of eight or nine transports, with about 1000 men, by shipwreck. The peace of Utrecht, signed March 3d, 1713, put an end to hostilities, and continued till 1739. In 1744, Great Britain declared war against France, and the next year Louisburg, a strong fortress on Cape Breton, was taken from the French. The French go- vernment soon fitted out a large fleet, with a large body of land forces, for the purpose of recovering Louisburg, and attacking the English Colonies. But this expedi- tion, by means of storms, sickness among the troops, &c. failed of accomplishing any thing, and the Colonies were relieved from consternation and dismay. This war closed by a treaty of peace, signed at Aix la Chapellc, in 174^. In 17.")5, hostilities again commenced between Great Britain and France, and in 175G, four expeditions were undertaken against the French. One Avas conducted by Col. Monckton and Gen. Winslow, against Nova Scotia. This expedition was attended with success. The country was subdued, and the inhabitants, aboGt 2,000 in number, . were transported to New England, and dispersed and in- corporated with their conquerors. Gen. Johnson was ordered, with a body of troops, to take possession of Crown Point, but he did not succeed. Gen. Shirley 12 commanded an expedition against the fort at Niagara, but lost the season by delay. Gen. Braddock was sent against Fort du Q,uesne, but in penetrating through the wilderness fell into an ambuscade of French and In- dians, where he was killed, and his troops suffered an entire defeat. In 1758, great efforts Avere made to subdue the French in America. Three armies were employed — one com- manded by Gen. Amherst, to take possession of Cape Breton — one under Gen. Abercrombie, destined against Crown Point — and a third under Gen. Forbes, to drive the French from the Ohio. Gen. Amherst was suc- cessful in taking Louisburg, after a warm siege. The inhabitants of Cape Breton were sent to France, and the fortifications of Louisburg reduced to a heap of ruins. Gen. Abercrombie, who was sent against Crown Point and Ticonderoga, attacked the French at the latter place, and was defeated with a terrible slaughter of his troops. Gen. Forbes was successful in taking possession of Fort du Gluesne, which the French thought proper to aban- don. — The next year the elTorts of the British and Ameri- cans to reduce the French were more successful. Gen. Prideaux and Sir William Johnson began the operations of the campaign, by taking possession of the French fort near Niagara. Gen. Amherst took possession of the forts at Crown Point and Ticonderoga, which the French had abandoned. But the decisive blow which proved the destruction of the French power in America, was the taking of Quebec by Gen. Wolfe. The loss of Quebec was soon followed by the capture of Montreal by Gen. Amherst, and Canada became a province of the British Empire. " Thus, after a century of wars, massacres, and destriic- tion, committed by the French and savages, the colonies were secured from ferocious invaders, and Canada, with a valuable trade in furs, came under the British domi- nion." The conquest of Canada, and the expulsion of the- French from the Ohio, put an end to all important mili- iary operations in the American Colonies. In Europe, 13 however, the war continued to rage ; and in the West Indies, the British, aided by the Americans, took Hava- na from the Spaniards. But in 1 762, " a definitive treaty of peace was signed at Paris, by which the French king ceded Nova Scotia, Cape Breton, and Canada, to the Bri- tish kinar; and the middle of the Mississinni, from its 'o ) ppl, source to the river Ibberville, and the middle of that ri- ver to the sea, was made the boundary between the British and French dominions in America. Spain ceded to Great Britain, Florida, and all her possessions to the east of the Mississippi. Such was the state of the European possessions in America, at the commencement of the Revolution." Before the Revolution, there were three kinds of go- vernment established in the British American Colonies. " The first was a charter government, by which the powers of legislation were vested in a governor, council, and assembly, chosen by the people. Of this kind were the governments of Connecticut and Rhode Island. The second was a proprietary government, in which the pro- prietor of the province was governor ; although he gene- rally resided abroad, and administered the government by a deputy of his own appointment; the assembly on- ly being chosen by the people. Such were the go- vernments of Pennsylvania and Maryland; and, origi- nally, of New-Jersey and Carolina. The third kind was that of royal government, Vv'here the governor and council were appointed by the crown, and the assembly by the people. Of this kind were the governments of New-Hampshire, Massachusetts, New- York, New-Jer- sey, after the year 1702, Virginia, the Carolinas, after the resignation of the proprietors in 1728, and Georgia. This variety of governments created different degrees of dependence on the crown. To render laAvs valid, it was constitutionally required that they should be ratified by the king; but this formality was often dispensed with, especially in the charter governments. " At the beginning of the last Avar with France, com- missioners from many of the colonies had assembled at Albany, and proposed that a great council should be 2 14 formed by deputies from the several colonies, which, with a general governor, to be appointed by the crown, should be empowered to take measures for the common safety, and to raise money for the execution of their de- signs. This proposal was not relished by the British ministry; but in place of this plan it was proposed, that the governors of the colonies, with the assistance o^one or two of their council, should assemble and concert measures for the general defence; erect forts, levy troops, and draw on the treasury of England for moneys that should be wanted; but the treasury to be reimbursed by a tax on the colonies, to be laid by the English parlia- ment. To this plan, which would imply an avowal of the right of parliament to tax the colonies, the provin- cial assemblies objected Avith unshaken firmness. It seems, therefore, that the British parliament, before the war, had it in contemplation to exercise the right they claimed of taxing the colonies at pleasure, without per- mitting them to be represented. Indeed it is obvious that they laid hold of the alarming situation of the colo- nies, about 1754 and 1755, to force them into an ac- knowledgment of the right, or the adoption of mea- sures that might afterwards be drawn into precedent. The colonies, however, with an uncommon foresight and firmness, defeated all their attempts. The war was car- ried on by requisitions on the colonies for supplies of men and money, or by voluntary contributions. " But no sooner was peace concluded, than the Eng- lish parliament resumed the plan of taxing the colo- nies ; and, to justify their attempts, said, that the money to be raised was to be appropriated to defray the expense of defending them in the late war."* V^ The first attempt of the British government to raise a yevenue in America, appeared in the memorable Stamp Act ; but such was the opposition of the colonies to this act, that it was shortly after repealed. The parliament, however, persisted in their right to raise a revenue from the colonies, and accordingly passed an act, laying a certain duty on glass, tea, paper, and painters' colours — * Dr. Morse. 15 ! articles which were much wanted, and not manufactured in America. This act was so obnoxious to the Ameri- cans, that the parliament thought proper, in 1770, to \ take off these duties, except three pence a pound on tea. But this duty, however trifling, kept alive the jealousies [ of the colonies, and their opposition continued and in- ; creased. It was not the inconvenience of paying the j duty which raised their opposition, but it was the prin- I ciple, which, once admitted, would have subjected the colonies to unlimited parliamentary taxation, without the privilege of being represented. i After a series of oppressive acts on the part of the British government, and of opposition on the part of j the colonies. General Gage was sent over with an I armed force to Boston, in 1774, to overawe and reduce j the rebellious colonies to submission. But these mea- ^ sures did not intimidate the Americans. The people | generally concurred in a r''rii.,Q.no Were obliged to retire from tJie field of battle, yet the British army suffered a severe loss, and could not pursue the victory. After the battle of Guilford, Gen. Greene moved toAvards South Carolina to drive the British from their posts in that State, and by a brilliant action at Eutaio Springs, forced Lord Cornwallis to with- draw his forces, and fortify himself in Yorktown, in Virginia. In the Spring of this year, Arnold the traitor, with a number of British troops, sailed to Virginia and plun- dered the country, and at the time Cornwallis was at Yorktown made an incursion into Connecticut, burnt New-London, took fort Griswold by storm, and put the garrison to the sword. About the last of August, Count de Grasse with a large French fleet arrived in the Chesapeake and block- ed up the British troops at Yorktown. Gen. Wash* 22 ington previous to this had moved the main body of his army to the southward, and when he heard of the arri- val of the French fleet, made rapid marches to the head of Elk river, where embarking, his army soon arrived at Yorktown. A vigorous siege now commenced, and was carried on with such effect ly the combined forces of America and France, that Ccrnwallis was forced to surrender. This important event took place on the 19th of October, 1781, and decided the Revolutionary war. On the 30th of November, 1782, the provisional arti- cles of peace were signed at Paris ; by which Great Britain acknowledged the Independence and sovereignty of the United States of America ; and these articles were afterwards ratified by a deinitive treaty. " Thus ended a long and arduous conflict, in which Great Britain expended near a hundred millions of money, with a hundred thousand lives, and won no- thing. America endured every cruelty and distress ; lost many lives and much treasire; but delivered her- self from a foreign dominion, and gained a rank among the nations of the earth." After peace was restored to the country, the next and most difficult object was to organize and establish a general Government. Articles of confederation and perpetual union had been framed in Congress, and sub- mitted to the consideration of the States in 1778, and in 1781 were agreed to by all the State legislatures. The articles, however, were framed during the rage of war, when principles of common safety supplied the place of a coercive power in the government. To have offered to the people, at that time, a regular system of government, armed with the necessary power to regu- late the conflicting interests of thirteen States, might have raised a jealousy between them or the people at large, that would have weakened the operations of war, and perhaps have rendered a union impracticable. Hence the numerous defects of the confederation.. On the con- 23 elusion of peace the defects began to be felt. Each State assumed the right of disputing the propriety of the resolutions of Congress, and the interests of an in- dividual State Avere often placed in opposition to the common interest of the union. In addition to this, a jea- lousy of the powers of Congress began to be excited in the minds of many of the people. Without a union that was able to form and execute a general system of commercial regulations, some of the States attempted to impose restraints upon the foreign trade that should indemnify them for the losses they had sustained. These measures, however, produced nothing but mischief The States did not act in concert, and the restraints laid on the trade of one State operated to throw the business into the hands of its neighbour. Thus di- vided, the States began to feel their weakness. Most of the Legislatures had naglected to comply with the requisitions of Congress for supplying the Federal Trea- sury ; the resolves of Cono^ress were disregarded ; the proposition for a general impost to be laid and collected by Congress was negatived by Rhode Island and New- York. In pursuance of the request of Virginia, most of the States appointed delegates who assembled at Annapolis in 1786, to consult what measures should be taken in order to unite the States in some general and efficient government. But as the powers of these delegates were limited, thej^ adjourned, and recommended a gene- ral Convention to meet at Philadelphia the next year. Accordingly in May, 1787, delegates from all the States, except Rhode Island, assembled at Philadelphia, and appointed Gen. Washington their president. "After four months deliberation, ia which the clashing inte- rests of the several States appeared in all their force," the convention agreed to a frame of government which, was finally agreed to by all the States ; and on the 30th of April, 1789, Gen. Washington was inaugurated the first President of the United States. From this auspi- cious moment the American Republic has steadily ad- vanced in a tide of prosperity and growing power. 24 WASHINGTON S ADMINISTRATION. This period continued for eight years. Washington, the leader of the armies of the United States, who con- ducted them through the perilous and successful strug- gle for Independence, now received the unanimous suffrages of his countrymen to administer their national government. " His administration, partaking of his character, Avas mild and firm at home ; noble and prii- dent abroad." The principal events which took place during this period were, the Indian war on our West- ern frontiers — the Whiskey Insurrection, in Pennsyl- vania — Jay's treaty with Great Britain, — and the es- tablishment of a National Bank and Mint. " During this period, the arts and manufactures at- tracted the attention of Govermnent. Mr. Hamilton, Secretary of the Treasury, made a report to Congress on the subject, in which he set forth their importance lo the country, and urged the po[ic3r of aiding them. Since that time the revenue laws have been framed, with a yievv to the encouragement of manufactures, and their promotion has been considered as a part of the policy of the United States." The United States at the close of this period, contained aboU 5,000,000 of inhabitants. J. ADAMs' ADMlbflSTRATION. In 1796, Mr. Adams was olected President, and con- tinued in the office four years. The principal events during this time, were — ^the difficullies with the French Government — the death of Washington, and the trans- fer of the seat of the national government to Washing- ton. The greater part of Mr. Adams' administration was the subject of much popular clamour, owing to several imprudent laws which were passed during his presidency. Such were the "■Alien" and '' Sedition Laws," the act for raising a standing army, and the act for imposing a direct tax, and internal duties. These causes, with some others, caused so much opposition to Mr. Adams, that it prevented his re-election to the pre- sidency 25 Jefferson's administration. Mr. Jefferson's administration commenced in 1801, and continued for eight years. The most prominent events during- this period were — the purchase of Louis- iana — the War ivith Tripoli — Burr's conspiracy, the outrage upon the Chesapeake, and the laying of an Embargo. The bitterness of party spirit during this time raged with some violence, and it interrupted in some degree that general harmony which it is always important to the welfare of our union to cultivate. Trade and com- merce progressed wnth great rapidity. The European nations being at war with each other, and the United States remaining neutral, our vessels carried to Europe the produce of our own country, and the produce of other countries. This is commonly called the carrying trade, and was very profitable to our citizens. After the year 1807, the commercial restraints laid by France by her Berlin and Milan decrees, and by Great Britain by her Orders in Council, began to curtail our trade, mid the Embargo laid by our Government at the close of the year interrupted it still more. — The Arts and Rlanufactures still progressed, and the population of the United States, at the close of Mr. Jefferson's adminis- tration, amounted to about 7,000,000. Madison's administration. On the 4th of March, 1809, Mr. Madison was inducted into the office of President, and continued in office eight years. This period was distinguished for the Second War with Great Britain. When Mr. Madison entered upon his office, the state of the country was in some respects gloomy and critical. France and England were at war, and they issued against each other the most violent commercial edicts, in violation of the laws of nations, and injurious to those nations who wished to re- main neutral. After a series of injurious and insulting acts, on the part of the government of Great Britain 3 26 and its agents, the government of the United States declared. war against that power, June 18th, 1812, which continued about three years. The seat of war on the land, was principally on the frontiers of Canada, of which province it was the object of the Americans to take possession. The war at that point continued with various success on the part of the Americans and British. The Americans, however, were able to effect but little towards accomplishing the designs of their government. The situation of the contending parties at the close of the war was nearly the same as it was at the commencement ; on the ocean, however, it was different. The splendid success of the American navy in various engagements, raised it to a high eleva- tion, and taught her proud rival a lesson which will not be forgotten. During Mr. Madison's Presidency, in 1816, a National Bank was established with a capital of thirty-five millions of dollars. Monroe's administration. Mr. Monroe commenced his administration in 1817. under many favourable circumstances,— the country was fast recovering from the depression of commerce and a three years' war. The political feuds, which had, since the revolution, occasioned so much animosity, were now^ gradually subsiding, and there appeared in the adminis- tration a disposition to remove old party prejudices, and to promote union among the people. A spirit of im- provement was spreading throughout the country : roads and canals were constructed in various parts of the union. The principal events which took place in Mr. Monroe's administration were — the war Avith the Seminole Indians • — the passage of an act by Congress granting a pension to the indigent officers and soldiers of the revolution — the cession of Florida to the United States by the Spanish government, and the visit of Gen. Lafayette to the United States. 27 J. Q. ADAMS ADMINISTRATION. Mr. Adams was elected President in 1825, and con- tinued in office four years. The principal events during tliis period were — the TrcaiynHlh Colombia — \hePayia- ina Mission, and the death of the two venerable patriarchs of the revolution, John Adams and Thomas Jefferson, on the fiftieth anniversary of Independence. During this period, the people of the United States were divided into two parties in reference to the Presidential election : one party desirous of retaining Mr. Adams during another term of ofiice, the other upholding General Andre^\ Jackson as a suitable candidate for the office of Presi- dent. Party spirit now raged with violence, each party upholding their favourite candidate, and traducing the other. Upon counting the votes, it appeared that a large majority were in favour of Andrew Jackson; and on the 4th of March, 1829, he was inducted into the office of President of the United States, according to the form prescribed by the Constitution. INTERESTING EVENTS, &c. 1. North American Indians. It has long been a question agitated among the learn- ed, how America was first peopled. The opinion best supported is, that the Indians of this country emigrated from the north-eastern parts of Asia, crossing over to this continent at Beering's Straits. It having been establish- ed, by the discoveries of Capt. Cook, that at Kamschatka, in about latitude 66 degs. north, the continents of Asia and America are separated by a strait only eighteen miles wide, and that the inhabitants on each continent are similar, and frequently pass and repass in canoes from one continent to another: from these and other 28 circumstances, it is rendered highly probable that America was first peopled from the north-east parts of Asia. But since the Esquimaux Indians are manifestly a separate species of men, distinct from all the nations of the American continent, in language, disposition, and habits of life ; and in all these respects bear a near re- semblance to the northern Europeans, it is believed that the Esquimaux Indians emigrated from the north- west parts of Europe. Several circumstances confirm this belief As early as the ninth century, the Norwe- gians discovered Greenland, and planted colonies there. The communication with the cotmtry, after a long in- terruption, was renewed by the Lutheran and Moravian missionaries, who, prompted by zeal for the propagation of the Christian religion, have ventured to settle in this frozen region. From them we learn that the north-west coast of Greenland is separated from America but by a very narrow strait, if separated at all; and that the Es- quimaux of America perfectly resemble the Greenlanders in their aspect, dress, mode of living, and, probably, lan- guage. By these decisive facts, not only the consan- guinity of the Esquimaux and the Greenlanders is esta- blished, but the possibility of peopling America from the north parts of Europe. On the whole, it appears rational to conclude, that the progenitors of all the American nations, from Cape Horn to the southern limits of Labrador, from the similarity of their aspect, colour, &c., migrated from the north-east parts of Asia ; and that the nations that inhabit Labrador and the parts adjacent, from their un- likeness to the rest of the American nations, and their resemblance to the northern Europeans, came over from the north-west parts of Europe.* With regard to the number of Indians inhabiting our country, at the time of the arrival of the European set- tlers, no correct estimate can be made ; but, according to the estimate of Dr. Trumbull, they could not much exceed 150,000, within the compass of the thirteen ori- ginal states. It is believed that they were formerly much « Dr. Morse. 29 more numerous, particularly on the Ohio river and its branches, and in New-England. A few years before the arrival of the Plymouth set- tlers, a very mortal sickness raged with great violence among the Indians inhabiting the eastern parts of New- England. " Whole towns were depopulated. The living were not able to bury the dead ; and their bones were found lying above ground many years after. The Mas- sachusetts Indians are said to have been reduced from 30,000 to 300 fighting men. In 1633, the small pox swept off great numbers." The Indians of this country were divided into many small tribes, governed by their sachems, or kings, and were often at war with each other. In their persons, the Indians were tall, straight, and well proportioned ; in their councils, they were distin- guished for their gravity and eloquence; in Avar, for bravery, stratagem, and revenge. Hunting, fishing, and war, were the emplojonent of the men. The women were compelled to till the field and to perform the common drudgery of their domestic affairs. Their dress in summer consisted chiefly of a slight covering about the waist ; in winter they clothed them- selves with the skins of wild animals. They Avere extremely fond of ornaments, and on days of festivity and show, they Avere painted with A-arious colours, and profusely ornamented Avith shells, beads,and feathers. Their habitations, Avhich w^ere called by the English wigwams, Avere constructed by erecting a strong pole for the centre, around Avhich other poles, a foAv feet distant, Avcre driven, and fastened to the centre pole at the top, then covered Avith mats and bark of trees, Avhich rendered them a shelter from the Aveather. Their AA-arlike instruments and domestic utensils were fcAV and simple ; — a iomahaivl; or hatchet of stone, boAvs and arroAA's, sharp stones and shells, which they used for knives and hoes, and stone mortars for pounding their corn. For money they used small beads, curiously 3* 30 wrought from shells, and strung on belts, or m chains, called tvampu7n. The Indians of this country were generally Polythe- ists, or believed in a plurality of gods. Some were con- sidered as local deities ; yet they believed that there was one Supreme God, or Great Spirit, the creator of the rest, and all creatures and things. Him the natives of New-England called Kichtan. They believed that good men, at death, ascended to Kichtan, above the heavens, where they enjoyed their departed friends and all good things ; that bad men also went and knocked at the gate of glory, but Kichtan bade them depart, for there was no place for such, whence they wandered in restless poverty. This Supreme Being they held to be good, and prayed to him when they desired any great fevour, and paid a sort of acknowledgment to him for plenty, victory, &c. The manner of worship in many tribes, was to sing and dance around a large fire. There was another power which they called Hobba- mock, in English, the Devil, of whom they stood in greater awe, and worshipped him merely from a principle of fear, and it is said that they sometimes even sacrificed their o^xn children to appease him.* They prayed to him to heal their wounds and diseases. When found curable, he was supposed to be the author of their com- plaints ; when they were mortal, they were ascribed to Kichtan, whose diseases none were able to remove ; therefore they never prayed to him in sickness. Their priests, which were called Powaws, and their chief war- riors, pretended often to see Hobbamock in the shape of a man, fawn, or eagle, but generally of a snake, who gave them advice in their difficult undertakings. The duty and office of the Powaws, was to pray to Hobba- mock for the removal of evils ; the common people said amen. In his prayer the Powaw promised skins, ket- tles, hatchets, beads, &c., as sacrifices, if his request should be granted. The apparent insensibility of the Indians under pains * Morse and Parish's Hist. 31 and wounds is well known ; yet they had awful appre- hensions of death. When sick, and all hope of recovery was gone, their bursting sobs and sighs, their wringing hands, their flowing tears, and dismal cries and shrieks, were enough to excite sympathy from the hardest heart. Their af- fection was very strong for their children, who by in- dulgence were saucy and undutiful. A father would sometimes, through grief and rage for the loss of a child, stab himself Some tribes of Indians would not allow of mentioning the name of a friend after death. When a person died, they generally buried him ■wdth his bow and arrows, dogs, and whatever Avas valuable to him Avhile living, supposing he would want them in another world, as their ideas of the happiness of heaven consisted in finding plenty of game, feasting, &c. Of their bravery and address in war we have many proofs. The fortitude, calmness, and even exultation which they manifest while under the extremest torture from the hand of their enemies, is in part owing to their savage insensibility, but more to their high notions of military glory, and their rude notions of future happiness, which they shall forfeit by the least ma- nifestation of fear, ' or uneasiness under their suffer- ings. They are sincere and faithful in their friend- ships, remembering the smallest favour done them to the latest period, but bitter and determined in their resent- ments, and often pursuing their enemies hundreds of miles through the wilderness, encountering every diffi- culty in order to be revenged. This spirit oftentimes descended from the father to the son, who felt bound to revenge the injuries done his father when living. In their public councils they observe the greatest decorum. In the foremost ranks sit the old men who are the coun- sellors of the tribe, the warriors, and next the women and children. " Their kindness and hospitality is sel- dom equalled by any civilized society. Their politeness in conversation is even carried to excess, since it does not allow them to contradict any thing that is assened in their presence." 32 The Indians appear to have distinct traditions of the creation and deluge, and some of their words, rites, and ceremonies, bear a strong affinity to those of the ancient Hebrews. 2. Expeditions of Ferdinand de Soto and M. de la Salle. The Mississippi was first discovered by Ferdinand de Soto in 1541, and Father Hennepin, (a French Catho- lic Missionary,) and Monsieur de la Salle, were the first Europeans that traversed it. Soto had served under Pizarro in the conquest of Peru, with such reputation, that the King of Spain intrusted him with the govern- ment of Cuba, with the rank of General of Florida, and Marquis of the lands he should conquer. Soto collected a body of 900 foot and 350 horse, for an expedition into Florida, Avhere he landed in May, 1539. From the Gulf of Mexico* he penetrated into the country northward, and wandered about in search of gold, exposed to famine, hardships, and the opposi- tion of the natives. He pursued his course north to the country inhabited by the Chickasaws, where he spent a winter. He then crossed the Mississippi, being the first European that had discovered that vast river. After a long march into the country westward, in which Soto died, the remains of his troops returned to the Mississippi. Here they built a number of small ves- sels, in which they sailed down the stream, and made the best of their way to Panuco, in Mexico, where they arrived in September, 1543. In this extraordinary ex- pedition of more than four years' duration, in search of gold in the wilderness, and among hostile savages, more than half the men perished.* Father Hennepin, a missionary of the Franciscan order, and M. de la Salle, Avith a party of men, em- barked from Fort Frontenac, in Canada, in Nov. 1678. After having passed through Lakes Ontario, Erie, Hu- ♦ Webster's Elements of Useful Knowledge, Vol. I. 33. ron, and Michigan, and carried their canoes over land to the head of the Illinois river, Hennepin passed down to the mouth of the Mississippi. He set out upon his return to Canada, where he arrived in 1681, after hav- ing passed through many hardships and difficulties in this perilous enterprise among the savages, who for some time detained him as a prisoner. M. de la Salle returned to France ; and from the flat- tering account he gave of the country, and the advan- tages that would accrue from settling a colony in those parts, Louis XV. was induced to establish a company for that purpose. Salle embarked, with an intention to ^ttle near the mouth of the Mississippi. But through mistake, he sailed 100 leagues to the westward of it, where he attempted to settle a colony ; but through the unfavourableness of the climate, most of his men mise- rably perished, and he himself was villanously mur- dered, not long after, by two of his own men. 3. Introduction of the use of Tobacco. This singular native American plant, appears to have been used by the Indians in all parts of America. It is said it was first discovered by the Spaniards, in 1520, near the town of Tabasco, in Mexico. The Mexicans used it copiously, not only in smoke in the mouth, but also in snuff at the nose. " In order to smoke it," says the historian, " they put the leaves, with the gum of liquid amber, and other hot odorous herbs, into a little pipe of reed or wood, or some other more valuable substance. They received the smoke by sucking the pipe, and shutting the nostrils with their fingers, so that it might pass more easily by the breath into the lungs." It was such a luxury that the lords of Mexico were accustomed to compose them- selves to sleep with it. In the account of Cartier's voyage in 1535, Ave find it used in Canada: it is thus described :—" There grow 34 eth a certaine kind of herbe, Avhereof in sommer they make great provision for all the yeer, making great ac- count of it, and onely men use of it, and first they cause it to be dried in the sunne, then were it about their necks wrapped in a little beast's skinne, made like a little bagge, with a hollow piece of stone or wood like a pipe : then when they please they make a pouder of it, and then put it in one of the ends of said cornet, or pipe, and lay- ing a cole of fire upon it, at the other ende, sucke so long that they fill their bodies full of smoke, till it cometh out of their mouth and nostrils, even as put of the tonnell of a chimney." Tobacco was carried into England from Virginia, by Mr. Lane, in 1536. Sir Walter Raleigh, a man of gay- ety and fashion, adopted the Indian usage of smoking, and by his interest and example, introducing it at court, the pipe soon became fashionable. It was in vain that parliament discouraged the use of this ''vile Indian weed.^' In vain King James assured his subjects, that the custom of smoking it was loathsome to the eyes, hateful to the nose, harmful to the brain, and dangerous to the lungs. Opposition made proselytes ; and the united influence of fashion and habit, extended the prac- tice through the kingdom.* Tobacco was first cultivated by the English in Vir- ginia, about the year 1616 ; — from that time to the pre- sent, it has ever been one of the staple productions of that state. 4. Settlement of Jamestoum, Va. " North America was discovered in a period when the Arts and Sciences had made very considerable pro- gress in Europe. Many of the first adventurers were men of genius and learning, and were carefiil to pre- serve authentic records of such of their proceedings as would be interesting to posterity. These records afford * Holmes' Annals. 35 ample documents for American historians. Perhaps no people on the globe, can trace the history of their origin and progress with so much precision, as the inhabitants of North America ; particularly that part of them who inhabit the territory of the United States." The first European who discovered the coast of the United States, was John Cabot, a Venetian, who was employed by Henry VII. of England to make discove- ries. What is now called the Island of Newfoundland was first seen by him, and sailing thence in a westerly direction, he ranged the coast to Florida. This was in the year 1497 — about five years after the first discove- ries of Columbus. In 1584, Q,ueen Elizabeth of England, by patent, granted to Sir Walter Raleigh authority to discover, occupy, and govern " remote, heathen, and barbarous countries." Under this commission, two ships com- manded by Amidas and Barlow, arrived in America in July, 1584. These men landed at Roanoke, and took possession of the country for the crown of England, calling it Virginia, in honour of the virgin Queen. The next year a company of 107 adventurers, under Sir Richard Grenville, came over to Virginia, and fixed their residence on the islands of Roanoke. The settlers were left here under the command of Mr. Lane. It appears that these persons, by rambling into the country without due caution, or provoking the Indians by their lawless conduct, many of them were killed by the na- tives, while others perished by want. The survivors were taken to England the next year by Sir Francis Drake. In a fortnight, however, after they had departed, Sir Richard Grenville arrived with provisions, and an additional number of colonists. Not finding the former colonists, he left a few of his people, and returned to England. A third expedition, in 1587, went out under Mr. White with 1 15 persons, who were left at Roanoke. Three years had elapsed before Gov. White arrived with supplies and an additional number of colonists. Upon their arrival, they found no Englishmen, and it was evident they had been slain by the savages, or perished 36 by hunger. The last adventurers returned disheartened, and all farther attempts to establish a colony at that time were laid aside. Under the authority of the first patent, Capt. Chris- topher Newport was sent out by the London Company, with a number of adventurers, who entered Chesapeake bay after a voyage of four months, — sailed into the Powhattan, or James River, and landed 150 colonists, who began a plantation at Jamestown. Newport re- turned to England, and the next year carried 120 per- sons, Avith supplies of provisions. In 1609, Sir George Somers and Sir Thomas Gates, with 500 adventurers, sailed for Virginia, and finding the colony reduced by sickness and want, they resolved to abandon the country, and actually sailed for England. But meeting the next day Lord Delaware with fresh supplies, they returned, and established the first perma- nent English Colony in North America. 5. Pocahoyitas. Among the most enterprising and brave of the Vir- ginia settlers, was Capt. John Smith. Under pretext of commerce, he was drawn into an ambush of a numer- ous body of Indians, who seized and carried him in triumph to Powhattan their king. Powhattan sentenced him to death. — Capt. Smith was led out, and his head placed Upon a large stone, to receive the fatal blow. At this moment, Pocahontas, the youngest and darling daughter of Powhattan, then thirteen years old, rushed to the spot where Capt. Smith lay, threw her arms about his neck, and placed her own head on his, declaring that if the cruel sentence was executed, the first blow should fall on her. The sachem was moved — yielded to the entreaties of his daughter, and consented to spare his victim upon the conditions of a ransom. The ransom was paid — Capt. Smith was then released, and retur^gd, unhurt, to Jamestown. III /SnT, ('iiftt.ynviiurt Iniutfil l,%n m'tller.' nl .Iame9loHn.\'ir. if/ii' Ivtimi //ir firfl iirtniituftit Jlrilish fi'ttlrweiit in .\'i'r//i Jtinrini . ILA^ODIR© AT FiLloMroinrM T/ii- "I'ilf/nm Fatlurs" iaiu1(if oti t/if 22iiil of nfinnlvr, I620imuf hfifiin thf first Kiiijtish .irtllenietit in Xe\r Kiujlmid 37 In 1609, two or three years after Pocahontas saved the life of Capt. Smith, Powhattan formed a horrid scheme for the entire destruction of the colony at James- town: His project was to attack them in time of peace, and cut the throats of the whole colony. In a dark and stormy night, Pocahontas, like an angel of mercy, hastened alone to Jamestown, and discovered the inhuman plot of her father. The colonists, thus warned, took proper measures to repel the insidious attack. Soon after this. Governor Dale concluded a treaty of friendship with the Powhattans, one of the most power- ful tribes in Virginia. This important event for the co- lonies was brought about by means not very honourable to the governor. Pocahontas, who had saved the life of Capt. Smith, persevered in her attachment to the English, and frequently visited the settlements. On one of these occasions, she was decoyed on board a vessel, and there held in confinement. Her father, who loved her with ardent affection, was now obliged to discontinue hostilities, and conclude a treaty on such terms as the colonists dictated. The beauty of Pocahontas made such an impression on Mr. Rolfe, a young gentleman of rank, that he offered her his hand in marriage. Her father consented to the union, and the marriage was celebrated with great pomp ; and from that period har- mony prevailed between the colony and the tribes sub- ject to Powhattan, or that were under the influence of his power. Rolfe and his princess went to England, and was received at court with the respect due her birth. Here she embraced the Christian religion, and was baptized by the name of Rebecca. She died at Graves- end, in 1617, as she Avas on the point of embarking for America. "She left one son: from whom are sprung some of the most respectable fiimilies in Virginia ; who boast of their descent from this celebrated female, the daughter of the ancient rulers of the country." 4 33 6. Plymouth Settlers. The colony of Plymouth, Mass., (the first European settlement in New-England,) was planted principally for the sake of the free and undisturbed enjoyment of reli- gious and civil liberty. The colonists were originally from the north of England, and were of that class of people in those days called Puritans, so named from their uncommon zeal in endeavouring to preserve the purity of divine worship. Being persecuted by their enemies, during the reign of James I., they fled with their pastor to Amsterdam, in Holland, in 1608. They afterwards removed to Ley- den, where they remained till they sailed for America. Having resolved upon a removal, they procured two small ships, and repaired to Plymouth, (Eng.,) and from thence they proceeded about 100 leagues on their voyage, when they were compelled to return, in consequence of one of the ships being leaky. The ship was condemned, and the other, called the May Flower, being crowded with passengers, again put to sea, September 6 : on the 9th of November, after a dangerous passage, they ar- rived at Cape Cod, and the next day anchored in the harbour which is formed by the hook of the cape. Before they landed, having devoutly given thanks to God for their safe arrival, they formed themselves into a " body politic," and chose Mr. John Carver their Go- vernor for the first year. The next object was, to fix on a convenient place for settlement. In doing this, they encountered many diffi- culties — many of them were sick, in consequence of the fatigues of a long voyage — their provisions were bad — the season was uncommonly cold — ^the Indians, though afterwards friendly, were now hostile — and they were unacquainted Avith the coast. These difficulties they surmounted, and on the 22d of Decembej, 1620, they safely landed at a place which they named Plymouth. The anniversary of their landing is still celebrated, by the descendants of the Pilgrims^ as a religious festival. 39 The whole company that landed consisted of but 101 souls. Their situation and prospects were truly dismal and discouraging. The nearest European settlement was 500 miles distant, and utterly incapable of affording them relief in time of famine or danger. Wherever they turned their eyes, distress was before them. " Persecuted in their native land — grieved for the profanation of the holy Sabbath, and other liceritiousness in Holland — fa- tigued by their long and boisterous voyage — forced on a dangerous and unknown shore in the advance of a cold winter — surrounded with hostile barbarians, with- out any hope of human succour — denied the aid or fa- vour of the court of England — without a patent — without a public promise of the peaceable enjoyment of their re- ligious liberties — Avithout convenient shelter from the rigours of the weather. Such were the prospects, and such the situation of these pious and solitary Christians. To add to their distress, a very mortal sickness prevail- ed among them, which swept off forty-six of their num- ber before the ensuing spring. " To support them under these trials, they had need of all the aids and comforts which Christianity affords; and these were found sufficient. The free and unmo- lested enjoyment of their religion, reconciled them to their lonely situation — they bore their hardships with unexampled patience, and persevered in their pilgrimage of almost unparalleled trials, with such resignation and calmness, as gave proof of great piety and unconquer- able virtue." 7. Discovery of Indian Corn. Before the settlers landed at Plymouth, they sent out a number of parties to explore the country. One of these parties consisted of sixteen men, under Captain Miles Standish. In their route, they discovered several small hillocks, which they conjectured to be the graves of the Indians; but, proceeding still farther, they discovered 40 many more, and, on closer, examination, each hillock was found to contain a considerable quantity of Indian Corn ! It was buried in the ear, and excited no small degree of their curiosity. By a few of the company it was thought a valuable discovery; others, who had tasted the corn in its raw state, thought it indifferent food, and of but little value. This corn served them for seed in the ensuing spring. They were instructed by Squanto* a friendly Indian, how to raise it, and it was probably the means of pre- serving^ them from famine. 8. Massasoit, the Indian Sachem. The infant colony of Plymouth was much indebted to the friendship and influence of Massasoit, a powerful prince, or sachem, in those paits. About three months after their establishment, they received a visit from Mas- sasoit, with sixty of his men. They were conducted to the Governor, who received them with military parade. The Governor and Massasoit kissed each other's hands, as a salutation, and both sat down. '' Stroiig water''' was then given to the sachem, " who drank a great draught, that made him sweat all the while after." After eating, they entered into a friendly treaty. They agreed to avoid injuries on both sides, to restore stolen goods, to assist each other in all just wars, and to endeavour to promote peace and harmony among their neighbours. * This fnend of the Enghsh was one of the twenty Indians whom a Capt. Hunt perfidiously carried to Spain, where he sold them for slaves ; whence he found his way to London, and afterwards to his native country, with tlK3 Plymouth colony. Forgetting the perfidy of those who sold him a captive, he was a warm friend to the English till the day of his death. He rendered an essential service to the English, by inspiring his countrymen with a dread of their power. One of the arts he used for this purpose, was his informing the na- tives, that the English kept the plague buried in a cellar, which was their magazine of powder, which they could send forth to the destruc- tion of Indians, while they remained at home. He died in 1622. A few days before his death, he desired the Governor to pray that he alight go to the "Englishman's God" in heaven. ' i 41 This treaty was faithfully observed by Massasoit and liis successors, for more than forty years. At the time of the treaty, he is described as "a very lusty man, in his best years ; an able man, grave of countenance and spare of speech ; in his attire, little or nothing different from the rest of his followers, only in a great chain of Avhite bone beads about his neck"; and at it, behind his neck, hangs a little bag of tobacco. His face was painted with a sad red, like murrey, and oiled both head and face, that he looked greasy. All his followers likewise were, in their faces, in part or in whole, painted, some black, some red, some yellow, and some white; some with crosses and other antic works. Some had skins on them, and some naked; all tall and strong men in ap- pearance. The king had in his bosom, hanging in a string, a great long knife." In the year 1623, Massasoit was taken sick, and sent information of it to the Governor, who sent two of his friends to make him a visit. Their visit, and the pre- sents which they brought, were gratifying to Massasoit, and the medicines they administered were successful in restoring his health. Gratitude for their kindness prompted him to disclose a conspiracy of the Indians, which had for its object the total destruction of the Eng- lish. This timely notice averted the calamity. 9. Exploits of Capt. Stayidish. Capt. Miles Standish, the hero of New-England, came over with the first Plymouth settlers, in 1620. He was allied to the noble house of Standish of Lancashire, (Eng.,) and was heir apparent to a great estate, unjustly detained from him, which compelled him to depend on himself for support. " He was small in stature, but of an active spirit, a sanguine temper, and a strong constitution." These qualites led him to the profession of arms. He entered into the service of Q.ueen Elizabeth, in the aid of the 4* 42 Dutch, — and after the truce, he settled with Mr. Robin- son's people, in Leyden. When they emigrated to Ameri- ca, he commanded the detachment for making discove- ries after their arrival. He was chosen by the settlers as their military commander, and has since been con- sidered as the Washington of the Plymouth colony. One of the most celebrated exploits was the breaking up of a plot, in 1623, which the Indians had formed to murder the English settlers at Wessagusset, now Wey- mouth. The Governor of Plymouth having learned from Massasoit the plot of the natives, sent Capt. Stand- ish to their relief, and, if a plot should be discovered, to fall on the conspirators. Standish made choice of eight men, refusing to take any more. When he arrived at Wessagusset,' he found the settlers scattered, and in- sensible of the destruction which awaited them. Stand* ish was careful not to excite the jealousy of the natives till he could assemble the people of the plantation. An Indian brought him some furs, whom he treated " smooth- ly," yet the Indian reported that he " saw by the Cap- tain's eyes that he was angry in his heart." This in- duced Pecksuot, a chief of courage, to tell Hobbamock, Standish's guide and interpreter, that he " understood the Captain had come to kill him and the rest of the Indians there ; but tell him," said he, " we know it, but fear him not ; neither will we shun him ; let him begin when he dare, he shall not take us unawares." Others whetted their knives before him, using insulting gestures and speeches. Pecksuot, being a man of great stature, said to Standish, " Though you are a great captain, yet you are but a little man ; and though I be no sachem, yet I am a man of great strength and courage." The next day, seeing he could get no more of them to- gether, Pecksuot, and Wittowamat, and his brother, a youth of eighteen, and one Indian more, being together, and having about so many of his own men in the room, he gave the loord, the door was fast ; he seized Peck- suot, snatched his knife from him, and killed him with it ; the rest killed Wittowamat and the other Indian. The youth they took and hanged. Dreadful was the tihoui tfu- yatr lfi4t: -I'nwf.tn^d .tnJ suj^ss/itl till fas dt^A in I690. 43 scene; incredible the niimber of wounds they bore; without any noise, catching at the weapons, and striving till death.* 10. First Settlements in Connecticut. In 1635, October 15th, about sixty men, women, and children, from Dorchester, Mass., with their horses, and cattle, and swine, took up their march across the wilder- ness to Connecticut River. Their dangerous journey, over mountains and rivers, and through swamps, they were two weeks in performing. " The forests through which they passed, for the first time resounded with the praises of God. They prayed and sang psalms and hymns ; the Indians following them in silent admiration." It was so late in the season when they reached the place (now called Windsor) of their destination, that they were unable to find feed for their cattle, most of which died the ensuing winter. Disappointed in receiving their provisions, famine threatened them ; and those who remained through the winter, were obliged to subsist on acorns, malt, and grains. The congregation at Newton, (now Cambridge,) con- sisting of about one hundred men, women, and children, with the Rev. Mr. Hooker, their pastor, at their head, also emigrated more than one hundred miles, through a howling wilderness, to Hartford. They had no guide but their compass : on their way they subsisted on milk, for they drove before them one hundred and sixty head of cattle. They were obliged to carry Mrs. Hooker upon a litter. They began a plantation, and called it Newtown, which name was afterwards exchanged for Hartford. In the fall of 1637, a small party from Massachusetts journeyed to Connecticut to explore the lands and harbours on the sea-coast. They chose Quinnipiac for • Morse and Parish's Hist. 44 the place of their settlement, and erected a poor hut, in which a few men subsisted throug-h the winter. And on the 30th of March following, a large party sailed from Boston for Quinnipiac, where they arrived in about two weeks. This began the settlement of New- Haven. 11. Blue Laws of Connecticut. The following is a transcript of the principal part of the celebrated judicial code, known by the name of Blue Laws, under which, it is said, the first colonists of Con- necticut remained for a considerable time. They are as follows : " The Governor and magistrates, convened in general assembly, are the supreme power, under God, of this independent dominion. From the determination of the assembly no appeal shall be made. The Governor is amenable to the voice of the people. The Governor shall have only a single vote in de- termining any question, except a casting vote when the assembly may be equally divided. The assembly of the people shall not be dismissed by the Governor, but shall dismiss itself Conspiracy against this dominion shall be punished with death. Whoever attempts to change or overturn this do- minion, shall suffer death. The Judges shall determine controversies without a Jury. No one shall be a freeman, or give a vote, unless he be converted, or a member in free communion in one of the churches in this dominion. No food or lodging shall be afforded to a Quaker, Adamite, or other heretic. No one shall cross a river without an authorized ferry man. 45 No one shall run of a Sabbath day, or walk in his garden, or elsewhere, except reverently to and from the church. No one shall travel, cook victuals, make beds, sweep houses, cut hair, or shave, on the Sabbath day. No Avoman shall kiss her child on the Sabbath or fasting day. A person accused of trespass in the night, shall be judged guilty, unless he clear himself by his oath. No one shall buy or sell lands without permission of the select men. Whoever publishes- a lie to the prejudice of his neigh- bour, shall sit in the stocks, or be Avhipped fifteen stripes. Whoever wears clothes trimmed with silver, or bone lace, above two shillings a yard, shall be presented by the grand jurors, and the select men shall tax the offender at the rate of 300^. estate. Whoever brings cards or dice into this dominion shall pay a fine of 51. No one shall read Common Prayer, keep Christmas or Saint's day, make minced pies, dance, play cards, or play on any instrument of music, except the drum, the trumpet, and jeAvs-harp. When parents refuse their children suitable mar- riages, the magistrates shall determine the point. The select men, on finding children ignorant, may take them away from their parents and put them into bet- ter hands, at the expense of the parents. A rnan that strikes his wife shall pay a fine of 10/. ; a woman that strikes her husband shall be punished as the court directs. Married persons must live together, or be imprisoned. Every male shall have his hair cut round according to a cap." This curious code appears never to have been written, but was declared and interpreted by the select men, the judges, and the pastors of the different congregations.* In 1647 the colony of Connecticut passed a law for the regulation or suppression of the use of tobacco. It • Analectic Magazine, vol. 4, p, 57. 46 was ordered by the general Assembly " That no per- son under the age of twenty, or any other who had not already accustomed himself to the use of it, should take any tobacco until he had obtained a certificate from un- der the hand of an approved physician that it was use- ful for him, and until he had also obtained a license from the court. All others, who had addicted themselves to the use of it, were prohibited from taking it in any company, or at their labours, or in travelling, unless ten miles, at least, from any company ; and though not in company not more than once a day, upon pain of six-pence for every such offence. One substantial witness was to be sufficient proof of the crime. The Constables of the several towns were to make presentments to the par- ticular courts, and it was ordered that the fine should be paid without gainsaying." In 1658, the general court of New-Haven passed a severe law against the Quakers. They introduced their law with this preamble — " Whereas there is a cursed sect of heretics lately sprung up in the Avorld, commonly called Quakers, who take upon them that they are im- mediately sent from God, and infallibly assisted by the Spirit, who yet speak and write blasphemous opinions, despise government, and the order of God in church and commonwealth, speaking evil of dignities, &c.," ordered — " That whosoever shall bring, or cause to be brought, any known Quaker or Quakers, or other blas- phemous heretics, shall forfeit the sum of 501." Also, " If any Quaker come into this jurisdiction on civil business, the time of his stay shall be limited by the civil authority, and he shall not use any means to corrupt or seduce others ; on his first arrival he shall appear be- fore the magistrate, and from him have license to pass on to his business. And (for the better prevention of hurt to the people) have one or more to attend upon them at their charge, &c." The penalties, in case of disobedience, were, whip- ping, imprisonment, labour, and a deprivation of all con- verse with any person. For the second offence, the person was to be branded in the hand with the letter 47 H — to suffer imprisonment — and to be put to labour. For the third, to be branded in the other hand, impri- soned, &c. as before. For the fourth, the offender was to have his tongue bored through with a red hot iron — imprisoned — and kept to labour, until sent away at their own charge. Any person who should attempt to de- fend the sentiments of the Quakers, was, for the third offence, sentenced to banishment.* 12. Earthquakes. The first Earthquake since the settlement of this country, took place in New England, on the first day of June, 1638. The earth shook with such violence, that in some places, the people could not stand, without difficulty, in the streets; and most moveable articles in their houses were thrown down.f It occurred between the hours of three and four, P. M. The weather was clear and warm, and the wind westerly. " It came with a noise like continued thunder, or the rattling of coaches in London, but was presently gone." It was felt at Massachusetts, Connecticut, Narraganset, Piscataqua, and the circumjacent parts. It fhook the ships Avhich rode in Boston harbour, and all the adjacent islands. " The noise and shaking continued about four minutes. The earth was unquiet twenty days after by times."| On Jan. 6th, 1663, a great earthquake was felt in the northern parts of America. It was felt throughout New England and New Netherlands, (now New York;) but Canada was the chief seat of its concussions. It be- • Though these severe laws cannot be .justified, yet we ought to make much allowance for the fraincrs of these laws: they endured many hardship.^, privations, and sufierings, in order to establish a settlement in the wilderness, and a civil and religious government, under which they could enjoy their civil aud religious privileges in peace and tranquillity. The principles of the Quakers were con- sidered by the Colonists not only as destructive to true religion, but also destructive to their civil government, and hazarding their ex- istenc." as a people. t Holmes' Annals. t Winthrop's Journal, 48 gan there about half past five o'clock, P. M. While the heavens were serene, there was suddenly heard a roar like that of fire. The buildings were shaken with violence. " The doors opened and shut themselves — the bells rang without being touched — the walls split asunder — the floors separated and fell down — the fields put on the appearance of precipices — and the mountains seemed moving out of their places." The first shock continued nearly half an hour. Several violent shocks succeeded this the same evening, and the next day ; nor did the earthquake cease till the following July. The effects of the first, in January, were remarkable. " Many fountains and small streams were dried up. In others, the water became sulphurous. Many trees were torn up, and thrown to a considerable distance ; and some mountains appeared to be much moved and broken." On the 29th of October, 1727, there was a great earth- quake in New England. This earthquake commenced with a heavy rumbling noise about half past ten o'clock, P. M. when the weather was perfectly calm and tranquil. The motion was undulatory. Its violence caused the houses to shake and rock, as if they were falling to pieces. Stone walls, and the tops of several chimneys, were shaken down. The duration appears to have been about two minutes. Its course appears to have been from northeast to southwest. The most violent earthquake ever known in this country, took place November 18th, 1755. It was felt at Boston a little after four o'clock, in a serene and plea- sant night, and continued nearly four and a half minutes. In Boston, about one hundred chimneys were levelled with the roofs of the houses ; and about fifteen hundred shattered and thrown down in part. Many clocks were stopped. " At New-Haven, the ground, in many places, seemed to rise like the sea ; and the houses shook and cracked." The motion of the earthquake was undula- tory. Its course was nearly from northwest to southeast. Slight shocks of earthquakes have occurred in many instances since the first settlement of this country. h Ili.lT. Ciifilams i/iism .am/ ThiifrhilJ int/t »0 tiini.lnhmt Iwlf llir tvrrr i-flhf \ lolrnv oflmiierlieiil) fifslroyeil thfPnfwf fort, ivul MM iihmit Jnfl huhmu. j Oil Iht mtli.or l)n:lfri»hnl. mill llir InSivi fwirr in Xrir Kni/lnm/ rfirirei/ an iiirm-rrable hUm-. 49 13. Indian Cunning and Sagacity. The Indians have ever been remarkable for their cunning and sagacity. The following will serve to illustrate this part of their character. A Pequot Indian, in time of war, was pursued by a Narraganset. Finding it difficult to escape, he had re- course to the following stratagem. Retiring behind a rock, he elevated his hat upon his gun just above the rock, so that nothing but his hat appeared. The Nar- raganset, who Avas some distance off, perceiving this, crept up softly, within a few feet, and fired, and supposed that he had shot his enemy through the head. But he soon found out his mistake, for the Pequot immediately sprung around the rock, and shot him before he had time to load his gun. Such is the sagacity and habits of nice observation which an Indian possesses, that it is said, he can tell whether his enemy has passed any place — will discern foot-marks which an European could not see ; he will tell what tribe it was, and what were their numbers. On the smoothest grass, on the hardest earth, and even on the very stones, will he discern traces. In the pursuit of game th.iiy will track their prey in the same manner, and see which way to go in pursuit. 14. Expedition against the Pequots. The year 1637 is memorable in the history of Con- necticut for the war with the Pequot Indians — one of the most warlike and haughty tribes in New England. Previous to the breaking out of the war, the Pequots had much annoyed the English, and murdered a num- ber of them, whereupon a court was summoned at Hartford who determined upon a war with the Pequots. Ninety men were mustered from the towns of Hartford, 5 50 Windsor, and Wethersfield, being about half of the effective force of the whole colony. This expedition was commanded by Capt. Mason, assisted by Capt. Underbill. Previous to their marching, the Rev. Mr. Hooker, of Hartford, addressed them in the following manner : " Fellow Soldiers, Countrymen, and Companions, you are this day assembled by the special Providence of God ; you are not collected by wild fancy, nor ferocious passions. It is not a tumultuous assembly, whose ac- tions are aborted, or if successful, produce only theft, rapine, rape, and murder : crimes inconsistent with nature's light, inconsistent with a soldier's valour. You, my dear hearts, were selected from your neigh- bours, by the godly fathers of the land, for your known courage to execute such a work. " Your cause is the cause of heaven ; the enemy have blasphemed your God, and slain his servants; you are only the ministers of his justice. I do not pretend that your enemies are careless or indifferent; no, their hatred is inflamed, their lips thirst for blood; they would devour you, and all the people of God; but, my brave soldiers, their guilt has reached the clouds; they are ripe for destruction ; their cruelty is notorious ; and cruelty and cowardice are always united. " There is nothing, therefore, to prevent your certain victory, but their nimble feet, their impenetrable SA\-amps and wciods : from these your small numbers will entice them, or your courage drive them. I now put the question — Who would not fight in such a cause? fight with undaunted boldness ? Do you wish for more en- couragement ? more I give you. Riches awaken the soldier's sword; and though you will not obtain silver and gold on the field of victory, you will secure what is indefinitely more precious ; you will secure the liber- ties, the privileges, and the lives of Christ's Church in this ?iew u'orld. " You will procure safety for your affectionate wives, safety for your prattling, harmless, smiling babes ; you will secure all the blessings enjoyed by the people of 51 God in the ordinances of the gospel. Distinguished was the honour conferred upon David, for fighting the battles of the Lord : this honour, O ye courageous sol- diers of God, is now prepared for you. You will now execute his vengeance on the heathen ; you will bind their kings in chains, and their nobles in fetters of iron. "But perhaps some one may fear that a fatal arrow may deprive him of this honour. Let every faithful soldier of Jesus Christ be assured, that if any servant be taken away, it is merely because the honours of this world are too narrow for his reward; an everlasting crown is set upon his head, because the rewards of this life arc insufficient. March, then, with Christian cou- rage, in the strength of the Lord ; march with faith in his divine promises, and soon your swords shall find your enemies ; soon they shall fall like leaves of the forest under your feet." Being now joined by Uticas, the sachem of the Mohe- gans, they all proceeded down the river to Saybrook, where they formed their plan of operations. It was determined to attack the enemy in one of their principal forts, (in the present towTi of Stonington,) where Sassa- cus, their chief sachein, had retired. Previous to the attack, Capt. Mason was joined by about five hundred Narraganset Indians, who, when they understood that they were to fight Sassacus, betrayed much fear, and retired to the rear, saying, " Sassacus was all one a god, and nobody could kill him.^' The time fixed at length arrived — the dawn of the 26th of May, which was to decide the fate of the colony of Connecticut. The barking of a dog, when within a few rods of the fort, announced their approach, and aroused the Pequot sentinel, who cried out, Oipannux! Owannux! i. e. Englishmen ! Englishmen! The cap- tains, followed by their men, courageously pressed for- ward, found an entrance, and fired upon the enemy in the fort, who made a desperate resistance. The de- struction of the Pequots was terrible, j-et the victory seemed doubtful. Captain Mason (who with his men were now nearly exhausted) seized a firebrand, and set 52 fire to a wigwam, of whicli there were many in the fort, covered with mats, and other combustible materials. The fire, assisted by the wind, spread rapidly, and di- rectly the whole fort was in a flame. The roar and crackling of the flames, with the yells of savages, and the discharge of musketry, formed an awful and terrific scene! The troops who had now formed outside of the fort, with the friendly Indians, who had by this time gathered courage to approach, surrounded the enemy, and fired upon those who attempted to escape. The work of destruction was complete; of five or six hundred Pequots, only seven or eight escaped — the rest were either shot or perished in the flames. The loss of the English was only two killed, and sixteen wounded. 15. Elliot, the Indian Missionary. In 1650, the society in England, instituted for propa- gating the gospel, began a correspondence with the commissioners of the colonies of New-England, Avho were employed as agents of the society. In conse- quence, exertions were made to christianize the Indians. Mr. John Elliot, minister of Roxbury, distinguished himself in this pious work. He collected the Indian families, and established towns ; he taught them hus- bandry, the mechanic arts, and a prudent management of their affairs, and instructed them with unwearied attention, in the principles of Christianity. For his uncommon zeal and success, he has been called the Apostle of New-Englayid. Mr. Elliot began his labours about the year 1646. His first labour was to learn the language, which was peculiarly diflicult to acquire ; for instance, the Indian word Nammatchechodtantamoonganuiinonash, signifies no more in English than our lusts.* Elliot having finished a grammar of this tongue, at the clo.se of which he wrote, " Prayers and pains through faith in Jesus ♦ Mather's Magnalia, Vol. L 53 Christ ii'ill do any fltins:!" With very great labour he translated the whole Bible into the Indian language. This Bible was printed in 1G64, at Cambridge, and was the first Bible ever printed in America. He also trans- lated the Practice of Piety, Baxtei s Call to the Uncon- verted, besides some smaller works, into the Indian tongue. Having performed many wearisome journeys, and endured many hardships and privations, this inde- fatigable missionary closed his labours in 1690, aged eighty-six years. The ardour and zeal of Elliot, Mayhew, and others, were crowned with such success, that in IGGO, there were ten to\\iis of Indians in Massachusetts who were converted to the Christian religion. In IG95, there were not less than three thousand adult converts in the islands of Nantucket and Martha's Vineyard. 16. King Philip^ s War. (attack on brookfield.) In the year 1G75, Philip, sachem of the Wampano- ags, and grandson of Massasoit, began the most de- structive war ever waged by the Indians upon the infant colonies. He resided at Mount Hope, in the present town of Bristol, in Rhode Island. It is supposed that his object was the entire extinction of the colonists, who were now rapidly extending their settlements. The immediate cause of the war was this: Sausaman, an Indian missionary,* had made a discovery of Philip's plots to the English, for which Philip caused him to be murdered. The murderers were tried and executed by the English. This roused the anger of Philip, who immediately commenced hostilities, and by * Philip always opposed the introduction of Christianity among his people. When Mr. Elliot uraed upon him its great importance, he said, " he cared no more for the Gospel than he did for a button upon his coat"— iV/oi/ter'« Magnalia. 5* 54 his influence, drew into the war most of the Indian tribes in New-England. Philip fled to the Nipmucks, a tribe of Indians in that part of Massachusetts which is now called Worcester county, and persuaded them to assist him. The Eng- lish sent a party also to this tribe, to renew a former treaty; but Philip's influence prevailed, and this party were waylaid, and eight of their number killed. The remainder fled to Brookfield, pursued by the Indians into the town. Every house in this place was burnt by the Indians except one, into which the inhabitants had fled for refuge ; and this was soon surrounded by their foes, and for tAvo days they poured into its walls a shower of musket balls. Only one person, however, was killed. Brands and rags, dipped in brimstone, attached to the ends of long poles, were used to fire the house ; arrows of fire were shot against it ; and a car- riage of tow and other combustibles, was with long poles, pushed against the house, and the savages stood ready to slaughter all who should attempt to escape. At this awful and critical moment, a sudden torrent of rain extinguished the kindling flames. Major Wil- lard soon after came to their assistance, raised the siege, and, after some slaughter of the enemy, compelled them to retreat. 17. Swainp Fight icith the Narragansets. Lest Philip should increase his power, bj' an alliance with the Narraganset Indians, the English had made a friendly treaty with them in July, 1675. But notwith- standing this, in December of the same year, it was dis- covered that thej"^ were secretly aiding Philip's party. This determined the English to undertake a winter ex- pedition against them. For this object, the colony of Massachusetts furnished five hundred and twenty-seven men, Plymouth one hundred and fifty-nine, and Con- necticut three hundred ; to all these were attached one 55 hundred and fifty Mohegan Indians. After electing Josiah Winslow, Governor of Pljinouth colony, to be their commander, the whole party met at Pettyquam- squot. About sixteen miles from this place, it was found that the Narragansets had built a strong fort in the midst of a large swamp, upon a piece of dry land of about five or six acres. The fort was a circle of pallisadoes surrounded by a fence of trees, which was about one rod thick. On the 19th of December, 1675, at dawn of day, the English took up their march through a deep snow, and at 4 o'clock in the afternoon attacked the Indians in their fortress. The only entrance which appeared prac- ticable was over a log, or tree, which lay up five or six feet from the ground, and this opening was commanded by a sort of a block house in front. The Massachusetts men, led on by their captains, first rushed into the fort, but the enemy, from the block house and other places, opened so furious a fire upon them, that they were obliged to retreat. Many men were killed in this as- sault, and among them Captains Johnson and Daven- port. The whole army then made a united onset. The conflict was terrible. Some of the bravest captains fell, and victory seemed very doubtful. At this crisis some of the Connecticut men ran to the opposite side of the fort, where there were no pallisadoes ; they sprang in, and opened a brisk and well directed fire upon the backs of the enemy. This decided the contest. The Indians were driven from the block house, and from one covert to another, until they were Avholly destroyed or dis- persed in the wilderness. As they retreated, the sol- diers set fire to their wigwams, (about six hundred in number,) which were consumed by the flames. In this action it was computed that about seven hundred fighting Indians perished, and among them twenty of thedr chiefs. Three hundred more died from their wounds ; — to these numbers may be added many old men, women, and children, who had retired to this fort as a place of undoubted security. " The burning of the wigwams, the shrieks of the 56 women and children, the yelling of the warriors, ex- hibited a most horrid and affecting scene, so that it greatly moved some of the soldiers. They were much in doubt whether the burning of their enemies alive could be consistent with humanity and the benevolent principles of the gospel." Fi'om this blow the Indians never recovered. The victory of the English, though complete, was dearly purchased : six of their captains, and eighty of their men, were killed or mortally wounded ; and one hundred and fifty Avere wounded and afterwards recovered. About one half of the loss of this bloody fight fell upon the Connecticut soldiers. 18. Death of King Philip. The finishing stroke was given to the Indian power m NeAv-England, l3y the death of Philip, August 12th, 1676. Failing in his attempts to rouse the Mohawk tribe to war with the English, he returned to Mount Hope — the tide of war against him. The English had killed or captured his brother, counsellors, and chief warriors, his wife and familjr, and he was obliged to flee from one lurking place to another, from the pursuit of his foes. Firm and unbroken amidst all his misfortunes, he would listen to no proposals of peace. He even shot one of his own men for daring to suggest it. Captain Church, who, for his courage and enterprise in this war, had acquired renown, received information that Philip was in a swamp near Mount Hope. To this place he marched immediately, with a party of men, whom he placed in ambush about the swamp, with or- ders not to move until daylight, that they might distin- guish Philip. Captain Church, confident of success, took Major Sanford by the hand, exclaiming, " It is scarcely possible that Philip should escape;" at this moment a bullet Avhistled over their heads, and a volley followed. Immediately Philip, with his powder horn Plulip.llir Imhaii k'niq Jun-inq liffnitifiJ lumsflf itiiil his C'lmlnmeii Id the ■i hf S.I'nn'Imn uttarkeii thf Tanniffm in llifir fanifi at .fallratrtitTt. Jflrr n UpoiIv hnlllr l/irr trerr nvilril A iln'rm fivni Iht lYcnncf. dp^^ 57 and gun, ran fiercely towards a spot where lay concealed a white man and a friendly Indian. The Englishman levelled his gun at Philip, but it missed fire. The In- dian ally then fired. The bullet entered the heart of Philip, and he fell on his face in the mire of the swamp. By the order of Captain Church, his body was drawn from the place where he fell, and beheaded and quar- tered.* The Indian who executed this order, taking his hatchet, thus addressed the body of Philip: — "You have been one very great man — you have made a many a man afraid of you — but so big as you be, I will chop you in pieces." " Thus fell a brave chieftain, who defended himself, and what he imagined to be the just rights of his coun- trymen, to the last extremity." After the death of Philip, the war continued in the province of Maine, till the spring of 1678. But west- ward, the Indians having lost their chiefs, wigwams and provisions, and perceiving farther contest vain, came in singly, and by tens, and by hundreds, and sub- mitted to the English. Thus closed a melancholy period in the annals of New-England history ; during Avhich, 600 men, in the flower of their strength, had fallen; 12 or 13 towns had been destroyed, and 600 dwelling houses consumed. Every Uth family was houseless, and every 11th sol- dier had sunk to the grave, f 19. Bacon^s Insurrection in Virginia, Virginia, while a colony of Great Britain, often suf- fered from the oppressive acts of the mother country, and their essential interests were often sacrificed to in- dividuals in Great Britain. These proceedings gave * The head of Philip was sent to Plymouth, where it was exposed for twenty years on a gibbet; his hands to Boston, where they were exhibited in triumph ; and his mangled body was denied the right of sepulture. t Goodrich. 58 rise to a spirit of opposition in many of the colonists, which sometimes broke out into open acts of resistance. "The malcontents in Virginia, in 1676, taking ad- vantage of a war with the Susquehanna Indians, excited the people to insurrection. Nathaniel Bacon, a bold, seditious, and eloquent young man, who had been con- cerned in a recent insurrection, now offered himself as a leader of the insurgents, was chosen their general, and soon after entered Jamestown with six hundred armed followers. Having besieged the grand assem- bly, then convened in the capital, he compelled them to grant whatever he demanded. On finding himself de- nounced, after his departure, as a rebel, by a proclama- tion of Governor Berkely, he returned indignantly to Jamestown. The aged governor, unsupported, and al- most abandoned, fled precipitately to Accomack, on the eastern shore of the colony; and collecting those who were well affected towards his government, began to oppose the insurgents. Several skirmishes were fought, with various success. A party of the insurgents burn- ed Jamestown. Those districts of the colony which ad- hered to the old admiiiistration, were laid waste. The estates of the loyalists were confiscated. Women, whose fathers and husbands obeyed what they deemed the legal government, were carried forcibly along with the sol- diers. The governor, in retaliation, seized the estates of many of the insurgents, and executed several of their leaders by martial law. In the midst of these calami- ties. Bacon, the author of them, sickened and died; and the flames of war expired. This rebellion cost the colony one hundred thousand pounds.* 20. The Regicides. Soon after the restoration of monarchy in England, many of the judges who had condemned King Charles I. to death, were apprehended. Thirty were condemned, ♦ Holmes' Annals, 59 and ten were executed as traitors ; two of them, Colonels Goffe and Whalley, made their escape to New-England, and arrived at Boston, July, 1660. They Avere gentle- men of worth, and were much esteemed by the colonists for their unfeigned piety. Their manners and appear- ance were dignified, commanding universal respect. Whalley had been a Lieutenant General, and Goffe, a Major General in Cromwell's army. An order for their apprehension, from Charles II., reached New- England soon after their arrival. The King's commis- sioners, eager to execute this order, compelled the Judges to resort to the woods and caves, and other hiding places ; and they would undoubtedly have been taken, had not the colonists secretly aided and assisted them in their concealments. Sometimes they found a refuge in a 'cave on a mountain near New-Haven, and at others, in cel- lars of the houses of their friends, and once they were secreted under the Nock bridge in New-Haven, while their pursuers crossed the bridge on horseback. While in New-Haven, they owed their lives to the intrepidity of Mr. Davenport, the minister of the place, who, when the pursuers arrived, preached to the people from this text, " Take council, execute judgment, make thy shadow as the night in the midst of the noon day, hide the outcasts, bcivray not him that wandereth. Let my outcasts dwell with thee. Moab, be thou a covert to them from the face of the spoiler." Large rewards Avere offered for their apprehension, or for any informa- tion which might lead to it. Mr. Davenport was threat- ened, for it was known that he had harboured them. Upon hearing that he was in danger, they offered to de- liver themselves up, and actually gave notice to the de- puty governor of the place of their concealment ; but Davenport had not preached in vain, and the magistrate took no other notice than to advise them not to betray themselves. After lurking about for two or three j'ears in and near New-Haven, they found it necessary to re- move to Hadley,* where they wore received by Mr. ♦ While GofTe was secreted in Hadley, in 1675, the Indians attacked the town while the inhabitants were at public worship. The peo- GO Russell, with whom they were concealed fifteen or six- > teen years. After many hair-breadth escapes, the pur- j suit was given over, and they were finally suflfered to die a natural death in their exile. i 21. William Penn. The territory of Pennsylvania was granted to Wil- liam Penn, from whom it derives its name. This grant was made by King Charles II. of England, in 1681, in consideration of service rendered to the crown by the father of Penn, who was an admiral in the English navy. In October, 1682, William Penn arrived in the Delaware, with his colony of Friends or Q,uakers. He purchased of the natives the land where he proposed to build his capital, which he called Philadelphia, or the seat of brotherly love. William Penn gave the Indians a satisfactory equivalent for all lands which he obtained ; and when he paid them, he administered such whole- some counsel and advice, as proved salutary to the na- tives, and greatl}' endeared him to their affections. The treaty of peace which he concluded with them in 16S2, lasted more than seventy years. He parcelled out lands at moderate rents, gave free toleration to all religious sects, enacted mild and equitable laws, and thus invited a rapid scttk^ment of the colon3^ The respect and affection which the natives had for Penn, and those of his religious tenets, was so great, that it is related as a fact, that in their wars Avith the whites, they never killed a Quaker, knowing him to be such. Though Penn was a strictly conscientious and peace- i)le were thrown into the utmost confusion, till Goffe, entirely un- known to them, white Mith age, of a venerable and commanding aspect, and in an unusual dress, suddenly presented himself among them, enrouragins; the aflVifihted inhabitants, put himself at their head, and by liis military skill, led them on to an immediate victory. After the dispersion of the enemy, he instantly disappeared. The wondering iniiabitants, ahke ignorant wiienee ne came, and where he had retired, imagined him to be an angel sent for their deliver- ance.— S/i7es' Hist. Judges. fn lani W'lUimn I'ciiii \nlh n /o/miv of Knoiuls nrriicd ill ihf ndaifarr. imuU a Trclv will, thf hulinns niitl irim.M iht Mmiv cfV i/ifir ''linrlrr. it mio .«/-/.-/•<•/ M- t'tifil. H'lulewi'rlh. /ni,ik sented them as the forerunners of bloody wars and other calamities. Sometimes historians speak of them as troops of men armed and rushing to battle. For about three hundred years past, our accounts of northern lights are tolerably correct. There was a discontinuance of them eighty or ninety years, anterior to 1707, when a small light was seen by persons in Europe. But they did not re-appear, in full splendour, till the year 1716, when they were observed in England. Their first appear- ance in America was December 11, 1719, when they were remarkably bright, and as people in general had never heard of such a phenomenon, they were extreme- ly alarmed with the apprehension of the approach of the final judgment. All amusements, all business, and even sleep, was interrupted, for want of a little knowledge of history. From 1719 to 1790, these lights were fre- quent, when they again disappeared for ten or twelve years.* A beautiful phenomenon (connected as it is supposed with the Boreal Lights) was seen in the northern States, on the 23th of August, 1827. The following descrip- tion is taken from the American Journal of Science and Arts, vol. 14th, art. 16. " In this city (New- York) it was first observed at about half past nine, P. M., at which time the light, except as regards its whitish hue, re- sembled that produced by a fire at some distance. The light soon, however, became more intense, and its out- line more distinctly denned, gradually assuming a columnar shape, and extending from about N. N. W. to a point in the opposite horizon, about E. N. E. In about 10 or l.j minutes from the time I first observed it, waves of light, in detached masses, but all in the line of the luminous arch, began to flow from the eastern towards the western part of its course, until the whole were blended, and the heavens were adorned with a beautiful arch, extending from the terminations above named to a point about 15 degrees north of the zenith. The greatest breadth of the arch, at its centre, was about 9 or 10 degrees, tapering from that point to the western 7 ♦ Webster. 74 extremity, (where the light was much brighter,) almost to a point. . . . The whole arch moved with a gradual motion towards the south, and passed the zenith, pre- senting a broad bright band of wavy light. After it passed the zenith towards the south, its eastern limb be- came less distinct, while the Avestern part became more exact in its outline, and was as well defined as a pencil of rays passed through a prism into a dark room. The colour was a bright white, and slowly faded, until about two hours from the time of its first appearance, when it was no longer visible." About 50 or 60 years since, similar appearances were observed in the northern States. 31. Gov. Fletcher ond Capt. Wadsworth. In 1692, Col. Fletcher arrived with the commission of governor of New-York, and was also vested with plenary powers of commanding the whole militia of Connecticut ; and insisted on the exercise of that com- mand. The legislature of Connecticut, knowing that authority to be expressly given to the colony by charter, would not submit to his requisition ; but the colony, desirous of maintaining a good understanding with Gov. Fletcher, sent William Pitkin, Esq. to New York, to make terms with him respecting the militia, until his majesty's pleasure should be further known. No terms, however, could be made with the governor, short of an explicit submission of the militia to his command. On the 26th of October, 1693, he came to Hartford, while the assembly were sitting, and, in his majesty's name, demanded that submission. The assembly resolutely persisted in a refusal. After the requis^itions had been repeatedly made, with plausible explanations and serious menaces, Fletcher ordered his commission and instruc- tions to be read in audience of the trainbands of Hart- ford, which had been prudentially assembled, upon his order. Capt. Wadsworth, the senior officer, who was at that moment exercising the soldiers, instantly called /5 out, " Beat the drums," which in a moment overwhelm- ed every voice. Fletcher commanded silence. No sooner was a second attempt made to read, than Wads- worth vociferated, " Drum, drum, I say." The drum- mers instantly beat again with the greatest possible spirit. " Silence, silence," exclaimed the governor. At the first moment of a pause, Wadsworth called out earnest- ly, " Drum, drum, I say;" and turning to his excellency, said, " If I am interrupted again, / icill make (he sun shine through you in a momoit." This decision produced its proper elfect ; and the governor and his suite soon re- turned to New- York.* 32. War with the Tuscaroras. In 1710, a large number of German emigrants arrived in this country, and settled in North Carolina. Two years after their arrival, the Tuscaroras, Corees, and other tribes of Indians, formed a deep conspiracy for the extermination of the English settlers. Having for- tified the chief town in the Tuscarora nation, for the security of their o^^^l families, the difTerent tribes met at this place, to the number of 1200 warriors, and laid the horrible plot, which was concerted and executed Avith stability and great secresy. From this place of rendez- vous they sent out small parties, which entered the set- tlements by difTerent roads, under the mask of friendship. When the night agreed on had arrived, they entered the houses of the settlers, and demanded provisions ; and feigning displeasure, fell upon them, and murdered men, women, and children, without distinction. About Roanoke, 137 persons perished in the massacre. A few persons escaping, gave the alarm to their neighbours the next morning, and thus prevented the entire destruc- tion of the colony. Governor Craven, of South Carolina, as soon as he beard of this massacre, immediately sent Col. Barnwell, • Holnjes' Annals. 76 with 600 militia and 360 friendly Indians, against these savages. Marching through a hideous wilderness, Barn- well came up with the enemy, and attacked them with great effect. In this action he killed 300 Indians, and took about 100 prisoners. The survivors fled to their fortified town, Avhere Col. Barnwell surrounded them, killed a great number, and compelled the remainder to sue for peace. It is estimated that in this expedition nearly a thousand of the Tuscaroras were killed, wound- ed, and taken prisoners. Of Barnwell's men, five were killed, and several wounded ; of his Indians, thirty-six were killed, and between sixty and seventy wounded.* " Never had any expedition against the savages in Carolina been attended with such hazards and difficul- ties ; nor had the conquest of any tribe of them been more general and complete." Most of the Tuscaroras who escaped, abandoned their country, settled among the Five Nations, and added a sixth tribe, since which time they have been called the Six Nations. 33. War with the Yamasecs. In the year 1715, an Indian war broke out in South Carolina, which threatened a total extirpation of the co- lony. The numerous and powerful tribe of the Yama- sees, possessing a large territory back of Port Royal Island, were the most active in this conspiracy. On the 15th of April, about break of day, the cries of war gave universal alarm ; and in a few hours, above ninety persons were massacred in Pocataligo and the neighbour- ing plantations. A captain of the militia escaping to Port Royal, alarmed the town; and a vessel happening to be in the harbour, the inhabitants repaired precipi- tately on board, sailed for Charleston, and thus provi- dentially escaped a massacre. A few families of planters on the island, not having timely notice of the danger, fell into the hands of the savages. * Holmes' Annals, 77 While some Indhm tribes were thus advancing atrainst the southern frontiers, and spreading desolation through the province, forniidablc parties from the other tribes were penetrating into the settk^ments on the northern borders ; for every tribe, from Florida to Cape Fear, was concerned in the conspiracy. The capital trembled for its OAvn perilous situation. In this moment of uni- versal terror, although there were no more than one thousand two hundred men on the muster roll, fit to bear arms, yet the governor resolved to march with this small force against the enemy. He proclaimed martial law ; laid an embargo on all ships, to prevent either men or provisions from leaving the country ; and obtained an act of assembly, empowering him to impress men, and seize arms, ammunition, and stores, wherever they were to be found ; to arm trusty negroes ; and to prose- cute the war with the utmost vigour. Agents were sent to Virginia and England, to solicit assistance; and bills were stamped for the payment of the army and other expenses. The Indians on the northern quarter, about fifty miles from Charleston, having murdered a family on a plan- tation, Capt. Barker, receiving intelligence of their ap- proach, collected a party of ninety horsemen, and advanced against them. Trusting, however, to an In- dian guide, he was led into an ambuscade, and slain, with several of his men. A party of four hundred Indians came down as low as Goose Creek, where seventy men and forty negroes had surrounded them- selves with a breast work, with the resolution of main- taining their posts. Discouraged, however, almost as soon as attacked, they rashly agreed to terms of peace ; but on admitting the enemy whhin their works, they were barbarously murdered. The Indians now ad- vanced still nearer to Charleston; but were repulsed by the militia. In the mean time, the Yamasees, with their confede- rates, had spread destruction through the parish of St. Bartholomew, and proceeded down to Stono. Governor Craven, advancing towards the wily enemy, with cau- 7* 78 tious steps, dispersed their strag-g-ling parties, until he reached Saltcatchers, where they had pitched their camp. Here was fought a severe and bloody battle, from be- hind trees and bushes ; the Indians with their terrible war whoops, alternately retreating and returning with double fury to the charge. The governor, undismayed, pressed closely on them with his provincials ; drove them from their territory ; pursued them over Savannah river ; and thus expelled them from the province. In this Indian war, nearly four hundred of the in- habitants of Carolina were slain. The Yamasees, after their expulsion, Avent directly to the Spanish territories in Florida, where they were hospitably received.* 34. Inoculation Introduced. The inoculation of small pox was first performed in the English dominions, in April, 1721, upon a daughter of the celebrated Lady M. W. Montague, who had be- come acquainted with inoculation as practised by Turk- ish women, during her residence in Constantinople. About this time, Dr. Zabdiel Bojdeston, of Boston, was induced to adopt the same expedient, from reading an account of inoculation, and made his first experiment by inoculating his only son and two negro servants, on the 27th of June, 1721. Probably there never was greater opposition to any measure of real public utility, than was exhibited on this occasion. Dr. Boyleston was execrated and persecuted as a murderer, assaulted in the streets, and loaded with every species of abuse. His house was attacked with violence, so that neither himself nor his family could feel secure in it. At one time he remained fourteen days in a. secret apartment of his own house, unknown to any of his family except his wife. The enraged inhabitants patrolled the town in parties, with halters in their hands, threatening to hang him on the nearest tree, and repeatedly entered his * Holmes' American Annals. 79 house in search of him during his concealment. Such was the madness of the multitude, that even after the excitement had in some measure subsided, Dr. Boyles- ton only ventured to visit his patients at midnight, and then in disguise. He had also to encounter violent op- position from most of the members of his own profession, and notwithstanding he invited them all to visit his pa- tients, and judge for themselves, received nothing but threats and insults in reply. Indeed, many sober, pious people, were deliberately of opinion, when inoculation was first commenced, that should any of his patients die, the doctor ought to be capitally indicted. He was re- peatedly summoned before the select men of Boston, and received their reprehension. His only friends were Dr. Cotton Mather, and other clergymen, most of whom became zealous advocates for the new practice, and con- sequently drew upon themselves much odium from the populace. Some of them received personal injury ; others were insulted in the streets, and Avere hardly safe in their own dwellings; nor were their services accept- able on Sunday to their respective audiences. A bill for prohibiting the practice of inoculation, under severe penalties, was brought before the legislature of Massachusetts, and actually passed the house of repre- sentatiA'es ; but some doubts existing in the senate, it failed to become a law. Dr. Boyleston lived to see the cause he espoused triumphant, and its utility generally appreciated. So prone are mankind to vacillate from one extreme to the other, that on a subsequent appearance of the small pox in Boston, in the year 1792, the whole town was inocu- lated i?i three dai/x, to appease the infatuation of the in- habitants respecting the danger apprehended from this deadly pestilence. Persons Avere inoculated indiscri- minately, to the number of 9,152; and such was the hurry and confusion with which it Avas done, and such the impossibility of rendering proper assistance and attention to so large a number, that 165 deaths Avere the consequence.* • Connecticut Journal. 80 35. Father Ralle, the French Jesuit. During the war between England and France, and while Canada was in possession of the latter power, the Indians were often instigated by them to fall on the frontier settlements of the British colonies. In these proceedings, the French governor of Canada was much assisted by the Roman Catholic missionaries, who had attained a great ascendancy over the Indians. One of the most celebrated of these missionaries was Father Sebastian Rallc, a French Jesuit, who spent thirtjr-seven years among the Indian tribes, in the inte- rior parts of America, and learned most of their lan- guages. He was a man of learning and address ; and by a gentle, condescending deportment, and a compliance with the Indian modes and customs, he obtained a com- plete ascendancy over the natives ; and used his influ- ence to promote the interests of the French among them. " He even made the offices of devotion serve as incentives to their ferocity, and kept a flag, on which was depicted a cross, surrounded by bows and arrows, which he used to hoist on a pole at the door of his church, when he gave them absolution, previous to their engaging in any warlike enterprise.'' A dictionary of the Norridgewock language was found among Ralle's papers, composed by himself, and was deposited in the library of Harvard College. The English settlers, having for a number of years suffered from the depredations of the Indians in those parts, in the year 1722 sent Col. Westbrook, with 230 men, to seize Ralle, who was regarded as the principal instigator ; but he escaped into the woods, and they merely brought ofT his strong box of papers. The In- dians, to revenge this attempt to carry oft' their spiritual father, CMBmitted various acts of hostility, and at length destroyed the towni of BerAvick. This last act determined the government to issue a declaration of war, and send an expedition against Norridgewock, and intrust the execution of it to Captains Moulton and Harman. These 81 officers, each at the head of one hundred men, invested and surprised that village, killed the obnoxious Jesuit, with about eighty of his Indians, recovered three cap- tives, destroyed the chapel, brought away the plate and furniture of the altar, and a devotional flag, as trophies of their victory.* 36. Natchez Indians Extirpated. In 1729, the Natchez, an Indian nation on the Mis- sissippi, formed a general conspiracy to massacre the French colonists of Louisiana. M. de Chepar, who commanded at the post of the Natchez, had been some- what embroiled with the natives ; but they so far dis- sembled as to excite the belief that the French had no allies more faithful than they. The plot having been deeply laid, they appeared in great numbers about the French houses, on the 28th of November, telling the people that they were going a hunting. They sang after the calumet, in honour of the French commandant and his company. Each having returned to his post, a sig- nal was given, and instantly the general massacre began. Two hundred Frenchmen were killed. Of all the peo- ple of Natchez, not more than twenty French, and five or six negroes, escaped. One hundred and fifty children, eighty women, and nearly as many negroes, were made prisoners. M. Perier, governor of Louisiana, resolved on an ex- pedition against the Natchez, to revenge the massacre of the French. M. le Sueur, whom he had sent to the Choctaws, to engage their assistance, arrived in Februa- ry near the Natchez, at the head of fifteen or sixteen hundred Choctaw warriors ; and was joined in [March by a body of French troops under M. de Lubois, king's lieutenant, who had the chief command of the expedition. The army encamped near the ruins of the old French lettlement, and after resting there five days, marched to ♦ Holmes' American Annals. 82 the enemy's fort, which was a league distant. After opening the trenches, and firing several days on the fort without much effect, the Frencli at last approached so near, that the Natchez sent conditi(Mial proposals of releasing all the French women and children in their possession ; but gaining time by negotiation, they silent- ly evacuated the fort in the night, with all their baggage and the French plunder. The French prisoners, how- ever, were ransomed ; the stockade fort of the Natchez was demolished ; a terrace fort built in its place; and a garrison of one hundred and twenty men left there, with cannon and ammunition. M. Perier, learning afterwards that the Natchez had retired to the west of the Mississippi, near the Silver Creek, about sixty leagues from the mouth of Red Ri- ver, applied to the French court for succours to reduce them. M. Perier de Salvert, brother of the governor, arriving from France, with a hundred and fifty soldiers of the marine, the two brothers set out with their army, and arrived without obstruction near the retreat of the Natchez. The enemy, terrified at their approach, shut themselves up in a fort which they had built ; but were soon forced, by the fire from the French mortars, to make signals for capitulation. The French army car- ried the Natchez to New-Orleans, where they were con- fined in separate prisons ; and afterwards were trans- ported as slaves to St. Domingo. Thus that nation, the most illustrious in Louisiana, and the most useful to the French, were destroyed.* 37. Negro Insurreclion in Carolina, In 1738, the Spaniards attempted to seduce the ne- groes of South Carolina, who amounted at that time to the formidable number of forty thousand. Liberty and protection had long been promised and proclaimed to them by the Spaniards of St. Augustine ; ♦ Holmes' American Annals, and emissaries had been sent among them, to persuade them to fly from slavery to Florida. The influence of these measures Avas such as might have been expected. An insurrection of negroes broke out this year in the heart of Carolina. A number of them having collected at Stono, surprised and killed two men in a warehouse, from which they took guns and annnunition, chose a captain, and, with colours and drums, began a march toward the south-west, burning every house, and kill- ing every white person in their way, and compelling the negroes to join them. Governor Bull, returning to Charleston from the southward, and meeting them arm- ed, hastened out of their way and spread the alarm. It soon reached Wiltown, where a large Presb}'terian as- sembly was attending divine service. The men, who, according to a law of the province, had brought their arms to the place of worship, left the women in the church, and instantly marched in quest of the negroes, who by this time had become formidable, and spread desolation above twelve miles. Availing themselves of their superior military skill, and of the intoxication of several of the negroes, they attacked the great body of them in the open field, killed some, and dispersed the rest. Most of the fugitives Avere taken and tried. They who had been compelled to join the conspirators Avere pardoned ; but all the chosen leaders and first insurgents suffered death.* 38. 1/i.i-asio/i of Georgia. In 1742, two years after the declaration of AA-ar by England against Spain, the Spaniards attacked Georgia. A Spanish armament, consisting of thirty-two sail, AA-ith three thousand men, under command of Don Manuel de Monteano, sailed from St. Augustine, and arrived in the river Altamaha. The expedition, although fitted out at great expease, failed of accomplishing its object. * Holmes' American Annals. 84 General Oglethorpe was at this time at Fort Simons. Finding- himself unable to retain possession of it, having but about. seven hundred men, he spiked his cannon, and destroying his military stores, retreated to his head quarters at Frcderica. On the first prospect of an invasion, General Ogle- thorpe had applied to the governor of South Carolina for assistance; but the Carolinians fearing for the safety of their own territory, and not approving of General Oglethorpe's management in his late expedition against St. Augustine, declined furnishing troops, but voted supplies. In this state of danger and perplexity, the general re- sorted to stratagem. A French soldier belonging to his army deserted to the enemy. Fearing the conse- quences of their learning his weakness, he devised a plan by which to destroy the credit of any information that the deserter might give. With this view, he wrote a letter to the French de- serter in the Spanish camp, addressing him as if he were a spy of the English. This letter he bribed a Spanish captive to deliver, in which he directed the deserter tcJ state to the Spaniards, that he was in a weak and defenceless condition, and to urge them to an attack. Should he not be able, however, to persuade them to do this, he wished him to induce them to continue three days longer at their quarters, in which time he expected two thousand men and six British men of war from Carolina. The above letter, as was intended, was de- livered to the Spanish general, instead of the deserter, who immediately put the latter in irons. A council of war was called, and while deliberating upon the measures which should be taken, three supply ships, which had been voted by Carolina, appeared in sight. Imagining these to be the men of war alluded to in the letter, the Spaniards in great haste fired the fort, and embarked, leaving behind them several cannon, and a quantity of provision. By this artful, but justifiable expedient, the country was relieved of its invaders, and ^^ .85 Georgia, and probably a great part of South Carolina, was saved from ruin.* 39. Capture of Louisburg. Great Britain having declared war against France, in March, 1744, the legislature of Massachusetts plan- ned a daring but successful enterprise against Louis- burg, a strong fortress belonging to the French, on the island of Cape Breton. The place had been fortified by the French, at a.n expense of five millions and a half of dollars, and on account of its strength, was some- times called the " Gibraltar of America." About 4000 troops from Massachusetts, Connecticut, and New- Hampshire, under the command of Col. William Peper* ell, sailed from Boston in the last week of March, 1745. The expedition was undertaken without the knowledge of the government of England; but a request had been made to Commodore Warren, then in the West Indies, to assist ^the expedition. He accordingly arrived at Louisburg, with a GO gun ship, and two or three fri- gates. In the last of April, the troops, 3,800 in num- ber, landed at Chapeaurogue bay. The transports had been discovered early in the morning from the town, which Avas the first notice they had of the design. In the night of May 2, 400 men burned the warehouses containing the naval stores. The French were alarmed, spiked the guns, flung their powder into a well, and abandoning the fort, fled to the city. The New Eng- land troops cheerfully submitted to extreme hardships ; for fourteen nights successively, they were yoked to- gether like oxen, dragging cannon and mortars through a morass of two miles. The commanding artillery of the enemy forbade this toil in the day. No people on earth, perhaps, are more capable of such laborious and daring exploits, than the independent farmers of New England. On the 17th of June the garrison capitulated; • Goodrich's Hist, of the United States. a / 86 but the flag of France was kept flyingf, which decoyed into the harbour ships of the enemy, to the value of 600,000/. sterling. The weather during the siege was fine, but the day following, the rains began, which con- tinued ten days, and must have proved fatal to the pro- vincial troops, had not the capitulation prevented. This expedition was one of the most celebrated and remarka- ble events in the history of North America. It dis- played, in a forcible manner, the enterprising spirit of the New England people ; and though it enabled Britain to purchase a peace, yet it excited her jealousy against the colonies by whose exertions it was acquired. The news of this victory quickly passed through the country. Pious and considerate persons, with emotions of gratitude and admiration, remarked the coincidence of many events and circumstances, on which the suc- cess of the expedition essentially depended. While the enterprise, patriotism, and firmness, of .the colonists were justly extolled for projecting and executing a great design, attended with hardships and dangers never be- fore paralleled in America, it Avas also perceived that there was no small degree of temerity in the attempt, and that the propitious agency of divine providence throughout the whole was sinofularlv manifest.* 40. V Anville^ s Expedition. The capture of Louisburg roused the French govern- ment to seek revenge. Avery large fleet, in 1746, was sent from France, under the command of the Duke D'Anville, to America. This fleet consisted of about * The celebrated Mr. Wliitefield was preaching in Boston at the time the expedition was fitting out, and one of the otficers told him that he must " favour the expedition," otherwise the serious people would be discouraged from enlisting; not only so, but insisted that he should give him a motto for his tiag for the encouragement of his soldiers. After considerable hesitation, the officer takmg no denial, he at last gave one : nil desperandum Christo ditce—^'U Christ be captain, no fear of defeat." Upon this, great numbers enlisted : and at the request of the officers, he preached a discourse to the soldiers on the occasion. 87 forty ships of war, besides transports ; and brought over between three and four thousand regular troops, with veteran officers, and all kinds of military stores; the most powerful armament that had ever been sent to North America. The object of this armament was sup- posed to be, to recover Louisburg; to take Annapolis; to break up the settlements on the eastern coast of Mas- sachusetts ; and to distress, if not attempt to conquer, the whole country of New England. The troops des- tined for Canada, had now sufficient employment at home; and the militia were collected to join them. The old forts on the sea coast were repaired; new forts were erected, and military guards appointed. The country was kept in a state of anxiety and fear six Aveeks, when it was relieved by intelligence of the disabled state of the enemJ^ The French fleet had sustained much damage by storms, and great loss by shipwreck. An expected junction of M. Conflans, with three ships, of the line and a frigate from Hispaniola, had failed. A pestilen- tial fever prevailed among the French troops. Inter- cepted letters, opened in a council of war, raising the expectation of the speedy arrival of an English fleet, caused a division among the officers. Under the pres- sure of these adverse occurrences, D'Anville was either seized with an apoplectic fit, or took a poisonous draught, and suddenly expired. D'Estournelle, who succeeded him in the command of the fleet, proposed, in a council of officers, to abandon the expedition, and re- turn to France. The rejection of this proposal, caused such extreme agitation as to bring on a fever, which, threw him into delirium, and he fell on his sword. The French, thus disconcerted in tlieir plan, resolved to make an attempt on Annapolis; but having sailed from Chebucto, tliey were overtaken by a violent tempest, off Cape Sable, and what ships escaped destructioH, returned singly to France, A more remarkable instance of preservation seldom occurs. Had the project of the enemy succeeded, it is impossible to determine to what extent the American colonies would have been distressed or desolated. When man is made the instrument of averting public calamity, the divine agency ought still to be acknowledged ; but this was averted without human power. If philosophers would ascribe this event to blind chance, or fatal neces- sity, Christians will assuredly ascribe it to the operation of that Being who, in ancient times, caused the stars in their courses to fisfht aerainst Sisera.* 41. Tumuli in Boston. In the year 1747, a great tumult was raised in the town of Boston. Commodore Knowles, while lying at Nantucket with a number of men of w^ar, losing some of his sailors by desertion, thought it reasonable that Boston should supply him with as many men as he had lost. He therefore sent his boats up to town early in the morning, and surprised not only as many seamen as could be found on board any of the ships, outward bound as well as others, but swept the wharves, taking some ship-carpenters' apprentices, and labouring landmen. This conduct w-as universally resented as outrageous. A mob was soon collected. As soon as it was dusk, several thousand people assembled in King's-street, be- low the town-house, where the general court was sitting. Stones and brickbats were thrown into the council cham- ber through the windows. A judicious speech of the governor from the balcony, greatly disapproving of the impress, promising his utmost endeavours to obtain the discharge of the persons impressed, and gently repre- hending the irregular proceedings of the people, had no effect. Equally ineffectual were the attempts of other gentlemen to persuade them to disperse. The seizure and restraint of the commanders and other offi- cers who were in town were insisted on as the only ef- fectual method to procure the release of the inhabitants on board the ships. The militia of Boston w^as sum- moned the next day to the aid of the government, but re- * Holmes' Annals, 89 fused to appear. The governor, judging it inexpedient to remain in town another night, withdrew to Castle William. Letters, in the mean time, were continually passing between him and the commodore. The coun- cil and house of representatives now passed some vigorous resolutions ; and the tumultuous spirit began to subside. The inhabitants assembled in town meeting, while they expressed their sense of the great insult and injury by the impress, condemned the riotous transac- tions. The militia of the town the next day promptly made their appearance, and conducted the governor with great pomp to his house. The commodore dis- missed most, if not all, of the inhabitants who had been impressed ; and the squadron sailed, to the joy and re- pose of the town.* 42. BraddocK s Defeat. The encroachments of the French, and the erection by them of a chain of forts on the back settlements of the colonies, occasioned the British ministry to take mea- sures to possess themselves of these forts, and drive the French from the country. In the spring of 1755, General Braddock arrived in Virginia, with tv/o regiments, and was soon joined by Colonel Washington, (afterwards General Washington,) with a body of colonial troops ; the whole force, two thousand men, took up their march for the French fort on the Ohio. General Braddock, on the 9th July, with twelve hundred of his troops, was within seven miles of Du Quesne, a French fortress, which stood where Pitts- burg is now built. Here Colonel Washington, who un- derstood the Indian mode of warfare better than his general, requested him to reconnoitre with his Virginia riflemen. But General Braddock, who held the Ameri- can officers in contempt, rejected Washington's counsel, and swelling with rage, replied with an oath, " High * Holmes' Annals. 90 times ! high times ! when a young buckskin com teach a British General hoiv to fight !" The troops advanced in heavy columns, and passing a narrow defile they fell . into an ambush of French and Indians, who opened a deadly fire upon the English and American troops, who were obliged to fire at random, as they could not see their foe. The slaughter at this crisis was dreadful ; particular- ly among the officers ; and Washington was the only one on horseback, who Avas not either killed or wound- ed.* He had two horses shot under him, and four bul- lets passed through his coat. Braddock,' if deficient in other military virtues, was not destitute of courage. Amidst a shower of bullets he encouraged his men to stand their ground by his countenance and example. But valour and discipline in this mode of warfare were useless : the action lasted three hours, and seven hun- dred men were killed on the spot. Braddock, after having three horses killed under him, received a mortal wound ; and his troops fled in extreme dismay and con- fusion. The Virginians, who were the last to leave the field, formed after the action by the prudent valour of Washington, covered the retreat of the regulars, and saved them from entire destruction. 43. Massacre at Fort William Henry. In the year 1757, Mons. Montcalm, with a body of 1 1,000 regular French troops and Canadians, with two thousand Indians, laid siege to Fort William Henry. This fort was defended by a garrison of but 2,300 men, British and Provincials, under the command of Colonel Monro. The garrison made a brave resistance, and would have probably preserved the fort, had they been * A noted Indian warrior, wlio acted a leading part in this bloody action, was often heard to swear, that " Washington uas never horn to be killed by u bullet .' For," continued he, " I had seventeen fair fires at him with my rifle, and after all could not bring him to the ground." 91 properly supported by the British army under General Webb, which was then encamped at Fort Edward. The general, however, sent to Colonel Monro, and informed him that he could not assist him, and ordered him to give up the fort on the best terms he could ; which u'as accordingly done. In consideration of the gallant de- fence the garrison had made, they were to be permitted to march out with all the honours of war, and with a guard to protect them from the fury of the savages. Soon after the capitulation was signed, the whole garri- son, besides women and children, were drawn up within the lines, and on the point of marching oft^ when great numbers of the Indians gathered about and began to plunder, and soon after some of them began to attack the sick and wounded, when such were not able to crawl into the ranks ; and notwithstanding they endeavoured to avert the fury of their enemies, by their shrieks and groans, they were soon murdered. The brave Col. Monro hastened away, soon after the confusion began, to the French camp, to endeavour to procure the guard agreed by stipulation, but his appli- cation proved ineffectual. By this time the tvar-whooj) was given, and the Indians began to murder those who were nearest them without distinction. " It is not in the power of words," says the narrator, who was one of this ill-fated garrison, "to give any tolerable idea of the hor- rid scene that now ensued : men, women, and children, were despatched in the most wanton and cruel manner, and immediately scalped. Many of the savages drank the blood of their victims as it flowed warm from the fatal wound." The garrison now perceived, though too late to avail them, that they were to expect no relief from the French, who, instead of fulfilling their promises to furnish a guard to protect them, seemed tacitly to permit their savage allies to perpetrate these horrid atrocities. A few of the most resolute men, seeing no other probable way of preserving their lives, made a desperate eflbrt, broke their way through the surrounding savages, and escaped. 92 It was computed that fifteen hundred persons were killed or made prisoners by these savages during this fatal day. Many of the latter were carried off by them, and never returned. A few, through favourable acci- dents, found their way back to their native country, after having experienced a long and painful captivity. 44. Abercrojnbie' s Defeat. The French had erected a fort at Ticonderoga, at the point of communication between Lake George, South Bay, and Lake Champlain. To dispossess them of this important place, an army, under General Abercrombie, was sent against it. His force consisted of 16,000 men, of which 6,000 were British regulars, and 10,000 were colonial troops. On the 5th of July, 1758, he embarked his troops on Lake George, on board 125 whale boats and 900 batteaux. The imposing splendour of the military parade on this occasion, is thus described by Dr. Dwight : — " The morning was remarkably bright and beautiful ; and the fleet moved with exact regularity to the sound of fine martial music. The ensigns waved and glittered in the sunbeams, and the anticipation of future triumph shone in every eye. Above, beneath, around, the scenery was that of enchantment. Rarely has the sun, since that luminary was lighted up in the heavens, dawned on such a complication of beauty and magnificence." After disembarking from the batteaux, the army form- ed in four columns, and began their march through the woods to Ticonderoga. When approaching the fort, a skirmish took place Avith the enemy, in which Lord Howe, the idol of the army, was killed ; on seeing him fall, the troops moved forward, determined to avenge his death, About 300 of the enemy were killed on the spot, and 148 taken. Abercrombie having received in- formation that the garrison consisted of about 6,000 men, and that a reinforcement of 3,000 more were daily ex- 93 pected, determined to attack their lines. Without gain- ing a proper knowledge of the works of the enemy, or of the proper points of attack, Abercrombie ordered an immediate assault. " The army advanced to the charge with the greatest intrepidity, and for more than two hours, with incredible obstinacy, maintained the attack. But the works, where the principal attack was made, were eight or nine feet high, and impregnable, even by field pieces ; and for nearly one hundred yards from the breast work, trees were felled so thick, and wrought together with their limbs pointed outward, that it ren- dered the approach of the troops in a great measure impossible. In this dreadful situation, under the fire of about three thousand of the enemy, these gallant troops were kept, without the least prospect of success, until nearly two thousand were killed or wounded." After a contest of four hours, Abercrombie ordered a retreat ; and the next day resumed his former camp on the south side of Lake George. 45. Capture of Quebec. The capture of Quebec, in 1759, was the most bril- liant and important event which took place during the French war ; it gave the death blow to the French power in America. The command of the important expedition against Quebec was intrusted to Gen. James Wolfe, a young officer, who had distinguished himself at the capture of Louisburg. The army, amounting to 8,000 men, landed in June, on the island of Orleans, below Quebec. The city of Quebec stands on a rock, at the confluence of Charles and Iroquois rivers; it is naturally a place of great strength, and was well fortified and defended by a force of 10,000 men, under the command of General Mont- calm. Gen. Wolfe had to contend with immense diffi- culties, and after having failed in several attempts to re- duce the city, he conceived the bold project of ascending-, 94 with his troops, a steep, craggy cliffy of from 150 to 200' feet, by which he would reach the plains of Abrahain,^ south and Avest of the city. This almost incredible en-j terprise was effected in the night ; and by daylight, Sept. 13, the army was formed, and ready to meet the enemy. ^ The battle which took place, is thus described by Mr. I Goodrich, in his History of the Unhed States. " To Montcalm, the intelligence that the English were' occupying the heights of Abraham, was most surprising.) The impossibility of ascending the precipice he consi-i dered certain, and therefore had taken no measures toi fortify its line. But no sooner was he informed of the^ position of the English army, than he perceived a battlej no longer to be avoided, and prepared to fight. Between nine and ten o'clock, the two armies, about equal inj numbers, met face to face. i " The battle now commenced. Inattentive to the firei of a body of Canadians and Indians, 1500 of whom: Montcalm had stationed in the corn-fields and bushes, j Wolfe directed his troops to reserve their fire for thei main body of the French, now rapidly advancing. Onj their approach within 40 yards, the English opened] their fire, and the destruction became immense. j " The French fought bravely, but their ranks becamel disordered, and notwithstanding the repeated efforts of their officers to form them and renew the attack, they were so successfully pushed by the British bayonet, andi hewn down by the Highland broadsword, that their discomfiture was complete. . ! " During the action, Montcalm was on the French^ left, and Wolfe on the English right, and here they both' fell in the critical moment that decided the victory. Early in the battle, Wolfe received a ball in the wrist,j but binding his handkerchief around it, he continued to encourage his men. Shortly after, another ball pene- trated his groin; but this wound, although much morCi severe, he concealed, and continued to urge on the con- test, till a third ||)ullet pierced his breast. He was now] obliged, though reluctant, to be carried to the rear of th^j line. ' 95 " Gen. Monckton succeeded to the command, but was immediately wounded, and conveyed away. In this critical state of the action, the command devolved on Gen. Townsend. Gen. Montcalm, fighting in front of his battalion, received a mortal wound about the same time, and General Jennezergus, his second in command, fell near his side. " Wolfe died in the field, before the battle was ended; but he lived long enough to know that the victory was his. While leaning on the shoulder of a lieutenant, who kneeled to support him, he was seized Avith the agonies of death ; at this moment Avas heard the distant sound, ' They fly, they fly.' The hero raised his droop- ing head, and eagerly asked, ' Who fly ?' Being told that it was the French, ' Then,' he replied, ' I die hap- py,' and expired. " ' This death,' says Professor Silliman, ' has furnish- ed a grand and pathetic subject for the painter, the poet, and the historian ; and, undoubtedly, (considered as a specimen of mere military glory,) it is one of the most sublime that the annals of war afford.' "Montcalm was every way worthy of being the com- petitor of Wolfe. In talents, in military skill, in per- sonal courage, he Avas not his inferior. Nor Avas his death much less sublime. He li\-ed to be carried to the city, Avhere his last moments AA'ere employed in Avriting, AA'ith his own hand, a letter to the English general, re- commending the French prisoners to his care and hu- manity. When informed that his AA'ound Avas mortal, he replied, ' I shall not then live to see the surrender of Quebec' " 4G. War with the Cherokees. While the British and colonial troops Avere conquer- ing Canada, the Cherokees, a powerful tribe of Indians, were committing outrages on the frontiers of Virginia and Carolina. During the first years of the Avar with 96 the French, they espoused the cause of the English. But j having been treated with coolness and neglect, and the i murder of 12 or 15 of their warriors in the back parts j of Virginia, together with the imprudent and perfidious , conduct of Gov. Littleton of Carolina, who seized a ; number of their, chiefs as prisoners, while treating for] peace, the Cherokees were highly exasperated, and fell ; upon the frontier settlements, and perpetrated many : cruel ravages and murders. Gov. Littleton, with a body'| of troops, entered the country, and obliged the Indians | to sue for peace, which was granted. " But the savages j violated the treaty, and attempted to surprise a fort on ; the frontiers of Carolina. General Amherst, on appli- i cation, sent Colonel Montgomery, Avith twelve hundred troops, to protect the southern colonies. This officer penetrated into the heart of the Cherokee country, plun- j dering and destroying all the villages and magazines of] corn. In revenge, the savages besieged Fort Loudon, ; on the confines of Virginia ; the garrison, after being reduced to extreme distress, capitulated ; but on their ] march towards Carolina, a body of savages fell upon i the party, and murdered five and twenty of them, with all the officers, except Captain Stuart. Colonel Mont- 1 gomery being obliged by his orders to return to Cana- da, the Carolinians were alarmed for the safety of the colony, and prevailed with him to leave four companies \ of men for their defence. Canada being entirely sub- ; dued. General Amherst sent Colonel Grant, with a body of troops, who landed at Charleston early in 176L ! These troops, being joined by a regiment of colonial forces, under Colonel Middleton, undertook an expedi- tion into the Cherokee country. i " In May, the army, consisting of two thousand and ' six hundred men, advanced to Fort Prince George. ' Here Attakullakulla, having heard of the army's ad* ' vancing against his nation, met Colonel Grant, and re- , peatedly entreated him, by his friendship, and the many i good services he had performed for the English, that : he would proceed no farther, until he had once more | used his influence with his nation to bring them to an , BTUKE ]D)'A1TVTL!L1JE.''8 IFUJEJET, w/iic/i t/tr^ii/erit'if NewEu^Jaiiid in J/^d. mis ovt^/eiken hv a ttmipest o^ I'fi^v SiiMe" ,<■ tin r.vpi-rimmt in Phi/tifirJ/'llui. or accommodation ; but Colonel Grant would not listen to his solicitations. He immediately began his march for the middle settlements. A party of ninety Indians and thirty woodmen, painted like Indians, marched in front of the army, and scoured the woods. After them fol- lowed the light infanti'y, and about fifty rangers, con- sisting of about two hundred men. By the vigilance and activity of these, the colonel designed to secure the main army from annoyance and surprise. During three days, he made forced marches, whh a view to pass a number of dangerous defiles, which might cost him dear, should the enemy first get the possession, and warmly dispute the passage. These he passed safely. But the next day, advancing into suspicious grounds, on all sides, orders were given to prepare for action ; ar>d that the guards should advance slowly, doubling their circumspection. While the army was advancing in this cautious manner, about eight o'clock in the morn- ing, the enemy were discovered by the advanced guard, nearly in the same ground where they had attacked Colonel Montgomery the preceding year. Rushing down from the high grounds, they furiously attacked the advanced guard. This was supported, and the action became general. A party of the enemy, driven from the low grounds, immediately ascended the hills, under which the whole line was obliged to pass. On the left was a river, from the opposite bank of which, they re- ceived a hea\y fire as they advanced. While the line faced and gave their whole fire to the Indians on the bank of the river, a party was ordered to ascend the hills and drive the enemy from their heights. No sooner were tliey driven from the heights, than they returned with redoubled fury to the charge in the low grounds. These it appeared to be their resolution obstinately to dispute. The situation of the troops soon became criti- cal and distressing. They had been greatly fatigued by forced marches in rainy weather. They were galled by the fire of the enemy, and so compassed with woods, that they neither could discern nor approach them, but with great difficulty and danger. When they were 9 98 pressed they always kept at a distance ; but, rallying, returned again to the charge with the same fierceness and resolution. No sooner were they driven from one place, than they sprung up like furies in another. While the attention of the colonel was directed to the enemy on the banks of the river, and he was employed in driving them from their lurking places on that side, they made so furious an attack on his rear guard, that he was obliged to order a detachment back to its relief, to save his cattle, provisions, and baggage. From nine in the morning to eleven o'clock, did the enemy main- tain the fight. Every where did the woods resound with the roar of arms, and with the shouts and hideous yellings of the savages. At length they gave way, but as they were pursued, they kept up a scattering fire un- til two o'clock ; after that they entirely disappeared. " What loss the enemy suffered, was not known. The loss of Colonel Grant was about sixty men killed and wounded. The army advanced as soon as possible, and about midnight arrived at Etchoe, a large Indian town. The next morning, it was reduced to ashes. There i were fourteen towns in the middle settlements, which ] soon shared the same fate. The enemy's magazines and i even their cornfields, which are reported to have amount- i ed to fourteen hundred acres, were utterly destroyed, i The miserable inhabitants stood the silent spectators of this general and merciless destruction. They were < obliged to retire to starve in the thickets, swamps, and ' mountains. Nearly the same barbarities were com- I mitted against them, by a civilized and Christian people, j of which we so much complain when they are perpe- ! trated against us."* After destroying the Indian towns, the army repaired to Fort Prince George, for rest and refreshment. A * short time after, a number of Indian chiefs arrived with ^ proposals of peace, which w-ere gladly received, and ' peace concluded. ♦ Dr. Trumbull. 99 47. Expeditions against the Spanish Settlements in the West Indies. In 1740, war having been declared by Great Britain against Spain, expeditions were undertaken against the Spanish West Indies, Porto Bello, Carthagena, and Cuba. Requisitions were made on the colonies to as- sist in these enterprises. Four regiments were raised from the American colonies, for these expeditions ; and the several colonies were at the charge of levy money, provisions, and transports, for their several (quotas. An armament from Great Britain, under the conunand of Lord Cathcart, sailed from the West Indies, and formed a junction with Vice Admiral Vernon's fleet at Jamaica. Lord Cathcart having died in the West In- dies before the complete junction of the fleets. Admiral Vernon found himself at the head of the most formida- ble fleet and army ever sent into those seas. The whole fleet consisted of twenty-nine ships of the line, with nearly the same number of frigates, besides fire-ships and bomb-ketches. The number of seamen amounted to 15,000; the land forces, including the four regiments from the colonies, were not less than 12,000. Vernon having taken and plundered Porto Bello, now proceeded with his fleet, and land forces, under General Went- worth, to attack Carthagena. After demolishing the strong forts and castles in the harbour, an attack was made by Wentworth upon the town ; but he was obliged to retire, with the loss of four or five hundred men. In July the combined forces made an attempt on the Island of Cuba. They possessed themselves of a fine harbour, but by reason of an extraordinary sickness and mortality, they were not able to effect any thing of consequence. " According to the accounts given of the sickness, it v/as nearly as mortal as the plague. More than a thou- sand men died in a day, for several days. Of nearly 1000 men from New England, not 100 returned; of 500 men from Massachusetts, 50 only returned."* * Dr. Trumbull. 100 In 1762, Admiral Pocock, with a fleet of thirty-seven ships of war, and about one hundred and fifty trans- ports, with a land force of about 15,000 men, under the command of Lord Albemarle, arrived before Havana on the 5th of June. On the 17th the troops landed, and after a siege of more than two months, in which the besieging army showed the most invincible courage, patience, and perseverance, this important place capitu- lated to his Britannic majesty. In this siege, before the middle of July, the army in this unwholesome and burning region, was reduced to half its original number. Many of the soldiers dropped down dead under the pressure of heat, thirst, and fa- tigue. A considerable number of colonial troops enlist- ed under their own officers, and served in this ardoous enterprise. Of the troops from New England, scarcely any of the private soldiers, and but few of the officers, ever returned. Such as were not killed in the service, were generally swept away by the great mortality which prevailed in the army and navy. 48. Dr. Franklin! s Experiment in Electricity. In the summer of 1752, Dr. Franklin was enabled to, make a grand and unparalleled discovery respecting electricity, by an experiment. At this time the subject of electricity was a new sci- ence, and the philosophers of Europe were busy with it. Dr. Franklin, in his studies and reasonings on the subject, took up the idea that the thunder and lightning of the heavens were caused by electricity, and conceived the bold idea, that the electric fluid might be conducted, by sharp pointed iron rods, raised upon houses, ships, &c., to the ground or water, and thus preserve them from injury. " The plan which he had originally proposed, was, to erect on some high tower, or other elevated place, ^ 101 sentry box, from which should rise a pointed iron rod, iiisulated by being fixed in a cake of rosin. Electrified clouds passing over this, would, he conceived, impart to it a portion of their electricity, which would be rendered evident to the senses by sparks being emitted, when a key, the knuckle, or other conductor, was presented to it Philadelphia at this time aflbrded no opportunity of trying an experiment of this kind. Whilst Franklin was waiting for the erection of a spire, it occurred to him, that he might have more ready access to the region of the clouds by means of a common kite. He prepared one by attaching two cross sticks to a silk handkerchief, which would not suffer so much from the rain as paper. To the upright stick was affixed an iron point. The string was, as usual, of hemp, except the lower end, which was silk. Where the hempen string was terminated, a key was fastened. With this apparatus, on the appear- ance of a thunder gust approaching, he went out on the commons, accompanied by his son, to whom alone he communicated his intentions, well knowing the ridicule which, too generally for the interest of science, awaits unsuccessful experiments in philosophy. He placed himself under a shed to avoid the rain. His kite was raised. A thunder cloud passed over it. No sign of electricity appeared. He almost despaired of success ; when suddenly he observed the loose fibres of the string to move towards an erect position. He now presented his knuckle to the key, and received a strong spark. On this experiment depended the fate of his theory. If he succeeded, his name would rank high amongst those who have improved science ; if he failed, he must inevi- tably be subjected to the derision of mankind, or, what is worse, their pity, as a well meaning man, but a weak, silly projector. The anxiety with which he looked for the result of this experiment, may easily be con- ceived. Doubts and despair had begun to prevail, when the fact was ascertained in so clear a manner, that even the most incredulous could no longer withhold their assent. Repeated sparks were drawn from the key, a vial was charged, a shock given, and all the experi- 9* 102 ments made, which are usually performed with elec- tricity." By this and other experiments, Franklin's theory was established in the most convincing manner. When it Avas known that an American, an inhabitant of the ob- scure city of Philadelphia, was able to make discove- ries and to frame theories, which had escaped the notice of the enlightened philosophers of Europe, it was quite mortifying to the pride of their scientific societies. 49. Whitefield, the celebrated Preacher. The Rev. George Whitefield, a clergyman of the Church of England, first arrived in this country in the year 1738. He landed in Savannah, Geo., and laid the foundation of an orphan house a iew miles from Savan- nah, and afterwards finished it at great expense. He returned to England the same year. On the following year he returned back to America, landed at Philadel- phia, and began to preach in different churches. In this, and in his subsequent visits to America, he visited most of the principal places in the colonies. Immense numbers of people flocked to hear him, wherever he preached. " The effects produced in Philadelphia and other places, were truly astonishing. Numbers of almost all religious denominations, and many who had no connex- ion with any denomination, were brought to inquire with the utmost eagerness, what they should do to be saved. Such was the eagerness of the multitude in Phi- ladelphia, to listen to spiritual instruction, that there was public worship regularly twice a day for a year : and on the Lord's day it was celebrated thrice or four times. " During his visit to Philadelphia, he preached fre- quently after night, from the gallery of the court-house, in Market-street. So loud was his voice at that time, that it was distinctly heard on the Jersey shore, and so distinct was his speech, that every word he said was un- derstood on board a shallop, at Market-street wharf, a 103 distance of upwards of 400 feet from the court-house. All the intermediate space was crowded with his hear- ers." He uas truly remarkable for his uncommon elo- quence, and fervent zeal. His eloquence was indeed very great, and of the truest kind. He was utterly de- void of all affectation; the importance of his subject, and the regard due to his hearers, engrossed all his con- cern. Every accent of his voice spoke to the ear, every feature of his face, every motion of his hands, and every gesture, spoke to the eye; so that the most dissipated and thoughtless found their attention arrested, and the dullest and most ignorant could not but understand. He appeared to be devoid of the spirit of sectarianism ; his only object seemed to be to "preach Christ and him crucified."* Mr. Whitefield died in Newburyport, Mass., on the 30th of September, 1770, in the fifty-sixth year of his age, on his seventh visit to America — having been in the ministry thirty-four years. 50. Col. Booyi^s Settlement of Kentucky. The country now called Kentucky was well known to the Indian traders, many years before its settlement. It, however, remained unexplored by the Virginians, till the year 1769, Avhen Col. Daniel Boon, and a few others, who conceived it to be an interesting object, undertook a journey for that purpose. After a long, fatiguing march, over a mountainous wdlderness, in a ♦ The following anecdote respecting his manner of preaching, will serve to illustrate this part of his character. One day, while preach- ing from the balcony of the court-house, in Philadelphia, he cried out, "Farher Abraham, who have you got in heaven; any Episcopal^ ans?" "No!" " Any Presbyterians?" "No!" " Any Baptists?" "No!" "Have you any iV/efAodisi* there?" "No!" "Have you &ny Independents or Seceders?" "No! No!" "Why, who have you then T' " We don't know those names here ; all that are here are C"/iris to sleep, and awoke not till the surj had chased away th^ 106 ; night. I continued this tour, and in a few days explored , a considtrable part of the country; each day equally ' pleased as at first ; after which I returned to my old camp, , which had not been disturbed in my absence. I did not ; confine my lodging to it, but often reposed in thick cane- ' brakes, to avoid the savages, who, I believe, often visited i my camp, but, fortunately for me, in my absence. No I populous city, with all the varieties of commerce and I stately structures, could aflbrd so much pleasure to my . mind, as the beauties of nature I found in this country. \ " Until the 27th of July, I spent the time in an unin- I terrupted scene of sylvan pleasures, when my brother, to j my great felicity, met me, according to appointment, at i our old camp. Soon after, we left the place, and pro- ' ceeded to Cumberland river, reconnoitring that part of i the country, and giving names to the different rivers. In " March, 1771, I returned home to my family, being deter- . mined to bring them, as soon as possible, at the risk of ; my life and fortune, to reside in Kentucke, which I es- i teemed a second paradise. On my return, I found my family in happy circumstances. I sold my farm at Yad- i kin, and what goods we could not carry with us, and on ; the 25th of September, 1773, we bade farewell to our ( friends, and proceeded on our journey to Kentucke, in \ company with five more families, and forty men that ' joined us in Powell's valley. i " On the 10th of October the rear of our company was j attacked by a number of Indians, who killed six, and ' wounded one man ; of these, my eldest son was one that j fell in the action. Though we repulsed the enemy, yet | this unhappy affair scattered our cattle, brought us into extreme difficulty, and so discouraged the Avhole company, that we retreated forty miles to Clinch river." In April, 1775, Col. Boon, with a company of enter- prising men, after a number of contests with the Indians, erected the fort of Boonsborough, at a salt lick, sixty yards from the river, on the south side. Col. Boon says, "on the 14th of June, having finished the fort, I returned to my family on the Chnch, Soon after, I removed my fiimily to this fort; we arrived safe ; my wife and daugh« 107 ter being the first white women that stood on the banks of Kentucke river." 51. Stamp Act. The British Parliament, in the year 1765, for the pur- pose of raising a revenue from the colonies, passed the famous s/awp act; which ordained that all instruments of writing, as contracts, deeds, notes, &c., should not be valid, unless executed on stamped paper, on which a duty should be paid. This alarmed the colonies, and awakened their indignation. They determined to resist the execution of the law. The 1st of November, 1765, was the day on which this act was to take effect. In Boston, the bells tolled, the shops were shut, effigies of the royalists were carried about in derision, and torn in pieces. At Portsmouth, the bells tolled, a coffin was made, on the lid was inscribed, "Libert]/, aged 145," and with unbraced drums, and minute guns, a procession followed it to the grave. At the close of an oration, the coffin was taken up, signs of life appeared in the corpse, ''Liberty revived," was substituted, the bells struck a cheerful key, and joy sparkled in every countenance. In New York the stamp act was contemptuously cried about the streets, under the title of " The Folly of Eng- land and Ruin of America." The stamp papers having 'arrived. Gov. Colden took them into the fort in order to secure them. Many of the citizens of New York, of- fended at the conduct, and disliking the political sen- timents of the governor, assembled in the evening, broke open his stable, and took out his coach ; and after carry- ing it about the city, marched to the common, when a gallows was erected, on one end of which they sus- pended his effigy, with a stamped bill of lading in one hand, and a figure of the devil in the other. After this, the populace took the effigy and the gallows entire, and car- ried it in procession, the coach preceding-, to the gate of the fort, whence it was removed to the bowling green, where the whole pageantry, with the conch, was consumed in a bonfire, amidst the acclamations of thousands of spectators. 108 Similar proceedings occurred in many parts of the country, and the obnoxious act Avas shortly after repealed. 52. Massacre in Boston. The inhabitants of Boston had suffered almost every species of insult from the British soldiery; who, coun- tenanced by the royal party, had generally found means to screen themselves from the hands of the civil officers. Thus all authority rested on the point of the sword, and the partizans of the cro\\T» triumphed for a time in the plenitude of military power. Yet the measure and the manner of posting troops in the capital of the province, had roused such jealousy and disgust, as could not be subdued by the scourge that hung over their heads. Continual bickerings took place in the streets, between the soldiers and the citizens; the insolence of the first, which had been carried so far as to excite the African slaves to murder their masters, with the promise of im- punity, and the indiscretion of the last, was often pro- ductive of tumults and disorder, that led the most cool and temperate to be apprehensive of consequences of the most serious nature. On the second of March, 1770, a fray took place in Boston, near Mr. Gray's ropewalk, between a private soldier of the 29th regiment and an inhabitant. The former was supported by his comrades, the latter by the rope-makers, till several, on both sides, were involved in the consequences. On the fifth a more dreadful scene was presented. The soldiers, when under arms, were pressed upon, insulted, and pelted, by a mob armed with clubs, sticks, and snow-balls covering stones. They were also dared to fire. In this situation, one of the soldiers, who had received a blow, in resentment, fired at the supposed aggressor. This was followed by a single discharge from six others. Three of the inhabit- ants were killed, and five dangerously wounded. The town was immediately in commotion. Such was the 109 temper, force, and number of the inhabitants, that no- thing but an engagement to remove the troops out of the town, together with the advice of moderate men, pre- vented the townsmen from falling on the soldiers. The killed were buried in one vault, and in a most respectful manner, in order to express the indignation of the in- habitants at the slaughter of their brethren, by soldiers quartered among them, in violation of their civil liber- ties. Captain Preston, who commanded the party which fired on the inhabitants, was committed to jail, and after- wards tried. The captain and six of the men were ac- quitted. Two were brought in guilty of manslaughter. It appeared, on the trial, that the soldiers were abused, insulted, threatened, and pelted, before they fired. It was also proved, that only seven guns were fired by the eight prisoners. These circumstances induced the jury to make a favourable verdict. The result of the trial reflected great honour on John Adams (afterwards Pre- sident of the United States) and Josiah Q,uincy, Esqrs. the counsel for the prisoners ; and also on the integrity of the jury, who ventured to give an upright verdict, in defiance of popular opinions. " The people, not dismaj-ed by the blood of their neighbours, thus wantonly shed, determined no longer to submit to the insolence of military power. Colonel Dalrymple, who commanded in Boston, was informed, the day after the riot in King-street, 'that he must with- draw his troops from the town within a limited term, or hazard the consequences.' " The inhabitants of the town assembled at Faneuil Hall, where the sulyect was discussed with becoming spirit, and the people unanimously resolved, that no armed force should be sufltred longer to reside in the capital; and if the king's troops were not immediately withdrawn by their own officers, the governor should be requested to give orders for their removal, and there- by prevent the necessity of more rigorous steps. A conunittee from this body was deputed to wait on the governor, and requested him to exert that authority which the exigencies of the times required from the supreme 10 110 magistrate. Mr. Samuel Adams, the chairman of the committee, with a pathos and address peculiar to himself, exposed the illegality of quartering troops in the town in the midst of peace : he urged the apprehensions of the people, and the fatal consequences that might ensue if their removal was delayed. " But no arguments could prevail on Mr. Hutchinson, who, from timidity, or some more censurable cause, evaded acting at all in the business, and grounded his refusal on a pretended want of authority. After which, Col. Dalrymple, wishing to compromise the matter, con- sented that the twenty-ninth regiment, more culpable than any other in the late tumult, should be sent to Cas- tle Island. This concession was by no means satisfac- tory; the people, inflexible in their demands, insisted that no British soldier should be left within the town; their requisition was reluctantly complied with, and with- m four days the whole army decamped."* 53. Destruction of Tea in Boston. > The British ministry still persisting in their right to ! tax the colonies, had, for this purpose, given permission I to the East India Company to ship a large quantity of ; teas to America, charged with duty. The Americans, , iixed in their opposition to the principle of taxation in ] any shape, opposed the landing of the tea. In New j York, and in Philadelphia, the cargoes sent out were ■ returned without being entered at the custom house. In * The circumstances and probable consequences of the tragical | affair iust related, sunk deep into the minds of the people, and were i turned to the advantaa;e of their cause. Its anniversary for many j years was observed with great solemnity, and the most eloquent ora- tors were successively employed to deliver an annual oration to pre- serve the remembrance of it fresh in their minds. On these occa- > sions, the blessings of liberty, the horrors of slavery, the dangers of i a standing army, the rights of the colonies, and a variety of such topics, were represented to the public view, under their most pleasing and alarming forms. These annual orations administered fuel to the fire of liberty, and kept it burning with an incessant flame.— iWorse'« Revolution. HI Boston, the tea being consigned to the royal governor, (Hutchinson,) the populace, "clad like the aborigines of the wilderness, with tomahawks in their hands and dubs on their shoulders, without the least molestation, marched through the streets with silent solemnity, amidst innumerable spectators, and proceeded to the wharves, boarded the ships, demanded the keys, and without much deliberation, knocked open the chests, and emptied se- veral thousand weight of the finest teas into the ocean. No opposition was made, though surrounded by the king's ships ; all was silence and dismay. This done, the procession returned through the town, in the same order and solemnity as observed in the outset of their attempt. No other disorder took place ; and it was ob- served, the stillest night ensued that Boston had enjoyed for several months." Intelligence of this transaction reached the British ministry, and in 1774, they passed an act to restrain all intercourse by water with the town of Boston, by closing the port. They also removed the government and public offices to Salem. 54. First Continental Congress. The first general congress met at Philadelphia, in the beginning of September, 1774. It consisted of fifty-one delegates from twelve colonies. They chose Peyton Randolph president, and Charles Thompson secretary. The delegates were appointed by the colonial legisla- tures, or, where none existed, the appointments were made by select meetings and associations of citizens. " The novelty and importance of the meeting of this congress e.xcited universal attention, and their transac- tions were such as could not but tend to render them respectable. '• The first act of congress was an approbation of the conduct of Massachusetts Bay. and an exhortation to continue in the same spirit which they had begun. Sup- plies for the suffering inhabitants, whom the operation 112 , of the port-bill had reduced to great distress, were strong- i ly recommended : and it was declared, that in case of , attempts to enforce the obnoxious acts by arms, all Ame- j rica should join to assist the town of Boston ; and, ' should the inhabitants bo obliged, during the course of hostilities, to remove farther up the country, the losses they might sustain should be repaired at the public ex- •' ■pense. i " Congress next addressed a letter to General Gage ; ; in which, having stated the grievances of the people of j Massachusetts, they informed him of the fixed and un- | alterable determination of all the other provinces to sup- port their brethren, and to oppose the British acts of '• parliament ; that they themselves were appointed to watch over the liberties of America ; and entreated him ', to desist from military operations, lest such hostilities j might be brought on as wonld frustrate all hopes of < reconciliation with the parent state. I " Their next step was to publish a declaration of ' rights. These they summed up in the rights belonging ! to Englishmen; and particularly insisted, that as their j distance rendered it impossible for them to be represent- ' ed in the British parliament, their provincial assemblies, ' with a governor appointed by the king, constituted the j only legislative power within each province. They would, however, consent to such acts of parliament as were evidently calculated merely for the regulation of commerce, and for securing to the parent state the bene- fits of the American trade ; but would never alloAv that they could impose any tax on the colonies, for the pur- pose of revenue, without their consent. " They proceeded to reprobate the intention of each of the new acts of parliament, and insisted on all the rights they had enumerated as being unalienable, and what no power could deprive them of The Canada act they pointed out as being extremely inimical to the colonies, by whose assistance it had been conquered; and they termed it, ' An act for establishing the Roman Catholic religion in Canada, abolishing the equitable system of English laws, and establishing a tyranny there,' 113 " They farther declared in favour of a non-importation and non-consumption of British goods, until the acts were repealed by which duties were imposed upon tea, coffee, wine, sugar, and molasses, imported into Ame- rica, as well as the Boston port act, and the three others passed at the preceding session of parliament. " The new regulations against the importation and consumption of British commodities, were then drawn up with great solemnity ; and they concluded with return- ing the warmest thanks to those members of parliament who had with so much zeal, though without any suc- cess, opposed the obnoxious acts of parliament. " The next proceedings of Congress were to frame a petition to the king, an address to the British nation, and another to the colonies ; all of which were in the usual strain of American language at that time, and drawn up in such a masterly manner, as ought to have impressed the people of England with a more favour- able opinion of the Americans, than they could at that time be induced to entertain."* After a session of eight weeks, congress dissolved themselves, after recommending another congress to be convened on the 10th of May ensuing, unless the griev- ances should be previously redressed. Although the power of this congress was merely advisory, their reso- lutions received the general sanction of the provincial congresses, and of the colonial assemblies; "and their recommendations were more generally and more effect- ually carried into execution than the laws of the best regulated state." 55. Bailie of Lexington. Determined to reduce the rebellious colonies to sub- mission, the British ministry transported a force of 10,000 men, who were stationed at Boston. The Americans having deposited a considerable quan- ♦ Williams' History of the Revolution. 10* 114 tity of military stores at Concord, an inland town, about eighteen miles from Boston, Gen. Gage determined to destroy them. For this purpose, he, on the night pre- ceding the 19th of April, detached Lieutenant Colonel Smith and Major Pitcairn, with 800 grenadiers and light infantry; who, at 11 o'clock, commenced a silent and expeditious march for Concord. Although a number of British officers, who had dined at Cambridge the pre- ceding day, had taken the precaution to disperse them- selves along the road leading to Concord, to stop any expresses that might be sent from Boston to alarm the country, yet such was the vigilance of the Americans, that the expedition was discovered, and the alarm rapidly spread by church bells, signal guns, and volleys. When the British troops arrived at Lexington, about five in the morning, they found about seventy men, belonging to the minute company of the town, under arms. Ma- jor Pitcairn, who led the van, galloping up to them, called out, " Disperse, disperse, you, rebels ; throw down your arms and disperse.'''' Not being obeyed, he ad- vanced nearer ; fired his pistol ; flourished his sword, and ordered his troops to fire. A discharge of arms from the British soldiers, with a huzza, immediately succeed- ed; several of the Americans fell, and the rest dispersed. The firing continued after the dispersion, and the fugi- tives stopped and returned the fire: eight of the Ameri- cans were killed, three or four of them by the first fire of the British ; the others after they had left the parade. A number also were wounded. The British now proceeded to Concord, disabled two twenty-four pounders ; threw 500 pounds of ball into the river, and destroyed about sixty barrels of flour. The Americans being reinforced, a skirmish ensued be- tween them and the regulars. The whole detachment was soon obliged to retreat with precipitancy, closely followed by the people of the adjacent country, who were by this time all aroused, and in arms. Some fired from behind stone walls and other coverts ; others pressed on their rear; and thus harassed, the British retreated six miles back to Lexington. Here they were joined 115 by Lord Percy, who, most fortunately for them, had ar- rived with a detachment of nine hundred men, and two pieces of cannon.* The enemy having halted an hour or two at Lexing- ton, re-commenced their march ; the provincials continu- ing to harass them by firing from stone walls, «fcc. A little after sunset, the British reached Bunker Hill,where, being exhausted by excessive fatigue, they remained du- ring the night, under the protection of the Somerset man of war ; and the next morning went into Boston. Du- ring this excursion 65 of their number had been killed, 180 wounded, and 28 made prisoners; total 273. The Americans had 50 killed, and 38 wounded and missing. 56. Taking of Ticonderoga by Col. Allen. The seizure of the important fortress of Ticonderoga, by Col. Ethan Allen, on the 10th of May, 1775, is thus related by himself: — " The first systematical and bloody attempt at Lex- ington, to enslave America, thoroughly electrified, my mindi and fully determined me to take a part with my country. And while I was wishing for an opportunity to signalize myself in its behalf, directions were privately sent to me from the then colony, now state of Connecti- cut, to raise the CTreen Mountain Boys, and, if possible, with them to surprise and take the fortress of Ticonde- roga. This enterprise I cheerfully undertook ; and af- ter first guarding all the several passes that led thither, to cut off all intelligence between the garrison and the country, made a forced march from Bennington, and arrived at the lake opposite Ticonderoga, on the evening of the ninth day of May, 1775, with two hundred and thirty valiant Green Mountain Boys ; and it was with ♦ Lord Percy formed his detachment into a sauare, in which he inclosed Col. Smith's party, " who were so much exhausted with fatigue, that they were obhged to he down for rest on the ground, their tongues hanging out of their mouths, like tliose of dogs, after a chase."' SUdvian. 116 the utmost difficulty that I procured boats to cross the lake. However, I landed eig-hty-three men near the garrison, and sent the boats back for the rear guard, com- manded by Col. Seth Warner ; but the day began to dawn, and I found myself necessitated to attack the fort before the rear could cross the lake; and as it was ha- zardous, I harangued the officers and soldiers in the manner following : ' Friends and fellow soldiers, — You have for a number of years past, been a scourge and terror to arbitrary powers. Your valour has been famed abroad, and acknowledged, as appears by the advice and orders to me from the general assembly of Connecticut, to surprise and take the garrison now before us. I now propose to advance before you, and in person conduct you through the wicket gate; for we must this morning either quit our pretensions to valour, or possess ourselves of this fortress in a few minutes ; and inasmuch as it is a desperate attempt, which none but the bravest of men dare undertake, I do not urge it on any contrary to his will. You that will undertake voluntarily, poise your firelocks.' The men being at this time drawn up in three ranks, each poised his firelock. I ordered them to face to the right ; and at the head of the centre file, marched them immediately to the wicket gate aforesaid, where I found a sentry posted, who instantly snapped his fusee at me. I ran immediately towards him, and he retreated through the covered way into the parade within the garrison, gave a halloo, and ran under bomb proof My party, who followed me into the fort, I formed on the parade in such a manner as to face the barracks which faced each other. The garrison being asleep, except the sentries, we gave three huzzas, which greatly surprised them. One of the sentries made a pass at one of my officers with a charged bayonet, and slightly wounded him. My first thought was to kill him with my sword, but in an instant I altered the design and fury of the blow, to a slight cut on the side of the head ; upon which he dropped his gun and asked quarters, whicn I readily granted him ; and demanded the place where the commanding officer kept. He showed me a pair of 117 stairs in the front, which led up to a second story in said barracks, to which I immediately repaired, and ordered the commander, Capt. Delaplace, to come forth instantly, or I would sacrifice the whole garrison ; at which time the captain came immediately to the door Avith his breeches in his hand, when I ordered him to deliver to me the fort instantly ; he asked me by what authority I demanded it. I answered him, ' In the name of the Great Jehovah and the continental congress.' The au- thority of congress being very little known at that time, he began to speak again, but I interrupted him, and with my drawn sword near my head, again demanded an im- mediate surrender of the garrison ; Avith which he then complied, and ordered his men to be forthwith paraded without arms, as he had given up the garrison. In the mean time some of my officers had given orders, and in consequence thereof, sundry of the barrack doors were beat down, and about one third of the garrison impri- soned, which consisted of said commander, a lieutenant Feltham, a conductor of artillery, a gunner, two ser- g'eants, and forty-four rank and file; about one hundred pieces of cannon, one thirteen inch mortar, and a num- ber of swivels. This surprise was carried into execu- tion in the gray of the morning of the tenth of May, 1775. The sun seemed to rise that morning with a su- perior lustre; and Ticonderoga and its dependencies smiled on its conquerors, who tossed about the flowing bowl, and wished success to congress, and the liberty and freedom of America. Happy it was for me at that time, that the future pages of the book of fate, which afterwards unfolded a miserable scene of two years and eight months imprisonment, were hid from my view." 57. Battle of Bunker Hill. The following ''full and correct account" of the bat- tle of Bunker Hill, is taken from a pamphlet published in Boston, June 17, 1825. 118 After the affair of Lexington and Concord, on the 19th of April, 1775, the people, animated by one com- mon impulse, flew to arms in every direction. The hus- bandman changed his plough-share for a musket; and about 15,000 men, 10,000 from Massachusetts, and the remainder from New Hampshire, Rhode Island, and Connecticut, assembled under General Ward in the en- virons of Boston, then occupied by 10,000 highly dis- ciplined and well equipped British troops, under the command of Generals Gage, Howe, Clinton, Burgoyne, Pigot, and others. Fearing an intention, on the part of the British, to occupy the important heights at Charlestown and Dor- chester, which would enable them to command the sur- rounding country. Colonel Prescott was detached, by his own desire, from the American camp at Cambridge, on the evening of the 16th of June, 1775, with about 1000 militia, mostly of Massachusetts, including 120 men of Putnam's regiment from Connecticut, and one artillery company, to Bunker Hill, with a view to occupy and fortify that post. At this hill the detachment made a short halt, but concluded to advance still nearer the British, and accordingly took possession of Breed's Hill, a position Avnich conunanded the whole inner har- bour of Boston. Here, about midnight, they commenced throwing up a redoubt, which they completed, notwith- standing every possible effort from the British ships and batteries to prevent them, about noon the next day. So silently had the operations been conducted through the night, that the British had not the most distant no- tice of the design of the Americans, until day-break pre- sented to their view the half-formed battery and daring stand made against them. A dreadful cannonade, ac- companied with shells, was immediately commenced from the British battery at Copps' Hill, and the ships of war and floating batteries stationed in Charles River. The break of day, on the 17th of June, 1775, present- ed a scene, which for daring and firmness could never be surpassed; 1000 unexperienced militia, in the attiro of their various avocations, without discipline, almost 119 without artillery and bayonets, scantily supplied with ammunition, and wholly destitute of provisions, defying the power of the formidable British fleet and army, de- termined to maintain the liberty of their soil, or moisten that soil Vvith their blood. Without aid, however, from the main body of the army, it seemed impossible to maintain their position; the men having been without sleep, toiling through the night, and destitute of the necessary food reqiiired by nature, had become nearly exhausted. Representations were repeatedly made, through the morning, to head quarters, of the necessity of re-enforcements and sup- plies. Major Brooks, the late revered governor of Mas- sachusetts, who commanded a battalion of minute-men at Concord, set out for Cambridge about nine o'clock, on foot, (it being impossible to procure a horse,) solicit- ing succour : but as there were two other points exposed to the British, Roxbury and Cambridge, then the head quarters, at which place all the little stores of the army were collected, and the loss of which would be incalcu- lable at that moment, great fears were entertained lest they should march over the neck to Roxbury, and at- tack the camp there, or pass over the bay in boats, (there being at that time no artificial avenue to connect Boston with the adjacent country,) attack the head quarters, and destroy the stores : it was therefore deemed impos- sible to afford any re-cnforcemcnt to Charlestown heights, till the movements of the British rendered evidence of their intention certain. The fire from the Glasgow frigate and two floating batteries in Charles River, were wholly directed with a view to prevent any communication across the isthmus that connects Charlestown with the main land, which kept up a continued shower of missiles, and rendered the communication truly dangerous to those who should attempt it. When the intention of the British to attack the heights of Charlestown became apparent, the re- mainder of Putnam's regiment. Col. Gardiner's regi- ment, (both of which, as to numbers, were very imper- fect,) and some New Hampshire militia, marched, not- 120 withstanding the heavy fire, across the neck, for Charles- town heights, where they arrived, much fatigued, just after the British had moved to the first attack. The British commenced crossing the troops from Bos- ton about 12 o'clock, and landed at Morton's Point, S. E. from Breed's Hill. At 2 o'clock, from the best accounts that can be obtained, they landed between 3 and 4,000 men, under the immediate command of Gen. Howe, and formed, in apparently invincible order, at the base of the hill. The position of the Americans, at this time, was a re- doubt on the summit of the height, of about eight rods square, and a breast-work extending on the left of it, about seventy feet down the eastern declivity of the hill. This redoubt and breast-work was commanded by Pres- cott in person, who had superintended its construction, and who occupied it with the Massachusetts militia of his detachment, and a part of Little's regiment, Avhich had arrived about one o'clock. They were dreadfully deficient in equipments and ammunition, had been toil- ing incessantly for many hours, and it is said by some accounts, even then were destitute of provisions. A lit- tle to the eastward of the redoubt, and northerly to the rear of it, was a rail fence, extending almost to Mystick river; to this fence another had been added during the night and forenoon, and some newly mown grass thrown against them, to afford something like a cover to the troops. At this fence the 120 Connecticut militia were posted. The movements of the British made it evident their intention was to march a strong column along the mar- gin of the Mystick, and turn the redoubt on the north, while another column attacked it in front ; accordingly, to prevent this design, a large force became necessary at the breast-work and rail fence. The whole of the re-en- forcements that arrived, amounting in all to 800 or 1000 men, were ordered to this point by General Putnam, who had been extremely active throughout the night and morning, and had accompanied the expedition. At this moment thousands of persons of both sexes 121 had collected on the church steeples, Beacon Hill, house tops, and every place in Boston and its neighbourhood, where a view of the battle ground could be obtained, viewing, with painful anxiety, the movements of the combatants : wondering, yet admiring the bold stand of the Americans, and trembling at the thoughts of the formidable army marshalled in array against them. Before 3 o'clock the British formed, in two columns, for the attack ; one column, as had been anticipated, moved along the Mystick river, with the intention of taking the redoubt in the rear, while the other advanced up the ascent directly in front of the redoubt, where Prescott was ready to receive them. General Warren, president of the provincial congress and of the commit- tee of safety, who had been appointed but a few days be- fore a major-general of the Massachusetts troops, had volunteered on the occasion as a private soldier, and was in the redoubt with a musket, animating the men by his influence and example to the most daring deter- mination. Orders were given to the Americans to reserve their fire till the enemy advanced sufficiently near to make their aim certain. Several volleys were fired by the Brhish with but Httle success ; and so long a time had elapsed, and the British allowed to advance so near the Americans witliout their fire being returned, that a doubt arose whether or not the latter intended to give battle ; but the fatal moment soon arrived : Avhen the British had advanced to within about eight rods, a sheet of fire ' was poured upon them and continued a short time with such deadly effect that hundreds of the assailants lay weltering in their blood, and the remainder retreated in dismay to the point where they had first landed. From daylight to the time of the British advancing on the works, an incessant fire had been kept up on the Americans from the ships and batteries — this fire was now renewed with increased vigour. After a short time, the British officers had succeeded in rallying their men, and again advanced, in the same order as before, to the attack. Thinking to divert the 11 122 attention of the Americans, the town of CharlestouTi, consisting of 500 wooden buildings, was now set on fire by the British; the roar of the flames, the crashing of falling timber, the awful appearance of desolation pre- sented, the dreadful shrieks of the dying and wounded in the last attack, added to the knowledge of the formi- dable force advancing against them, combined to form a scene apparently too much for men bred in the quiet re- tirement of domestic life to sustain. But the stillness of death reigned within the American works, and nought could be seen but the deadly presented weapon, ready to hurl fresh destruction on the assailants. The fire of the Americans Avas again reserved till the British came still nearer than before, when the same unerring aim was taken, and the British shrunk, terrified, from before its fatal eflfects, flying, completely routed, a second time to the banks of the river, and leaving, as before, tlie field strewed with their wounded and their dead. Again the ships and batteries renewed their fire, and kept a continual shower of balls on the works. Notwith- standing every exertion, the British officers found it im- possible to rally the men for a third attack ; one third of their comrades had fallen ; and finally it was not till a re-enforcement of more than 1000 fresh troops, with a strong park of artillery, had joined them from Boston, that they could be induced to form anew. In the mean time every effort was made on the part of the Americans, to resist a third attack ; Gen. Put- nam rode, notwithstanding the heavy fire of the ships and batteries, several times across the neck, to induce the militia to advance ; but it was only a few of the reso- lute and brave who would encounter the storm. The British receiving re-enforcements from their formidable main body — the town of Charlestown presenting one wide scene of destruction — the probability the Ameri- cans must shortly retreat — the shower of balls pouring over the neck — presented obstacles too appalling for raw troops to sustain, and embodied too much danger to allow them to encounter. Yet, notwithstanding all this, the , Americans on the heig-hts were elated with their sue- , 123 cess, and waited with coolness and determination the now formidable advance of the enemy. Once more the British, aided by their re-enforcements, advanced to the attack, but with great skill and caution; their artillery was planted on the eastern declivity of the hill, between the rail fence and the breast-work, where it was directed along the line of the Americans, stationed at the latter place, and against the gateway on the north-' eastern corner of the redoubt ; at the same time they at- tacked the redoubt on the south-eastern and south-west- ern sides, and entered it with fixed bayonets. The slaughter on their advancing was great ; but the Ameri- cans, not having bayonets to meet them on equal terms, and their powder being exhausted, now slowly retreated, opposing and extricating themselves fjom the British with the butts of their pieces. The column that advanced against the rail fence was received in the most dauntless manner. The Americans fought with spirit and heroism that could not be sur- passed, and had their ammunition held out, would have secured to themselves a third time the palm of victory ; as it was, they effectually prevented the enemy from ac- complishing his purpose, which was to turn their flank, and cut the whole of the Americans ofl'; but having be- come perfectly exhausted, this body of the Americans also slowly retired, retreating in much better order than could possibly have been expected from undisciplined troops, and those in the redoubt having extricated them- selves from the host of bayonets by Avhich they had been surrounded. « The British followed the Americans to Bunker Hill, but some fresh militia at this moment coming up to the aid of the latter, covered their retreat. The Americans crossed Charlestown Neck about 7 o'clock, having in the last twenty hours performed deeds which seemed almost impossible. Some of them proceeded to Cam- bridge, and others posted themselves quietly on Winter and Prospect Hills. From the most accurate statements that can be found, it appears the British must have had nearly 5,000 sol- 124 diers in the battle; between 3 and 4,000 having first landed, and the re-enforcement amounting to over 1,000. The Americans, throughout the whole day, did not have 2,000 men on the field. The slaughter on the side of the British was im- mense, having had nearly 1,500 killed and wounded, 1(^00 of whom were either killed or mortally wounded ; the Americans about 400. Had the commanders at Charlestovvn Heights become terrified on being cut off from the main body and sup- plies, and surrendered their army, or even retreated be- fore they did, from the terrific force that opposed them, where would now have been that ornament and exam- ple to the w^orld, the Independence of the United States? When it was fouwd that no re-enforcements were to be allowed them, the most sanguine man on that field could not have even indulged a hope of success, but all deter- mined to deserve it ; and although they did not obtain a vic- tory, their example was the cause of a great many. The first attempt on the commencement of a war, is held up, by one party or the other, as an example to those that succeed it, and a victory or defeat, though not, perhaps, of any great magnitude in itself, is most powerful and important in its effects. Had such conduct as was here exhibited, been in any degree imitated by the immediate commander in the first military onset in the last Avar, how truly different a result would have been effected, from the fatal one that terminated that unfortunate ex- pedition. From the imnionse superiority of the British, at this stage of the war, having a large army of highly disci- plined and well equipped troops, and the Americans pos- sessing but few other munitions or weapons of war, and but little more discipline, than what each man possessed Avhen he threw aside his plough and took the gun that he had kept for pastime or for profit, but now to be employed for a different purpose, from off the hooks that held it, — perhaps it would have been in their power, by pursuing the Americans to Cambridge, and destroying the few stores that had been collected there, to inflict a blow 125 which could never have been recovered from: but they were completely terrified. The awful lesson they had just received, filled them with horror ; and the blood of 1,500 of their companions, who fell on that day, pre- sented to them a w-arning which they could never forget. From the battle of Bunker Hill, sprung the protection and the vigour that nurtured the tree of liberty, and to it, in all probability, may be ascribed our independence and glory. The name of the first martyr that gave his life for the good of his country on that day, in the importance of the moment was lost ; else a monument, in connexion •with the gallant Warren, should be raised to his memory. The manner of his death was thus related by Col. Prescott : " The first man who fell in the battle of Bunker Hill, was killed by a cannon ball which struck his head. He was so near me that my clothes were besmeared with his blood and brains, which I wiped off, in some degree, with a handful of fresh earth. The sight was so shock- ing to many of the men, that they left their posts and ran to view him. I ordered them back, but in vain. I tlien ordered him to be buried instantly. A subaltern officer expressed surprise that I should allow him to be buried without having prayers said ; I replied, this is the first man that has been killed, and the only one that will be buried to day. I put him out of sight that the men may be kept in their places. God only knows who, or how many of us, will fall before it is over. To your post, my good fellow, and let each man do his duty." The name of the patriot Avho thus fell is supposed to have been Pollard, a young man belonging to Bille- rica. He was struck by a cannon ball, thrown from the line-of-battle ship Somerset. 58. Arnolds March through the Wilderness. About the same time that Canada was invaded by the usual route from New York, a considerable detachment 11* 126 of the Ajnerican army was brought thither by a new and unexpected passage. Arnold, who conducted this bold undertaking, acquired thereby the name of the American Hannibal. He was sent, by General Wash- ington, with a thousand men, from Cambridge, with or- ders to penetrate into that province, by ascending the Kennebec, and then, after crossing the mountains which divide Canada from Maine, by descending the Chaudiere to the St. Lawrence. Great were the difficulties, and severe the privations, they had to encounter, in march- ing three hundred miles, by an unexplored way, through an uninhabited country. In ascending the Kennebec, they were constantly obliged to struggle against an im- petuous current ; and were often compelled, by cataracts, to land, and haul their batteaux up rapid streams, and over falls of rivers. They had to contend with swamps, woods, and craggy mountains. At some places, they had to cut their way, for miles together, through forests so embarrassed, that their progress was only four or five miles a day. One third of their number were, from sickness and want of food, obliged to return. Provisions greAV at length so scarce, that some of the men ate their dogs, cartouch boxes, leather small clothes, and shoes. Still they proceeded with unabated fortitude. They glo- ried in the hope of completing a march Avhich would rival the greatest exploits of antiquity; and on the third of November, after thirty-one days spent in traversing a hideous desert, they reached the inhabited parts of Cana- da, where the people were struck with amazement and admiration when they saw this armed force emerging from the wilderness.* 59. Death of General Montgomery. Richard Montgomery, a major general in the army of the United States, was born in the north of Ireland, in the year 1737. He possessed an excellent geiaius, ♦ Grimshaw's Hist. U. S. 127 which was matured by a fine education. Entering the army of Great Britain, he successfully fought her bat- tles with Wolfe, at Quebec, in 1759, on the very spot where he was doomed to fall, when fighting against her, under the banners of freedom. After his return to Eng- land, he quitted his regiment, in 1772, though in a fair waj' of preferment. He had imbibed an attachment to America, viewing it as the rising seat of arts and free- dom. After his arrival in this country, he purchased an estate in New York, about a hundred miles from the city, and married a daughter of Judge Livingston. He now considered himself as an American. When the struggle with Great Britain commenced, as he was known to have an ardent attachment to liberty, and had expressed his readiness to draw his sword on the side of the colonies, the command of the continental forces, in the northern department, was intrusted to him and Gen. Schuyler, in the fall of 1775. By the indisposition of Schuyler, the chief command devolved upon him in October. He reduced fort Cham- blee, and on the third of November captured St. Johns. On the 12th, he took Montreal. In December he joined Col. Arnold, and marched to Quebec. The city Avas besieged, and on the last day of the year it Avas deter- mined to make an assault. The several divisions were accordingly put in motion, in the midst of a heavy fall of snow, which concealed them from the enemy. Mont- gomery advanced at the hejid^f.the New York troops along the St. Lawrence,y'aha having assisted with his own hands in pulling up the pickets, which obstructed his approach to one of the barriers he was determined to force, he was pushing forward, Avhen one of the guns from the battery was discharged, and he was killed with his two aids. This was the only gun fired, for the enemy had been struck with consternation, and all but one or two had fled. But this event probably prevented the capture of Quebec. When he fell, Montgomery was in a narrow passage, and his body rolled upon the ice, which formed by the side of the river. After it was found the next morning among the slain, it was buried 128 by a few soldiers, without any marks of distinction. He was thirty-eight years of age. He was a man of great military talents, Avhose measures were taken with judg- ment, and executed with vigour. With undisciplined troops, who were jealous of him in the extreme, he yet inspired them with his own enthusiasm. He shared with them in all their hardships, and thus prevented their com- plaints. His industry could not be wearied, his vigilance imposed upon, nor his courage intimidated. To express the high sense entertained by his country of his services, congress directed that a monument of white marble, to his memory, should be placed in front of St. Paul's church. New York. The remains of Gen. Montgomery, after resting forty- two years at Quebec, by a resolve of the state of New York, were brought to the city of New York, on the 8th of July, 1817, and deposited, with ample form and grateful ceremonies, near the aforesaid monument in St. Paul's Church.* 60. Washington, Commander in Chief of the American i Army. \ In May, 1775, congress met pursuant to adjournment. Hostilities having commenced, it was a point of vital im- portance to the American cause, to select a proper person for commander in chief ofjhe American forces. ' George Washington,! a delegate from Virginia, was, by the unanimous voice of congress, appointed, to fill * Morse's Revolution. i t Fpr three years subsequent to the defeat of Braddock. Washington | superintended the troops of Virginia ; in which highly dangerous service he continued, until peace was given to the frontier of his na- I tive colony, by the reduction of fort Duquesne ; an enterprise under- taken in conformity with his repeated solicitations, and accompanied by himself, at the head of his own regiment. The arduous duties of j his situation, rendered irksome by the invidious treatment e.xperienced j from the governor, and by the unmanageable disposition of the offi- cers and privates under his command, were related bv himself, in a 1 highly interesting narrative, and fully acknowledged by the assem- | bly of Virginia. Soon afterwards he retired to his estate at Mount Vernon, and pursued the arts of peaceful life, with great industry ! 129 this important station, on the 15th of June, 1775. "To Washington's experience in military affairs are united sound judgment, extensive knowledge of men, perfect probity, pure morals, a grave deportment, indefatigable industry, easy manners, strict politeness, a commanding person, cool bravery, unshaken fortitude, and a prudence that baffled and confounded his enemies." Soon after his appointment. General Washington re- paired to the army, who were besieging Boston ; he was received with profound respect and joyful acclamations by the American army. The Americans having so closely invested Boston, the British commander judged it prudent to evacuate the town, which they did on the 17th of March, 1776, taking with them 1500 of the inhabitants, who dared not stay on account of their attachment to the British cause. General Washington immediately entered the town, to the great joy of the inhabitants. and success. When the proceedings of the British parliament had alarmed the colonists with apprehensions that a blow was levelled at their hberties, he again came forward to serve the pubhc : was ap- pointed a delegate to congress; and in that body was chairman of every committee selected to make arrangements for defence. He was now in his forty-fourth year, possessed a large share of com- mon sense, and was directed by a sound judgment. Engaged in the busy scenes of life, he knew human nature, and the most proper method of accomplishing his plans. His passions were subdued, and held in subjection to reason. His mind was superior to preju- dice and party spirit ; his soul too generous to buracn his country with e.\pense ; his principles too just to allow his placing military glory in competition with the public good. On the president of congress announcing his commission, he re- plied : "Though I am truly sensible of the high honour done me in this appointment, yet I feel deep distress, from a consciousness that my abilities and military experience may not be equal to the e.xten- eive and important trust. However, as the congress desire it, I will enter on the momentous duty, and exert every power I possess in their service, for the support of the glorious cause. I beg they will accept my most cordial thanks for fliis distinguished testimony of their approoation. But, lest some unlucky event should happen, unfavourable to my reputation, I beg it may be remembered by every gentleman in the room, that I this day declare, with the utmost sin- cerity, I do not think myself equal to the command I am honoured with. As to pay, sir, I beg leave to assure the congress, that, as no pecuniary consideration could have tempted me to accept this ardu- ous employment, at the expense of my domestic ease and happiness, I do not wish to make any profit from it. I will keep an exact ao- count of my disbursements ; those, I doubt not, they will discharge, and that is all I desire." Grimsha'w's Hist. U, S, 130 ^ Gl. Attack on SullivarHs Island. In the months of June and July, 177G, the British commanders, Gen. Clinton and Sir Peter Parker, at- tempted to destroy the fort on Sullivan's island, near Charleston, S. C. Their force consisted of two fifty gun ships, and four frigates of twenty-eight guns each, be- sides several smaller vessels, with 3000 troops on board. The fort was commanded by Col. Moultrie, with a garri- son of but 375 regulars, and a few militia. This fort, though not entirely finished, was very strong. " However, the British generals resolved, without hesitation to attack it ; but though an attack was easy from the sea, it was very difficult to obtain a co-opera- tion of the land forces. This was attempted by landing them on Long Island, adjacent to Sullivan's Island on the east, from which it is separated by a very nar- row creek, said to be not above two feet deep at low , water. ' " Opposite to this ford, the Americans had posted a strong body of troops, with cannon and intrenchments, ' while Gen. Lee was posted on the main land, -with a bridge ( of boats betwixt that and Sullivan's Island, so that he could at pleasure send re-enforcements to the troops in | the fort on Sullivan's Island. \ " On the part of the British, so many delays occurred, , that it was the 24th of June before matters were in readi- I ness for an attack ; and by this time, the Americans had 1 abundantly provided for their reception. On the morn- j ing of that day, the bomb-ketch began to throw shells i into Fort Sullivan, and about mid-day, the two fifty gun ships, and thirty gun frigates, came up, and began a severe fire. ] " Three other frigates were ordered to take their sta- ; tion between Charleston and the fort, in order to enfilade the batteries, and cut off' the communication with the main land ; but, through the ignorance of the pilots, they all stuck fast ; and fhough two of them were disentangled, I they were found to be totally unfit for service. The - i 131 third was burnt, that she might not fall into the hands of the Americans. " The attack was therefore confined to the five armed ships and bomb-ketch, between whom and the fort a dreadful fire ensued. The Bristol suffered excessively ; the springs on her cable being shot away, she was for some time entirely exposed to the enemy's fire. As the Americans poured in great quantities of red hot balls, she was tvvice in flames. Her captain, Mr. Morris, after receiving five wounds, Avas obliged to go below deck, in order to have his arm amputated. After undergoing this operation, he returned to his place, where he received another wound, but still refiised to quit his station. At last, he received a red hot ball in his belly, which in- stantly put an end to his life. " Of all the officers and seamen who stood on the quarter deck of the Bristol, not one escaped without a wound, excepting Sir Peter Parker alone ; whose intrepidity and presence of mind on this occasion, were very remarkable. The engagement lasted till darkness put an end to it. Little damage was done by the British, as the works of the Americans lay so low, that many of the shot flevr over ; and the fortifications, being composed of palm trees mixed with earth, were extremely well calculated to re- sist the impression of cannon. " During the height of the attack, the American bat- teries remained for some time silent, so that it was con- cluded that they had been abandoned ; but this was found to proceed only from want of powder ; for, as soon as a supply of this necessary article was obtained, the firing was resumed as brisk as before. During the whole of this desperate engagement, it was found impossible for the land forces to give the least assistance to the fleet ; the American works were found to be much stronger than they had been imagined, and the depth of the water ef- fectually prevented them from making any attempt. " In this unsuccessful attack, the killed and wounded on the part of the British amounted to about two hundred The Bristol and Experiment were so much damaged that it was thought they could not have been got over the 132 bar ; however, this was at last accomplished, by a very great exertion of naval skill, to the surmise of the Ame- ricans, who had expected to make them both prizes. On the American side, the loss was judged to have been con- siderable."* 62. Declaration of Independence. The American people, exasperated By the proceedings of the British government, which placed them out of their protection, and engaging foreign mercenaries to as- sist in subduing them, began to broach the subject of independence from the British crown. Accordingly, the subject was brought before congress ; but some of the members of that body being absent, they adjourned its consideration to the first of July. They accordingly met, and appointed Thomas Jeffer- son, John Adams, Benjamin Franklin, Roger Sherman, and Philip Livingston, to frame the Declaration of Inde- pendence. They agreed that each of their number should draft a declaration, and read it next day, in rota- tion, to the rest. They accordingly met, and Mr. Jeffer- son was fixed upon to "read first;" his gave such satis- faction that none other was read. Their report was accepted, and congress declared " the thirteen United States Free and Independent" July 4, 1776. " This declaration was received by the people with transports of joy. Public rejoicings took place in various parts of the Union. In New York, the statue of George III. was taken down, and the lead of which it was com- posed, was converted into musket balls." The Declaration of Independence was, by order of congress, engrossed, and signed by the following mem- bers : ♦ Williams' Revolution. 133 John Hancock, President, New Hampshire. Tames Smith, Josiah Bartlett, William Whipple, Matthew Thornton. Massachusells Bay, Samuel Adams, John Adams, Robert Treat Paino, Elbridge Gerry. Rhode Island, S<' Gen. BiirjEovue in ^is fufvrJiAivi ////<■ //if .^TirtAern •''faiv. /■*// f/ti- /,i'* I'/Jti/r r/^D. &en.\Kv<^w ifif/i ii fv,/v i'/' . Aiimitoi fmyv m/A i//i/,>o- , i/d/ Hiii.'i.-i' gniM t/ii-Fort irt ritf^iiii^/if ,i/ti?f-t'/r t?if ffiirrismietviDntjprttoiiiTf. ^ 145 cer. The fort was defended by about 400 men, under Col. Greene. Count Donop, with undaunted firmness, led on his men to an assault. After a few well directed fires, Greene and his men artfully retired from the out- works. The enemy now supposing the day their oicn, rushed forward in great mmibers, along a large opening in the fort, and within twenty paces of a masked battery of eighteen pounders, loaded with grape shot and spike nails. Immediately the garrison opened a tremendous fire upon their assailants, which swept them down in great numbers. Count Donop was mortally wounded and taken prisoner. In this expedition the enemy are supposed to have lost about 400 men. 69. Murder of Miss McCrea. Previous to the American revolution, there resided near fort Edward, an accomplished young man, named Jones, and a young lady by the name of McCrea, between whom a strong attachment subsisted. Upon the break- ing out of war, Mr. Jones, who favoured the royal- ists, fled into Canada. Thence he accompanied the expedition of Burgoyne into the states. When the Bri- tish army were within about three miles of fort Edward, Mr. Jones found means secretly to inform Miss McCrea of his approach ; he entreated her not to leave the place, and informed her that as soon as the fort had surrendered, he would seek an asylum where they might peaceabl}'^ consummate the nuptial ceremony. Confiding in her lover. Miss McCrea heroically refused to follow the fly- ing villagers. The tears and entreaties of her parents and friends availed nothing. Mr. Jones, anxious to pos» sess his intended bride, despatched a party of Indians to convey her to the British army, and offered to reward them for their service with a barrel of rum. The Indi- ans brought a letter from her lover, and also his horse to convey Miss McCrea ; she scrupled not to place herself under their protection, and accordingly set out for the 13 146 British camp. When about half way, a second party of Indians, hearing of the captivating offer made by Mr. Jones, determined to avail themselves of the reward. A bloody strife ensued, in which some Indians were killed, when the chief of the first party, to decide the contest, with his tomahawk knocked the lady from her horse, tore off her scalp, and bore it as a trophy to her anxious and expectant lover ! This atrocious and cruel murder roused the American people, and produced one general burst of horror and indignation throughout the states, against the British and their savage allies, and pro- bably hastened the downfall of Burgoyne. 70. Battle of Bennington and Capture of Burgoyne. In the spring of 1777, it was determined in England that an invasion of the states should be attempted from the north, and a communication formed between Canada and the city of New York, and thus cut off the commu- nication between the New England and more southern states. " The troops destined for this service were upwards of seven thousand : with a train of artillery, the finest and most efficiently supplied, that had ever been assigned to second the operations of an equal force. Arms and accoutrements were provided for the Canadians, and se- veral nations of Indians induced to take up the hatchet under royal banners. The command was given to Gen. Burgoyne: an officer whose abilities were well known, and whose spirit of enterprise and thirst for military fame could not be excelled. The British had the exclu- sive navigation of Lake Champlain. Their mai'ine force on that inland sea, with which, in the preceding campaign, they had destroyed the American flotilla, was not only entire, but unopposed. " Having gained possession of Ticonderoga, as well as of the other defences which had served to prevent or to impede the advance of an enemy into the United 147 States on the side of Canada, and with a degree of ahi- crjty and perseverance not to be excelled, reached fort Edward, on the Hudson, Burgoyne proceeded, in the beginning of August, to force his passage down towards Albany. In the mean time, every obstruction had been thrown in his way, by Schuyler, Arnold, St. Clair, and other vigilant commanders ; who, at this period, owing to the evacuations of the northern forts, and the exertions of the leading patriots in New York and the contiguous provinces, had in that quarter an army of 13,000 men. " In his advance to Albany, Burgoyne formed a plan to draw resources from the farms of Vermont. For this purpose, he detached 500 Hessians and 100 Indians, with two field-pieces, under the com.mand of Col. Baum; a force deemed sufficient to seize a magazine of provi- sions, collected by the Americans at Bennington. But he proceeded with less caution than his perilous situation required. On the IGth of August, Col. Starke attacked him near that place, with about 800 New Hampshire militia, undisciplined, without bayonets, or a single piece of artillery ; killed or captured the greater part of his detachment, and got possession of his cannon. This was a brilliant service. Another achievement, scarcely less conspicuous, immediately succeeded. Col. Brey- man, Avho had been sent by Gen. Burgoyne to support that party, arrived on the same day, not, however, until the action was decided. Instead of meeting his friends, he found himself vigorously assailed. This attack was made by Col. Warner; who, with his continental regi- ment, had come up, also, to support his friends, and was well assisted by Starke's militia, which had just defeated the party of Col. Baum. Breyman's troops, though fatigjied with the preceding march, behaved with great resolution; but were at length obliged to abandon their artillery, and retreat. In these two actions, the Ameri- cans took four brass field-pieces, four ammunition wa- gons, and seven hundred prisoners. ■" The overthrow of these detachments was the first, in a irrand series of events, that finally involved in ruin the whole royal army. It deranged every plan for con- 148 tinuing, or even holding-, the advantages previously ob- tained ; inspired the Americans with confidence, anima- | ted their exertions, and filled them with justly formed ' expectations of future victory. " After the evacuation of Ticonderoga, the Americans - had fallen back from one place to another, until they at j last rested at Vanshaick's Island. Soon after this re- ] treating system was adopted, congress removed their j commanding officers, and placed Gen. Gates at the head i of the northern army. His arrival on the iOth of Au- gust, gave fresh vigour to the inhabitants. Encouraged . by a hope of capturing the Avhole British forces, a spirit of adventure burst forth from every quarter, and was carried into various directions. An enterprise was un- dertaken by Gen. Lincoln, to recover Ticonderoga and < the other posts in the rear of the British army; and | though the first object was not accomplished, yet with so i much address did Col. BroAvn, who was despatched to the landing at Lake George, proceed, that, with five i hundred men, he not only surprised all the out-posts \ between the landing at the north end of the lake and ! the body of that fortress, took Mount Defiance and Mount Hope, the old French lines, and a block-house, also two hundred batteaux, several gun-boats, besides : two hundred and ninety prisoners, but at the same time released one hundred Americans. j "Burgoyne, after crossing the Hudson, advanced along '■ its banks, and encamped about two miles from Gen. ! Gates, a short distance above Stillwater. The Ameri- cans thought no more of retreating ; and on the 19th of j September, engaged him Avith firmness and resolution. The conflict, though severe, was only partial for the first , hour and a half; but after a short pause, it became gene- I ral, and continued for three hours without intermission, j - A constant blaze of fire streamed forth, and both sides . seemed determined on victory or death. The Ameri- cans and British were alternately driven by each other, : until night ended the eflusion of blood. The enemy lost five hundred men, including killed, wounded, and prisoners ; the Americans, three hundred. ' 149 "Every moment made the situation of the British army more critical. Their provisions were lessening, and their Indian and provincial allies deserting; whilst the animation and numbers of the Americans increased. From the uncertainty of receiving farther supplies, Bur- goyne curtailed the soldiers' rations. His opponents pressed him on every side. Much hard fighting ensued. The British were again defeated. One of Burgoyne's generals, together with his aid-de-camp, was killed, and he himself narrowly escaped; as a ball passed through his hat, and another through his. Avaistcoat. The Ame- rican generals, Arnold and Lincoln, were wounded. To avoid being surrounded, Gen. Burgoyne left his hospital to the humanity of Gates, and retreated to Sa- ratoga. He was still followed and harassed ; driven on one side and straitened on another. The situation of his army was truly distressing: abandoned by their allies, unsupported by their fellow soldiers in New York, worn down by a series of incessant efforts, and greatly reduced in number ; without a possibility of retreat, or of replenishing their exhausted stock of provisions, a continual cannonade pervaded their camp, and grape- shot fell in many parts of their lines. "The 12th of October arrived; the day until which hope had bidden the afflicted general Avait for the pro- mised assistance from New York. But expectation vanished with the departing sun. He took an ac- count of his provisions. There was onlj"^ a scanty subsistence for three days. A council of war declared that their present situation justified a capitulation on honourable terms ; and a negotiation was commenced. After various messages passed between the hostile ar- mies, it was stipulated, that on the 17th, the British were to march out of their camp with the customary honours of war ; the arms to be piled by word of com- mand from their own officers: and an undisturbed pas- sage allowed them to Great Britain, on condition of their not serA-ing again in North America during the Avar. " By this conA'ention, Avere surrendered five thousand seven hundred and ninety, of all ranks : Avhich number 13* 150 added to the killed, wounded, and prisoners, lost by the royal army during the preceding- part of the expedition, made altogether, upwards of ten thousand men ; an ad- vantage rendered still more important to the captors, by the acquisition of thirty-five brass field pieces, and nearly five thousand muskets. The regular troops in General Gates"^ army were nine thousand ; the militia four thou- sand ; but, of the former, two thousand were sick or on furlough; and of the latter, five hundred. " The celebrated Polish patriot, Kosciusko, was chief engineer in the army of Gen. Gates. " On learning the fate of Burgoyne, the British on the North river retired to New York. Those who had been left in his rear, destroyed their cannon, and, abandoning Ticonderoga, retreated to Canada ; so that this whole country, after experiencing for several months the devas- tations of Avar, was now restored to perfect tranquillity."* 71. Treaty with France. On the 16th of March, 1778, Lord North intimated to the house of commons, that a paper had been laid before the king, by the French ambassador, intimating the con- clusion of an alliance between the court of France and the United States of America. The preliminaries of this treaty had been concluded in the end of the year 1777, and a copy of them sent to congress, in order to counteract any proposals that might be made in the mean time by the British ministry. On the 6th of February, 1778, the articles were formally signed, to the great satisfaction of the French nation. They were in sub- stance as follows : 1. If Great Britain should, in consequence of this treaty, proceed to hostilities against France, the two na- tions should mutually assist each other. 2. The main end of the treaty was, in an efTectvial manner, to maintain the independence of America. ♦ Grimshaw's Hist. United States, 151 3. Should those places of North America, still subject to Britain, be reduced by the states, they should be con- federated with them, or subjected to their jurisdiction. 4. Shoxild any of the West India Islands be reduced by France, they should be deemed its property. 5. No formal treaty with Great Britain should be con- cluded, either by France or America, without the consent of each other ; and it was mutually agreed, that they should not lay down their arms till the independence of the states had been formally acknowledged. 6. The contracting parties mutually agreed to invite those powers who had received injuries from Great Britain, to join in the common cause. 7. The United States guarantied to France all the possessions in the West Indies which she could conquer ; and France, in her turn, guarantied the absolute inde- pendence of the states, and their supreme authority over every country they possessed, or might acquire during the war.* This treaty was signed on the part of France by M. Gerard ; on the part of the United States by Benjamin Franklin, Silas Deane, and Arthur Lee. On the 20th of March, the American commissioners were received at the court of France, as the representatives of a sister nation; an event which was considered in Europe, at that time, as the most important which had occurred in the armals of America, since its first discovery by Colum- bus. 72. Battle of Monmouth, or Freehold. At the opening of the campaign in 1778, General Howe went to England, and left the command to Sir Henry Clinton. In June, the British army left Phila- delphia, and marched towards Staten Island. In their march they were annoyed by the Americans ; and on the 28th of June, a division of the army, under General ♦ Williams' History of the Revolution. 152 Lee, was ordered, if possible, to brings them to an en- gagement. Soon after the British had left the heights of Freehold, General Lee was on the same ground, and followed them into the plain. Whilst he was advancing to reconnoitre the enemy in person, Sir Henry Clinton marched back his whole rear division to attack the Ame- ricans. While Lee made a feint of retreating, in order to draw the British after him, one of his officers, Gen. Scott, who had under him the greater part of General Lee's force, misunderstood his orders, and actually re- treated. This obliged Lee to follow, until he could over- take him, the army hanging upon his rear. In this situation he was met by General Washington, who, riding up to General Lee, addressed him in terms that implied censure. Lee answered with Avarmth and dis- respectful language. General Washington led the troops in person, and a smart action took place, in which both parties claimed the victory, but the advantage was clearly on the side of the Americans. The loss in killed and wounded amounted to three or four hundred, on each side ; but the British left the field of battle in the night, and pursued their retreat. This battle lasted through the whole of one of the warmest days of sum- mer, the mercury being above ninety degrees by Fah- renheit's scale. iMany of the soldiers died on the spot, by heat, fatigue, or drinking cold water. General Lee was tried by a court martial for disobedience, and his command suspended for one year. 73. Taking of Savannah and Charleston. In 1778, Lieutenant-Colonel Campbell, an officer of courage and ability, embarked on the 27th of November from New York for Savannah, with about two thou- sand men, under the convoy of some ships of war, com- manded by Commodore Hyde Parker; and in about three weeks landed near the mouth of Savannah river. From the landing place, a narrow causeway of six 153 hundred yards in length, with a ditch on each side, led through a swamp. At this causeway a small party was posted, under Captain Smith, to impede the passage of the British ; but it was almost instantly dispersed. Gen. Howe, the American ofKcer, to whom the defence of Georgia was committed, had taken his station on the main road, and posted his little army, consisting of about six hundred continentals and a few hundred militia, be- tween the landing place and the town of Savannah, with the river on his left, and a morass in front. While Col. Campbell was making arrangements to dislodge his ad- versaries, he received intelligence from a negro, of a private path, on the right of the Americans, through which his troops might march unobserved ; and Sir James Baird, with his light infantry, was directed to avail himself of this path in order to turn their right wing, and attack their rear. As soon as it was judged that he had cleared his passage, the British in front of the Americans, were directed to advance and engage. General Howe, finding himself attacked both in front and rear, ordered an immediate retreat. The British pursued, and their victory was entire. Upwards of one hundred of the Americans were killed ; and thirty-eight officers, four hundred and fifteen privates, the town and fort of Savannah, forty-eight pieces of cannon, twenty- three mortars, the fort, with its ammunition and stores, the shipping in the river, and a large quantity of pro- visions, were in a few hours in possession of the con- querors. The whole loss of the British during the day, amounted to no more than seven killed and nineteen wounded.* Sir Henry Clinton, finding it more easy to make an impression on the southern states, which were less popu- lous than the northern, and being a level country, ren- dered the transportation of artillery less difficult, deter- mined to make them the seat of war. Agreeable to this resolution, he sailed from New York with a large force, in the severe winter of 1779-80; and, after a tempest- uous passage, in which he lost some of his transports, * Holmes' Annals. 154 > arrived at Savannah the latter part of January. From Savannah the army proceeded to Charleston, and in ' April laid sieg^e to that city. The enemy made regular [ approaches, and finally, being prepared to storm thei town. General Lincoln was compelled to capitulate. About two thousand five hundred men, besides thej militia and inhabitants, became prisoners, and all the cannon and military stores. This happened on the l2th of May, 1780. General Clinton left Lord Cornwallis to command the troops in the southern army, and return- ed to New York. Great numbers of the people in | South Carolina, being left defenceless, returned to their ' allegiance, and the British commander represented the j state as subdued.* ! 74. Paul Jones' JSaval Battle. On the 22d of September, 1778, occurred on the coast of Scotland, " that unexampled sea-fight," which gave to the name of Paul Jones such terrific eclat. This man was a native of Scotland, but engaged in the service of I the United States. His flotilla Avas composed of the ] Bonhomme Richard, of forty guns, the Alliance of thirty- | six, (both American ships,) the Pallas, a French frigate of thirtj'-two, in the pay of Congress, and two other .smaller vessels. He fell in with a British merchant ' fleet, on its return from the Baltic, convoyed by Captain Pearson, with the frigate Serapis, of forty-four guns, and the Countess of Scarborough, of twenty. Pearson had no sooner perceived Jones, than he bore down to engage him, while the merchantmen endeavour- ed to gain the coast. The American flotilla formed to receive him. The two enemies joined battle about seven in the evening. The British having the advantage of cannon of a longer reach, Paul Jones resolved to fight them closer. He brought up his ships, until the muzzles of his guns came in contact with those of his enemy. * Webster. 155 Here the phrenzied combatants fought from seven till ten. Paul Jones now found that his vessel was so shattered, that only three effective guns remained. Trust- ing no longer to these, he assailed his enemy with gre- nades ; which, falling into the Serapis, set her on fire in several places. At length her magazine blew up, and killed all near it. Pearson, enraged at his officers, who wished him to surrender, commanded them to board. Paul Jones, at the head of his crew, received them at the point of the pike ; and they retreated. But the flames of the Serapis had communicated to her enemy, and the vessel of Jones was on fire. Amidst this tre- mendous night-scene, the American frigate Alliance came up mistaking her partner for her enemy, fired a broadside into the vessel of Jones, By the broad glare of the burning ships, she discovered her mistake, and turned her guns against her exhausted foe. Pearson's crew were killed or Avounded, his artillery dismounted, and his vessel on fire, and he could no longer resist. The flames of the Serapis were, however, arrested ; but tlie leaks of the Goodman Richard could not be stopped, and the hulk went down soon after the mangled remains of the crew had been removed. Of the 375 who were on })oard that renowned vessel, only 68 left it alive. The Pallas had captured the Countess of Scarborough; and Jones, after this horrible victory, wandered with his shattered, unmanageable vessels, for some time ; and at length, on the Gth of October, had the good fortune to find his way to the waters of the Texel.* 75. Gen. Putnam s escape at Horseneck. About the middle of the winter of 1778, General Put- nam, a bold and veteran officer, was on a visit to his out- post at Horseneck, in West Greenwich, Conn., where he found Tryon, the British governor, advancing upon that place with a corps of fifteen hundred men. To oppose this * Willard's Hist. United States. 15G ■ force, Gen. Putnam had only a force of one hundred and fifty men, with two iron field pieces, without horses or drag- i ropes. Having planted his caimon on an eminence, he fired | until the enemy's horse (supported by infantry) were about ' to charge ; he then ordered his men to shelter themselves ( in a neighbouring swamp, inaccessible to tht enemy's ] cavalry, and putting spurs to his horse, he plunged down ' a precipice so steep, that about one hundred stone steps or stairs had been constructed, for the accommodation of foot passengers. The British dragoons, who were but ' a sword's length from him, not daring to follow, stopped, ' and before they could gain the valley, Putnam was far ; beyond their reach. General Putnam was much distinguished, both in the French and revolutionary wars, for his bravery, and a spirit of daring enterprise. He also rendered himself \ famous by a noted exploit in a wolfs den. When he i removed to Pomfret, Conn., that part of the country was | much infested with wolves. In his immediate vicinity, j a she-wolf committed considerable depredations for seve- i ral years. After many unsuccessful attempts were made I to destroy this ferocious animal, Putnam and his neigh- i hours tracked her to her den, and endeavoured by fire | and smoke, dogs, &c., to expel her from her habitation. | These means proving ineflectual, Putnam at length came j to the hazardous resolution of attacking the wolf in her ' den. With a torch in one hand and his gun in the other, he crawled a considerable distance into a subterraneous ' cavity, and discovered the wolf by the glare of her eye- ' balls, evidently on the point of springing at him. Put- j nam fired: upon this he was drawn out of the cave by I his neighbours, by means of a rope he had attached to '' one of his legs. Putnam again descended, and find- ing the wolf dead, took hold of her ears, and the I people above, with much exultation, dragged them out j together. ' 157 76. Storming of Stou]/ Point. The reduction of this place, July 15, 1779, was one of Ihe boldest enterprises which occurred in the revolu- tionary war. Stony Point is 40 miles north of New York on the Hudson. " At this time Stony Point was in the condition of a real fortress ; it was furnished with a select garrison of more than 600 men, and had stores in abundance, and defensive preparations which were formidable. Fortified as it was, General Washington ventured an attempt to reduce it. The enterprise was committed to General Wayne, who, with a strong detachment of active infant- ry, set out towards the place at noon. His march of fourteen miles over high mountains, through deep mo- rasses, and difficult defiles, was accomplished by eight o'clock in the evening. " At a distance of a mile fi'om the point, General "VV^ayne halted, and formed his men into two cokmans, putting himself at the head of the right. Both columns were directed to march in order and silence, with unload- ed muskets and fixed bayonets. At midnight they arrived under the walls of the fort."* " An unexpected obstacle now presented itself: the deep morass w hich covered the works, was at this time overflowed by the tide. The English opened a tre- mendous fire of musketry, and cannon loaded Avith grape shot: but neither the inundated morass, nor a double palisade, nor the storm of fire that poured upon them, could arrest the impetuosity of the Americans; they opened their way with the bayonet, prostrated what- ever opposed them, scaled the fort, and the two columns met in the centre of the works. The English lost up' wards of six hundred men in killed and prisoners. The conquerors abstained from pillage, and from all disorder ; a conduct the more worthy, as they had still present in mind the ravages and butcheries which their enemies had so recently committed, in Virginia and * Goodrich. 14 158 Connecticut. Humanity imparted new effulgence to the victory which valour had obtained."* 77. Battle of Camden. On the IGth of August, 1780, Earl Cornwallis, who commanded the British troops, obtained a signal victory over the Americans under General Gates, at Camden. " The action began at break of day, in a situation very advantageous for the British troops, but very unfavoura- ble to the Americans. The latter were much more nu- merous ; but the ground on which both armies stood was narrowed by swamps on the right and left, so that the Americans could not avail themselves properly of their superior numbers. There seems to have been some want of generalship on the part of Gates, in suffering himself to be surprised in so disadvantageous a position. But this circumstance was the effect of accident ; for both armies set out with a design of attacking each other, precisely at the same time, at ten o'clock the preceding evening, and met together before day light, at the place where the action happened. The attack was made by the British troops, with great A^igour, and in a few minutes the action was gene- ral along the whole line. It was at this time a dead calm, with a little haziness in the air, which prevented the smoke from rising and occasioned so thick a dark- ness, that it was difficult to see the effect of a heavy and well supported fire on both sides. The British troops either kept up a constant fire, or made use of bayonets, as opportunities offered; and after an obstinate resistance of three quarters of an hour, threw the Americans into total confusion, and forced them to give way in all quar- ters. The continental troops behaved remarkably well, but the militia were soon broken, leaving the former to op- * Botta's Revolution. pose the whole force of the British troops. General Gates did all in his power to rally the militia, but with- out eflect ; the coritineutals retreated in some order ; but the rout of the militia was so great, that the British cavalry- continued the pursuit of them to the distance of twenty- two miles from the place of action. The loss of the Americans, on this occasion, was very considerable ; about one thousand prisoners were taken, and more than that number were said to have been killed and wounded, although the number was not very accurately ascertained. Seven pieces of brass cannon, various stands of colours, and all the ammunition wa- gons of the Americans, fell into the hands of the ehemy. Among the prisoners taken was Major General the Baron de Kalb, a Prussian officer in the American ser- vice, who was mortally wounded, after exhibiting great gallantry in the course of the action, having received eleven wounds. Of the British troops, the number of killed and wounded amounted to two hundred and thirteen."* 78. Murder of Mrs. and Mr. Caldwell. In the summer of 1780, the British troops made fre- >[uent incursions into New Jersey, ravaging and plun- dering the country, and committing numerous atrocities upon its inhabitants. In June, a large body of the ene- my, commanded by Gen. Kniphausen, landed at Eliza- bethtown Point, and proceeded into the country. They were much harassed in their progress by Col. Dayton, and the troops under his command. When they arrived at Connecticut Farms, according to their usual but sacrilegious custom, they burnt the Presbyterian church, parsonage house, and a considerable part of the village. But the most cruel and wanton act that was perpetrated during this incursion, was the murder of Mrs. Caldwell, the wife of the Rev. I\Ir. Caldwell, of Elizabethtown. ♦ Williams' Revolution. 160 This amiable woman seeing the enemy advancing, retired with her housekeeper, a child of three years old, an inflmt of eight months, and a little maid, to a room secured on all sides by stone walls, except at a window opposite the enemy. She prudently took this precaution to avoid the danger of transient shot, should the ground be disputed near that place, which happened not to be the case; neither Avas there any firing from either party near the house, until the fatal moment when Mrs. Cald- well, unsuspicious of an)- immediate danger, sitting on the bed with her little child by the hand, and her nurse, with her infant babe by her side, was instantly shot dead by an unfeeling British soldier, who had come round to an unguarded part of the house, Avith an evident design to perpetrate the horrid deed. Many circumstances at- tending this inhuman murder, evince not only that it was committed by the enemy with design, but also, that it was by the permission, if not by the command, of Gen. Kniphausen, in order to intimidate the populace to re- linquish their cause. A circumstance which aggravated this piece of cruelty, Avas, that Avhen the British officers Avere made acquainted with the murder, they did not in- terfere to prevent the corpse from being stripped and burnt, but left it half the day, stripped in part, to be tum- bled about by the rude soldiery ; and at last it was re- moved from the house, before it A\-as burned, by the aid of those Avho Avere not of the army. Mrs. Caldwell Avas an amiable Avoman, of a SAveet and even temper, discreet, prudent, beneA'olent, soft and en^ gaging in her manners, and beloved by all her acquaint- ance. She left nine promising children. Mrs. Caldwell's death Avas soon followed by that of her husband. In NoA-ember, 1781, Mr. CaldAA'ell, hear- ing of the arriA^al of a young lady at Elizabethtown Point, Avhose family in Noav York had been peculiarly kind to the American prisoners, rode doAA-n to escort her up to town. Having received her into his chair, the sentinel, observing a little bundle tied in the lady's hand- kerchief, said it must be seized for the state. Mr. Cald- well immediately left the chair, saying he Avould deliver 161 it to the commanding officer, who was then present ; and as he stepped forward Avith this view, another soldier impertinently told him to stop, which he immediately did; the soldier notwithstanding, without farther provocation, shot him dead on the spot. Such was the untimely fate of Mr. Caldwell. His public discourses were sensible, animated, and persuasive; his manner of delivery agree- able and pathetic. He was a very warm patriot, and greatly distinguished himself in supporting the cause of his suffering country. As a husband, he was kind ; as a citizen, given to hospitality. The villain who mur- dered him was seized and executed.* 79. Massacre at Wyoming. The following account of the devastation of the flour- ishing settlements of Wyoming, in July, 1778, and the massacre of its inhabitants by a party of tories and In- dians, under the command of the infamous Col. Butler, and Brandt, a half-blooded Indian, is thus related by Mrs. Willard, in her history of the United States. " The devastation of the nourishing settlement of Wy- oming, by a band of Indians and tories, was marked by the most demoniac cruelties. This settlement consisted of eight towns on the banks of the Susquehannah, and was one of the most flourishing as well as delightful places in America. But even in this peaceful spot, the inhabitants were not exempt from the baneful influence of party spirit. Although the majority were devoted to the cause of their country, yet the loyalists were nume- rous. Several persons had been arrested as tories, and sent to the proper authorities for trial. This excited the indignation of their party, and they determined upon revenge. They united with the Indians, and resorting to artifice, pretended to desire to cultivate peace with the inhabitants of Wyoming, while they were makings every preparation for their meditated vengeance. The Morse. 162 youth of Wyoming were at this time with the army, and but 5U0 men capable of defending the settlement re- mained. The inhabitants had constructed four forts for their security, into which these men were distributed. In the month of July, 1600 Indians and tories, under the command of Butler and Brandt, appeared on the banks of the Susquehannah. Two of the forts nearest the frontier immediately surrendered to them. The savages spared the women and children, but butchered the rest of their prisoners without exception. They then sur- rounded Kingston, the principal fort, and to dismay the garrison, hurled into the place 200 scalps, still reeking with blood. Col. Denison, knowing it to be impossible to defend the fort, demanded of Butler what terms would be allowed to the garrison if they surrendered; he answered, "■the. hatchtt^'' They attempted farther resistance, but were soon compelled to surrender. Enclosing the men, women, and children, in houses and barracks, they set lire to these, and the miserable wretches were all consumed. "The fort of Wilkesbarre still remained in the power of the republicans ; but the garrison, learning the fate of the others, surrendered without resistance, hoping in this way to obtain mercy. But submission could not soften the hearts of these unfeeling monsters, and their atrocities were renewed. They then devastated the country, burnt their dwellings, and consigned their crops to the flames. The tories appeared to surpass even the savages in barbarity. The nearest ties of consanguinity were disregarded ; and it is asserted, that a mother was murdered by the hand of her own son. None escaped but a few women and children ; and these, dispersed and wandering in the forest, without food and without clothes, were not the least worthy of commiseration." 80. Distress and Mutiny of the American Army. The situation of Gen. Washington was often, during the war, embarrassing, for want of proper supplies for 163 the army. It was peculiarljr so, while at Morristown, in 1780, where he had encamped during the winter. The cold was uncommonly severe, and the army sufTered ex- tremely. The following account of the state of the American army is taken from Grimshaw's History of the United States. " The distress suffered by the American army did not arrive at its highest pitch until the present season. The officers of the Jersey line now addressed a memorial to their state legislature, complaining, that four months' pay for a private would not procure for his family a single bushel of wheat ; that the pay of a colonel would not purchase oats for his horse ; and that a common labourer received four times as much as an American officer. They urged, that unless an immediate remedy was provided, the total dissolution of their line was inevitable; and conclud- ed by saying, that their pay should be realized, either by Mexican dollars, or something equivalent. Nor was th& insufficiency of their support the only motive to complaint. Other causes of discontent prevailed. The original idea of a continental army, to be raised, paid, and regulated, upon an equal and uniform principle, had been, in a great measure, exchanged, for that of state establishments ; a pernicious measure, partly originating from necessity, because state credit was not quite so much depreciated as continental. Some states, from their superior ability, furnished their troops, not only with clothing, but with many articles of convenience. Others supplied them with mere necessaries ; whilst a few, from their particular situation, could give little or perhaps nothing. The officers and men, in a routine of duly, daily intermixed and made comparisons. Those who fared worse than others, were dissatisfied with a service that allowed such injurious distinctions. Mu- tiny began to spread, and at length broke out among the soldiers at Fort Schuyler. Thirty-one privates of the garrison went off in a body. They were overtaken, and thirteen of their number instantly killed. About the same time, two regiments of Connecticut troops mutinied, and got under arms, determined to return home, or 164 gain subsistence by the bayonet. Their officers reasoned with them, and used every argument that could interest their passions or their pride. They at first answered — ' Our sufferings are too great — we want present relief;' but military feelings were, in the end, triumphant; after much expostulation, they returned to the encampment. " It is natural to suppose that the British commander would not lose so favourable an opportunity of severing the discontented from their companions, and attracting them to his own standard. He circulated a printed pa- per in the American camp ; tending to heighten the dis- orders by exaggeration, and create desertion by promises of bounty and caresses. But, so great was the firmness of the soldiery, and so strong their attachment to their country, that on the arrival of only a scanty supply of meat, for their immediate subsistence, military duty was cheerfully performed, and the rolls were seldom disho- noured by desertion. " The necessities of the American army grew so pressing, that Washington was constrained to call on the magistrates of the adjacent counties for specified quantities of provisions, to be supplied in a given num- ber of days ; and was compelled even to send out de- tachments, to collect subsistence at the point of the bayonet. Even this expedient at length failed; the coun- try in the vicinity of the army being soon exhausted. His situation was painfully embarrassing. The army looked to him for provisions ; the inhabitants for protec- tion. To supply the one, and not offend the other, seemed impossible. To preserve order and subordination, m an army of republicans, even w^hen Avell fed, regularly paid, and comfortably clothed, is not an easy task ; but to re- tain them in service, and subject them to the rules of dis- cipline, when wanting, not only the comforts, but often the necessaries of life, requires such address and abili- ties, as are rarely found in human nature. These were^ however, combined in Washington. He not only kept his army in the field, but opposed those difficulties with so much discretion, as to command the approbation of both soldiers and people. 165 " To obviate these evils, congress sent a committee of its own members to the encampment of the main army. They confirmed the representations previously made, of the distresses and the disorders arising from commissarial mismanagement, which every ^\•here pre- vailed. In particular, they stated that the main army was unpaid for five months ; that it seldom had more than six days' provision in advance ; and was on dif- ferent occasions, for several successive days, without meat ; that the horses were destitute of forage ; that the medical department had no sugar, tea, chocolate, wine, or spirituous liquors of any kind ; that every depart- ment was without money, and without credit : and that the patience of the soldiers, worn down by the pressure of complicated sufferings, was on the point of being exhausted. " Misfortunes, from every quarter, were, at this time, pouring in upon the United States. But they seemed to rise in the midst of their distresses, and gain strength from the pressure of calamities. When congress could obtain neither money nor credit for the subsistence of their army, the inhabitants of Philadelphia gave three hundred thousand dollars, to procure a supply of neces- sary provisions for the suffering troops ; and the ladies of that city, at the same time, contributed largely to their immediate relief Their example was generally followed. The patriotic flame which blazed forth in the beginning of the war, was rekindled. The different states were ardently excited ; and it was arranged, that the regular army should be raised to thirty-five thousand effective men." 81. Capture of Andre, and Treason of Arnold. In the year 1780, a plot fraught Avith much danger ta the American cause was happily discovered. This plot originated with Arnold, a general in the American army, who by his extravagance and overbearing behaviourt IGG had brought upon himself a reprimand from the Ameri- can congress. Of a temper too impetuous to bear re«i proof, Arnold, bent on revenge, entered into a negotia- tion through Major John Andre, adjutant general in the British army, to deliver up to the enemy the important post of West Point, of which Arnold had the com- mand. Andre proceeded in disguise to VV^est Point, drew a plan of the fortress, concerted with Arnold, and agreed upon the manner and time of attack. Having obtained a passport, and assumed the name of Anderson, Andre set out on his return to New York by land. He passed the outposts of the American army without suspicion. Supposing himself now out of danger, he pressed for- ward, elated with the prospect of the speedy execution of a plot, which was to give the finishing blow to liberty in America. When Andre had arrived within about thirty miles of New York, and as he v/as entering a village called Tarrytown, three militia men, who happened that way, John Paulding, David Williams, and Isaac Van Wart, seized the bridle of his horse, and accosted him with, " Where are you bound?" Andre, supposing that they were of the British, did not immediately show his passport, but waving their question, asked them, " ivhere they bdonged to?" they replied "/o bclou;'" (referring to the course of the river, and implying that they were of the British party.) " A?id so do /," said Andre, (confirmed. in his mistake by this stratagem,) and at the same time informed them that he was a British officer on urgent! business, and must not be detained. "You belong to our\ enemicsr exclaimed the militia men, "■'and we arrest\\ youP Andre, struck with astdnishment, presented his;i passport; but this, after Avhat had passed, only rendered ' his case the more suspicious. He then offered them a purse of gold, his horse and watch, besides a large re- I ward from the British government, if they would but ! liberate him. But these soldiers, though poor and ob- ! scure, were not to be bribed. They searched him, and found concealed in his boot, papers which evidenced his i 1G7 guilt, and they immediately conducted him to Colonel Jameson, their commanding officer. Andre Avas tried by a board of general officers of the American army, and executed as a spy, at Tappan, New York, October 2. He was a young officer, high- minded, brave, accomplished, and humane. He suffered with fortitude, and his fate excited the universal sympa- thy of all parties.* 82. Battle at King^ s Mountain. " It had been the policy of the British, since the general submission of the inhabitants of South Carolina, to increase the royal force by embodying the people of the country as British militia. In the district of Ninety- * Major Andre lind many friends in the American army, and even Washington would have spared him, had duty to his country per- mitted. Every possible effort was made by Sir Henry Chnton in his favour; but it was deemed important that the decision of the board of war should be carried into execution. When Major Andre was apprised of the sentence of death, he made B last appeal in a letter to Washington, that he might be shot rather tlian die on a gibbet. The letter of Andre roused the sympathies of Washington, and had 'ie only been concerned, the prisoner would have been pardoned and released. But the interests of his country were at stake, and the sternness of justice demanded that private feelings should be sacri- ficed. Upon consulting his officers on the propriety of listening to Major Andre's request, to receive the death of a soldier, (to be shot,) it was deemed necessary to deny it, and to make him an example. As a reward to Paulding, Williams, and Van Wart, for their vir- tuous and patriotic conduct, congress voted to each of tiiem an annuity of $200, and a silver medal, on one side of which was a shield with this inscription— "'fidehiv,"— and on the other, the following motto— "ri7ici< amorpatriu:,'' — the love of country conquers. Arnold, the miserable wretch, whose machinations led to the melancholy fate Andre experienced, escaped to New York, where, as the price of his dishonour, he received the commission of brigadier general, and the sum ui ten thousand pounds sterling ! This last boon was the grand secret of Arnold's fall from virtue; iiis vanity and extravagance had led him into expenses which it was neither in the power nor will of congress to support. He had in- volved himself irt debt, from which he saw no hope of extricating liimself ; and his honour was therefore bartered for British gold.— Goodrich's Hist. U. S. 168 I six, Major Ferguson, a partisan of distinguished merit, j had been emploj^ed to train the most loyal inhabitants, I and to attach them to his own corps. That officer was ^ now directed by Lord Cornwallis to enter the western i part of North Carolina, near the mountains, and to em- ' body the loyalists in that quarter, for co-operation with his army. Cornwallis, in the mean time, commenced his march with the main army from Camden, through ; the settlement of the Waxhaws, to Charlotteville, in North Carolina. About the same time, Colonel Clark, * of Georgia, at the head of a small body of men, which he had collected in the frontiers of North and South ! Carolina, advanced against Augusta, and laid siege to | that place. Colonel Brown, who Avith a few loyal pro- vincials held that post for the British, made a vigorous \ defence ; and, on the approach of Colonel Cruger, with ] a re-enforcement from Ninety-Six, Clark relinquished ' the enterprise, and made a rapid retreat through the <, country along which he had marched to the. attack. Major Ferguson, receiving intelligence of his move- ments, prepared to intercept him. The hardy moun- taineers of Virginia and North Carolina, collecting at this time from various quarters, constituted a formidable force, and advanced by a rapid movement towards Fer- guson. At the same time, Colonel Williams, from the neighbourhood of Ninety-Six, and Colonels Tracy and Banan, also of South Carolina, conducted parties of men towards the same points. Ferguson, having notice of their approach, commenced his march for Charlotteville. The several corps of militia, amounting to near three thousand men, met at Gilberttown, lately occupied by' Ferguson. About one thousand six hundred riflemen* were immediately selected, and mounted on their fleetest | horses, for the purpose of following the retreating army. : They came up with the enemy at King's Mountain, October 7, 1780, where Ferguson, on finding he should | be overtaken, had chosen his ground, and waited for an', attack. The Americans formed themselves into three , divisions, led by Colonels Campbell, Shelby, and Cleave-" | land, and began to ascend the mountain in three difller- I 169 ent and opposite directions.* Cleaveland, with his di- vision, was the first to gain sight of the enemy's pickets, and hahing his men, he addresed them in the following simple, affecting, and animating terms : — " My brave fellows, we have beat the lories, and \ve-ca?i beat them ; they are all cowards. If they had the spirit of men, they would join with their fellow-citizens in supporting the independence of their country. When engaged, you are not to wait for the word of command from me. / will show you by my example how to fight. I can under- take no more. Every man must consider himself as an officer, and act from his own judgment. Fire as quick as you can, and stand your ground as long as you can. When you can do no better, get behind trees, or retreat; but I beg of you not to run quite off If we are re- pulsed, let us make a point to return, and renew the fight ; perhaps we may have better luck in the second attempt than in the first. [{ any of you are afraid, such have leave to retire, and they are requested imme- diately to take themselres off.'' This address, which would have done honour to the hero of--^gincourt, be- ing ended, the men rushed upon the enemy's pickets, and forced them to retire; but returning again to the charge with tiie bayonet, Cleveland's men gave way in their turn. In the mean time. Colonel Shelby advanced with his division, and was in like manner driven back by the bayonets of the enemy ; but there was yet ano- ther body of assailants to be received : Colonel Camp- bell moved up at the moment of Shelby's repulse, but was equally unable to stand against the British bayonet ; - and Ferguson still kept possession of his mountain. The whole of the division being separately baffled, de- termined to make another effort in co-operafion, and the conflict became terrible. Ferguson still depended upon the bayonet; but this brave and undaunted officer, after gallantly sustaining the attack for nearly an hour, was killed by a musket ball, and his troops soon after sur- rendered at discretion. The enemy's loss on this occa- sion was 300 killed and wounded. 800 prisoners, and Holmes. 15 170 1,500 stand of arms. Our loss in killed was about 20, among whom Avas Colonel Williams, one of our most active and enterprising officers; our number of wounded was very considerable.* 83. Battle of the Coicpens. In the autumn of 1780 Gen. Greene was appointed to the command of the forces in Carolina. He was accom- panied by Col. Morgan, a brave and active officer, who commanded a body of riflemen. On the entrance of Morgan into the district of Ninety- Six, Lord Cornwallis detached Lieut. Col. Tarleton to drive him from his station, and to ''push him to the itl- iHostP Tarleton's force consisted of about 1000 choice infantry, and 250 horse, with two field-pieces. To op- pose this force, Morgan had but 500 militia, 300 regulars, and 75 horse, under the command of Colonel Washing- ton. The two detachments met on the 17th of Jan., 1781, at the Cowpens. The ground on which this memorable battle was fought, was an open pine barren. The mili- tia were drawni up about 28U yards in froiii of the regu- lars, and the horse some small distance in the rear. Just after daybreak, the British came in sight : and halting within about a quarter of a mile of the militia, began to prepare for battle. The sun had just risen, as the ene- my, with loud shouts, advanced to the charge. The militia, hardly waiting to give them a distant fire, broke, and fled for their horses, which were tied at some disr tance. Tarleton's cavalry pushed hard after them, and coming up just as they reached tlieir horses, began to cut them down. On seeing this. Col. Washington, with his cavalry, dashed on to their rescue. As if certain of vic- tory, Tarleton's men were all scattered in the chase. Washington's men, on the contrary, advanced closely and compactly, and gave the British cavalry such a fatal charge, that they fled \a the utmost precipitation. The Bri * Allen's Revolution. 171 tish infantry now came up ; and having crossed a little val- ley, just as they ascended the hill, they found themselves within twenty paces of the regular Americans, imder Col. Howard, who at this moment poured upon them a general and deadly fire. This threw them into confu- sion. The militia, seeing this change in the battle, reco- vered their spirits and began to form on the right of the regulars. Morgan, waving his sword, instantly rode up, exclaiming with a loud voice, " Hurrah ! my brave fel- lows! form! form! old Morgan loas never beat in his life! — one fire more, my heroes, and the da if is our own!^ With answering shouts, both regulars and militia then advanced upon the enemy ; and following their fire with the bayonet, instantly decided the conflict. The British lost in this engagement upwards of 300 killed and wounded, and more than 500 prisoners. The loss of the Americans was but 12 killed and 60 wounded. 84. Battle of Guilford. After the disaster at the Cowpens, Lord Cornwallis de- termined to intercept Colonel Morgan, and retake the prisoners; but a heavy rain in the night, swelled the rivers so as to prevent his design. To enable his troops to march with more celerity, he destroyed all his heavy baggage. At length General Greene joined Colonel Morgan, with additional forces, and Lord Cornwallis having collected his troops, the armies met near the ■court-house in Guilford. The action was fought on the 15th of March, 1781. The Americans amounted to be- tween 4 and 5000 men, but mostly militia, or inexperi- enced soldiers. The British force consisted of about half that number of veterans.* The Americans were drawn up in three lines. The front was composed of North Carolina militia, commanded by Generals Butler and Eaton; the second of Virginia militia, commanded by Stephens and Lawson ; the third, of continental * Webster. 172 troops, commanded by Gen. Huger and Col. Williams. The British, after a brisk cannonade in front, advanced in three columns, the Hessians on the right, the guards in the centre, and Lieut. Col. Webster's brigade on the left ; and attacked the front line. The militia composing this line, through the ini.sconduct of an officer, in giving occasion to a false alarm, precipitately quitted the field. The Virginia militia stood their ground, and kept up their fire, until they were ordered to retreat.* The con- tinental troops were last engaged, and maintained the conflict with great spirit an hour and a half; but were then forced to give way before their veteran adversaries. The British broke the second Maryland brigade: turned the American left flank; and got in the rear of the Vir- ginia brigade. On their appearing to be gaining Greene's right, and thus threatening to encircle the whole of the continental troops, a retreat was ordered, which was well conducted.! The battle was fought with great bravery and effect ; for although Lord Cornwallis remained mas- ter of the field, his losses in a country where he could not recruit his army, had the effect of a defeat. His loss was more than five hundred men. That of the Ameri- cans was about four hundred in killed and wounded, of which more than three fourths were continentals. 85. Battle of Eutaw Springs. On the 9th of September, 1781, Gen. Greene, having assembled about two thousand men, proceeded to attack the British, who, under the command of Col. Stewart, were posted at Eutaw Springs. The American force was drawn up in two lines ; the first, composed of Caro- lina militia, was commanded by Generals Marion and Pickens, and Col. De Malmedy. The second, which consisted of continental troops from North Carolina, Vir- * Gen. Stephens, their heroic commander, had posted forty riflemen, at equal distances in the rear of this brigade, with orders to shoot every man who should leave his post, + Holmes' American Annals. 173 ginia, and Maryland, was commanded by Gen. Sumpter, Lieut. Col. Campbell, and Col. Williams. Lieut. Col. Lee, with his legion, covoved the right flank ; and Lieut. Col. Henderson, with the state troops, covered the left. A corps de reserve was formed of the cavalry, under Lieut. Col. Washington, and the Delaware troops, under Capt. Kirkwood. As the Americans came forward to the attack, they fell in with some advanced parties of the enemy at about two or three miles ahead of the main body. These being closely pursued, were driven back ; and the action soon became general. The militia were at length forced to give way, but were bravely supported by the second line. In the hottest part of the engage- ment. Gen. Greene ordered the Maryland and Virginia continentals to charge with trailed arms. This decided the fate of the day. " Nothing," says Dr. Ramsey, " could surpass the intrepidity of both officers and men on this occasion. They rushed on, in good order, through a hea\y cannonade, and a shower of musketry, with such unshaken resolution, that they bore down all before them." The British were broken, closely pursued, and upwards of five hundred of them taken prisoners. They, however, made a fresh stand, in a favourable posi- tion, in impenetrable shrubs, and a picketted garden. Lieut. Col. Washington, after having made every effort to dislodge them, was wounded and taken prisoner. Four six pounders were brought forward to play upo7i them, but they fell into their hands ; and the endeav6nrs to drive them from their station being found impracticable, the Americans retired, leaving a strong picket on the field of battle. Their loss was about five hundred : that of the British upwards of eleven hundred. Gen. Greene was honoured by congress with a British standard, and a gold medal, emblematic of the engage- ment and its success, " for his wise, decisive, and mag- nanimous conduct in the action of Eutaw Springs, in which, with a force inferior in number to that of the enemy, he obtained a most signal victory." In the evening of the succeeding day, Col. Stewart abandoned his post, and retreated towards Charleston, 15* 174 leaving behind upwards of seventy of his wounded, and a thousand stand of arms. He was pursued a consider- able distance, but in vain. The battle of Eutaw produced the most signal conse- quences in favour of America. The British, who had for such a length of time, lorded it absolutely in South Carolina, were, shortly after that event, obliged to con- fine themselves to Charleston.* 86. Storming of Fort Griswold. While the combined armies were advancing to the siege of Yorktown, General Arnold, the traitor, who had lately returned from Virginia, was appointed to conduct an expedition against New London. The troops em- ployed in this service, were landed on each side of the har- bour, in two detachments; the one commanded by Lieut. Col. Eyre, and the other by Gen. Arnold. New Lon- don is a seaport town, situated near the mouth of the Thames, on the west side of that river. For the defence of the place, there had been constructed, below the town, on the western side of the harbour, a fort, called Fort Trumbull, with a redoubt ; and opposite to it, on Groton Hill, another fort, called Fort Griswold, a strong square fortification, insufficiently garrisoned. Fort Trumbull, the redoubt, and the town of New London, being totally untenable, were evacuated on the approach of Arnold, who took possession of them with inconsiderable loss. Fort Griswold was defended by Col. Ledyard, with a garrison of about one hundred and sixty men, some of whom had just evacuated the works on the opposite side of the river. On the rejection of a summons to surren- der, the British marched up to the assault on three sides; and, though the ascent was steep, and a continued fire was directed against them, they at length made a lodg- ment on the ditch and fraized work, and entered the embrasures with charged bayonets. An officer of the * Morse's Revolution. J 75 conquering troops, on entering the fort, asked who com- manded it; "I did," answered Col. Ledyard, " but you do now ;" and presented him his sword, which was in- stantly plunged into his own bosom. Although resist- ance had now ceased, yet, to the indelible infamy of the conquerors, they commenced a merciless slaughter, which " was kept up until a greater part of the garrison was killed or wounded." The town of New London, and the stores contained in it, were reduced to ashes ; and General Arnold, having completed the object of the ex- pedition, returned in eight days to New York.* 87. Siege of Yorktown, and surrender of Cornwallis. The 19th of October, 1781, was rendered memorable by the surrender of the British army, consisting of 7000 men, under Cornwallis, at Yorktown, Va. This joyful event decided the revolutionary contest, and laid the foundation for a general peace. About the last of August, Count de Grasse, with a French fleet, arrived in the Chesapeake, and blocked up the British troops who had fortified themselves at Yorktown. Previous to this, the American and French troops, under Gen. Washington, had moved to the southward : and as soon as he heard of the arrival of a French fleet, made rapid marches to the head of Elk river, where embarking, the troops soon arrived at Yorktown. On the 6th of October, the trenches were opened by the combined army, upon his lordship, at the distance of 600 yards. On the 9th, tlie Americans completed their batteries in the afternoon, and began to play upon the camp of his lordship, with their twenty-fours, eighteens, and ten inch mortars, which continued through the night, without intermission. The next morning the French opened a terrible fire from their batteries, without intermission, for about eight hours, and on the succeeding night a tremendous fire ♦ Holmes' Annals. 176 was kept up through the whole line, without intermis- sion, through the night. The horrors of this scene were greatly heightened by the conflagration of two British ships, which were set on fire by the shells, and con- sumed in the night, October 10th. The next morning another guard ship of the enemy was consumed by the shells of the besiegers, and at the same time they opened their second parallel, at the distance of 200 yards from the enemy's lines. On the 14th Gen. Washington ordered two battalions to advance to the second parallel, and begin a large bat- tery, upon the centre and in advance. During this operation the enemy kept up an incessant fire, which proved very destructive, and continued through the night. Gen. Washington detached the Marquis La Fayette at the head of the American light infantry, to storm a redoubt on the left of the British, and about 200 yards in advance of their lines ; with full powers to revenge upon the enemy the cruelties practised at New London, and put the captives to the sword. The redoubt was carried at the point of the bayonet ; but such was the humanity of these sons of liberty, that the captives Avere spared, and treated with kindness. The fire of the allies, and the sickness that prevailed in the British camp, weakened his lordship, and pre- vented his making such sorties as he otherwise would have done : but the besieged, on the morning of the 16th, made a sortie, with a detachment of about 400 men, under the command of Lieut. Colonel Abercrom- bie ; carried two batteries, which were nearly ready to open their fire, and spiked the cannon. The French suffered severely in defending these batteries, but the British gained no considerable advantage. On the same day, at four in the afternoon, the allies opened their batteries, covered with about 100 pieces of heavy cannon, and such was the destructive fire, that the British works were soon demolished, and silenced. Alarmed for his safety, Lord Cornwallis now began to prepare to retire ; his boats were collected, and a part of his army embarked across to Gloucester Point ; but a violent 177 storm arose suddenly, which defeated the plan, and his lordship was enabled, with the greatest difficulty, to re- cover his boats, and restore the division that had already been embarked. His lordship now saw that all hopes of succour or escape had failed, and that the tremendous fire of the allies, with its overwhelming destruction, bore down, killed, and destroyed the British army, so as to compel him to request a parley on the 18th, for twenty-four hours, and that commissioners* might be appointed to draw up the terms of capitulation, to which Gen. Wash- ington assented, and commissioners were appointed ac- cordingly. On the 19th, the articles of capitulation were signed, and on the 20th, the whole army of Cornwallis marched out, prisoners of war. The spectacle of the surrender was impressive and affecting. The road through which the captive army marched, was lined with spectators. On one side. Gen. Washington, Avith the American staff, took their station ; on the opposite side, was the Count de Rochambeau with the French staff " The captive army approached, moving slowly in columns, with grcce and precision. Universal silence was observed amidst the vast concourse, and the utmost decency prevailed ; exhibiting in demeanour, an awful sense of the vicissitude of human life, mingled with commisseratioh for the unhappy." Lord Cornwallis, unable to endure the humiliation of marching at the head of his troops, appointed General O'Hara his representative, who delivered up the sword of Cornwallis to the American commander-in-chief * The commissionerB on the part of the allies, were the Viscount De Noaille and Lieut. Col. Laurens, whose father had been appoint- ed by cong;re83, minister to the court of Vcrsaiih^s, and who was captured by the British on his passage, and confined in the tower at London, where he remained in close confinement at that very time. 178 88. Washi7igton taking leave of the Army. The storm of the revolution having subsided, the defi- nitive treaty was signed on the 30th of September, 1783, and the 3d of November was fixed on by congress, fot disbanding the United States' army. On the day pre- ceding, General Washington gave an affectionate fare- well to the soldiers, who, during " (he time thai triec men^s souls,''^ had fought by his side. " Being now," he said in his address to the army, " to conclude these, my last public orders, to take my ultimate leave in a short time of the military character, and to bid a final adieu tol the armies I have so long had the honour to command,! I can only again offer in j-our behalf, my recommenda-J tions to our grateful country, and lay prayer to the God of armies. May ample justice be done you here, and! may the choicest favours, both here and hereafter, attendl those, Avho, under the divine auspices, have secured in-" numerable blessings for others ! With these wishes and.' this benediction, the commander-in-chief is about to re-; tire from service. The curtain of separation will soon be drawn, and the military scene will be closed for ever."! The officers of the army assembled at New York.,; Washington was there also, and at parting, thus addressed] them : — " With a heart full of love and gratitude, I now] take my leave of you. I most devoutly wish that your latter days may be as prosperous and happy as your for-; mer ones have been glorious and honourable." Takings each by the hand, he bade them farewell. They thenj accompanied him to the shores of the Hudson, where he* was received in a barge magnificently decorated, and| manned with thirteen sea captains — and waving hisj hat, while the tears started from his eyes, he bade a1 silent adieu to the companions of his glory. ! 89. Continental Money. \ The expedient of supplying the deficiencies of specie,' by emissions of paper bills, was adopted very early inj 179 the colonies. In many instances, these emissions pro- duced good effects. These bills were generally a legal tender, in all colonial or private contracts, and the sums issued did not generally exceed the granted requisite for a medium of trade ; they retained their full nominal value in the purchase of commodities. But as they were not received by the British merchants, in payment for their goods, there was a great demand for specie and bills, which- occasioned the latter at various times to de- preciate. Thus was introduced a difference between the English sterling money, and the currencies of the differ- ent states, which remains to this day.* The advantages the colonies had derived from paper currency under the British government, suggested to congress, in 1775, the idea of issuing bills for the pur- pose of carrying on the war. And this, perhaps, was the only expedient. They could not raise money by taxation, and it could not be borrowed. The first emis- sions had no other effect upon the medium of commerce, :han to drive the specie from circulation. But when the paper substituted for specie, had, by repeated emissions, augmented the sum in circulation, much bej-ond the usual sum in specie, the bills began to lose their value. The depreciation continued, in proportion to the sums emitted, until one hundred paper dollars were hardly an 3quivalent for one Spanish milled dollar. With this de- preciated paper was the army paid; and from 1775 to 1781, this currency was almost the only medium of trade, antil the sum in circulation amo\mted to two hundred ;nillions of dollars. But about the year 1780, specie be- Tan to be plcntifiil, being introduced by the French army, i private trade with the Spanish islands, and an illicit in- .ercourse with tlie British garrison in New York. This lircumstancc accelerated the depreciation of the paper Dills, until their value had sunk to almost nothiiig. In • A dollar in sterling money ia 4s. 6d. But the price of a dollar •ose in New England currency to 6.«. ; in New York, to Ss. ; in New leraey, Pennsylvania, and Maryland, to 7.?. 6rf. ; in Virginia, to 6s.; n North Cnrnlina, to Ss. ; in South Carolina and Georgia, to 4s. 8d. This ditference, originating between paper and specie, or bill.i, con- :inued afterwards to exist in the nominal estimation of gold and sil- vn. Pranklin'a Miscellaneous Works. ISO ' 1781, the merchants and brokers of tlie southern states, apprehensive of the approaching fate of the currency, pushed immense quantities of it suddenly into New England ; made vast purchases of goods in Boston, and instantly the bills vanished from circulation. The whole history of this continental paper, is a his- tory of public and private frauds. Old specie debts were often paid in a depreciated currency; and even new con- tracts for a few weeks or days, were often discharged with a small part of the value received. From this plen- ty, and the fluctuating state of the medium, sprang hosts of speculators, and itinerant traders, who left their honest occupations for the prospects of immense gains, in a fraud- ulent business, that depended on no fixed principles, and the profits of which could be reduced to no certain cal- culations.* I i 90. Shay's Insurrection in Massackusetts. In the year 1786, an insurrection took place in Massa- chusetts. " A heavy debt lying on the state, and almost all the corporations within it ; a relaxation of manners a free use of foreign luxuries ; a decaj^ of trade ; with a scarcity of money ; and above all, the debts due from in- ' dividuals to each other; were the primary causes of this ' sedition. Heavy taxes, necessarily imposed at this time, , were the immediate excitement to discontent and insur- j gency." ' The leader of the malcontents in Massachusetts, was \ Daniel Shays. At the head of three hundred men, he ■ marched to Springfield, where the supreme judicial court was in session, and took possession of the court-house. I He then appointed a committee, who waited on the j court with an order couched in the humble form of a < petition, requesting tliem not to proceed to business; » and botli parties retired. The number of insurgents in- '■ creased: the posture of affairs became alarming: and an ■ ♦Morse's Geography, 1789. 181 armj' of 4000 men was at length ordered out for their dispersion. This force was placed under the command of General Lincoln. His first measure Avas to march to Worcester ; and he afforded such protection to the court at that place, that it resumed and executed its judicial functions. Orders were given to General Shepard, to collect a sufficient force to secure the arsenal at Spring- field. Accordingly, he raised about 900 men, who were re-enforced by 800 militia from the county of Hamp- shire. At the head of this force, he marched, as direct- ed, to Springfield. On the 25th of January, Shays approached, at the head of 11 00 men. Shepard sent out one of his aids to know the intention of the insurgents, and to warn them of their danger. Their answer was, that they would have the barracks, and they proceeded to within a few hundred yards of the arsenal. They were then informed that the militia were posted there by order of the go- vernor ; and that they would be fired upon, if they ap- proached nearer. They continued to advance, when General Shepard ordered his men to fire, but to direct their fire over their heads ; even this did not intimidate them, or retard their movements. The artillery was then levelled against the centre column, and the whole body throA\ni into confusion. Shays attempted in vain to rally them. They made a precipitate retreat to Ludlow, about ten miles from Springfield. Three men were killed, and one wounded. They soon after retreated to Peter- sham ; but General Lincoln pursuing their retreat, they finally dispersed. Some of the fugitives retired to their homes ; but many, and among them their principal officers, took refuge in the states of New Hampshire. Vermont, and New York.* 91. Adoption of the Federal Constitution. In pursuance of the request of Virginia, most of the states appointed delegates, who assembled at Annapolis, ♦ Mrs. VVillard'9 Hist. U. S. IG 182 September 14, 1786. But on examining their commis- sions, it was judged that their powers were too limited to enable them to accomplish any desirable purpose. They tlierefore adjourned, with instructions to advise the states to appoint agents with more ample powers, to meet at Philadelphia, the next year. Accordingly, delegates from the several states assembled in that city, in May, 1787, and appointed the venerable Washington for their president. That gentleman had retired to his farm in 1783, with a fixed determination never more to engage in public affairs; but he was selected by Virginia as one of the delegates on this important occasion, and pressed to accept the appointment. After four months' delibera- tion, the convention agreed to a frame of government for the United States, and recommended it to the several states for adoption. The states referred the question of adopting the frame of government to conventions appointed for that express purpose. On that occasion, popular jealousy appeared in all its force. It Avas objected, that the plan of govern- ment proposed abridged the states of their sovereignty, and amounted to a consolidation. This was a fruitful theme of declamation, notwithstanding all the calamities that had arisen from the jealousies and clashing interests of the states, and a Avant of uniformity in public measures. Many other objections were urged, especially in the large states. At length, however, the proposed frame of fede-i ral government was accepted and ratified in 1788, by eleven states, and became the constitution of the United States. The first convention of North Carolina rejected it ; as did the town meetings, to which it was referred, in I; Rhode Island. But North Carolina acceded to it in No- jj vember, 1789, and Rhode Island in May, 1790. The {I ratification of the constitution was celebrated in the large | cities, with great joy and splendid exhibitions. A ship, ^ the emblem of commerce, and stages for mechanical la- ; hour, the emblems of manufactures, were mounted on | wheels and dra\\Ti through the streets, attended by im- ] mense processions of citizens, arranged according to , tlieir professions ; while bands of music, streaming flags, I 183 and the roar of the cannon, manifested the enthusiasm with which the people received tlie authority of the na- tional orovcrnment.* 92. I/iaugit ration of President Washington. On the. 3d of March, 1789, the delegates from the eleven states, which at that time had ratified the consti- tution, assembled at New York, where a convenient and elegant building had been prepared for their accom- modation. On opening and counting the votes for presi- dent, it was found that George AVashington Avas unani- mously elected to that dignified office, and that John Adams was chosen vice-president. The annunciation of the choice of the first and second magistrates of the United States, occasioned a general ditiusion of joy among the friends of the Union, and fully evinced that these eminent characters were the choice of the people. On the 30th of April, 1789, George Washington was inaugurated president of the United States of America, in the city of New York. The ceremony was per- formed in the open gallery of Federal Hall, in the view of many thousand spectators. The oath was adminis- tered by Chancellor Livingston. Several circumstances concurred to render the scene unusually solemn ; the presence of the beloved father and deliverer of his coun- try — the impressions of gratitude for past service — the vast concourse of spectators — the devout fervency with which he repeated the oath, and the reverential mamier in which he bowed to kiss the sacred volume; these cir- cumstances, together with that of his being chosen to the most dignified office in America, and perhaps in the world, by the unanimous voice of more than three mil- lions of enlightened freemen, all conspired to place this among the most august and interesting scenes which have ever been exhibited on this globe. f " It seemed from the number of witnesses," said a ♦ Webster. t Dr. Morse. 184 spectator of the scene, "to be a solemn appeal to heaven and earth at once. Upon the subject of this great and good man, 1 may perhaps be an enthusiast; but I confess I was under an awful and religious persuasion, that the gracious Ruler of the universe was looking down at that moment, with peculiar complacency, on an act, which, to a part of his creatures, was so very important. Under this impression, when the chancellor pronounced, in a very feeling manner, ' hong live George Washing- ton,^ my sensibility was wound up to such a pitch, that I could do no more than wave my hat with the rest, without the power of joining in the repeated acclamations which rent the air." 93. Whiskey Insurrection in Pennsylvania. The year 1794 was distinguished by an insurrection in Pennsylvania, commonly called the Whiskey Insur- rection. "In 1791, congress had enacted laws laying duties upon spirits distilled in the United States, and upon stills. From the commencement of the operation of these laws, combinations were formed in the four western counties of Pennsylvania to defeat them; and violences were repeatedly committed. In July of the present year, (1794,) about one hundred persons, armed . with guns and other weapons, attacked the house of an inspector of the revenue, and wounded some persons within it. They seized the marshal of the district of Pennsylvania, (who had been previously fired on while in the execution of his duty, by a party of armed men,) and compelled him to enter into stipulations to forbear the execution of his office. Both the inspector and the marshal were obliged to fly from that part of the country to the seat of government. These, and many other out- rages, induced President Washington, on the 7th of Au- gust, to issue a proclamation, commanding the insurgents to disperse, and warning all persons against aiding, abetting, or comforting, the perpetrators of these treason- 185 able acts, and rcquirin:^ all officers, and other citizens, according to their respective duties and the laws of the land, to exert their utmost endeavours to prevent and sup- press such dangerous proceedings. " The president, having ordered out a suitable number of the militia, proceeded in October to Bedford, whence he gave out instructions to Governor Lee, of Maryland, whom he appointed to conduct the militia army for the suppression of the insurgents. Governor Lee marched his troops, amounting to fifteen hundred men, into the western counties of Pennsylvania ; and, on the approach of this respectable force, the insurgents laid down their arms, solicited the clemency of government, and promised future submission to the laws."* Eighteen of the insur- gents were tried for treason, but not convicted. During the scene of insurgency, no person was killed, excepting Major M'Farlane, who was killed in an attack on the inspector's house, at the commencement of the insurrec- tion, and two men, \vho were killed by some of the army ou their march. 94. Yello:v Fever in Philadelphia in 1793. The yellow fever, which has been the scourge of most of our principal southern cities, appears to have been in existence ever since the first settlement of our country. What the first cause of this disease is, or how it is pro- pagated, are subjects upon which physicians have a variety of opinions. The most remarkable and fatal instance of the prevalence of the yellow fever in our country, is that which occurred in Philadelphia, in 1793. The following description is t^ken from Dr. Rush's account of the yellow fever. This distinguished physi- cian continued in the city during the whole of this ca- lamitous period, and rendered himself conspicuous by his humanity and courage, amidst the appalling scenes" of contagion, and his skill in combating this destructivt * Holmes' Annals. 16» 186 disorder. It commenced early in August, and continued till about the 9th of November, during which time four thousand persons died out of a population of G0,000. Its greatest height was about the middle of October, when one hundred and nineteen persons died in one day. " The disease (says Dr. Rush) appeared in many parts of the town, remote from the spot where it origin- ated; although in every instance it was easily traced to it. This set the city in motion. The streets and roads leading from the city were crowded with families flying in every direction for safety, to the country. Business began to languish. Water street, between Market and Race streets, became a desert. The poor were the first victims of the fever. From the sudden interruption of business, they suffered for a while from poverty as well as disease. A large and airy house at Bush-hill, about a mile from the city, was opened for their reception. This house, after it became the charge of a comniittee appointed by the citizens on the 14th of September, was regulated and governed with the order and cleanliness of an old and established hospital. An American and French physician had the exclusive medical care of it after the 22d of September. " The contagion, after the second week in September, spared no rank of citizens. Whole families were con- fined by it. There Avas a deficiency of nurses for the sick, and many of those who were employed were un- qualified for their business. There was likewise a great deficiency of physicians, from the desertion of some, and the sickness and death of others. At one time there were only three physicians able to do business out of their houses, and at this time there were probably not less than 6,000 persons ill with the fever. " During the first three or four weeks of the prevalence of the disorder, I seldom went into a house the first time, without meeting the parents or children of the sick in tears. Many wept aloud in my entry or parlour, who came to ask advice for their relations. Grief after a while descended below weeping, and I was much struck in observing that many persons submitted to the loss of 187 relations and friends .vithout shedding a tear, or mani- festing any other of the conunon signs of grief "A cheerful coantenance was scarcely to be seen in the city for six weeks. I recollect once, in entering the house of a poor man, to have met a child of two years old that smiled in my face. I was strangely afiected with this sight, (so discordant to my feelings and the state of the citJ^) before I recollected the age and igno- rance of the child. I was confined the next day by an attack of the fever, and was sorry to hear, upon my re- covery, that the father and mother of this little creature died a few days after my last visit to them. " The streets every where discovered marks of the distress that pervaded the city. More than one half the houses were shut up, although not more than one third of the inhabitants had fled into the country. In walking, for many hundred j-ards, few persons were met, except such as were in quest of a physician, a nurse, a bleeder, or the men who buried the dead. The hearse alone kept up the remembrance of the noise of carriages or carts in the streets. Funeral processions were laid aside. A black man, leading or driving a horse, with a corpse on a pair of chair Avheels, with now and then half a dozen relations or friends following at a distance from it, met the eye in most of the streets of the city, at every hour of the day ; while the noise of the same wheels passing slowly over the pavements, kept alive anguish and fear in the sick and well, every hour of the night." 95. St. Clai'i-'s Defeat, and Wayiic!s Victory. In 1790, an Indian war opened on the north-western frontier of the States. Pacific arrangements had been attempted by the president with the hostile tribes ia Ohio, without effect. On their failure. Gen. Harmer was sent with about 1400 men to reduce them to terms. In this expedition, Harmer succeeded in destroying a few vil- lages, and a quantity of grain belonging to the Indians ; 188 but in an engagement with them near Chillicothe, he was defeated with considerable loss. Upon the failure of Harmer, Gen. St. Clair was appointed to succeed him. With an army of nearly 1500 men, St. Clair suffered himself to be surprised, with the loss of 630 men killed and missed, and 260 wounded. "On the 3d of November, 1791, Gen. St. Clair had reached the vicinity of the Miami villages, with an army of about 1400 strong, regulars and militia, when he was joined by a small force under the command of General Hamtrank. " In this position Gen. St. Clair concerted measures to advance against the Miami villages ; first by constructing a breast-work to cover his baggage, and next by detach- ing a party of militia to occupy a position about one fourth of a mile in advance of the main army. " Thus posted, the general contemplated to commence the work of destruction the next morning ; but the enemy, alive to their safety, surprised the militia at break of day the next morning ; put them to flight, and pursued them with such fury as to drive them back with great disorder upon the main body. Gen. St. Clair beat to arms, and put himself at the head of his troops to cover the flying militia, and repulse the enemy ; but all in vain ; the action continued, the enemy appeared upon all sides of the American army, and poured in a deadly fire from the surrounding thickets, that strewed the field Avith heaps of the wounded, the dead, and the dying. " Such was the fury of the contest, that the savages rushed to the combat, and penetrated even to the mouths of the cannon, regardless of danger and fearless of death; the artillerists were slain, the guns taken, and the enemy penetrated the camp ; where General Butler fell, mortally wounded. General St. Clair ordered the charge of the bayonet to be renewed ; the order was promptly obeyed by Majors Butler, Clark, and Drake ; the enemy were repulsed, the camp was cleared, and the cannon recovered; but such was the destruction by the enemy's fire from the thickets, that General St. Clair ordered Major Clark to •haige the enemy in front, and clear the road, that the 189 army might effect a retreat, and thus be saved from total ruin; this order was promptly obeyed, the road was cleared, and the army commenced a flight, which was closely pursued about four miles, when the savages re- turned to share the spoils of the camp, and left Gen. St. Clair at liberty to pursue his flight to Fort Jefferson, (about thirty miles.) Plere he was rejoined by the regi- ment under Major Hamtrank, and he called a council of war to decide on their future operations; it was resolved to pursue their retreat to Fort Washington, which, was accordingly accomplished."* The Indians still continuing hostile, Gen. Wayne was appointed to succeed Gen. St. Clair. Failing to conclude a treaty, W^aync, with a force of 900 men, on the 20th of August, 1794, attacked a body of 2,000 Indians, on the banks of the Miami. The Indians were totally routed, a great number killed, and their whole country laid waste. "By means of this victory over the Miamis, a general war with the Six Nations, and all the tribes north-west of the Ohio, was prevented." " In the year after, Wayne concluded, at Greenville, treaties with the hostile Indians north-west of the Ohio ; by which peace was established, on terms mutually satis- factory and beneficial. A humane system now com- menced for ameliorating their condition. They were, henceforth, protected by the United States from the im- positions and incursions of lawless white people ; taught the use of the loom ; and encouraged in the pursuits of agricuhure : measures reflecting high praise on Colonel Hawkins, who was amongst the first to execute the be- nevolent intentions, originally projected by the humane spirit of General Washington." 96. Difficulties with the French. In 1797, France wished to involve America in her European wars; but finding her maintaining a steady * Butlers Hist. U. S. 190 system of neutrality, she adopted measures highly inju- rious to the American commerce, and many vessels were taken and confiscated. The American government sent envoys to France, in order to settle the differences. Before the French government would acknowledge the envoys, money by way of tribute was demanded ; this Avas refused. " I'hese events were followed by depreda- tions on American commerce, by the citizens of France ; which excited general indignation throughout the United States. Civil discord appeared extinct ; and this was the genei'al motto : — ' Million!; for defence, not a cent for tribute.'' The treaty of alliance with France was con- sidered by congress as no longer in force : and farther measures were adopted by congress, for retaliation and defence. A regular provisional army was established, taxes were raised, and additional internal duties laid. General Washington, at the call of congress, left his peaceful abode to command the armies of the United States, while General Hamilton Vv^as made second in command. The navy was increased, and reprisals were made on the water. At sea, the French frigate L'lnsur- gente, of forty guns, was captured after a desperate action, by the frigate Constellation, of thirty-eight guns, com- manded by Commodore Truxton. The same officer compelled another frigate of fifty guns to strike her colours ; but she afterwards escaped in the night. " On hearing of these vigorous preparations, the French government indirectly made overtures for a renewal of the negotiations. Mr. Adams promptly met these over- tures, and appointed Oliver Ellsworth, cliief justice of the United States, Patrick Henry, late governor of Virginia, and William Van Murray, minister at the Hagvie, envoys to Paris for concluding an honourable peace. They found the directory overthrown, and the government in the hands of Napoleon Bonaparte, who had not partaken in the transactions which had embroiled the two countries With him negotiations v\-ere opened, which terminated in an amicable adjustment of all disputes. The provisional army was soon after disbanded by order of congress."* * WiUard. 191 97. Death of Washington. On the 14th of December, 1799, General Washington expired, at his seat at Mount Vernon, in Virginia, leaving a nation to mourn his loss, and to embalm his memory with their tears. The disorder of which General Washington died, was an inflammatory affection of the windpipe, occasioned by an exposure to a light rain, Avhile attending, the day be- fore, to some improvements on his estate. The disease at its commencement was violent, and medical skill was applied in vain. Respiration became more contracted and imperfect, until half past eleven o'clock on Saturday night, when, retaining the full pos- session of his intellect, he expired without a groan. " The equanimity which attended him through life, did not forsake him on his death-bed. He submitted to the inevitable stroke with the becoming firmness of a man, the calmness of a philosopher, the resignation and con- fidence of a Christian. When convinced that his disso- lution was near, he requested leave to die without farther interruption : then, undressing himself, went tranquilly to bed, and having placed himself in a suitable attitude, soon after closed his eyes with his own hands, and yielded up his spirit without a struggle." On the melancholy occasion, the senate addressed to the president a letter, in Avhich ihey say: "Permit us, sir, to mingle our tears with yours. On this occasion it is manly to weep. To lose such a man at such a crisis, is no common calamity to the world. Our country mourns a father. The Almighty Disposer of events has taken from us our greatest benefactor and ornament. It becomes us to submit with reverence to Him who maketh darkness his pavilion. " With patriotic pride we review the life of Washing- ton, and compare him with those of other countries who have been pre-eminent in favour Ancient and modern names are diminished before him. Greatness and guilt hare too often been allied ; but his fame is whiter than 192 it is brilliant. The destroyers of nations stood abashed at the majesty of his virtues. It reproved the intemper- ance of their ambition, and darkened the splendour 0/ victory. " The scene is closed ; and we are no longer anxious lest misfortune should sully his glory. He has travelled on to the end of his journey, and carried with him an increasing weight of honour. He has deposited it safely, where misfortune cannot tarnish it ; where malipe cannot blast it. Favoured of heaven, he departed without exhi- biting the weakness of humanity ; magnanimous in death, the darkness of the grave could not obscure his bright- ness." The committee appointed to devise some mode by which to express the national feelings, recommended that a marble monument be erected by the United States, at the city of Washington, to commemorate the great events of Washington's military and political life ; that a funeral oration be delivered by a member of congress ; that the president be requested to write a letter of condo- lence to Mrs. Washington ; and that it be recommended to the citizens of the United States, to wear crape on the left arm for thirty days. These resolutions passed both houses unanimously. The whole nation appeared in mourning. The funeral procession at the city of Wa.shington was grand and solemn, and the eloquent oration delivered on the occa- sion by Gen. Henry Lee, was heard with profound at- tention, and with deep interest. Throughout the United States, similar marks of af- fliction were exhibited. Funeral orations were deliver- ed, and the best talents devoted to an expression of grief, at the loss of " the man, first in war, first in peace, and first in the hearts of his fellow citizens."* ♦ Goodnch. 193 98. Invention of Steam Boats. The first successful application of steam, for the pur- pose of propelling boats, was accomplished by Robert Fulton, a native of the state of Pennsylvania. Mr. Fulton's inventive genius displayed itself at an early age. It seems that as early as the year 1793, he had conceived the idea of propelling vessels by steam, and he speaks in some of his writings with great confi- dence of its practicability. After a number of years residence in Europe, and making a variety of experiments both in that country and in this, his labours were finally crowned with success. In the spring of 1807, the first steam boat built in this country was launched from a ship yard in New York, on the East River. The engine, which he procured from England, was put on board in August, and the boat was completed, and moved by her machinery to the Jersey shore. This boat, which was called the Cler- mont, soon after sailed for Albany, which voyage she accomplished, going at the rate of about five miles an hour ; she afterwards became a regular passage boat be- tween New York and Albany. The account of her first voyage to Albany is thus described : " She excited the astonishment of the inhabitants on the shores of the Hudson, many of whom had not heard even of an engine, much less of a steam boat. She was described by some who had indistinctly seen her passing in the night, as a monster moving on the v/aters, defying the tide, and breathing flames and smoke. Her volumes of smoke and fire by night, attracted the attention of the crews of other vessels. Notwithstanding the wind and tide were adverse to its progress, they saw with astonishment that it was rapidly approaching them ; and when it came so near that the noise of the machinery and paddles was heard, the crews, in some instances, sunk beneath their decks, from the terrific sight, and left their vessels to go on shore, while others prostrated themselves, and be- sought Providence to protect them from the approaches 17 104 ] of this horrible monster, which was marching on the tides, and lighting its path by the fires which it vomited." ] From the time that this boat was put in motion, this noble invention has been rapidly extended ; till it is now ; used in every part of theciv^ilized world. The following is from a discourse delivered by Judge Story, before the Boston Mechanics' Lyceum — " I my- i self "have heard the illustrious inventor relate, in an ani- mated and affectionate manner, the history of his labours ] and discouragements. When, said he, I was building j my first steamboat at New York, the project was viewed l)y the public either with indifference, or with contempt, as a visionary scheme. My friends, indeed, were civil, but they were shy. They listened with patience to my expla- nations, but with a settled cast of incredulity on their coun- \ tenances. I felt the force of the lamentation of the poet — j Truths would you teach to save a sinking land, j All shun, none aid you ; and few understand. I " As I had occasion to pass daily to and from the , building yard, while my boat was in progress, I have ' often loitered unknown near the idle groups of strangers, ' gathering in little circles, and heard various inquiries as i to the object of this new vehicle. The language was uni- ,| formly that of scorn, or sneer, or ridicule. The loud laugh often rose at my expense : the dry jest ; the wise calculation of losses and expenditures; the dull but end- j less repetition of the Fulton Folly. Never did a single encouraging remark, a bright hope, or a Avarm wish, * cross my path. Silence itself was but politeness, veiling its doubts or hiding its reproaches. At length the day arrived when the experiment was to be put into opera- tion. To me it Avas a most trying and interesting occa- sion. I invited my friends to go on board to witness the first successful trip. Many of them did me the favour to attend as a matter of personal respect ; but it was mani- fest, that they did it Avith reluctance, fearing to be the partners of my mortification and not of my triumph. I was well aware that in my case there were many rea- sons to doubt of my own success. The machinery was new and ill made ; many parts of it were constructed by 195 mechanics unaccustomed to such work ; and unexpected difficulties might reasonably be presumed to present themselves from other causes. The moment arrived in which the word was to be given for the vessel to move; my friends were in groups upon deck ; they were silent, and sad, and weary. I road in their looks nothing but disaster, and almost repented of my efforts. The signal was given, and the boat moved a short distance, and then stopped and became immoveable. To the silence of the preceding moment now succeeded murmurs of discon- tent, and agitations, and whispers, and shrugs. I could hear distinctly repeated, ' I told you it would be so— it is a foolish scheme — I wish we were well out of it.' I elevated myself upon a platform, and addressing the as- sembly, stated that I knew not what was the matter; but if they would be quiet, and indulge me for a half an hour, I wobld either go on, *or abandon the voyage for that lime. This short respite was conceded to, Avithout ob- jection. I went below, examined the machinery, and discovered that the cause was a slight mal-adjustment of some of the works. The boat was put in motion. She continued to move on. All were still incredulous. None seemed willing to trust the evidence of their own senses. We left the fair city of New York; wo passed through the romantic and ever-varying scenery of the high-lands ; we descried the clustering houses of Albany ; we reached its shores ; and then, even then, when all seemed achiev- ed, I was the victim of disappointment. Imagination su- perseded the influence of fact. It was then doubted, if it could be done again ; or if done, it was doubted, if it could be made of any great value. " Such was the history of the first experiment, as it fell, not in the very language which I have used, but in substance, from the lips of the inventor. He did not live, indeed, to enjoy the full glor}'^ of his invention. It is mournful to say that attempts wore made to rob him in the first place of the merits of his invention, and next of its fruits. He fell a victim to his efforts to sustain his title to both. When already his invention had covered the waters of the Hudson, he seemed little satisfied with the 106 results, and looked forward to far more extensive opera- tions. My ultimate triumph, he used to say, my ultimate triumph will be on the Mississippi. I know, indeed, that even now it is deemed impossible by many, that the difficulties of its navigation can be overcome. But I am confident of success. I may not live to see it ; but the Mississippi will yet be covered with steam boats ; and thus an entire change be wrought in the course of the internal commerce and navigation of our country. " And it has been wrought. And the steam boat, look- ing to its effects upon commerce and navigation; to the combined influences of facilities of travelling and the facility of trade ; of rapid circulation of news and still more rapid circulation of pleasure and products ; seems destined to be numbered among the noblest benefactions of the human race." 99. Wars with the Barbary States. War with Tripoli. — In 1803, congress sent out a squadron under the command of Commodore Preble, to the Mediterranean, to protect the American commerce, and to bring the Tripolitans to submission. The Tri- politan cruisers had long annoyed our commerce; many merchantmen had been taken, and their crews imprison- ed, and cruelly used. After having taken a number of the enemy's vessels, Commodore Preble arrived before Tripoli, and block- aded the harbour ; his force consisted of one frigate, three brigs, three schooners, and six gun boats. The number of men engaged in the service amounted to one thousand and sixty. With this force, Preble repeatedly attacked and bombarded the city, although it was defended by a castle and batteries, on which were mounted 115 pieces of cannon; besides this, they had armed vessels in the harbour. In addition to the ordinary Turkish garrison, and the crews of the armed vessels, estimated at 3,000, upwards of 20,000 Arabs had been assembled for the de- 107 fence of that city. Such, however, was the eftect ol' American bravery, that the haughty bashaw was chas- tised into a peace, which was negotiated by Col. Lear, the American Consul. The pope made a public declara- tion, that the " United States, though in their infancy, had in this affair done more to humble the anti-christiaii barbarians, on that coast, than all the European States had done for a long- series of time." Closely connected with the above, is the celebrated expedition of Gen. Eaton, across the desert of Barca. '■ It happened that some time before this, the then reign- ing bashaw of Tripoli, Jussuf third, son of the late bashaw, had murdered his father and eldest brother, and proposed to murder the second, in order to possess him- self of the throne. But the latter, Hamet Caramelli, made his escape, and Jussuf, without farther opposition, usurped the government. Hamet took refuge in Egypt, where he was kindly treated by the beys. Here he was on the arrival of an accredited agent of the United States, (Gen. Eaton.) who revived his almost expiring hopes of regaining his right- ful kingdom. (ien. Eaton had been consul for the United States up the Mediterranean, and was returning home when he heard of the situation of Hamet. Conceiving a plan of liberating tke Americans in captivity at Tripoli, by means of the assistance of Hamet, and, at the same time, of re- storing this exile to his throne, he advised with Hamet, who readily listened to the project, and gave his co-ope- ration. Eaton contrived to obtain from the viceroy of Egypt an amnesty for Hamet, and permission for him to pass the Turkish army unmolested. A rendezvous was ap- pointed ; they met near Alexandria, and formed a con- vention, in the eighth article of which it was stipulated, tliat Eaton should be recognised as general command- er-in-chief of the land forces which were or might be called into service against the common enemy, the reigning bashaw of Tripoli. The forces consisted of 9 Americans, a company of 25 cannoniers, and a company 17* 198 of 38 Greeks, the bashaw's suite of about 90 men, and a party of Arab cavalry: which, including- footmen and camel drivers, made the whole number about 400. Such was the land expedition against Tripoli. The march was pursued through the desert of Barca, with a great variety of adventure and suffering, and Bomba was reached April 1.5th, where the United States vessel, the Argus, Capt. Hull, and the Hornet, had arrived Avith provisions, to enable the almost famished army to pro- ceed to Dome. April 25th, they encamped on an emi- nence Avhich commands this place, and immediately re- connoitred. On the morning of the 26th, terms of amity were offered the bey, on condition of allegiance and fidelity. The flag of truce was sent back with this laconic answer, " My head or yours !" Derne was ta- ken, after a furious assault, but its possession was not secure. An army of the reigning bashaw of Tripoli, consisting of several thousand troops, approached the town, and gave battle to the victors. May 13, but were repulsed with considerable loss. June 2, they returned to the assault, and met with no better fate. On the tenth an engagement took place, in which there were supposed to be not less than 5000 men on the field. The hopes of Eaton were, however, suddenly blasted by official in- telligence, received on the 11th, that the American ne- gotiators, in the squadron before Tripoli, had concluded a peace with the usurper. Eaton was required to eva- cuate the post of Dcrnc, and, with his Crreek and Ame- rican garrison, to repair on board the ships. It was necessary for him to do this clandestinely, lest his Ara- bian auxiliaries should endeavour to prevent him. Ha- met embarked at the same time ; the Arabians fled to the mountains ; and thus ended this gallant and roman- tic affair, which is stated in the official correspondence of the American commissioners who negotiated the peace, to have had the effect of bringing the Trinolitans to terms. Eaton returned to the United States, in August, where he received the most flattering marks of public favour. The president, in his message to congress, made ho- 199 nourable mention of liis merit and services. A resolu- tion was moved in the house of representatives, at Wash- ington, for presenting him with a medal ; but the motion, after being warmly debated, was rejected by a small majority. The legislature of Massachusetts gave him a tract of land, 10,U00 acres, in testimony of their sense of his " undaunted courage and brilliant service." Algerinc War. — Soon after the ratification of peace with Great Britain, in February, 1815, congress, in consequence of the hostile conduct of the regency of Algiers, declared war against that power. A squadron was immediately sent out under the command of Com. Decatur, (who had formerly highly distinguished him- self in the Tripolitan war,) consisting of three frigates, two sloops of war, and four schooners. With this force Com. Decatur sailed from New York, May 20th, 1815, and arrived in the bay of Gibraltar in twenty-five days. On the 17th of June, off Cape de Gatt, he captured the Algerine frigate Mazouda, after a running fight of twen- ty-five mJnutes. After the second broadside, the Alge- rines ran below. In this afiliir, the famous Algerine admiral, or rais, Hammida, who had long been the ter- ror of this sea, was cut in two by a cannon shot. On the 19th of June, off Cape Palos, the squadron captured an Algerine brig of twenty-two guns. From Cape Pa- los the American squadron proceeded to Algiers, where it arrived on the 28th of June. Decatur immediately despatched a letter from the President of the United States to the Dey, in order to afford him a fair opportu- nity for negotiation. The captain of the port was im-. mediately sent to the squadron on receipt of this letter, accompanied by the Swedish consul ; and Commodore Decatur, who, with Mr. Shaler, had been empowered to negotiate a treaty, proposed a basis, on which alone he .would consent to entrr inio a treaty. This was the ab- solute and unqualified relinquishment of any demand of tribute, on the part of the regency. To this the captain demurred. But being informed of the capture of the frigate and brig, and the death of Hammida, he was unnerved, and agreed to negotiate on the proposed basis. 200 The model of the treaty was sent to the Dey, who signed it. The principal articles in this treaty were, that no tri- bute, under any circumstances whatever, should be re- quired by Algiers from the United States of America; that all Americans in slavery should be given up without ransom; that compensation should be made for American vessels or property, seized or detained at Algiers; that/ the persons and property of Americans, found on board of an enemy's vessel, should be sacred : that vessels of cither party putting into port should be supplied at mar- ket price ; that if a vessel of either party should be cast on the shore, she should not be plundered, &c. The rights of American citizens on the ocean, and the land, were generally fully provided for, in every instance ; and it was particularly stipulated, that all citizens of the United States, taken in war, should be treated as prison- ers of war are treated by other nations; and held sub- ject to an exchange without ransom. After concluding this treaty, so highly honourable and advantageous to our country, the commissioners gave up the frigate and brig, which had been captured, to their former owners. After this. Com. Decatur visited Tunis and Tripoli and demanded and obtained compensation for the inj\i- ries done American citizens by those powers. 101. Burr's Conspiracy. In the autumn of 1806, a project was detected, at the head of which was Col. Buir, for revolutionizirvg the territory west of the Alleganies, and of establishing an independent empire there, of which New Orleans was to be the capital, and himself the chief Towards the accomplishment of this schem.e, which it afterwards ap- peared had been some time in contemplation, the skilful cunning and intrigue of Col. Burr were directed. In addition to this project, Col. Burr had formed ano- ther, which, in case of failure in the first, might be car- ried on independently of it — this was an attack on Mexi«o, 201 and the establishment of an empire there. "A third object was provided, merely ostensible, to wit, the settle- ment of the pretended purchase of a tract of country on the Washita, claimed by a Baron Bastrop. This was to serve as a pretext for all his preparations, an allure- ment for such followers as really wished to acquire set- tlements in that country, and a cover under which to re- treat in the event of a final discomfiture of both branches of his real designs. " He found at once that the attachment of the western country to the present union was not to be shaken ; that its dissolution could not be effected witli* the consent of the inhabitants: and that his resources were inadequate, as yet, to effect it by force. He determined, therefore, to seize New Orleans, plunder the bank there, possess him- self of the military and naval stores, and proceed on his expedition to Mexico. " He collected, therefore, from all quarters, where himself or his agents possessed influence, all the ardent, restless, desperate, disaffected persons, who were for an enterprise analogous to their character. He also se- duced good and well meaning citizens, some by assur- ances that he possessed the confidence of the government, and was acting under its secret patronage ; and others by offers of land in Bastrop's claim on the Washita."* Burr was apprehended, and conveyed a prisoner to Richmond, in Virginia; the state in which his adherents had first collected. He Avas brought to trial August 17th, 1807. Several days were consumed in the exami- nation of witnesses ; who proved an assembling of twenty or thirty persons on Blannerhassett's island, in the pre- ceding December; but as it did not appear that the con- spirators had used any force against the United States, or that Burr was present at the meeting, he was acquit- ted. Indictments had been found against Herman Blan- nerhassett, and five others, for a similar offence; but on the i.ssue of Burr's trial, the attorney-general declined farther proceedings. The following is a part of Mr. Wirt's speech on this trial : * President's Message to Congress, July 21, 1807. 202 " Who is Blannerhasset ? A native of Ireland, a man of letters, who fled from the storms of his own country to find quiet in ours. Possessing himself of a beautiful island in the Ohio, he rears upon it a palace, and deco- rates it with every, romantic embellishment of fancy. A shrubbery, that Shenstone might have envied, blooms around him ; music, that might have charmed Calypso | and her nymphs, is his; an extensive library spreads its 5 treasures before him ; a philosophical apparatus offers i to him all the secrets and mysteries of nature ; peace, tranquillity, and innocence, shed their mingled delights , around him; and to crown the enchantment of the scene, ; a wife, who is said to be lovely even beyond her sex, and J graced with every accomplishment that can render it ' irresistible, had blessed him with her love, and made , him the father of her children. The evidence would j convince you, sir, that this is only a faint picture of the l real life. In the midst of all this peace, this innocence, and this tranquillity, this feast of the mind, this pure j banquet of the heart, — the destroyer comes ; he comes to ', turn this paradise into a hell. A stranger presents him- self. It is Aaron Burr ! Introduced to their civilities i by the high rank which he had lately held in his coun- \ try, he soon finds his Avay to their hearts by the dignity and elegance of his demeanour, the light and beauty of j his conversation, and the seductive and fascinating power ' of his address. 'The conquest was not a difficult one. ; Innocence is ever simple and credulous ; conscious of no designs of itself, it suspects none in others ; it wears no guards before its breast; every door, and portal, and ] •avenue of the heart is thrown open, and all who choose ] it enter. Such was the sfate of Eden, when the serpent i entered its bowers. The prisoner, in a more engaging i form, winding himself into the open and unpractised ; heart of the unfortunate Blannerhasset, found but little difficulty in changing the native character of that heart i and the objects of its afiection. By degrees he infuses '. into it the poison of his own ambition ; he breathes into it the fire of his own courage; a daring and desperate j thirst for glory ; an ardour panting for all the storms, and * 203 bustle, and hurricane of life. In a short time the whole man js changed, and every object of his former delight relinquished. No more he enjoys the tranquil scene; it has become flat and insipid to his taste : his books are abandoned; his retort and crucible are thrown aside; his shrubbery blooms and breathes its fragrance upon the air in vain ; he likes it not: his ear no longer drinks the rich melody of music : it longs for the trumpet's clangour and the cannon's roar ; even the prattle of his babes, once so sweet, no longer afiects him; and the angel smile of his wife, which hitherto touched his bosom with ecstacy so unspeakable, is now unseen and unfelt. Greater objects have taken possession of his soul : his imagination has been dazzled by visidfcs of diadems, and stars, and garters, and titles of nobility . he has. been taught to burn with restless emulation at the narnes of Cromwell, Cesar, and Bonaparte. His enchanted island is destined soon to relapse into a desert ; and in a few months we find the tender and beautiful partner of his bosom, whom he lately 'permitted not the winds of sum- mer to visit too roughly,' — we find her shivering, at midnight, on the winter banks of the Ohio, and mingling her tears with the torrents that froze as they fell. Yet this unfortunate man, thus deluded from his interest and his happiness ; thus seduced from the paths of innocence and peace; thus confounded in the toils which were de- liberately spread for him, and overwhelmed by the mastering spirit and genius of another; this man, thus ruined and undone, and made to play a subordinate part in this grand drama of guilt and treason; this man is to be called the principal offender; while he, by whom he was thus plunged and steeped in misery, is comparatively innocent — a mere accessory. Sir, neither the human heart nor the human understanding will bear a perver- sion so monstrous and absurd ; so shocking to the soul ; so revolting tp jga 204 102. Expedition of Captains Lewis and Clark; to the Pacific Ocean. In the year 1803, the extensive territory of Louisiana was purchased from the French government, by Presi- dent Jefferson, for fifteen millions of dollars. Upon the acquisition of the new territory, the attention of the government of the United States was directed towards exploring the country. Accordingly, Captains Lewis and Clarke, and a party of 25 men, Avho were enlisted for the purpose, were sent on this expedition. The paj'ty proceeded to the mouth of Wood River, near St. Louis, andon the 14th of May, 1804, with three boats, began the tedious and difficult expedition of exploring the vast wilderness before them. Following the course of the Missouri, they arrived in October at the Mandan villages, where they built a kind of fort and encamped for the winter. In April they left their encampment, and with two lasge boats and six small canoes proceeded on their expedition. On the r2th of August, 1805, they discovered the sources of the Missouri, the longest rirer in the known world, if we add the distance after it unites with the Mississippi to the ocean, it being almost 4,500 miles long. After following the course of the river, at the foot of a mountain, it became so diminished in width that one of the men in a fit of enthusiasm, with one foot on each side of the river, thanked God that he had lived to bestride the Missouri. After they went about four miles, they reached a small gap, formed by the high mountains, which recede on each side, leaving room for an Indian road. " From the foot of one of the lowest of these mountains, which rises with an ascent of about half a mile, issues the remotest water of the Missouri." After they had quenched their thirst at the fountain, they sat down by the brink of the little rivulet, and felt themselves rewarded for their la hour and difficulties, in thus attaining one of the grand objects of their expedi- lion. 205 Leaving this interesting spot, they, pursuing the In- dian path through the interval of the hills, arrived at the top of a ridge, from whence they saw high moun- tains, partially covered with snow, still to the west of them. The ridge on which they stood formed the di- viding line between the waters of the Atlantic and Pa- cilic oceans. They followed the descent of the ridge, and at the distance of three quarters of a mile, reached a bold creek of clear, cold water, running to the west- ward. They stopped to taste, for the first time, the waters of the Columbia. Having proceeded as far as they could with canoes, they Avere obliged to leave them and purchase horses of the natives, with which they crossed the Rocky Moun- tains. In performing this journey they were reduced to great straits, being obliged to kill some of their horses for food. After passing several ranges of steep and rugged mountains, they descended the Columbia River, till it discharges itself into the Pacific Ocean, where they arrived November 14th, 1805. They encamped for the winter, and on the 23d of March, 1806, set out on their return to the United States. After encountering many dangers, hardships, and privations, they finally arrived at St. Louis, Missouri, on the 23d of September, 1806. The route which the party took from St. Louis to the Pacific Ocean, was a distance of 4,134 miles. In returning, they passed upon a better and more direct route, shortening the distance to 3,555 miles, from the Pacific to St. Louis. 103. Burning of the Theatre, at Richmond,Va. The following account of this awful catastrophe is from the Richmond Standard of Dec. 27th, 1811. Last night the Play House in this city was crowded with an unusual audience. There could not have been less than 600 persons in the house. Just before the con- blusion of the play, the scenery caught fire ; and in a few 18 206 ' minutes the whole building was wrapt in flames. It is ; already ascertained that 61 persons were devoured by] that most terrific element. I'he editor of this paper was ^ in the house when the cver-to-be-remembf rod deplorable 1 accident occurred. He is informed that the scenery took '< fire in the back part of the house, by raising a chande- lier ; that the boy who was ordered by some of the play- ers to raise it, stated, that if he did so, the scenery would take fire, when he was commanded in a peremptory manner to hoist it. The boy obeyed, and the fire was iiistantly communicated to the scenery. He gave the alarm in the rear of the stage, and requested some of the j attendants to cut the cords by w'hich the combustible ma- ^ terials were suspended. The person whose duty it was ^ to perform this bupine.s.s, became panic struck, and sought his own safety. This unfortunately happened at a time when one of the performers was playing near the orches- tra, and the greatest part of the stage, with its horrid danger, was obscured from the audience by a curtain. The flames spread with almost the rapidity of lightning; and the fire falling from the ceiling upon the performer, was the first notice which the people had of their danger. Even then many supposed it to be part of the play, and were for a little time restrained from flight by a cry from the stage, that there Avas no danger.. The performers and their attendants in vain endeavoured to tear down the scene^J^ The fire flashed in every part of the house with a rapidity horrible and astonishing. No person, who was not present, can form any idea of this unexam- pled scene of human di.stress. The editor being not fat from the door, was avnong the first to escape. No woi'da can express his horror, when, on thrning round, he dis- covered the whole building to be in flames. There was but one door for the greatest part of the audience to pass.-; Men, women, and children, were pressing upon each other, while the flames were seizing upon those behind.'] The editor went to the difierent windows, which were j very high, and implored his fellow-creatures to save their j lives by jumping out of them. Those nearest the win- j dows, ignorant of their danger, were afraid to leap down, \ •207 whilst those behind them were seen catching on fire and writhing in the greatest agonies of pain and distress. At length, those behind, urged by the pressing flames, pushed those who were ncare&t to the windows, and peo- ple of every description began to fall one upon another ; some Avith their clothes on fire, others half roasted.* * * The editor, with the assistance of others, caught several of those whom he had begged to leap from the windows. Fathers and mothers were deploring the loss of their children ; children the loss of their parents. Husbands were heard to lament their lost companions. The people were seen wringing their hands, and beating their breasts; and those that had secured themselves, seemed to suffer greater torments than those who were enveloped in flames.* * * * A sad gloom pervades this place, and every counten- ance is cast down to the earth. * * * Imagine what can- not be described. The most distant and implacable ene- my, and the most savage barbarians, will condole our un- happy lot. All those who were in the pit escaped, an(f had cleared themselves from the house, before those in the boxes could get down. Those from above were push- ing each other down the steps, when the hindermost might have got out by leaping into the pit. A gen- tleman and lady, who otherwise would have perished, had their lives saved by being providentially thrown from the second boxes. There would not have been the least difficulty in descending from the first boxes into the # # * # » 104. Second War ic'dh Qreal Britain. Causes of the War. — Embargo. — Declaration of War. — The remote causes of the second war with Great •i Britain appear to have arisen from the war existing be- • tween that pawer and France. America endeavoured to maintain a"trict neutrality, and peaceably to continue. a commerce with them. Jealousies, however, arose a- 208 between the contendingf powers, with respect to the con- duct of America, and events occurred, calculated to injure her commerce, and to disturb her peace. The Berlin Decree of 1806, and that of Milan, in the suc- ceeding year, (both issued by the French government, to prevent the American flag from trading with their enemy,) were followed by the British Orders in Coun- cil ; no less extensive than the former in the design, and equally repugnant to the law of nations. In addition to these circumstances, a cause of irritation existed some time between the United States and Great Britain. This was the right of search, claimed by Great Britain, as one of her prerogatives. This was to take her native born subjects, Avherever found, for her navy, and to search American vessels for that purpose. Notwith- standing the remonstrances of the American govern- ment, the officers of the British navy were not unfre- quently seizing native born British subjects, who had voluntarily enlisted on board our vessels, and had also impressed into the British service some thousands of American seamen. "On the 22d of June, 1807, the indignation of the country was aroused by the attack on the American frigate Chesapeake, ofi' the Capes of Virginia, by the British frigate Leopard ; four men were killed, and sixteen were wounded on board the Chesapeake, and four seamen impressed, three of whom were natives of America." In consequence of the British and French decrees, a general capture of all American property on the seas seemed almost inevitable. Congress therefore, on the recommendation of the president, on the 22d of De- cember, 1807, laid an embarg-o on all vessels within the jurisdiction of the United States. "In a moment, the commerce of the American Republic, from being, in point of extent, the second in the world, was reduced to a coasting trade between the individfeai: States." The opposition to the act in several State^j»^so great, that they declared against it; and individi^S^^^roughout the whole, seized every opportunity of infringement. In 209 1809, congress repealed the embargo law, and substi- tuted a nofi-inlerrourse with France and England. On the 18th of June, 1812, an act was passed de- claring war against Great Britain. This act passed the house of representatives by a majority of 89 to 49 ; in the senate by a majority of 19 to 13. In the manifesto of the president, the reasons of the war were stated to be " the impressment of American seamen by the Bri- tish ; the blockade of her enemies' ports, supported by no adequate force, in consequence of which the American commerce had been plundered in every sea; and the British orders in council." 105. Mob in Baltimore. " A few days after the declaration of war the town of Baltimore was seriously disturbed. Some harsh stric- tures on the conduct of government having appeared in a newspaper of that city, entitled the " Federal Repub- lican," the resentment of the opposite party was shown by destroying the office and press of that establishment. The commotion excited by this outrage had, however, in a great measure subsided, and the transaction was brought before a criminal court for investigation. But events more alarming and tragical shortly afterwards succeeded. On the 2Gth of July, Mr. Hanson, the lead- ing editor of the obnoxious journal, Avho had deemed it prudent to leave the disordered city, returned, accom- panied by his political adherents ; amongst whom was General Henry Lee, of Alexandria, an officer distin- guished in the revolution, for his bravery in partisan warfare at the head of a legion of cavalry, afterwards governor of Virginia, and a representative from that State in the congress of the Federal Government. De- termined to re-commence the paper, by first printing it in Georgetown, in the District of Columbia, and then transmitting it to Baltimore for distribution, a house was for this purpose occupied in Charles-street, secured 18* 210 against external violence, and guarded by a party well provided for defence. On the 28111, papers were ac- cordingly issued. These contained severe animadver- sions against the mayor, police, and the people of Bal- timore, for the depredations committed on the establish- ment in the preceding month, and were generally cir- culated throughout the city. " In the course of the day it became knoA\Ti that Mr. Hanson was in the new office in Charles-street, and it was early whispered that the building would be assailed. A number of citizens who espoused his opinions, went, therefore, to the house, and joined in its protection. To- wards the evening, a crowd of boys collected ; who, after using opprobrious epithets to those within, began to throw stones at the windows; and about the same time, a per- son on the pavement, endeavouring to dissuade the youths from mischief, was severely wounded by something pon- derous thrown from the house. They were cautioned from the windows to desist ; but still continued to assail the place with stones. Two muskets were then fired from the upper story ; charged, it was supposed, with blank cartridges, to deter them from further violence ; immediately the crowd in the street greatly increased ; the boys were displaced by men : the sashes of the lower windows were broken, and attempts made to force the door. Muskets, in quick succession, were discharged from the house; some military arrived to disperse the crowd ; several shots were fired in return ; and at length a Dr. Gale was killed by a shot from the office door. The irritation of the mob was increased. They planted a cannon against the house, but were restrained from dis- charging it, by the timely arrival of an additional military force, and an agreement that the persons in the house would surrender to the civil authority. Accordingly, early in the following morning, having received as- surances on which they thought themselves safe in rely- ing, they surrendered, and were conducted to the county jail, contiguous to the city. The party consisted of about twenty persons; amongst whom were General Lee, General James Lingan, and Mr. Hanson. 211 " The mayor directed the sheriff to use every pre- caution to secure the doors of the prison, and the com- mander of the troops to employ a competent force to preserve the peace. In the evening every thing bore the appearance of tranquillity ; and the soldiers, by the con- sent of the magistrate, were dismissed. But, shortly after dark, a great crowd of disorderly persons reas- sembled about the jail, and manifested an intention to force it open. On being apprised of this, the mayor hastened to the spot, and with the aid of a few other gentlemen, for a while prevented the execution of the design : but they were at length overpowered by the number and violence of the assailants. The mayor was carried away by force; and the turnkey compelled to open the doors. A tragedy ensued, which cannot be described : it can be imagined only by those who are familiar with scenes of blood. General Lingan was killed ; eleven were beaten and mangled with weapons of every description, such as stones, bludgeons, and sledge-hammers, and then thrown as dead, into one pile, outside of the door. A few of the prisoners fortunately escaped through the crowd : Mr. Hanson, fainting from his repeated wounds, was carried by a gentleman, (of op- posite political sentiments,) at the hazard of his own life, across the adjoining river, whence he with difficulty reached the dwelling of a friend. " No effectual inquisition was ever made into this signal violation of the peace, nor punishment inflicted on the guihy. The leaders, on both sides, underwent trials ; but, owing to the inflammation of public feeling, they were acquitted."* 106. General Hull's Surrender. Soon after the declaration of war, on the 16th of Au- gust, General Hull, the governor of Michigan Territory, surrendered his whole army, and the fort at Detroit, with- out a single battle, to General Brock. "So entirely un- ♦ Grimshaw's Hist. U. S. 212 prepared was the public for this extraordinary event, that no one could have believed it to have taken place, until communicated from an official source." Hull had been sent at the head of about 2,500 men, to Detroit, with a view of putting an end to the Indian hostilities in that part of the country. At the time of the surrender of the fort, it is said that his force consisted of more than 1000 men, that of the British of 1300, of whom more than half Avere Indians. When the British column had arrived within 500 yards of the American lines, General Hull ordered his men, Avho were placed in a favourable situa- tion to annoy the enemy, to retreat into the fort, and that the cannon should not be fired. " Immediately there was heard a universal burst of indig-nation." The order, however, could not be disobeyed. The men were ordered to stack their arms ; a white flag Avas hung out upon the Avails, and a communication passed between the two generals, Avhich was shortly followed by a capitulation. Not only the American force at Detroit, but various de- tachments from the fort, the A-olunteers, and all the pro- visions at Raisin, the fortified posts and garrisons, and the Avholo territory and inhabitants of Michigan, Avere deliverijd over to the commanding general of the British forces. Two thousand five hundred stand of arms, forty barrels J of poAvder, and twenty-five iron and eight brass pieces of ordnance, the greater part of Avhich had been captured from the British in the reA'olutionary AA^ar, VA-ere surrendered Avith them. The American A'olunteers and militia were sent home, on condition of not serA'ing again during the Avar, unless exchanged. The general, and the regular troops were sent to Quebec as prisoners of war. . Being exchanged. General Hull AA'as prosecuted by the gqivernment of the United States, and arraigned be- fore ai military tribunal, Avho acquitted him of the charge of tre?ison, but sentenced him to death, for coAvardice and unofflcerlike conduct. But in consequence of his age and revolutionary services, the president remitted the punishment of death, but deprived him of all military comrriand. 213 107. Capture of the Guerriere. The Constitution, Captain Hull, had sailed from An- napolis on the 5th of July. On the 17th, he was chased by a ship of the line and four frigates ; when by an ex- ertion of able seamanship, than which, the victory itself, though more beneficial, could not be more worthy of ap- plause, he escaped from the unequal combat. On the 19th of August, he had an opportunity of trying his frigate against a single vessel of the enemy. This was the Guerriere ; one of the best of the same class in the British na\y, and in no Avay averse to the rencounter, as she promptly awaited her antagonist's arrival. She had, for some time, been searching for an American frigate; having given a formal challenge to every vessel of the same description. At one of her mast heads was a flag, on which her name v/as inscribed in conspicuous letters; and on another, the words, " Not the Little Bek ;" allud- ing to the broadsides Avhich the President had fired into that sloop, before the war. The Constitution being ready for action, now approached, her crew giving three cheers. Both continued manoeuvring for three quarters of an hour ; the Guerriere attempted to take a raking position, and failing in this, soon afterwards began to pour out her broadsides, w-ith a view of crippling her antagonist. From the Constitution not a gun had been fired. Already had an officer twice come on the quarter-deck, with in- formation that several of the men had fallen at the guns. Though burning with impatience, the crew silently awaited the orders of their commander. The long ex- pected moment at length arrived. The vessel being brought exactly to the designed position, directions were given to fire broadside after broadside in quick succession. Never was any scene more dreadful. For fifteen mi- nutes, the lightning of the Constitution's guns is a con- tinual blaze, and their thunder roars without intermission. The enemy's mizzen mast lies over her side, and she stands exposed to a fire that sweeps her decks. She becomes unmanageable ; her hull is shattered, her sails 214 and rigging cut to pieces. Her mainmast and foremast fall overboard, taking with them every spar except the bowsprit. The firing now ceased, and the Guerriere sur- rendered. Her loss was fifteen killed, and sixty-three wounded ; the Constitution had seven men killed, and seven wounded. The Guerriere was so much damaged, as to render it impossible to bring her into port ; she was, therefore, on the following day, blown up. The Constitution received so little injury, that she was in a few hours ready for another action.* 108. Battle at Quecnstow/i. Early in the morning of the 13th October, 1812, a detachment of about 1000 men, from the army of the Centre, crossed the river Niagara, and attacked the British on Queenstown heights. This detachment, under the command of Colonel Solomon Van Rens?selaer, suc- ceeded in dislodging the enemy ; but not being re-enforced by the militia from the American side, as was expected, they were ultimately repulsed, and obliged to surrender. The British General, Brock, was killed during the en- gagement. The forces designed to storm the heights, were divided into two columns ; one of 300 militia, under Colonel Van Rensselaer, the other, 300 regulars, under Colonel Christie. These were to be follov^'ed bj^ Colonel Fen- wick's artillery, and then the other troops in order. Much embarrassment was experienced by the boats, from the eddies, as well as by the shot of the enemv, in crossing the river. Colonel Van Rensselaer led the van, and landed first with 100 men. Scarcely had he leaped from the boat, when he received four severe Avounds. Being, however, able to stand, he ordered his officers to move with rapidity and storm the fort. This service was gallantly performed, and the enemy were driven down the hill in every direction. ♦ Grimshaw. 215 Both parties were now re-enforced ; the Americans by regulars and militia, the British by the 49th regiment, consisting of 600 regulars, under General Brock. Upon this the conflict was renewed, in which General Brock, and his aid. Captain M'Donald, fell almost in the same moment. After a desperate engagement, the enemy were repulsed, and the victory was thought complete. Colonel Van Rensselaer now crossed over, for the purpose of fortifying the heights, preparatory to another attack, should the enemy be re-enforced. This duty he assigned to Lieutenant Totten, an able engineer. But the fortune of the day was not yet decided. At 3 o'clock in the afternoon, the enemy, being re-enforced by several hundred Chippewa Indians, rallied, and again advanced, but were a third time repulsed. At this mo- ment, General Van Rensselaer, perceiving the militia on the opposite side embarking but slowly, hastily re- crossed the river, to accelerate their movements. But what was his chagrin, on reaching the American side, to hear more than 1200 men (militia) positively refuse to embark. The sight of the engagement had cooled that ardour, which, previously to the attack, the com- mander-in-chief could scarcely restrain. While their countrymen were nobly struggling for victory, they could remain idle spectators of the scene. All that a brave, resolute, and benevolent commander could do. General Van Rensselaer did — he urged, entreated, com- manded, but it was all in vain. Eight hundred British soldiers, from Fort George, now hove in sight, and pressed on to renew the attack. The Americans, for a time, continued to struggle against this force, but were finally obliged to surrender themselves prisoners of Avar. The number of American troops killed, amoui>ted to about 60, and about 100 were wounded. Those who surrendered themselves prisoners of war, including the wounded, were about 700. The loss of the British is unknown, but must have been severe.* ♦ Goodrich. 216 109. Massacre at Fori Mimms. In 1812, Tecumseh, the celebrated Shawnee chief and British ally, appeared among the Indians of the south, and by his arts of persuasion, induced a large majority of the Creek nation, and a considerable portion of the other tribes, to take up arms against the United States. Being supplied with implements of war from the British, through the channel of the Floridas, they accordingly commenced hostilities. " Alarm and consternation prevailed among the white inhabitants ; those of Tensaw district, a considerable settlement of the Alabama, fled for safety to Fort Mimms, on that river, sixteen miles above Fort Stoddard. The place was garrisoned by one hundred and fifty volunteers, of the Mississippi territory, under Major Beasly. The inhabitants collected at the fort amounted to about three hundred. " At eleven o'clock in the forenoon of the 30th of August, a body of Indians, to the amount of six or seven hvmdred warriors, issued from the adjoining wood, and approached the fort ; they advanced within a few rods of it before the alarm was given. As the sentinel cried out, " Indians," they immediately gave a war-whoop, and rushed in at the gate, before the garrison had time to shut it. This decided their fate. Major Beasly was mortally Avounded at the commencement of the assault ; he ordered his men to secure the ammunition, and re- treat into the house ; he was himself carried into the kitchen, and afterwards consumed in the flames. "The fort was originally square, but Major Beabdy had enlarged it by extending the lines upon two sides about fifty feet, and putting up a new side, into which the gate was removed ; the old line of pickets were standing, and the Indians, on rushing in at the gate, obtained pos- .session of the outer part, and through the port-holes of the old line of pickets, fired on the people who held the interior. On the opposite side of the fort was an offset, or bastion, made round the back gate, which, being open 217 on the outside, was occupied by tlie Indians, who, with the axes that lay scattered about, cut down the gate. The people in tlie fort kept possession of the port-holes on the other lines, and fired on the Indians who remained on the outside. Some of the Indians ascended the block house at one of the corners, and fired on the garrison below, but were soon dislodged ; they succeeded how- ever, in setting fire to a house near the pickets, which communicated to the kitchen, and from thence to the main dwelling-house. When the people in the fort saw the Indians in full possession of the outer court, the gate open, men fast falling, and their houses in flames, they gave up all for lost, and a scene of the most distressing horror ensued. The women and children sought refuge in the upper story of the dwelling-house, and were con- sumed in the flames, the Indians dancing and yelling round them with the most savage delight. Those who were without the buildings, were murdered and scalped without distinction of age or sex ; seventeen only escaped. The battle and massacre lasted from eleven in the fore- noon until six in the afternoon, by which time the work of destruction was fully completed, the fort and buildings entirely demolished, and upwards of four hundred men, women, and children, massacred."* 110. Capture of York, U. C. " On the 23d of April, Gen. Dearborn embarked at Sackett's Harbour, with sixteen hundred men, on an ex- pedition against York, at the head of the lake, leaving the defence of the harbour, with all the stores, public property, and a new ship on the stocks, to a handful of regulars, under Colonel Backus, and the neighbouring militia, not then arrived. It seemed to have escaped the observation of the commanding general, that the enemy would probably, in his absence, strike at an important post thus left uncovered. On the 27th, General Dear- ♦ Perkin's Late War. 19 218 born, with tlie fleet, arrived before the to'.vn of York, and immediately commenced a disembarkation. The commanding general intrusted the further prosecution of the expedition to General Pike, and remained on board the fleet. To oppose their landing, a corps of British grenadiers, the Glengary foncibles, and several bodies of Indians, appeared at different points on the shore. At eight o'clock the troops commenced their landing, three , miles westward of the town, and a mile and a half dis- tant from the British works. The place first designed for their landing, was a cleared field near the site of the old French fort Tarento ; but the wind was high, and prevented the first division from landing at that place, and also prevented the ships from covering their disem- barkation. The riflemen, under Major Forsythe, first landed, under a heavy fire from the enemy. Major Ge- neral Sheafle had collected his whole force, consisting of about seven or eight hundred regulars and militia, with a hundred Indians, to oppose their landing, and com- manded in person. Major Forsythe, although supported by the troops as promptly as possible, was obliged to sus- tain alone a sharp conflict with the whole British force, for nearly half an hour. As soon as General Pike had effected his landing, with about eight hundred men, the British retreated to their works. The main body of the Americans landed and formed at old fort Tarento, and quickly advanced through a thick wood to an open ground near the British works. The first battery was carried by assault, and the columns moved on towards the main works : when the head of the column had arrived within about sixty rods, a tremendous explosion took place, from a magazine prepared for that purpose, and killed and wounded one hundred men. General Pike was mortally wounded by a stone which was thrown up by the explosion, and struck him on the breast. He was immediately conveyed on board the commodore's ship, and soon expired. After the confusion which these events necessarily occasioned, the American troops pro- ceeded to the town, and agreed to a capitulation with the commanding officers of the Canadian militia, by which 219 it was stipulated, that all the public property should be delivered to the Americans, the militia surrendered pri- soners of war, and private property protected. Immedi- ately after the explosion, Gen. Sheaffe, with the regulars, retreated out of the reach of the American arms. Two hundred and fifty militia, and fifty marines and regulars, were included in the capitulation. The American loss was fourteen killed in battle, and fifty » wo by the explo- sion ; twenty-three wounded in buttle, and one hundred and eight by the e.vplosion. One large vessel on the stocks, and a quantity of naval stores, were set fire to by the British, and consumed; but more naval stores were taken by the Americans than could be carried away. The public buildings for military use, and the military stores which could not be removed, were destroyed. York was the seat of government for Upper Canada, and the principal depot for the Niagara frontier, and De- troit. General Sheaffe's baggage and papers were taken. In the 'government hall, a human scalp was found sus- pended over the speaker's chair, with the mace and other emblems of power. This building was burned, contrary to the orders of the American general."* 111. Battle on Lake Erie. The American fleet consisted of nine vessels, carrying fifty-four guns, commanded by Commodore Perry, a young officer. The British fleet, of six vessels and six- ty-three guns, under Commodore Barclay, an old and experienced officer, who had served under Nelson. The line of battle was formed at 11 o'clock, September 10, 1813. At fifteen minutes before twelve, the enemy's flag-ship, " Queen Charlotte," opened a furious fire upon the " Lawrence," the flag-ship of Commodore Perry. The wind being liirht, the rest of the squadron were una- ble to come to his assistance, and he was compelled for two hours to sustain the fire of two of the enemy's ships, * Perliins. 220 each of equal force. By this time the Lawrence had become unmanageable, every gun was dismounted, and her crew, except four or five, were all killed or wounded. In this desperate condition, Commodore Perry, with great presence of mind, formed the bold design to shift his flag, and leaping into an open boat, waving his sword, he passed unhurt through a shower of balls, to the Niagara, of r.venty guns. At this critical moment the wind increased, and Perry bore down upon the ene- my, passing the " Detroit," " Queen Charlotte," and " Lady Provost," on one side, and the " Chippewa" and " Little Belt" on the other, into each of which, while passing, he poured a broadside. He then engaged the " Lady Provost," which received so heavy a fire that the men ran below. The remainder of the American squad- ron, one after another, now came up. After a contest of three hours, the American fleet gained a complete victo- ry, and captured every vessel of the enemy. Commo- dore Perry announced this victory in the following la- conic style: — " We have met the enemy, and they are ours!" The Americans lost in this action twenty-seven killed and ninety-six wounded. The British had about two hundred killed and Avounded — the Americans took six hundred prisoners, which exceeded the whole number of Americans enca^red in the action. 112. Deaf h of Tecvviseh. On the 5th of October, a battle was fought between the American army under Gen. Harrison, and the British under Gen. Proctor, in which the British Avere defeated, and Detroit fell into the hands of the Americans. The British were assisted by a body of 1200 or 1.500 Indian warriors, led on by Tecumseh, a celebrated Indian chieftain. Upon the left, the onset was begun by Te- cumseh, with great fury. He was opposed by Col. John- son, of Kentucky. The Indians seemed determined to 221 conquer or die. The terrible voice of Tecumseh was heard encouraging his warriors ; although beset on every side, they fought with determined courage. Col. John- son now rushed towards the spot, where the savage war- riors were gathering around their undaunted chieftain. In a moment a hundred rifles were aimed at the American, the balls pierced his dress and accoutrements, and him- self and his horse received a number of Avounds. At the instant his horse was about to fall under him, he Avas dis- covered by Tecumseh; having discharged his rifle, he sprang forward with his tomahawk ; but, struck with the appearance of the brave man before him, he hesitated for a moment, and that moment was his last. Ccl. Johnson levelled a pistol at his breast, and they both, almost at the same instant, fell to the ground. Col. Johnson's men now rushed forward to his rescue, and the Indians, hearing no longer the voice of their chief, soon fled. " Thus fell Tecumseh, and with him fell the last hope of our Indian enemies." Since the 3'ear 1790, he had been in almost every engagement with the whites ; he was a determined enemy to the attempts to civilize the Indians, and had for years endeavoured to unite the tribes in oppo- sing the progress of the settlements of the whites, any farther to the westward. On the opening of the last war he visited many tribes, and by his uncommon eloquence and address, roused his countrymen to arms against the United States. " Tecumseh had received the stamp of greatness from the hand of nature, and had his lot been cast in a different state of society, he would have shone as one of the most distinguished of men. He was endowed with a powerful mind, and with the soul of a hero. There was an uncommon dignity in his countenance and man- ners, and by the former he could be easily distinguished. even after death, among the slain, for he wore no insignia of distinction." 19* 222 113. Barbarities of the British at Hampton, Va., in 1813. The troops under Sir Sidney Beckvvith, and the sailors under Admiral Cockburn, no sooner found themselves in possession of the town of Hampton, than they indulged in a system of pillage not less indiscriminate than that which had attended the visit of most of the same men to Havre de Grace. To these acts of cruelty and op- pression upon the unresisting and innocent inhabitants, they added others of the most atrocious and lawless na- ture, the occurrence of which has been proved by the solemn affirmation of the most respectable people of that country. Age, innocence, nor sex, could protect the in- habitants whose inability to escape obliged them to throw themselves upon the mercy of the conquerors. The persons of the women were indiscriminately viola- ted. The brutal desires of an abandoned and profligate soldiery, were gratified, within the view of those who alone possessed the power and authority to restrain them ; and many of the unfortunate females, who had extricated themselves from one party, Avere pursued, overtaken, and possessed by another. Wives torn from the sides of their wounded husbands; mothers and daughters stripped of their clothing in the presence of each other ; and, those who had fled to the river side, and as a last refuge had plunged into the water, with their infant children in their arms, were driven again at the point of the bayonet, upon the shore, where neither their own entreaties and exertions, nor the cries of their offspring, could restrain the remorseless cruelty of the insatiable enemy, who paraded the victim of his lust through the public streets of that town. An old man, whose infirmities had drawn him to the very brink of the grave, was murdered in the arms of his wife, c^most as infirm as himself, and her re- monstrance was followed by the discharge of a pistol into her breast. The wounded militia who had crawled from the field of battle to the military hospital, were treated with no kind of tenderness, even by the enemy's officers, and the common wants of nature were rigorously denied to 223 them. To these transcendent enormities, were added the wanton and profligate destruction not only of the medical stores, but of the physician's drug rooms and laboratories ; from which only those who had been wounded in battle, and those upon Avhose persons these outrages had been committed, could obtain that assistance, without which, they must inevitably suffer the severest privations. Two days and nights were thus consumed by the British sol- diers, sailors, and marines ; and, their separate command- ers, were all that time quartered in the only house the furniture of which escaped destruction. On the morning of the 27th, at sunrise, apprehensions being entertained of an attack from the neighbouring militia, whom, it was reasonably conjectured, the recital of these transactions would arouse into immediate action, the British forces were ordered to embark ; and in the course of that morn- ing, they departed from the devoted town, which will im- memorially testify to the unprovoked and unrelentingcru- elty of the British troops. They had previously carried off the ordnance which had been employed in the defence of the town, as trophies of their victory ; but, when they determined on withdrawing from the place, they moved away with such precipitation, that several hundred weight of provisions, a quantity of muskets and ammunition, and some of their men, were left behind, and captured on the following day by Captain Cooper's Cavalry. Having abandoned their intentions of proceeding to another at- tempt on the defences of Norfolk, the whole fleet stood down to a position at New-Point Comfort, where they proposed watering, previously to their departure from the bay, on an expedition against a town in one of the eastern States. Such was the agitation of the public mind throughout Virginia, which succeeded the circulation of the account of the assault on Hampton, that representations were made to General Robert R. Taylor, the commandant of the district, of the necessity of learning from the com- manders of the British fleet and army, whether the out- rage would be avowed, or the perpetrators punished. — That able oiiicer immediately despatched his aid to Admi- 2-24 lal Warren, with a cartel for the exchang-e of prisoners, and a protest against the proceedings of the British troops, in which .he stated, that "the world would suppose those acts to have heen approved, if not excited, which should be passed over with impunity ;" that he " thought it no less due to his own personal honour, than to that of his country, to repress and punish every excess;" that '"it would depend on him (Warren) whether the evils inse- parable from a state of war, should, in future operations, be tempered by the mildness of civilized life, or, under the admiral's authority, be aggravated by all the fiendlike •passions which could be instilled into them." To this protest. Admiral Warren replied, that he would refer it to Sir Sidney Beckwith, to whose discretion he submitted the necessity of an answer. Sir Sidney not only freely avowed, but justified, the commission of the excesses complained of; and induced the American commander to believe the report of deserters, that a promise had been made to the fleet, of individual bounty, of the plun- der of the town, and of permission to commit the same acts, if they succeeded in the capture of Norfolk. Sir Sidney stated, that " the excesses at Hampton, of which General Taylor complained, loere occasioned by a pro- ceeding at Crany Island. That at the recent attack on that place, the troops, in a barge which had been sunk by the fire of the American guns, had been fired on by a party of Americans, who waded out and shot these poor fellows, Avhile clinging to the wreck of the boat ; and that with a. feeling natural to such a proceeding, the men of thoA corps landed at Hmnpton^' The British gene- ral expressed also a wish that such scenes should not oc- cur again, and that the subject might be entirely at rest. The American general, however, alive to the reputation of the arms of his country, refused to let it rest, and im- mediately instituted a court of inquiry, composed of old and unprejudiced officers. The result of a long and careful investigation, which was forwarded to Sir Sidney Beckwith, was, that none of the enemy had been fired on, after the wreck of the barge, except a soldier, who had aUempted to escape to that division of the British troops which had lauded, that he was not killed, and that so far from shooting cither of those unfortunate men, the American troops had waded out to their assistance. To this report Sir Sidney never deemed it necessary to reply, and the outrages at Hampton are still unatoned. Many of the imhappy victims died, of wounds and bruises, inflicted on Them in their struggles to escape, which baf- fled the medical skill of the surrounding country.* 114. Battle of Niagara. On the 25th of July, 1814, Gen. Scott arrived at the Niagara cataract, and learned that the British were in force directly in his front, separated only by a narrow piece of wood. Having despatched this intelligence to General Brown, he advanced upon the enemy, and the action commenced at six o'clock in the afternoon. Al- though General Ripley, with the second brigade. Major Hendman, -with a corps of artiller}-, and General Porter, with the volunteers, pressed forward with ardour ; it was an hour before they could be brought up to his support ; — during this time his brigade alone sustained the con- flict. General Scott had pressed through the Avood, and engaged the British on the Queenston road, with the 9th, 1 1th, and 12th regiments, the 25th having been throAvn on the right. The fresh troops under General Ripley, hanng arrived, now advanced to relieve General Scott, whose exhausted brigade formed a reserve in the rear. The British artillery had taken post on a commanding eminence, at the head of Lundy's Lane, supported by a line of infantry, out of reach of the American batteries. This was the key of the whole position ; from hence they poured a most deadly fire on the American ranks. It became necessary either to leave the ground, or to carry this post and seize the height. The latter despe- rate task was assigned to Colonel Miller. On receiving the order from General Brown, he calmly surveyed the ♦ Thompson's Late War. 22G position, and answered, " I will try, sir /" which expres- sion was afterwards the motto of his regiment. The first regiment, under the command of Colonel Nicholas, were ordered to menace the British infantry, and support Colonel Miller in the attack. This corps, after a dis- charge or two, gave Avay, and left him without support. Without regarding this occurrence. Colonel Miller ad- vanced coolly and steadily to his object, amid a tremen- dous fire, and at the point of the bayonet, carried the ar- tillery and the height. The guns were immediately turned upon the enemy : General Ripley now brought up the 23d regiment to the support of Colonel Miller ; and the first regiment was rallied and brought into line, and the British were driven from the hill. At this time. Major Jessup, with the 25th regiment, was engaged in a most obstinate conflict, with all the British that remained on the field. He had succeeded in turning the British left flank. Captain Kctchum, with a detachment of this regiment, succeeded in gaining the rear of the British lines at the point where Generals Drummond and Riall, with their suites, had taken their stations, and made them all prisoners. The British officers, mistaking this de- tachment for a company of their own men, were ordering them to press on to the combat, when Capt. Ketchum stepped forward, and coolly observed, that he had the ho- nour to command at that time, and immediately con- ducted the officers and their suites, into the rear of the American lines ; General Drummond, in the confusion of the scene, made his escape. The British rallied under the hill, and made a desperate attempt to regain their ar- tillery, and drive the Americans from their position, but without success ; a second and third attempt was made with the like result. Gen. Scott was engaged in repel- ling these attacks, and though with his shoulder frac- tured, and a severe wound in the side, continued at the head of his column, endeavouring to turn the enemy's right flank. The volunteers under Gen. Porter, during the last charge of the British, precipitated themselves upon the lines, broke them, and took a large number of, prisoners. General Brown, during the whole action. 227 was at the most exposed points, directing and animating his troops. He received a severe wound on the thigh, and in the side, and would have given the command to Gen. Scott, but on inquiring, found that he was severely- wounded. He continued at the head of his troops until the last effort of the British was repulsed, when loss of blood obliged him to retire ; he then consigned the com- mand to Gen. Ripley. At twelve o'clock, both parties retired from the field to their respective encampments, fa- tigued and satiated with slaughter. The battle continued, with little intermission, from six in the afternoon until twelve at night. After Col. Miller had taken the bat- tery, and driven the British from the heights, and Gen. Riall and suite had been taken, there was a short cessa- tion, and the enemy appeared to be about yielding the ground, when re-enforcements arrived to their aid, and the battle was renewed with redoubled fury for another space of two hours ; much of this time the combatants were within a few yards of each other, and several times offi- cers were found commanding the enemy's platoons. Capt. Spencer, aid to Gen. Brown, was despatched with orders to one of the regiments ; w hen about to deliver them, he suddenly found himself in contact with a Bri- tish corps ; with great coolness and a firm air, he in- quired, what regiment is this? On being answered, the Royal Scots, he immediately replied, " Royal Scots, re- main as you are !'' The commandant of the corps, sup- posing the orders came from his commanding general, immediately halted his regiment, and Capt. Spencer rode off Col. Miller's achievement, in storming the battery, was of the most brilliant and hazardous nature; it was decisive of the events of the battle, and entitled him and his corps to the highest applause ; most of the officers engaged in that enterprise were killed or wounded. The battle was fought to the west of, and within half a mile of the Niagara cataract. The thunder of the cannon, the roaring of the falls, the incessant discharge of mus- ketry, the groans of the dying and wounded, during the six hours in which the parties were engaged in close combat, heightened by the circumstance of its being night, • 228 afforded such a scene, as is rarely to be met with in the history of human slaughter. The evening was calm, and the moon shone with lustre, when not enveloped in clouds of smoke from the firing of the contending armies. Considering the numbers engaged, few contests have ever been more sanguinary.* This was one of the most severe and bloody battles which was fought daring the war. The British force engaged, amounted to .5,U00 men: many of their troops were selected from the liower of Lord Wellington's army. The American force consisted of 4,000 men. The loss of Americans in killed, wounded, and missing, was 860 men ; that of the British was 878 men. 115. Burning of Washingto/i City. In August, 1814, a body of about 6,000 British troops, eommanded by Gen. Ross, landed at Benedict, on the Pa- tuxent, 47 miles from Washington; on the 21st of Au- gust, he marched to Nottingham. He met with little opposition on his march, until within about six miles of Washington, at Bladensburgh. Here Gen. Winder, with the American forces, composed mostly of militia, hastily collected, opposed them. The Americans, however, fled at the beginning of the contest. Com. Barney, with about 400 men, made a brave resistance ; but the enemy, superior in numbers, compelled him to surrender. Leaving Bladensburgh, Gen. Ross went to Washing- ton, where he arrived in the evening of the 23d of Au- gust, about 8 o'clock, with 700 men, having left the main body about a mile and a half from the capital, f There ' being neither civil nor military authorities to whom any * Perkins' late War. t According to the account of the British officer, who was in this expedition, the sole object of the disenibavkation was the destruction of the American flotilla. When that rtotilla retreated to Nottingham, Admiral Coekburn urged the necessity of a pursuit, and finally pre- vailed on CJeii. Ross to proceed on to attack ^Vashinston. When he arrived near llie city, (icn. Ross sent in a lag of truce, with terms. Scarcely had the party with the flag entered the city, when they were 220 proposition could be made, the work of conflagration commenced. The capitol, the President's house, the offices of the treasury, war, and navy departments, and their furniture, with several private buildings, were de- stroyed. The party sent to burn the president's house, entered it, and found in readiness the entertainment which had been ordered for the American officers. In the di- ning hall the table was spread for forty guests, the side- board furnished with the richest liquors, and in the kitchen the dishes all prepared. These uninvited guests devoured the feast with little ceremony, ungnitefuUy set fire to the building where they had been so liberally fed, and returned to their comrades. — One house from which Gen. Ross apprehended himself to have been shot at, was burned, and all the people found in it slain. The most important public papers had been previously removed. The navy yard, with its contents, and apparatus, one fri- gate of the largest class on the stocks, and nearly ready to launch, and several smaller vessels, were destroyed by Commodore Tingey, under the direction of the secretary of the navy, after the capture of the city. The loss to the United States, as estimated by a com- mittee of the senate, was, in the capitol and other public buildings, $400,000 At the navy yard, in moveable property, - 417,745 In buildings and fixtures, - - - 91,425 8060,170 To this estimate is to be added the loss of the public library, furniture, and other articles not included in the foregoing ; making the whole public loss somewhat to exceed a million of dollars The British, having accomplished the object of their fired upon from the windows of one of the houses. Two corporals of tlu'Slst, and the horse oftlietjcnfral himself, who accompanied them, were killed. This outrage roused ihe inr intrenchments, and drive them im- mediately from the island. A less prudent and accom- plished general might have been induced to yield to the indiscreet ardour of his troops ; but General Jack- son understood too well the nature of his own and his enemy's force, to hazard such an attempt. Defeat must inevitably have attended an assault made by raw militia, upon an intrenched camp of British regulars. The defence of New Orleans was the object; nothing was to be hazarded which would jeopardize the city. The British were suffered to retire behind their works without molestation. The result was such as might have been expected from the difibrent positions of the two armies. General Packenham, near the crest of the glacis, received a ball in his knee. Still continumg to lead on his men, another shot pierced his body, and he was carried off the tield. Nearly at this time. Major General Gibbs, the second in command, within a few yards of the lines, received a mortal wound, and was removed. Tlie third in command. Major General Keane. at the head of his troops r>ear the glacis, was severely woundi'd. The three commanding generals, on mar- shalling their troops at five o'clock in the morning, pro- mised them a plentiful dinner in New Orleans, and gave them booty and bcavhj as the parole and countersign of the day.* Before eight o'clock, the three generals were carried off the field, two in the agonies of death, and ♦The giving of this counter-sifrn lias heen denied by Gon. Lambert, and four other superior olficurs of tht; Uritish army, \\ ho were en- gaged in this expedition, in a published communK-ation signed by thtm, and sent to this country during the present year, (1833.) 240 the third entirely disabled ; leaving upwards of 2000 of their men dead, dying, and wounded, on the field of bat- tle. Colonel Raynor, who commanded the forlorn hope which stormed the American bastion on the right, as he was leading his men up, had the calf of his leg carried away by a cannon shot. Disabled as he was, he was the iirst to mount the parapet, and receive the American bayonet ; 700 were killed on the field, 1400 hundred wounded, and 500 made prisoners, making a total on that day of twenty-six hundred. But six Americans were killed, and seven wounded.''* •• On the 9th, General Lambert and Admiral Cochrane, with the surviving officers of the army, held a council of war, and determined to abandon the expedition. To withdraw the troops in the face of a victorious enemy, would have been difficult and hazardous. To withdraw- in safety, every appearance of a renewal of the assault was kept up, till the night of the 18th, when the whole army moved off in one body, over a road which had been previously constructed through a miry slough, in which a number of the troops perished by sinking into the mire. On the 27th, the whole land and naval forces which remained of this disastrous expedition, found themselves on board of their ships, with their ranks thin- ned, their chiefs and many of their companions slain, their bodies emaciated by hunger, fatiofue, and sickness. 1 19. Bank of ike United States. The Bank of the United States was established by an act of congress of April 10th, 1816, and continues to March 3d, 1836. Its stock consists of three hundred .and fifty thousand shares, of one hundred dollars each, constituting a capital of thirty-five millions of dollars. Seventy thousand shares, or seven millions of the stock, was taken by the United States, and the remaining two hundred and eighty thousand shares, amounting to twen- ty-ei^ht millions of dollars, by individuals, companies, * Perkins. 241 vScc. Of this twenty-eiijht millions of dollars, seven was required by the charter to be paid in gold or silver coin, and twenty-one millions in gold or silver coin, or funded debt of the United States. The property of the bank, inclu- ding its whole capital, is not to exceed in value fifty-five millions of dollars. The bank is located in Philadelphia, governed by twenty-five directors, chosen annually; five of whom, be- ing stockholders, are appointed by the president of the United States, by and with the advice and consent of the senate ; and twenty are annually elected at the banking- house, in Philadelphia, by the qualified stockholders of the capital, (other than the United States,) on the first Monday of January. No person can be a director in tlie bank of the United States at the same time that he is a director in any other bank. At the first meeting after their election, the directors choose a president. The pre- sident is selected from the directors. The number of votes to which stockholders are entitled, are, for one share and not more than two, one vote; for every two shares above two, and not exceeding ten, one vote: for every four shares above ten, and not exceeding thirty, one vote ; for every six shares above thirty, and not exceeding sixty, one vote; and for every ten shares above one hundred, one vote : but no person, co-partner- ship, or body politic, is entitled to more than thirty votes. No share or shares confer the right of voting, that shall not have been held three calendar months previous to the duv of election. No stockholders, but those actually re- sident within the United States, can vote by proxy. By the act of March od, 1819, it is provided that any person ofTering more than thirty votes, including those otfered in his own right, and those offered by him as at- torney, &c., the judges of the election are required to ad- minister an onth to the person so offering more than thirty votes, to the following effect: " That he has no interest, directly or indirectly, in the shares upon which he offers to vote as an attorney; and that the shares are, to the best of his knowledge and belief, truly, and in good faith, owned by the persons in whose name they stand at that 21 242 time." No person is allowed to vote as proxy, &c. with- out a power, witnessed with an oath, endorsed and filed in the bank, that the giver of the proxy is the real and only owner of the shares specified in the power of attorney; that he owns no other shares; that no other person has any interest in the said shares ; and that no other power, now in force, has been given to any other person to vote at any election of directors of the said bank. Judges of elections permitting any person to give more tiian thirty votes at one election, without taking the oatli prescribed by law, are subject to a fine not exceeding two thousand dollars, or to imprisonment not exceeding one year ; and persons swearing falsely, are liable to the pains and penalties for the punishment of wilful and corrupt perjurjr. Persons giving money, or any thing as a bribe, to pro- cure the interest, &c., of the president or any director of the bank, or the president or director receiving such bribe, are for ever disqualified from holding any office of honour, trust, or profit, under the corporation, or under the United ^>tates. Not more than three fourths of the directors elected by the stockholders, nor more than four fifths of those ap- ])ointed by the United States, shall serve two successive years ; no director shall hold his office more than three vears out of four in succession ; but the director who is President may serve without limitation. None but a stockholder, resident citizen of the United States, shall be a director, nor shall be entitled to any emolument. Seven directors m.ay constitute a board, of whom the president shall always be one, imless unavoidably pre- vented, in which case his place may- be supplied by any other director whom he, by writing under his hand, may depute for that purpose. A number of stockholders not less than sixty, if pro- prietors of one thousand shares, have power to call a general meeting of the stockholders, giving ten weeks notice in two newspapers of the place where the bank is seated, and specifying the object of the meeting. 243 The cashier is required to give bond, with two or more sureties, in a sum not less than fifty thousand dollars, as a security for the faithful performance of his duties. The lands, &c., lawful for the bank to hold, are only for its immediate accommodation in business, or mortgaged to it as security or satisfaction for debts previously contract- ed, or purchased at sales upon judgments for such debts. The total amount of debts, of every description, which the bank .shall at any time owe, must not exceed thirty- five millions of dollars, unless authorized by law to ex- ceed that amount. In case of excess, the directors under whose administration it takes place, are liable in their private capacities. This provision, however, does not exempt the property of the bank from being also liable. Directors who may dissent, or be absent, when such ex- cess is created, on giving notice thereof to the president of the United States, and to the stockholders, are exone- rated from such liability. The bank is prohibited from dealing or trading in any thing, except bills of exchange, gold and silver bullioii, or sales of goods pledged for money lent by the bank. It cannot become the purchaser of any public debt, nor take more than six per centum per annum for or upon its loans or discounts. The bank cannot loan more than five hundred thou- sand dollars to the United States ; or to any particular State an amount exceeding fifty thousand dollars ; or to any foreign Prince or State, unless previously authorized by a law of the United States. The stock is assignable and transferable, according to rules established by the bank. Bills obligatory and of credit, under the seal of the bank, made to any person, are assignable by the endorse- ment of such person. But the bank is prohibited from making any bill obligatory, &,c., under its seal, for a less sum than five thousand dollars. All bills issued by order of the bank, and signed by the president and cashier, are binding as if made by private persons. All bills or notes so issued, are payable on demand, except such as are for the payment of a sum nof less than one hundred dollars, 244 which may be made payable to order, at any time not exceeding' sixty days from date. Half-yearly dividends of the profits may be made. And once in three years the directors must lay before the stockholders an exact and particular statement of the situation of the bank. The directors of the bank are authorized to establish offices of discount and deposit wheresoever they shall think fit, within the United States or the territories thereof Or, instead of establishing; such offices, it is lawful for the directors to employ any other bank or banks, to be first approved by the secretary of the treasury of the United States, to transact business other than discounting. Not more than thirteen, nor less than seven directors of every office of discount and deposit, shall be annually appointed by the directors of the bank, to serve for one year ; each shall be a citizen of the United States, and a resident of the State or Territory where the office is es- tablished ; not more than three foiirths of those in office shall be appointed for the next succeeding year : and no director can hold his office more than three years out of four in succession ; but the president may be always re- appointed. The secretary of the treasury of the United States must be furnished, as often as he may require, not exceed- ing once a w-eek, w^ith full statements of the concerns of the bank, and he has a right to examine such of the books of the bank as relate to said statement. No stockholder, luiless he be a citizen of the United States, has a vote in the choice of directors. No note can be issued of less amount than five dollars. If the bank, or any person on its account, shall deal or trade in any respect contrary to its charter, every per- son concerned as agent or party therein, shall forfeit tre- ble the value of the goods, &c., in which such dealing shall have been ; one half thereof to the informer, the other to the United States ; to be recovered in an action of law w-iih costs of suit. The bills or notes of the bank are receivable in all 245 payments to the United States, until otherwise directed' by act of congress. The banks nmst, whenever required by the secretary of the treasury, give the necessary facilities for transfer- ring the public funds from place to place, within the Uni- ted States, for the payment of public creditors, without charging commissions ; and also perform the duties of commissioners of loans. The deposites of moneys of the United States, in places in which the bank or its branches are established, must be made in the bank or its branches, unless the secretary of the treasury shall otherwise direct ; in which case he must immediately lay before congress, if in session, and if not, immediately after the commencement of the next session, the reason of such dii'ection. The bank is prohibited from suspending payments in specie. In case of suspension, the holder of any bill, &c., can recover the amount thereof, and until it is paid, is entitled to interest at the rate of twelve per centum per annum. Foro;ing, counterfeiting, &c., the notes, &c., of the bank, is felony, and punishable by imprisonment and hard labour, or imprisonment and fine. If any person shall engrave, or have in his possession, any metallic plate, similar to the plates from which the notes, &c., of the bank are printed, or shall cause or sufier the same to be xised, &c., he shall, upon conviction, be sen- tenced to imprisonment at hard labour not exceeding five years, or imprisoned not exceeding five years, and fined in a sum not exceeding one thousand dollars. No other bank shall be chartered by congress during the continuance of the charter of the bank of the United States, except within the district of Columbia. And the corporation of the bank shall exist for two years after the expiration of its charter, for the close of its concerns. Committees of either houses of congress have power to inspect the books of the bank, and to examine into its proceedings, &c., and wh»mever there is reason to believe the charter has been violated, a scire facias may be sued out of the circuit court for the district of Pennsyl- 21* 246 vania, in the name of the United States, and the bank compelled to show cause why the charter should not bo declared forfeited ; and it is lawful for the said court to examine into the truth of the alleged violation, and if such violation be made to appear, then to pronounce the charter forfeited. The final judgment of the court aforesaid is examinable in the supreme court of the Uni- ted States.* 120. Piracies in the West Indies. The American commerce had for several years suffer- ed severely, in consequence of the depredations committed by pirates. The West Indian seas were infested with these marauders, and transactions of the most flagrant and outrageous character had become frequent.^ Great quantities of property were seized by them, and their captives were often murdered in the most inhuman man- ner. They respected no law, and the flag of no nation. An event occurred in 1822, which excited general atten- tion, and showed that the evil had become so alarming" as to call loudly for the ■strong arm of government to inter- pose for the protection of its citizens. The Alliga- tor, United States schooner, was about entering the harbour of Matanzas, when information was received that two American vessels, which the pirates had just captured, were lying a short distance from that place. The Alligator was immediately ordered to their relief An engagement with the pirates ensued, in which the Americans Avere victorious. They recaptured five Ame- rican vessels which were in possession of the pirates, and took one piratical schooner. But Allen, the brave commander of the Alligator, was wounded in the en- gagement, and died in a few hours. His death excited much feeling throughout the United States. The pirates made the island of Cuba their general rendezvous, and they carried their depredations to such an extent, that it was extremely dangerous for vessels to ♦Force's National Calendar, 1623. 247 enter or leave the port of Havana. Congress at length passed a law appropriating a sum of money to fit out an expedition for the suppression of piracy. Commodore Porter, to whom was given the command of this expedi- tion, sailed for the West Indies, and after touching at Porto Rico, arrived at Matanzas, with a squadron consist- ing of a steam frigate, eight schooners, and five barges. No captures were made by this squadron, as the pirates had obtained knowledge of their movements ; but the object of their going out was accomplished in the pro- tection aflbrded to commerce. The American squadron remained near the islands, and afforded convoys to mer- chant vessels ; and in consequence of this protection of the sea, the pirates were compelled to remain upon the islands, where they committed depredations upon the in- habitants. But one vessel was taken from the Americans during this time, and that was recaptured by Commodore Porter.* 121. Conspiracy/ of the Blacks at Charleston, S. C. in 1822. The following account of an intended insurrection of the slaves in Charleston, S. C. and its most timely dis- covery, is extracted from a pamphlet published by the authority of the corporation of Charleston in 1822. " On "Thursday, the 30th of May last^ about 3 o'clock in the afternoon, the Intendant of Charleston was in- formed by a gentleman of great respectability, (who, that morning, had returned from the country) that a favourite and confidential slave of his had communi- cated to him, on his arrival in town, a conversation which had taken place at the market ou the Saturday preceding, between himself and a black man ; which afforded strong reasons for believing that a revolt and insurrection were in contemplation among a proportion at least of our black population. The corporation was forthwith summoned to meet at 5 o'clock, for the purpose * Willard's Hist. U. States. 248 of hearing the narrative of the slave who had given this information to his master, to which meeting the attend- ance of his excellency the Governor was solicited ; with which invitation he promptly complied. Between, how- ever, the hours of 3 and 5 o'clock, the gentleman who had conveyed the information to the Intendant, having \ again examined his slave, was induced to believe, that ^ the negro fellow who had communicated the intelligence ' of the intended revolt to the slave in question, belonged i to Messrs. J. & D. Paul, Broad Street, and resided in ' their premises. Accordingly, with a promptitude worthy ; of all praise, without waiting for the interposition of the , civil authority, he applied to the Messrs. Paul, and had | the whole of their male servants committed to the guard , house, until the individual who had accosted the slave of ■] this gentleman, on the occasion previously mentioned, j could be identified from among them. j " On the assembling of the Corporation at five, the i slave of this gentleman was brought before them, having j previously identified Mr. Paul's William as the man who had accosted him in the market ; he then related the following circumstances : | '• On Saturday afternoon last, (my master being out of I town,) I went to market ; after finishing my business, ; I strolled down the wharf below the fish market, from j which I observed a small vessel in the stream with- a j singular flag ; whilst looking at this object, a black man J (Mr. Paul's VVilliam) came up tome, and remarking the I subject which engaged my attention, said, I have often i seen a flag with the number 76 on it, but never with 96 / before. After some trifling conversation on this point, he remarked with considerable earnestness to me. Do , you know that something serious is about to take place ? To which I replied, no. Well, said he, there is, and many of us are determined to right ourselves ! I asked | him to explain himself — when he remarked, why we i are determined to shake off' our bondage, and for this i purpose we stand on a good foundation, many have i joined, and if you will go with me, I will show you the j man who has the list of names, who will take youra | i 249 down. — I was so much astonished and horror struck at this information, tliat it was a moment or two belbre I could collect myself" sufficiently to tell him I would have nothing to do with this business, that I was satisfied with mj' condition, that I. was grateful to my master for his kindness, and wished no change. — I left him instantly, lest, if this fellow afterwards got into trouble, and I had been seen conversing with him, in so public a place, I might be .suspected and thrown into difficulty. — I did not, however, remain easy under the burden of such a secret, and consequently determined to consult a free man of colour, named , and to ask his advice. On con- ferring with this friend, he urged me with great earnest- ness to communicate what had passed betAveen Mr. Paul's man and myself to my master, and not to lose a moment in so doing. I took his advice, and not waiting, even for the return of my master to town, I mentioned it to my mistress and young master. — On the arrival of my master, he examined me as to what had passed, and I stated to him what I have mentioned to yourselves. "William, the man aforementioned, was then examin- ed ; — after much equivocation, he admitted all these facts. The Council being under the conviction that he was in the possession of more information than he had thought proper to disclose, kept him confined. " Things remained in this state for six or seven days, until about the 8th of June, when William, who had been a week in solitary confinement, beginning to fear that he would soon be led forth to the scaffold, for summary execution, in an interview with Mr. Napier, (one of the committee appointed to examine him,) confessed, that he had for some time known of the plot, that it was very extensive, embracing an indiscriminate massacre of the whites, and that the blacks were to be headed by an in- dividual, who carried about with him a charm which rendered him invulnerable. He stated, that the period fixed for the rising, was on the second Sunday in June. This information was without delay conveyed to his ex- cellcncv the Governor, and a Council forthwith convened. Whatever faith wc might have been disposed to place in 250 the unsupported and equivocal testimony of William, it was not conceived to be a case in which our doubts should influence our efforts for preparation and defence. iVleasures were consequently promptly taken, to place the city guard in a state of the utmost efficiency. "Six- teen hundred rounds of ball cartridges were provided, and the sentinels and patroles ordered on duty with loaded arms. Such had been our fancied security, that the guard had previously gone on duty without muskets, with sheathed bayonets and bludgeons. " On the night of Friday the 14th, the information of William was amply confirmed by a gentleman who called on the Intendant, Avho stated that a faithful slave | belonging to his family, in whom he had the utmost con- { fidence, informed him that a contemplated insurrection of the blacks would occur on the succeeding Sunday, the 16th, at 12 o'clock at night, which, if not prevented, would inevitably take place at that hour. This slave | also stated that one of his companions had informed him, | that Rolla, belonging to Governor Bennet, had commu- | nicated to him the intelligence of the intended insurrec- | tion, and had asked him to join. That he remarked, } in the event of their rising, they would not be with- j out help, as the people from Sau Domingo and Africa would assist them in obtaining their liberty, if they only made the motion first themselves. That if A wished to know more, he had better attend their meet- ings, where all would be disclosed. After this, at another interview, Rolla informed A , that the plan was matured, and that on Sunday night, the 16th June, a force would cross from James' Island and land on South Bay, march up and seize the Arsenal and guard house, that another body at the same time would seize the Arsenal on the Neck, and a third would ren- dezvous in the vicinity of his master's mills. They would then sweep the town with fire and sword, not per- mitting a single white soul to escape. " The sum of this intelligence was laid before the Go- vernor, who convening the officers of the militia, took such measures as were deemed the best adapted to the ap- 251 pf caching exigency of Sunday night. On the 16th, at 10 o'clock at night, the military companies, Avhich were placed under the command of Col. 11. Y. Hayne, were ordered to rendezvous for guard. " The conspirators finding the whole to\ATi encom- passed at 10 o'clock, by the most vigilant patroles, did not dare to show themselves, whatever might have been their plans. In the progress of the subsequent investi- gation, it was distinctly in proof, that but for these mi- litary demonstrations, the eflbrt would unquestionably have been made ; that a meeting took place on Sunday afternoon, the 16th, at 4 o'clock, of several of the ring- leaders, at Denmark Vesey's, for the purpose of making tlieir preliminary arrangements, and that early in the morning of Sunday, Denmark despatched a courier, to order down some country negroes from Goose Creek, which courier had endeavoured in vain to get out of town. " No development of the plot having been made on Sun- day night, and the period having passed, which waft fixed on for its explosion, it now became the duty of the civil authority to take immediate steps for the apprehen- sion, commitment, and trial of those against whom they were in possession of information. " The number of blacks arrested was one hundred and thirty-one; of these thirty-five were executed, fifty-one acquitted, the rest were sentenced to be transported. "Among those executed, was one free black by the name of Denmark Vesey, who was considered the leader of the plot. In the revolutionary waj» Captain Vesey of Charleston was engaged in supplying the French in St. Domingo with slaves from St. Thomas. In the year 1781 he purchased Denmark, aboy of about 14 years of age, and afterwards brought him to Charles- ton, where he proved for 20 years a faithful slave. In 1800, Denmark drew a prize of $1500 in the lottery, and purchased his freedom from his master for 600 dollars. From that period till the time of his apprehension he worked as a carpenter, distinguished for his great strength and activity. Among his colour he was always looked up to with awe and respect. His temper 252 was impetuous and domineering in the extreme, qualify- ing him for the despotic rule of which he was ambitious. All his passions were ungovernable and savage, and to , his numerous wives and children, he displayed the] haughty and capricious cruelty of an eastern bashaw." Among the most prominent'of the other conspirators, was a slave by the name of Gullah Jack. "Born a conjuror and a physician, in his own country, (for in Angola they are matters of inheritance,) he practised these arts in this country for fifteen years, without its being generally known among the whites. Vesey, who left no engines of power unessayed, seems, in an early, stage of his designs, to have turned his eye on this ne- cromancer, aware of his influence with his own country- men, who are distinguished both for their credulous superstition and clannish sympathies. Such was their belief in his invulnerability, that his charms and amulets were in request,- and he was regarded as a man, who could only be harmed by the tre^achery of his fellows. Even those negroes who were born in this country seem to have spoken of his charmed invincibility with a con- fidence which looked much like belief" Of the motives of Vesey in forming this conspiracy, "the belief is altogether justifiable, that his end would have been answered, if, after laying our city in ashes,, and moistening its cinders with blood, he could have embarked with a part of the pillage of our banks for San Domingo; leaving a large proportion of his deluded fol- lowers to the exterminating desolation of tliat justice, which would have awaited, in the end, a transient suc- cess." The following is extracted from the testimony of a black man on the trial of the conspirators : " About the 1st of June, I saw in the public papers a statement that the white people were going to buil< missionary houses for the blacks, which I carried and showed to Peter, and said, see the good they are going to do for us; when, he said, — What of that? — Have you not heard, that on tiie 4th of July, theiAvhites are going to create a false alarm of fire, and every black that comes 253 Out will be killed, in order to thin them? Do you think they would be so barbarous? (said I) Yes! (said he) I do ! — I fear they have a knowledge of an army from San Domingo, and they would be right to do it, to pre- vent us joining that army, if it should march towards this land! I was then very much alarmed. " Last Tuesday or Wednesday week, Peter said to me — You see, my lad, how the white people have got to w'indward.of us? You won't, said I, be able to do any thing. O, yes ! (he said) we will ! By George, we are obliged to I He said, all down this way ought to meet, and have a collection to purchase powder. What, said I, is the use of powder ? — the whites can fire three times to our once. He said, but Uwill be such a, dead time of the night, they toon' t know rohat ix the matter, and our horse companies will go about the streets and preve?it the whites from assonbling. I asked him — Where will you get horses? Why, said he, there are many butcher boys with horses ; and there are the livery stables, Avhere we have several candidates; and the waiting men, belonging to the white people of the horse companies, will be told to take a^way their masters' horses. He asked me if my master was not a horseman? I said, Yes! Has he not got arms in his house? I answered. Yes! Can't they be got at? I said. Yes! Then (said he) it is good to have them. I as-ked what was the plan? Why, said he, after we have taken the arsenals and guard houses, then we will set the town on fire, in different places, and as the whites come out we will slay them. If we were to set fire to the town first, the man in the steeple would give the alarm too soon. — I am the Captain, said he, to take the lower guard house and arsenal. But, I replied, when you are coming up, the sentinel will give the alarm. He said, he would advance a little distance ahead, and if he could only get a grip at his throat, he was a gone man. for his sword was very sharp; he had sharpened it, and had ir.ade it so sharp, it had cut his finger, which he showed me. As to the arsenal on the Neck, he said, that it was gone as sure as fate, Ned Bennett would manage that with tjie people from the 22 254 ' country, and the people between Ilibbens' Ferry and «j Santee would land and take the upper guard house. I then said, then this thing seems true. My man, said he, God has a hand in it, we have been meeting for fouri years, and are not yet betrayed. I told him, I was afraid, after all, of the white people from the back country and A^'irginia, &c. He said that the blacks would collect so nunierous from the country, we need not fear the whites from the other parts, for when we have once got the city we can keep them all out. He asked if I had told my boys. I said no. Then, said he, you should do it, for Ned Bennett has his people pretty well ranged. But, said he, take care and don't mention it to those waiting men who receive presents of old coats, &c. from their masters, or they'll betray us. I will speak to them. We then parted, and I have not since conversed with him. He said the rising was to take place last Sunday night, 16th June — That any of the coloured people who said a word about this matter would be killed by the others. The little man, v)ho carCt be killed, shot, or taken, is named Jack, a Gullah Negro. Peter said there was a French company in town, of three hundred men, fully armed — that he was to see Monday Gell, about expediting the rising." 122. Western Antiquities. The numerous reniains of ancient fortifications, mounds, &c. found in the Western States, are the admi- ration of the curious, and a matter of much speculation. They are mostly of an oblong form, situated on Avell chosen ground, and near the water. One of the fortifications or towns at Marietta, Ohio, contains forty acres, accompanied by a wall of earth from \ six to ten feet high. On each side are three openings \ at equal distances, resembling gateways. The works j are undoubtedly very ancient, as there does not appear * to be any difference in the age or size of the timber \ growing on or within the walls, and that which grows 255 without ; and the Indians have lost all tradition respect- ing them. Dr. Cutler, Avho accurately examined the trees on the works at Marietta, thinks from appearances, that they are on the second growth, and that the works must have been built upwards of one thousand years. At a convenient distance from these works, always stands a mound of earth, thrown up in the form of a py- ramid. Upon examination, some of these mounds are found to contain an immense number of human skeletons. The ancient works on the western branches of the Muskingum river, extend nearly two miles, the ramparts of which are now m some places more than eighteen feet in perpendicular height. In Pompey,* Onondaga County, New York, are vestiges of a town, the area of which included more than five hundred acres. It was protected by three circular or elliptical forts, eight miles distant from each other. They formed a triangle which enclosed the town. From certain indications, this town seems to have been stormed and taken on the line of the north side. In Cainillus, in the same county, are the remains of two forts, one covering about three acres, on a very high, hill. It had one eastern gate, and a communication at west, towards a spring about ten rods from the fort. Its shape was elliptical. The ditch was deep, and the eastern wall ten feet high. The other fort is almost half a mile distant, on lower ground, constructed like the other, and about half as large. Shells of testaceous animals, numerous fragments of pottery, pieces of brick, and other signs of an ancient settlement, were found by the first European settlers. On the east bank of Seneca river, six miles south of Cross and Salt lakes, the remains of an ancient Indian defence have bten discovered, together with a delineation of ill shapen figures, supposed to have been hierogly- phical, and engraved as with a chisel, on a flat stone, five feet in length, three and a half in breadth, and six inches thick : evidently a sepulchral monument. The principal fortification was two hundred and twenty ♦ Yates' and Moulton's History. 256 yards in length, and fifty-five yards in breadth. The bank and corresponding ditch were remarkably entire; as were two apertures, opposite each other in the middle of the parallelogram., one opening to the water, and the other facing the foresjt. About half a mile south of the great work was a large half moon, supposed to have been an outwork, but at- tended Avith this singularity, that the extremities of the crescent were from the larger fort. The banks of the ditch, both of this and the first fortress, were covered with trees that exhibited extremity of age. The flat stone above mentioned was found over a small elevation in the great fort. Upon removing it one of the visiting party dug up with his cane a piece of earthen vessel, which, from the convexity of the fragment, was supposed to contain two gallons. It was well burned, of a red colour, and had its upper end indented, as with the finger, in its impressionable state. Eastward, these fortifications have been traced eighteen miles from Manlius Square ; and in Oxford, Chenango county, on the east bank of Chenango river, are the re- mains of another fort, remarkable for its great antiquity. Northward, as far as Sandy Creek, about fourteen miles from Sacket's Harbour, near which, one covers fifty acres, and contains numerous fragments of pottery. Westward, they are discovered in great number. There is a large one in the town of Onondaga, one in Scipio, two near Auburn, three near Canandaigua, and several between the Seneca and Cayuga lakes. A number of ancient fortifications and burial places have also been dis- ' covered in Ridgeway, Genesee county. Near the Tonewande creek, at the double fortified town,* are some interesting antiquities, described by Dr. > Kirkland. They are the remains of two forts. The first contained about four acres, and the other, distant about two miles, and situated on the other extremity of the ancient town, enclosed twice that quantity of ground. The ditch around the former was about five or six feet * This place is called by the Senecas, Tegataineaaghqut, which jDports a double fortified town, or a town with a fort at each end. 257 deep. A small stream of water, and a high bank, cir- cumscribed nearly one third of the enclosed ground. There were traces of six gates or avenues roimd the ditch, and near the centre a way Avas dug to the water. A considerable number of large thrifty oaks had grown up within the enclosed ground, both in and upon the ditch ; some of them appeared to be at least two hundred years old or more. Near the northern fortification, Avhich was situated on high ground, were found the remains of a funeral pile, probably the burying place of the slain, who had fallen in some sanguinary conflict. The earth was raised about six feet above the common surface, and betwixt twenty and thirty feet in diameter. The bones appeared on the whole surface of the raised earth, and stuck out in many places on the sides. On the south side of Lake Erie, is a series of old for- tifications, from Cattaraugus creek to the Pennsylvania line, a distance of fifty miles. Some are from two to four miles apart, others half a mile only. Some contain five acres. The walls, or breastworks, arc of earth, and generally on ground where there are appearances of creeks having once flowed into the lake, or where there was a bay. These vestiges of ancient fortified towns are widely scattered throughout the extensive territory of the Six Nations, and by Indian report, in various other parts. There is one on a branch of the Delaware river, which, from the size and age of some of the trees, that have grown on the banks, and in the ditches, appears to have existed nearly one thousand years, and perhaps for a still longer period. These antiquities afford demonstrative evidence of the remote existence of a vast population, settled in towns, defended by forts, cultivating agriculture, and more ad- vanced in civilization, than the nations which have in- habited the same countries since the European dis- covery.* The most probable conjecture respecting these people ♦ Eastman's Hist, of N. Y. 22* 258 is, that they were of Tartar origin, and came across fo this continent near Beering's Straits, and going south- ward, followed the course of the great rivers — finding the soil fruitful on the Ohio and Mississippi, resided there for a while, till at length, following each other, they i established themselves in the warm and fertile vales of ' Mexico. 123. Erie Canal. This grand canal, the longest in the world, (if we ex- cept the Imperial Canal of China,) was commenced July 4th, 1817, and completed Oct. 26th, 1825, at the expense of about eight millions of dollars. This canal is the property of the state of New York, and will probably afford a large revenue for public purposes. The Erie Canal, extending from Albany to Buffalo, is 40 feet wide on the surface, 28 on the bottom, 4 feet deep, and 362 miles in length, exclusive of side cuts and navigable feeders. The locks, 83 in number, are 15 feet wide between the gates, and 90 feet in length, and con- structed of the most imperishable stone, laid in water cement. The altitude of the water at the termination of the canal at Buffalo, is 565 feet above that of the Hudson at Albany. The total of ascent and depression overcome by means of lockage, throughout the Avhole extent, is 688 feet. A tow-path is constructed on the bank of the canal, which is elevated from 2 to 4 feet above the sur- face of the water. The course of the Erie Canal, commencing at the Al- bany Basin, is along the bank of the Hudson to Water- vliet, where it receives a navigable feeder from the Mohawk, constituting the communication with the North- ern or Chamflain Canal. Thence it proceeds along the bank of the Mohawk, and crosses that river above the Cahoes Falls, by an aqueduct 1188 feet in length, sup- ported by 26 piers. It then continues about 12 miles on the north bank, after which it re-crosses the Mohawk, four miles below Schenectady, by an aqueduct 748 feet 259 in length, 25 feet above the water of the river, and su{> ported by 16 piers. Thence it winds along the south bank of the river, through Schenectady and Utica, to Rome. At Little Falls, the Erie is connected with the old canal, by a stone aqueduct across the Mohawk, 170 feet in length, and supported by 3 arches. The Utica level, 69 1-2 miles in length, witliout a single lock, com- mences at Frankfort, 9 miles east of Utica, and proceed- ing through that village, Whitcstown, Rome, Verona, Sullivan, and Manlius, terminates in the town of Salina, near the village of Syracuse. During this course, it passes the Sauquait, Oriscany, Oneida, Canastota, Chit- teningo, and Limestone creeks, by aqueducts of various extent. It then proceeds through the village of Syra- cuse, and crosses the .Skeneateles outlet, by a stone aque- duct, supported by 3 arches ; and the Owasco creek, by an aqueduct of 4 arches, to Montezuma ; thence through the Cayuga Marshes, the villages of Clyde and Lyons, and passing Mud Creek, by a stone aqueduct, 90 feet in length, continues through Palmyra, Pittsford, and Ro- chester, to Lockport. At Pittsford, it crosses the Iron- dequot creek, on a stupendous embankment, 72 feet in height. At Rochester it crosses the Genesee river, by a stone aqueduct, of superior architecture, 530 feet in length. Between Rochester and Lockport, the canal passes several deep ravines, by aqueducts and embank- ments. At Lockport is an ascent of 60 feet, overcome by five double combined locks, to the Mountain Ridge, through which the canal passes, by a deep excavation, to the Tonewande creek. It tlien enters the creek, and continues along its channel to its mouth, where a dam is erected 4 1-2 feet in height; and proceeds along the shore of the Niagara river and Lake Erie, to its termi- nation at Buffalo. Connected with the canal, a pier of great length has been constructed in the Niagara river, at Black Rock, for the purpose of forming a harbour at that place, and supplying water for the summit level. The water of Lake Erie continues in the canal to Montezuma. Thence there is an ascent to the Jordan summit, from which the 2G0 canal descends to the level of Syracuse. It then ascends to the Utica summit, from which is a continuous descent to the Hudson. The canal debt, in 1826, amounted to $7,602,000; the receipts of tolls on the canal the same year, to §750,000; and the revenue from salt, and auction duties, belonging to the canal fund, to $420,000. The tolls in 1827, j amounted to $859,000. It is estimated, that the reve- ; nues arising from tolls and the canal fund, will, besides ; paying the interest, extinguish the canal debt in ten years, dating from 182G.* When the canal Avas completed, October 26, a canal I boat from Lake Erie entered the canal, which event was ' announced by the firing of cannon placed at suitable dis- tances, from Lake Erie to the city of New York, and ; thence back again to Lake Erie. ; On the 5th of November, when the canal-boat arrived I at the city of New York, the day was celebrated byl splendid processions, military parades, &c. &c. | In the aquatic procession, which accompanied the ca- • nal-boat, from New York to Sandy Hook, Avere 22 steam- < boats and barges. When they arrived at the Hook, { Governor Clinton Avent through the ceremony of unit- j ing the AA-aters, by pouring that of Lake Erie into the ' Atlantic, 124. Gen. Lafayette's Visit. Gilbert Mottier Lafayette, the Margins de Lafnyette. America's early and tried friend, AA-as born on the Gth of September, 1757, in the province of AuA-ergne, noAV the department of Haute Loire, in France, about 400 miles from Paris. He sprang from the ancient and illustrious family of Mottier, Avhich for seA'eral centuries past has added the name of Lafayette. In 1774, at the age of seventeen, he Avas married to the Countess Anastasie de Noailles, * Eastman's Hist, of N. Y. 261 daughter of the Duke de Noailles. The fortune of this lady, added to his own, increased his income to about 40,000 dollars annually; an immense revenue at that period. The contest between Great Britain and her North American colonies, was a subject of much interest to the nations of Europe, especially to the French people. The Marquis Lafoyette, fired with enthusiastic ardour in the cause of liberty, tore himself from an atiectionate family and the honours of the court, and, notwithstanding the prohibition of the French court, embarked for America in January, 1777, and entered the American army as a volunteer, without compensation. The American con- gress, struck with his magnanimity, gave him the com- mission of major-general in the army of the United States. His gallant conduct in the battle of Brandywine, (where he was wounded,) and at many other places, till the close of the war, proved him worthy of the confidence placed in him. Lafayette likewise gave larga sums for the purpose of clothing and arming the American troops. After the close of the revolutionary war, Lafayette re- turned to France, where he was appointed commander of the French armies. During the furious and bloody storm of the French revolution, he was obliged to flee, and surrender himself to the Austrians, who imprisoned him in the castle of Olmutz. Having suffered a rigorous imprisonment, for five years, he was, through the influence of Buonaparte, (af- terwards emperor of France,) released, on the 25th of August, 1797. After an absence of forty years. General Lafayette, determined once more to visit tl»> country of his adop- tion. Congress hearing of his determination, oflln-ed a public ship for the conveyance of the " Nation's Guest ;" but he politely declined their ofltr, and chose a private con- veyance. He accordingly, with his son, George Wash- ington Lafayette, embarked at Havre, on board the ship Cadmus, and arrived at New York, August 16, 1825. He was received with enthusiastic demonstrations of 262 ;! joy, by all classes of the American people. From New •; York he proceeded by land to Boston, passing through New Haven and Providence. From Boston he pro- ceeded to Portsmouth, N. H., from whence he returned to Boston, and New York, passing through Worcester, Hartford, and Middlctown. From New York he went up the Hudson, visiting Albany and other places on the river. Returning to New York, he proceeded on to Phi- ladelphia, Baltimore, and Washington. Here he was received by the house of representatives and senate of the United States, who voted him two hundred thousand dollars and a township of land for the important services rendered by him during the revolutionary war. General Lafayette commenced his tour from Wash- ington, through the southern and western states, and re- turned to Albany by the way of Buffalo and the grand canal. From Albany he proceeded through Springfield to Boston, where he arrived on the 16th of June, and was received by the legislature of Massachusetts, then in session. On the 17th he was present at the ceremony of laying the foundation stone of the Bunker Hill mon- ument. He then visited the states of New Hampshire, Maine, and Vermont, and returned to New York to par- ticipate in the celebration of the fiftieth anniversary of American independence. He took his final leave of New York, July 14th, visit- ed the ex-presidents in Virginia, and soon after embarked for France, on board the frigate Brandywine, followed with the grateful benedictions of the American people. 125. Insurrection and Massacre in Southampton County, Va. In August, 1831, a body of sixty or seventy slaves in Southampton County, Virginia, rose upon the white in- j habitants, and massacred fifty-five men, women, and children. The leader of this insurrection and massacre was a 263 slave by the name of Nat Turner, about thirty-one years of age, born the slave of Mr. Benjamin Turner, of South- ampton County. From a child, Nat appears to have been the victim of superstition and fanaticism. He stinuilated his comrades to join him in the massacre, by declaring to them that he had been commissioned by Jesus Christ, and that he was actmg undei inspired di- rection in what he was going to accomplish. In the confession which he voluntarily made to Mr. Grey, while in prison, he says, " that in his childhood a circumstance occurred which made, an indelible im- pression on his mind, and laid the ground work of the enthusiasm which terminated so ftrtally to many. Being at play with other children, when' three or four years old, I told them something, which my mother overhear- ing, said it happened before I was born — I stuck to my story, liowever, and related some things which went, in her opinion, to confirm it ; others being called on were greatly astonished, knowing these things had happened, and caused them to sav in my hearing, I surely would be a prophet, as the Lord had showed me things which happened before my birth." His parents strengthened him in this belief, and said in his presence, that he was intended for some great purpose, which they had always thought from certain nit;rks on his head and breast. Nat, as he grew up, was full}- persuaded he was destined to accomplish some great purpose ; his powers of mind appeared much superior to his fellow slaves; they looked up to him as a person guided by divine inspiration, which belief he ever inculcated by his austerity of life and manners. After a variety of revelations from the spiritual world, Nat says, in his confession, that, "on the 12th of May, 1828, I heard a loud noise in the heavens, and the Spirit instantly appeared tome and said the serpent wns loosened, and Christ had laid down the yoke he had borne for the sins of men, and that I should take it on and fight against the serpent, for the time was fast approaching when the first should be last and the last should be first — and by sifjns in tlie heavens that it would make known to me 264 when I should commence the great work — and until the first sign appeared, I should conceal it from the know- ledge of men. — And on the appearance of the sign, (the eclipse of the sun last February, 1831,) I should arise and prepare myself, and slay my enemies with their own wea- pons. And immediately on the sign appearing in the heavens, the seal was removed from my lips, and I com- municated the great work laid out for me to do, to four in whom I had the greatest confidence, (Henry, Hark, Nelson, and Sam.) — It was intended by us to have begun the work of death on the 4th July last. — Many were the plans formed and rejected by us, and it affected my mind to such a degree, that I fell sick, and the time passed without our coming to any determination how to com- mence — still forming new schemes and rejecting them, when the sign appeared again, which determined me not to wait longer." Nat commenced the massacre by the murder of his master and family. He says, " Since the commencement of 1830, I had been living with Mr. Joseph Travis, who was to me a kind master, and placed the greatest confi- dence in me. In fact, I had no cause to complain of his treatment to me. On Saturday evening, the 20th of August, it was agreed between Henry, Hark, and myself, to prepare a dinner the next day for the men we expected, and then to concert a plan, as we had not yet determined on any. Hark, on the following morning, brought a pig, and Henry, brandy: and being joined by Sam, Nelson, Will, and Jack, they prepared in the woods a dinner, where about three o'clock I joined them. I saluted them on coming up, and asked Will how came he there; he answered, his life was worth no more than others, and his liberty as dear to him. I asked him if he thought to obtain it? He said he would, or lose his life. This was enough to put him in full confidence. Jack, I knew, was only a tool in the hands of Hark; it was quickly agreed we should commence at home (Mr. J. Travis') on that night, and until we had armed and equipped our- selves, and gathered sufficient force, neither age nor sex was to be spared, (which was invariably adhered to.) 265 We remained at the feast, until about two hours in the night, when we went to the hbuse and found Austin ; they all went to the cider press and drank, except myself On returning to the house, Hark went to the door with an axe, for the purpose of breaking it open, as we knew we were strong enough to murder the family, if they were awaked by the noise ; but reflecting that it might create an alarm in the neighbourhood, we determined to enter the house secretly, and murder them whilst sleeping. Hark got a ladder and set it against the chimney, on which I ascended, and hoisting a window, entered and came down stairs, unbarred the door, and removed the gims from their places. It was then observed that I must spill the filst blood. On which, armed with a hatchet, and accompanied by AVill, I entered my master's cham- ber ; it being dark, I could not give a death blow, the hatchet glanced from his head, he sprang from the bed and called his wife, it was his last word. Will laid him dead with a blow of his axe, and Mrs. Travis shared the same fate as she lay in bed. The murder of this family, five in number, was the work of a moment, not one of them awoke ; there was a little infant sleeping in a cradle, that was forgotten, until we had left the house and gone some distance, when Henry and Will returned and killed it; we got here four guns that would shoot, and several old muskets, with a pound or two of powder. We remained some time at the barn, where we paraded ; I formed tiiem in a line as soldiers, and after carrying them through all the manoeuvres I was master of, marched them oir to Mr. Salathiel Francis', about six hundred yards distant." They proceeded in this manner from house to house, murdering all the whites thev could find, their force aug- menting as thi-y proceeded, till they amounted to fifty or sixty in number, all mounted, armed with guns, axes, swords, and clubs. They then started for Jerusalem, and proceeded a few miles, when they were met by a party of white men who fired upon them, and forced them to retreat. "Oa my way back, (says Nat,) I called at Mrs. Thomas's, Mrs. Spencer's, and several other places, 23 206 the white families having fled, we found no more victims to gratify our thirst for blood ; we stopped at Major Rid- ley's quarter for the night, and being joined by four of his men, with the recruits made since my defeat, we mus- tered now about forty strong, " After placing out sentinels, I laid down to sleep, but was quickly roused by a great racket ; starting up, 1 found some mounted, and others in great confusion ; one of the sentinels having given the alarm that we were about to be attacked, 1 ordered some to ride round and reconnoitre, and on their return the others being more alarmed, not knowing who they were, fled in different ways, so that I was reduced to about twenty again ; with this I determined to attempt to recruit, and proceed on to rally in the neighbourhood I had left. Dr. Blunt's was the nearest house, which we reached just before day : on riding up the yard, Hark fired a gun. We expected Di'. Blunt and his family were at Major Ridley's, as I knew there was a company of men there ; the gun was fired to ascertain if any of the family were at home, we were im- mediately fired upon and retreated, leaving several of my men. I do not know what became of them, as I never saw them afterwards. Pursuing our course back, and coming in sight of Captain Harris's, where we had been the day before, we discovered a partjr of white men at the house, on which all deserted me but two, (Jacob and Nat;) we concealed ourselves in the woods until near night. when I sent them in search of Henry, Sam, Nelson, and Hark, and directed them to rally all they could, at the place we had liad our dinner the Sunday before, where they would find me, and I accordingly returned there as soon as it was dark and remained until Wednesday even- ing, when discovering white men riding around the place, as though they were looking for some one, and none of my men joining me, I concluded Jacob and Nat had been taken, and compelled to betray me. On this I gave up all hope for the present, and on Thursday night, after having supplied myself with provisions from Mr. Travis', I scratched a hole under a pile of fence rails in a field, where I concealed myself for six weeks, never leaving 267 my hiding place but for a few minutes in the dead of the night to get water which was very near ; thinking by this time I could venture out, I began to go about in the night, and evesdrop the houses in the neighbourhood ; pursuing this course for about a fortnight, and gathering little or no intelligence, afraid of speaking to any human being, and returning every morning to my cave before the dawn of day. I know not how long 1 might have led this life, if accident had not betrayed me. — A dog in the neighbourhood, passing by my hiding place, one night while I was out, was attracted by some meat I had in my cave, and crawled in and stole it, and was coming out just as I returned. A few nights after, two negroes having started to go hunting with the same dog, and passed that way, the dog came again to the place, and having just gone out to walk about, discovered me and barked, on which, thinking myself discovered, I spoke to them to beg concealment. On making myself known they fled from me. Knowing then they would betray me, I immediately left my hiding place, and was pursued almost incessantly, until I was taken a fortnight after- wards, by Mr. Benjamin Phipps, in a little hole I had dug out with my sword, for the purpose of concealment, under the top of a fallen tree. On Mr. Phipps' disco- vering the place of my concealment, he cocked his gun and aimed at me. I requested him not to shoot and I would give up, upon which he demanded my sword. I delivered it to him and he brought me to prison." Nat was executed according to his sentence at Jeru- salem, Nov. 11th, 1831. The following is a list of the persons murdered in the insurrection, on the 21st and 22d of August, 1831. Joseph Travis and wife and three children, Mrs. Eli- zabeth Turner, Hartwell Prebles, Sarah Newsome, Mrs. P. Roe^e and son William, Trajan Doyle, Henry Bryant and wife and child, and wife's mother, Mrs. Catharine Whitehead, son Richard and four daughters and grand- child, Salathiel Francis, Nathaniel Francis' overseer and two children, John T. Barrow, George Vaughan, Mrs, Levi Waller and ten children, William Williams, 268 wife and two boys, Mrs. Caswell Worrel and child, Mrs. Rebecca Vaughan, Ann Eliza Vaughan and son Arthur, Mrs. John K. Williams and child, Mrs. Jacob Williams and three children, and Edward Drury — amounting to fifty-five. 126. Rial in Providence in Sept. 1831. The committee of citizens appointed at the town meet- ing in Providence on the 2yth ult. to investigate and make a statement of facts, have made a report. It is stated that for several years there has been in Olnej^'s lane, and in the part of Providence called ' Srtovv Town,' a number of houses inhabited chiefly by idle blacks, others by whites, and others by a mixture, constituting a continual nuisance, from their riots and affrays ; that the town authorities had been remiss in not correcting the nuisance, as so hateful was it to those who lived within its sphere, that they made no efforts to discountenance the mob, whose proceedings on the night of the 22d ult. were scarcely interrupted in the presence of nearly 1000 satis- fied and passive spectators. Yet those who thus counte- nanced the mob, are now convinced that of all the evils that can be inflicted upon civil society, that of a lawless and ferocious mob is the most capricious in its objects, the most savage in its means, and the most extensive in its conse- quences. The first of the recent riots took place on Wednesday evening, Sept. 21. Five sailors, after supper, started from their boarding houses in the southerly part of the town to go ' on a cruise.' They arrived at the foot of Olney's lane about eight o'clock, where they met six or seven men, of one of the steamboats, with sticks or clubs in their hands, and without hats or jackets. They stated that they had been up and had a row with the ' darkies,' and asked the five sailors to go up and aid them. About a hundred persons were assembled, all of whom appear- ed ready for an affray. The five sailors admit that they 2G9 proceeded ti^the lane -»vith the multitude. A great noise was made, the crowd singing and shouting until they came near the elm tree, Avhe n a gun ^^•as discharged and stones thrown from the vicinity of" the houses occupied by the blacks. Stones were also thrown by the crowd against the houses. The committee have received no satisfactory evidence whether the discharge of the gun and stones by the blacks preceded or succeeded the stones thrown by the crowd, or whether they were simultaneous. It is pretty certain that upon the firing of the gun, the main body of the crowd retreated to the foot of the lane. The five sailors, however, continued up the lane, and when nearly opposhe the blacksmith's shop, another gun was discharg- ed. AVilliam Henry, one of the five sailors, put his hand to his face, and said he was shot. George Erickson and William Hull proceeded to the house the farthest east but one, on the south side of Olney's lane, occupied by blacks. A black man standing on the steps presented a gun, and told them to keep their distance at their peril. Hull proposed taking the gun from him, but Erickson thought it best to leave him. 1'hey accordingly joined their three comrades, and proceeded up the lane about a hundred feet to a passage leading from the south side of the lane to a lot in the rear. They saw three or four pien, one of whom Hull knew. The black whom they had seen on the steps with a gun, perceiving that they had stopped, ordered them a^ain 'to clear out,' or he Avould fire upon them. He saidu ' Is this the way the blacks are to live, to be obliged to (\fend themselves from stones?' The sailors refused to go any farther. One of them, Hull thinks it was George, told the black to 'fire and be damned.' Two attempts to fire wer^; made, a flash and a snap ; upon the third, the gun went ciT. George fell, m.ortally a rounded, with a large shot in his breast. William Hull a nd John Phillips were wounded, but not dangerously. G eorge died in about half an hour, during which time Hull states that he could obtain no assistance from the crow( I below. Before he was removed, and within half an hour of his death, as Hull states, the crowd had increased to n large mob, and they proceeded 270 up the lane, and demolished two of the houses occupied by blacks, and broke the windows and some of the furni- ture of others. On the 22d, the knowledge that a white man had been shot by the blacks, made a great excitement, and the mob assembled at 7 o'clock, and the sheriff arrested seven and committed them to jail, but in three or four other in- stances the mob made a rescue. Twenty-five soldiers of Capt. Shaw's company being ordered out, they w^ere pelt- ed by the mob with some injury, and it being perceived that nothing short of firing would have any other eflfect than to exasperate the mob, they marched off, and no fur- ther attempt was made that night to quell the mob. On Friday morning it was generally reported that an attempt would be made to break into the jail and rescue the pri- soners. A meeting of the State Council was had, three infantry, one cavalry, and one artillery company ordered to be under arms. Four of the rioters were liberated for want of evidence, and three bound over for trial, that the mob might have no pretence to attack the jail. In the afternoon the following placard was posted. ' All persons ho are in favor of Liberating those Men ho are confined within the walls of the Providence Jail are requested to make due preparation, and govern themselves accordingly' ' N B — No quarters Shone.' Most of the evening from 30 to 50 collected in front of the jail, many threats were uttered, and it was with diffi- culty that the mob could be made to believe that all the prisoners had been discharged. Soon after, a man who had an instrument under his arm, apparently a sword, appeared and ordered the mob to Snow Town, whither they went, but did but little damage. On Saturday evening, 6 o'clock, the same companies mustered about 130 men at their armories, and the sheriff repaired to Snow Town at half past eight. There was a great crowd, and stones were thrown at the houses : he waited on the Governor, who it his request ordered out 271 the troops, who on their way to their post on the hill west of the buildings the mob were destroying, were sorely pelted, and in clearing the hill, one of the mob seized an infantry soldier's musket, and pulled him down the bank 20 feet. A skirmish ensued between two or three soldiers and some of the mob, in which an artille- rist gave the man who had seized the soldier, a sabre cut. After the military had taken tlieir position, the riot act was read audibly by W. S. Patten, Esq. a Justice of the Peace, the mob listening in silence, after which all per- sons were repeatedly warned to disperse peaceably, and told that all who remained would be considered rioters. The night was still, and the proclamation and statements were plainly heard at a great distance : but the multitude answered by huzzas, shouts, and threats. The sheriff then gained attention, and stated that all must disperse, or in five minutes they would be fired upon. The shouts and stones were redoubled, and exclamations of ' fire and be damned' Avere heard from all quarters. The civil officers were constantly employed in trying to induce the mob to depart. Soldiers being injured from an opposite hill, the sheriff directed the crowd to retire from that, or he would have to fire upon them ; one party moved off towards Mr. Newell's residence, and another portion towards the houses near the bridge. The mob then again attacked one of these houses, throwing stones and demolishing the windows. The sheriff in a very loud voice, commanded them to desist, but no attention was paid to him. The violence of the attack increased, so that it was supposed they had begun to tear the building down. At this time the sheriff re- quested the Governor to detach a portion of the force to suppress the riot. The Light Dragoons and the first Light Infantry were accordingly ordered to march under the sheriff's directions. The Governor advised the she- riff not to fire unless in self-defence. As these two com- panies approached Mr. Newell's in order to gain the road, they found a portion of the tumultuous crowd still posted in that quarter, who threw stones upon them. The sol- diers halted, and musketry was discharged into the air, 272 with a view to intimidate the rioters, and thus cause them to disperse without injury, but this firing produced no other effect than a shower of missiles, accompanied with hootings and imprecations. The sheriff left this detach- ment, returned to the Governor, and said he did not deem it prudent to move down the hill, leaving this large body of the mob in the rear. The Governor then directed the company of Cadets to occupy a position to protect their rear, which they did accordingly. The sheriff with the two companies first detached, then marched doAvn, the infantry in front, he constantly directing all persons to re- tire, and moving sufficiently slow to give them an oppor- tunity to do so. As he approached the house, the mob desisted from their work. During this march, the stones were continually heard rattling against the muskets, and fell thick among the soldiers. As the troops approached the bridge, part of the mob retired before them ; some occupied the ground upon each flank, and the sides of the bridge Avere filled. They slowly crossed the bridge, the sheriff' continually and earnestly repeating his request for the rioters to dis- perse, warning them of their danger. The crowd immedi- ately closed in upon their rear with great clamour, throw- ing stones without cessation. After the detachment had gained the street east of the bridge, the assaults upon them increased to so great a degree of violence, that the Cavalry were forced against the Infantry, andthe rear pla- toon of Infantry nearly upon the front. The Dragoons called out to the Infantry that they could not withstand the incessant shower of missiles ; and unless the Infantry fired upon the rioters, it was impossible that they could remain. The Cavalry were without ammunition. The Infantry also exclaimed that they could no longer sustain these dangerous volleys of stones, and if they were not permitted to defend themselves, they felt they were sacri- ficed. The detachment halted in Smith-street, near its junction with North Main-street, at a distance of about forty rods from the residue of the military on the hill. The Infantry faced about to present a front to the assail- ants and the Light Dragoons who had been compelled to 273 advance partly along their flanks, filed past them, and formed upon the left. After they hahed, the stones were still hurled unremit- tingly. Many of the soldiers were seriously injured. Tlie stocks of several of the muskets were split by the missiles. The air was filled with them. I'he sherifl^ who was by the .*ide of the Captain of the Infantry du- ring the whole march, repeatedly commanded the mob to desist, but t^hose orders were wholly unavailing. It hav- ing now become manifest that no other means existed by wliich the riot could be suppressed, or the lives of the men preserved, the sheriff directed the Captain to fire. The Captain then gave the word, ' ready.' Here a momentary pause took place. The stones were still thrown with the greatest violence, and exclamations were vociferated, ' Fire and be damned.' The Captain turned to the sheriflf and asked, ' Shall I fire?' Perceiving that the crisis had at length arrived, and that the danger was imminent, he replied,, ' Yes, you must fire.' The further orders were then given, 'Aim — Fire.' A discharge followed in a somewhat scattering manner.* After the order was thus executed, a second was immediately given to cease firing. The most perfect silence ensued, not a sound was heard, and all violence instantly ceased. In about five minutes, it being evident the mob was now quelled, the Infantry assumed a new position in the line on the east side of Main-street, facing westwardly with the Cavalry on their left. At the moment these two companies passed the bridge on their march eastward, the shouts were so violent, and the attacks upon them appeared so alarming, that the Governor, apprehensive for their safety, ordered the com- pany of Cadets to march double quick time to their sup- port. The firing of the Infantry was hoard immediately after. The Cadets were then moving down, but had not passed below the point where the Governor with the Ar- tillery and volunteer companies remained. They how- ever continued their march, crossed the bridge, and pro- ceeded down Canal-street to Weybosset bridge, dispersing ♦ Four persons were killed,— .Ed, 274 I the mob before them. After the firing ceased, informa- tion was brought to the Governor, that the muhitude was separating. Before leaving the hill, the Governor re- quested Dr. Parsons, who was Avith him, to attend upon the wounded, and render them every possible assistance. Throughout this investigation, the committee have not been able to conceal from their view the disastrous conse- quences of a predominance of the mob over the Infantry, on the night of the 24th. The Dragoons had been driven upon the Infantry, and forced partly around their flank ; the men could stand the pelting no longer. Surrounded as they were, no effectual use could be made of the bayo- net. They were obliged to fire, or suffer their ranks to be broken. Had their ranks been broken, the lives of many if not all of the soldiers Avould have been sacrificed, and their arms fallen into the possession of the mob. The Committee therefore are of unanimous opinion, that the necessity of a discharge by the Infantry was forced upon them by the mob, and that it was strictly in defence of their lives. 275 A CHRONOLOGICAL TABLE DISCOVERIES, SETTLEMENTS, WARS, AND REMARKABLE EVENTS, UNITED STATES. DISCOVERIES AND SETTLEMENTS. 1492 America first discovered by Columbus. 1497 North America first discovered by Sebastian Cabot, a Venetian, in the service of England. 1512 John Ponce de Leon discovered and named Florida, from its being discovered on Easter day, or feast of flowers. 1528 P. de Narvaes, with 400 men, lands in Florida, and attempts the conquest of the country. He is defeated by the natives. 1535 Cartier, a Frenchman, first attempts a ."iettlernent in Canada. 1539 Ferdinand de Soto, a Spaniard, landed in Florida with 1200 men, in search of gold. He penetrated into the country, and discovered the Mississippi. 1562 Ribault, with a colony ot French Protestants, began a settle- ment on the Edisto. It was abandoned. 1584 Sir Walter Raleigh obtains a patent for making discoveries. Amadas and Barlow, by order of Raleigh, landed on Woconan and Roanoke. On their return. Queen Elizabeth named the country Virginia. 1585 Sir R. Grenville sent with seven vessels to settle Virginia. A colony left at Roanoke under Governor Lane. The colony returned to England the ne.xt year. 1586 Grenville left a second colony at' Roanoke, which was destroyed by the natives. 1587 A third colony, under Gov. White, left at Roanoke. Gov. White returned to England for supplies. He came back in 1590, but not finding the men he haa left, he returned to Eng- land. 1602 Bartholomew Gosnold sailed to America, named Cape Cod, discovered Martha's Vineyard and the adjacent islands, built a fort and store-house, but returned to England the same year. 1607 Captain Newjjort arrived in Virginia, and began the first per- manent British settlement in ISorth America, at Jamestown, Virginia. 160S Capt. Smith first explored the Chesapeake. Canada settled by the French. Quebec founded July 3d. 276 1610 Capt. Henry Hudson, an Englishman, in the service of the Dutch, discovers the Manhattan, now Hudson river. 1611 Champlain, a Frenchman, discovered the lake which now bears his name. 1614 Capt. Smith made a fishing voyase to the northern part of Ame- rica. Made a cliart of the coast, which he presented to Prince Charles, who named the country New England. Settlements commenced by the Dutch, at Manhattan, now New York, at Albany, and in New Jersey. 1616 Capt. Dermer, the first Englishman who sailed through Long Island sound. 1620 Plymouth settlers arrived at Plymouth, Dec. 22. 1623 First settlement of New Hampshire, at Dover, and at Little Harbour. 1627 Delaware and Pennsylvania settled by the Swedes and Fins. 1629 Salem settled by Gov. Endicott. 1630 Charlestown, Boston, Watertown, and Dorchester, settled by Gov. Winthrop and others. 1633 Maryland settled by Lord Baltimore and a colony of Roman Catholics. The Dutch erect a fort on Connecticut river, in the present town of Hartford. The Plymouth people erect a trading house in the present town of Windsor, Conn. r634 Wethersfield, Conn., settled by people from Dorchester, Mass. . 1635 Windsor settled bv people from Dorchester. Saybrook fort built by J. Winthrop's men. 1636 Hartford settled by Mr. Hooker and his congregation. Providence, R. L, settled and named by Roger Wilhams. 1638 New Haven settled by Messrs. Davenport, Eaton, and others. Exeter, New Hampshire, founded. 1639 Newport, Rhode Island, settled. Milford, Guilford, Stratford, and Saybrook, in Connecticut, settled. 1640 Southampton, on Long Island, settled by people from Lynn, Massachusetts. 1642 T. Mayhewand others settle Martha's Vineyard. 1648 New London, Conn., settled. 1654 Col. Wood, of Viiginia, sent a company of men to explore the country of the Ohio. 1658 Northampton and Hadley, Mass., settled by people from Con- necticut. 1663 Carolina planted. 1664 Elizabethtown, New Jersey, settled. 1665 Sir J. Yeamans settled on the southern banks of Cape Fear river, with a colony from Barbadoes. 1677 Burlington, N. J., settled by a number of families from York- shire, England. 1680 Charleston, South Carolina, settled. 1682 Pennsylvania settled by William Penn and others. Philadelphia founded. M. de la Salle descended the Mississippi to its mouth, took pos- session of the country in the name of Louis XIV. the French king, and nanied the country Louisiana. 1683 Germantown, Pa., settled by a number of Quakers from Ger- many. 1692 A fort built at Pemaquid by Sir William Phipps. 1702 The Freii'-h send colonies into Louisiana. 277 1710 2700 Palatines, from Germany, arrived and settled in New York and Pennsylvania. 1717 New Orleans founded by the French. 1722 Gov. Burnet, of N. V., erects a trading house at Oswego. 172:} First settlement in Vermont. 1724 Trenton, N. J., founded by William Trent. 1731 Fort at Crown Point built by the French. - 1733 Georgia settled by Mr. Oglethorp and others. A colony of Swiss came to Carolina. 1740 Tennessee explored by Col. Wood, Patton, Dr. Walker, and others. 1741 The Moravians, or United Brethren, began the settlement of Bethlhcem, Pa. 1749 Halifa.\, Nova Scotia, settled by the British. 1756 Fort Loudon, on the Tennessee river, built. 1764 A large body of German settlers arrive in Carolina. 1765 The settlement of Tennessee commenced. 1771 Nootka Sound, the north-west coast of America, discovered by Capt. Cook. 1773 Kentucky settled by Col. Boon and others. 1773 Connecticut formed a township on the Susquehanna, forty miles square, called Westmorelanu, and anne.xed it to the county of Litchfield. 1787-3 Twenty thousand settlers, rnen, women, and children, passed the Muskingum river, in Ohio. 1S04 Capts. Lewis and Clark explored the Missouri to its source, crossed the Rocky Mountains, arrived at the Pacific ocean in November, 1805, returned to the United States in 1806. 1312 First house in Rochester, N. Y., built. WARS, MILITARY EVENTS, &c. 1014 The Dutch built a fort at Manhattan, (near New York.) 1622 The Indians massacred 349 of the Virginia colonists, March 22, Narragansett Indians threaten war. 1623 Massasoit disL-lose.^ an Indian conspiracy. 1034 The Indians in Connecticut begin hostilities. 1635 Fort built at Saybrook, Con. 1637 War triih the Pc^uuts in Connecticut : their fort taken by sur- prise and destroyed. May 26. 163S Uncas. Sachem of the Mohegans, makes a treaty with the EnElish. 1642 The Dutch fort at Hartford seized by the inhabitants of Con- necticut. Indian war in Maryland. 1643 War between the Mohecrans and Nnrragansefts. 1645 .\i-tioii between a New F.nglaud ship and an Irish man of war. Battle fought between the Dutch end Indians, near the confines of Connecticut ; gnat numbers slain on both sides. 1651 Dutch trading house on the Delaware taken by the Swedes. 1654 The Iroquois Indians e.xtrrminate the Eries. The Dutch extirpate the Swedes from the Delaware. 1664 New Vork and .Albany taken from the Dutch. 1669 War between New York India-is and the Mohawks. 24 278 1673 New Vork and New Netherlands taken by the Dutch— they were restored to the En£;Hsh the next year. 1675 King Phlli/i^s HV/r comtnenced ; action at Swanzey, June : Brookticld burnt, Detrlield burnt, Sept. I ; Hadlty as.saulted ; .Sprin;jfiel(i burnt ; Cupt. Lathrop, with 80 nun, surprised by Indians— almo.'it every man slain, Sept. l«. Gov. Winslow, with 1000 men, attacked the Narragansett.s, (the allies of Philip,) in their fort: the fort destroyed, and their country ravaged, December. 167C Lancaster burnt ; Capt. Pierce and his company slain ; Capt. Wadsworth and about fifty of his men killed ; Falls fight— the Indians surprised in the nia;ht, — they lost ;iOO men, women, and children. May IS; Hatfield and Hadley attacked.— King Philip killed, Aug. 12— which ends the war. Bacon's insurrection in Virginia; Jamestown burnt. 1677 Insurrection in Carolina : the insurgents exercised authority for two years in that colony. 1678 Fort built at Pemarjuid ; treaty at Casco with the Indians. 1686 Port Royal, Carolina, broken up by the Spaniards from St. Au- gustine. 1687 The French under Denonville, make war upon the Seneca Indians. 1688 Gov. Andros' expedition against the eastern Indians. 1690 A body of French and Indians, from Montreal, burn Sche- nectady, and massacre the inhabitants, Feb. 8. Salmon Falls surprised by the French and Indians. Casco fort destroyed ; fort at Pemaquid taken. Port Royal taken by Sir AV'illiam Phipps — he makes an expedition against Quebec, but is uusuccessful. 1691 Major Schuyler, with a party of Mohawks, attacks the French settlements on Lake Champlain. 1692 The French and Indians attack York and Wells. 1693 Count Frontenac. Governor of Canada, makes an expedition against the Mohawks. 1694 Gov. Fletcher makes a treaty with the five Nations. 1696 The French destroy the fort at Pemaquid, and lay ■ aste Nova Scotia. 1700 Carolina infested with pirates. 1702 Gov. Moore's expedition against the Spaniards, at St. Augiistind —it proves abortive. 1703 Gov. Moore sididues the Apalachian Indians. 1704 Deerfield burnt and most of its inhabitants carried captive by the French and Indians, Feb. 28. 1705 The French ravage Newfoundland. 1706 The Spaniards and French invade Carolin;i— they are defeated. 1707 Tlie New I'.ngland troops make an unsuccessful expedition against Port Royal. 1708 Haverhill surprised hy the French and Indians. 1710 Port Royal, in Nova Scotia, taken by general Nicholson, Oct. 2. 1711 Expedition against Quebec — failed by the loss of transports in the St. Lawrence, August. 1712 War with the Tuscaroras in North Carolina— they are de- feated. 1715 A general conspiracy against the Carolinas, by the Yamasees. Cherokees, and other tribes.— Governor Craven attacks ana defeats them in their cainp. 1719 Pensacola taken by the French from the Spaniards. 1724 War with the eastern Indians in New England. 279 1730 The Natcho7. Indians extirpated by the French. 1736 The Chicknsaw Indians defeat the French. 1740 General 0,a;lethorp, with 2,000 men, makes an unsuccessful ex- pedition against St. Augustine. 1741 Expedition against Cuba. 1742 Spanish expedition against Georgia— failed. 1745 Loiiisburg and Cape "Breton taken by the New England troops, aided by a Britisli squadron, June 17. 174G French expedition under Duka D'AnvilJe, which threatened New England, failed, by means of storms, sickness in the fleet, &c. 1747 Saratoga village destroyed, the inhabitants massacred by the French and Indians. \7!y" The French erect forts on the back of the cclonies. 1754 Colonel Washington, with 400 men, in fort Nccessiti^ surren- dered to the French, July 4. 1755 E.xpedition against Nova Scotia ; the French are subdued, the inhabitants brought awav and dispersed among the colonies. General Braddoek defeated by the French and Indians, July 9. Battle of Lake George; the French under Baron Dieskau de- feated, Diesknu wounded, Sept. 8. 1756 Oswe:.'o taken by the French under Montcalm. 1757 Fort William Henry capitulated to the French, many of the garrison massacred by the Indians. 1753 Louisburg taken by the British, July. Gen. .Abcrcromhie defeated at Ticonderoga with great loss ; Lord Howe killed, July. 1758 Fort Fiontenac taken from the French by Col. Bradstreet. Fort du Quesne abandoned by the French and taken by the English and named Pittsburgh. Nov. 25, 1759 Ticonderoga and Crown Point taken by Gen. Amherst. Niagara taken bv the English, Gen. Prideaux killed. English repulsed at Montmorency, near Quebec. Battle of Qur.hec ; Gen. Wolf, tne English commander, and Montcalm, the French commander, killed; the French de- feated and Quebec taken, September. 1760 M. de Levi attempts to recover Quebec; he is compelled to retire. Montreal capitulated to the English, September, and Canada is subdued. The Cherokees take fort Loudon, and treacherously massacre the garrison. 1761 The Cherokees defeated by Col. Grant and compelled to make peace. 1762 Havanna taken by the British and provincials. 1763 Treaty of peace signed at Paris between Great Britain and France; Canada, Nova Scotia, and Cape Breton confirmed to the British king. 176^ Two British regiments stationed at Boston, September. 1770 Massacre in Boston ; tlie British troops fired upon the inhab- itants, and killed three and wounded five, March 5. 1773 Tea thrown nverboind at Boston, Dec. 16. 1775 Battle of Lexington, which began the revolutionary war, April 19. Ticonderoga taken by Col. Ethan Allen. May 10. George Washington tippointed commander-in-chief of the Ame- rican army. June 15 ; took command of the troops investins Boston, July 2. •2S0 1775 Generals Howe, Clinton, and Burgoync, with a re-enforcement from England, arrived at Boston, May 25. Battle of Bunker Hill, June 17. General Montgomery penetrated into Canada, look fort Chamblee, St. Johns and Montreal, Nov. Col. Ethan Allen captured near Montreal, and sent in irons to England. Col. Arnold, with 3,000 men, penetrates through the wilderness to Canada. Assault upon Quebec: General Montgomery killed and the Americans defeated, Dee. 31. 1776 Norfolk, Va., burnt by the British, January 1. Boston evacuated by the British, March 17. Loyalists defeated in Norlh Carolina by Gen. Moore, Feb. 27. Blockade of Quebec rai.sed by the Americans, Mays. A body of the Americans at the Cedars surrendered, May. The Americans evacuated Canada, June IS. The British defeated in their attack on Sullivan's Island, July 28. General Howe and Admiral Lord Howe, with 2-1,000 men. arrive at Sandy Hook, June. Declaration of Independence, July 4. Battle on Long Island, August 27. American army withdrawn from Long Island, Aug. 30. Captain Nathan Hale, of Connecticut, executed as a spy. New York evacuated by the Americans, taken possession of by the British, Sept. 15. Gen. Arnold defeated on LakeChamplain, Oct. 12. Battle at the White Plains, Oct. 28. Port Washington taken, with about 2,000 prisoners, Nov. 16. Fort Lee evacuated, Nov. 18. Americans attack Fort Cumberland, Nova Scotia, but are repul- sed, Nov. 20. American army retreated through New Jersey, and crossed the Delaware, pursued by the British, November and December. The British take possession of Rhode Island, Dec. 8. Congress adjourn to Baltimore, Dec. 12. Gen. Lee suriirised and taken prisoner, Dec. 13. Battle of Trenton, lOno Hessians taken, Dec. 26. 1777 Battle of Princeton, Gen. Mercer killed, Jan. 3. Washington retires to Morristown. More than 20,0'i0 stands of arms and 1000 barrels of powder ar- rived from France. Danbury, Con., burnt, Gen. Wooster killed, April 28. Col. Meigs crosses over to Long Island from Connecticut, and captures 90 of the British without the loss of a man, May 23. Gen. Prescott sunirised and taken prisoner by Col, Barton, of Rhode Island. Battle of Brandywine, Gen. Lafayette wounded, Sept. U. Gen. Wayne surprised and defeated with the loss of about 300 men, Sept. 28. The British take puasession of Philadelphia, Sept. 27. Ticonderoga evacuated by the Americans, July 6. Battle of Wellington, August. Battle of Germantown, Oct. 4. Burgoyne encamps at Saratoga, Sept. 14. Gen, Burgoync surrendered to Gen. Gates, Oct. \^^ 281 1777 Assault on Red Rank ; British defeated : Count Donop killed. 177S Treaty of Alliance vith Fraixce, sisnetl Feb. G. The British evacuate Philadelphia, .June IS. Battle of Monmouth; many soldiers died of the heat, June 28. Count D'Estaing arrives with a French fleet offNewport, July. Massacre at Wyoming, July. Battle on Rliode Island, Aug. 29 ; Americans retreat from Rhode Island, Aug. 30. Paul Jones' naval battle on the coast of Scotland, Sept. 22. Colonel Baylor's regiment of cavalry surprised by Gen. Grey, Sept. 2S. Expedition of the Americans against East Florida, failed. Savannah taken by the British imder Col. Campbell, Dec. 29. The .American frigate Randolph, of 3G guns, and 300 men, blown up in an engagement ; only four men saved. 1779 Gen. Ash surprised and defeated by the British at Brier Creek, with the loss of 300 men, March 3. Engagement at Stono Ferry; Americans obliged to retreat, June 20. Unsuccessful assault on Savannah ; Count Pulaski, a Pohsh oflicer in the service of the Americans, mortally wounded, October 9. The British make incursions into Virginia ; property to an im- mense amount destroyed. The British plunder New Jersey, Jime. Gov. Tryon mvades and plunders New Haven, July 5 ; Fairfield and Nor walk burnt. Stony Point taken by General Wayne, July 1.5. The Americans made an unsuccessfs.;! attempt against the Bri- tish post at Penobscot. Gen. Sullivan ravages the country of the Six Nations. 17?0 Gen. Lincoln capitulated, and Charleston, S. C. surrendered »to Sir Henry Clinton, I\[av 12. Col. BuforJ defeated at the Wexhaws by the British under Col. Tarleton : the Americans lost about 300 men, in killed, wound- ed, and prisoners. May 2B. Col. Sumpler defeats a party of British at Williamson's planta- tion, July 12 ; and a body of Tories at Hanging Rock, Au- gust 6. Gen. Rochambeau arrives at Newport, R. I. with a French fleet and armv, July 10. Battle of Caniilen ; the Americans under Gen. Gates, defeated August 16 ; Baron de Kalb, a German officer, killed. Gen. Sumpter surprised and defeated by Col. Tarleton, Au- gust 18. Treason of Arnold ; ?iIajor Andre taken and executed, Oct. 2. Action at King's Moiniiain ; the British and Tories, under Ma- jor Ferguson, defeated with the loss of 150 killed and 800 pri- soners, October 7. Incursion of the British Gen. Kniphausen, into New Jersey; action near Springfield, N. J. June 23. 1781 Mutiny in the Pennsylvania line of troops, Jan. 1. General Green takes command of the Southern American army. Battle of the Cowpens ; Gen. Morgan and Col. Tarleton, Janu- ary 17. Battle of Guilford, N. C. between Gen. Greene and LordCorn- wallis, March 15. 04* 282 1781 Gen. Marion lakes fort Watson. April 23. Fort Cornwallia at Augusta, taken June 6. Gen. Greene lays siege to Ninety-Si.x, but is repulsed, June 18. The combined armies under Gen. Washington, decamp from the Hudson, and march for Virginia, August 19. New London, Con. burnt, fort Griswold stormed and the gam- son put to the sword by Arnold, Sep;eniber 8. Battle of the Eutaw Springs ; Gen. Greene defeats the British, with the loss of 1000 men, Sept. 8. Lord Cornwallis pursues the Marquis de la Fayette, in Virginia. Count deGrasse, with a French fleet, and 3,200 troops, enters the Chesapeake, September. Yorktown invested, and batteries opened against it, Oct. 9. 1 The British army under Lord Cornwallis, surrendered at York- I town, Va. to Gen. Washington, October 19 ; this event decided { the revolutionary war. 1782 The British evacuated Savannah, July. ] Provisional articles of peace signed. Independence of the United « States acknowledged, Nov. 30. j 1783 Definitive treaty signed, Sept. 3. , The army disbanded, Oct. IS. J Farewell address of Gen. Washington to the army, Nov. 2. j General Washington resigned his commission, Dec. 23. 5 1790 Gen. Harnier defeated by the Indians in Ohio. ' 1791 Gen. St. Clair defeated by the Indians. 1794 Gen. Wayne gains a decisive victory over the Indians on the i Miami, Au.^ust 20. 1797 Collision with the French republic. ] 1798 Gen. Washington appointed to command the armies of the Uni- , ted States, July 7. , 1799 Capt. Truxtun, in the Constellation, took the French frigate In- surgent, Feb. 10. ( 1800 Treaty of Peace with France, September 30. ' 1803 War with Tripoli. ! 1804 Com. Preble makes an ineffectual attack on Tripoli. 1805 Gen. Eaton takes possession of Derne, a Tripolitan city, and a \ peace with Tripoli soon after ensues. t 1807 The American frigate Chesapeake fired into by the British fri- , gate Leopard, on the Capes of Virginia, 4 men killed and 1& wounded, June 22. 1809 Non-intercourse with Great Britain and France, established by congress, March 1. ,j 1811 Engagement between the American frigate President, Captain Roger.'', and the British sloop of war, Little Belt, Capt. Bing- ' ham, May. i Battle of Tippacanoe, between Gen. Harrison and the Indians, ' November 7. l| 1S12 Declaration of War by the United States against Great Britain, ' June IS. ! General Hull surrendered his army, and the fort of Detroit, to ) the British, August 16. ' U. S. frigate Constitution, Capt. Hull, captured the British frigata i Guerriere, Captain Dacres, Aug. 19. j 400 men, women, and children, massacred at Fort Minims, on \ the Alabama, by the Indians, Aug. 30. i U. S. frigate United States, Com. Decatur, captured the Mace- donian, October 25. < Battle of Queenstown. U. C. Gen. Brock killed, Oct. 3. : 1812 U. S. frigate Constitution, Com. Bainbridge, captured the Java, Dec. 29. 1813 Bloody action at the river Raisin, between the Americans under Gen. Winchester, and the British and Indians under Gen. Proctor; Gen. Winchester killed, and the American prisoners massacred by the Indians, Jan. •J2. U. S. sloon of war Hornet, Captain Lawrence, captured the British sloop of war Peacock, Captain Peak, who was killed. York, Upper Canada, taken by the Americans ; Gen. Pike killed, April 27. U. S. frigate Chesapeake, Capt. Lawrence, captured by the Bri- tish friaate Shannon; Capt. Lawrence killed, June 1. Gallant defence of fort Stephenson, by Major Croghan, Au- gust 1. The American fleet on Lake Erie, under Com. Perry, capture the British fleet under Com. Barclay, Sept. 10. Gen. Harrison defeats the British and Indians under Gen. Proc- tor; Tecumseh killed, Oct. 5. Detroit fell into the hands of the Americans. 1813-14 War with the Creek Indians : March, 26, 1814, Gen. Jackson obtains a decisive victory over the Creeks; upwards of 500 warriors slain at the Great Bend of the Tallapoosa. 1S14 U. S. frigate Essex, Capt. Porter, captured by a superior force, March 2S. Fort Eric taken by the Americans, July. Battle of Chippewa, July 6. Battle of Niagara, July 25. Washington captured and burnt by the British under Gen. Ross, Aug. 24. Attack on Baltimore; Gen. Ross killed, Sept. 12. Unsuccessful attack by the British, under Gen. Drummond, on fort Erie, Aug. 14. Castine taken by the British, Sept. 1. Com. Macdonough captures the British fleet on Lake Cham- plain; retreat of Gen. Provost from Plattsburgh, Sept. 11. 1815 Memorable victory of General Jackson over the British before New Orleans, Jan. 8. Treaty of Peace between the United States and Great Britain, signed at Ghent, Dec. 24, 1814, ratified by the president ana senate, February 17, ISl.'S. Massacre of American prisoners at Dartmoor, Eng. April G. War declared against Algiers; Com. Decatur captures the Alge- rine frigate Mazouda, June 17; arrives with a squadron before Algiers, and compels the Dey to a treaty of peace. 1818 War with the Seminole Indians. 1823 Commodore Porter sent against the pirates in the West Indies. 1832 War with the Winncbagoes and other tribes. " Black Hawk," a famous Indian chief, captured, Aug. 27. REMARKABLE EVENTS. 1587 Virginia Dare born— the first child of Christian parents born in the United Stales. 1608 John Laydon married to Ann Burras,— the first Christian mar- riage in Virginia, and in the United States. 284 1610 Starving time in Virginia; of nearly 500 colonists, all perished but GO, in the course of six months. 1613 Rolfe, an Enirlistiman, married Pocahontas, daughter of Pow- hattan, the Indian kmg. 1C16 Tobacco first cultivated by the English settlers in Virginia. 1617 Pocahontas died in England, aged 22. 1618 A great pestilence destroyed most of the Indians from Narra- ganset to Penobscot. 1619 20,000 pounds of tobacco exported from Virginia to England. 1629 African slaves first brought mto Virginia by a Duich ship and sold to the colonists. Peregrine White, the first English child born in New England. 1621 Edward Winslow arid Susannah White, married,— the first Christian marriage in New England. 1623 George Sandys, of Virginia, translated Ovid's Metamorphosis, —the first literary production of the Enghsh colonists in America. 1624 The first cattle brought into New England by Edward Winslow, agent for the Plymouth Colony. 1630 Gov. Winthrop first abohshed the custom of drinking healths. John Billington executed for murder,- the first execution in Plymouth colony. 1631 First vessel built in Massachusetts, called the Blessing of Baif, launched July 4. 1632 Magistrates of the colony of Massachusetts, first chosen by the freemen in the colony. The magistrates of Massachusetts ordered that no tobacco should be used publicly. The general court of Plymouth passed an act, that whoever should refuse the office of governor should pay a fine of 20/., unless he was chosen two years successively. 1633 Virginia enacted laws for the suppression of religious sectaries. Messrs. Cotton, Hooker, and Stone, three emmcnt ministers, arrived at Boston, from England. A specimen of r!/c first broughlintp the court of Massachusetts, as the firsl-fruits of English grains. 1634 Roger Williams, minister of Salem, banished on account of his religious tenets. First merchant's shop in Boston opened. 1635 Great storm of wind and rain in New England; the tide rose twenty feet perpendicularlv, August 15. 1636 The Desire, a ship of 120 tons, built at Marblehead, the first American ship that made a voyage to England. The first court in Connecticut, held April 2f3. 1637 Ann Hutchinson holds lectures in Massachusetts for the propa- gation of her pecuhar religious sentiments,— she gains many adherents. A synod convened at Newtown, Mass., the first synod holden m America ; they condemn 82 erroneous opinions which had been propagated in New England. 1638 Great earthquake in New England, June 1. Two tremendous storms in August and December ; the tide rose It feet above the spring tides, at Narraganset, and flow- ed twice in six hours. Harvard College, Mass., founded ; it was named after theRev.t John Harvard, one of its principal benefactors. The ancient and honourable artillery company, formed at Boston. 285 1638 Throe Englishmen executed by the government of Plymouth colony, lor the murder of an Indian. 1630 First general election in Hartford, Conn.— John Haynes first Governor. First Baptist church in America formed at Providence, R. I. yevcre tempest and rain, Connecticut river rose 20 feet above the meadows, March. FHrsf. Printing in North America at Cambridge, Mass., by Samuel Green; the first thing printed was the Freemen's oath. House of Assembly established in Maryland. 1640 The general court of Massachusetts prohibited the use of tobacco. 1641 Severe winter; Boston and Chesapeake bays frozen; Boston bay passable f()r carts, horses, &c. for five weeks. 1642 The New England ministers invited to attend the Assembly of divines, at Westminsti*]-, England— but they declined. First commencement at Harvard College ; 9 candidates took the degree of A. B. 1643 Union of the colonics of Plymouth, Massacnusetts, Connecti- cut, and New Haven, for nmtual defence. 1646 Mr. Elliott commenced his labours among the Indians. The Friends or (iuakers first came to Massachusetts; laws passed against them ; four executed in 1659. 1647 First influenza mentioned in the annals of America. Legislature of I\Ia?sachusetis [lassed an act against the Jesuits., First general assembly of Rhode Island. Rev. Thomas Hooker, the first minister in Connecticut, died, aged 61 years. 11648 Laws of Massachusetts first printed. Margaret Jones of Charlestown, Mass., executed for witch- craft. The " Cambridge Platform" and the "Westminster Confession of Faith" received by most of the New England churches. The Congreigational church and its pastor ordered to depart from Virginia by the governor of that colony. 1649 John Wintlirop, governor of Massachusetts, and the Rev. Tho- mas Shepard died. The government of Massachusetts, wiih the assistants, signed a declaration against men's wearing long hair, as unscriptural. 1650 Indians of Martha's Vineyard christianized. Constitution of Maryland esiablished. 1651 The legislature of Massachusetts passed laws against extrava- gance in dress. 1652 The province of Maine taken under the protection of Massa- chusetts. The first mint for coining money in New England erected. John Cotton, a celebrated minister in Boston, died, aged 68. .654 College at New Haven projected by Mr. Davenport, Gov. Haynes of Connecticut died. i656 Miles Standish, the hero of New England, died. i657 Disputes concerning baptism in New England. Gov. Eaton, of New Haven, died. '658 Earthquake in New England. t660 At this time the colonies of Virginia, New Englann, and Mary- land, were supposed to contain no more than 60,000 inhabit- ants. Gort'e and Whallcy, the regicides, arrived in Boston. 28G 1661 Society for propagating the gospel among the Indians of New England, incorporated by Charles II. 1602 Charter of Connecticut granted by King Charles II. The legislature of Massachusetts appointed two licensers of the press. The assembly of Maryland established a mint in that colony. 1663 Great earthquake in (Janada and New England. 1664 Elliott's Indian Bible printed at Cambridge, Mass., the first Bible printed in America. A large comet seen in New England. 1605 New Haven and Connecticut united into one colony. At this time, the Militia of Massachusetts consisted of 4,400 men. The government of Rhode Island passed an order to omlaw Quakers, for refusing to bear arms. 1666 The buccanier? of America began their depredations in the j West Indies. 1672 Laws of Conneciicut printed; every family ordered to have a law book. 1673 New England contained at this time about 120,000 inhabitants. 1675 Virginia cgntained at this time about 50,000 inhabitants. 1680 New Hampshire separated from Massachusetts. The first as- sembly met at Portsmouth. Great comet seen in New England ; it occasioned much alarm. 1681 Thomas Mayliew died at Martha's Vineyard, aged 93. 1682 V\^i]liam Penn held a treaty with the Indians. 1683 The governor of Virginia ordered that no printing press should be used in that colony " on any occasion whatever." 1686 First Episcopal society formed in Boston. 1687 Charter of Connecticut hid from Andros, in a hollow oak, euid saved. M. de Salle, the discoverer of Louisiana, killed by his own men in a mutiny. 1688 New York and the Jersies added to the jurisdiction of New England. Andros appointed captain-general and vice-admiral over the whole. Opposition to /indros' administration in Massachusetts. 1689 William and Mary proclaimed in the colonies. Andros is seized and sent a prisoner to England. Rev. J. Elliot, " apostle of the Indians," died. 1600 Bills of credit issued by the government of Massachusetts; the first ever issued in the American colonies. The iphale fshery, at Nantucket, commenced. 1691 The assembly ot Virginia obtain of the crow;n the charter of William and Mary College, so named from the English sove- reigns. 1092 Nineteen persons executed for witchcraft, in Massachusetts. Eldmund Andros, the tyrant of New England, made governor of Virginia. Massachusetts and Plymouth colonies united. Sir William Phipps arrived, as governor of Massachusetts, under the new charter. 1693 Episcopacy introduced into New York. 1694 Legislature of Massa.'liusetts caused the names of drunkards. in the several towns, to be posted up in the public houses, and imposed a fine for giving them enteitainment. 1695 Rice introduced into Carolina. 287 1696 Thirty Indian churches in New England at this time. 1697 Severe winter ; the Delaware frozen. 1698 Seat of government in Virginia removed to Williamsburgh, the streets of which were laid out in the form of a VV, in honour of the reigning King of England, William. 1699 Assembly of Maryland removed to Annapolis. Yellow fever in Philadelphia. 1700 Legislature of New York made a law to hang every Popish priest who should come into the province. 262,000 inhabitants in the American colonies, at the beginning of this century. 1701 Yale College received its charter. 1702 First emission of paper currency in Carohna. First Episcopal churches in New Jersey and Rhode Island. 1703 The church of England established by law in Carolina. 1704 I^irst 7iewspape.r in America published in Boston, called the Bos- ton News Letter. 1706 The legislature of Connecticut exempted the ministers of the gospel from taxation in that colony. 1707 Episcopal church formed at Stratford ; the first formed in Con- necticut. 1708 Saybroo/c Platform formed by a synod of ministers, under the authority of the state of Connecticut. 1709 First issuing of paper currency in New York, New Jersey, and Connecticut. 1717 Greatest snow storm ever known, February. Yale College removed from Savbrook to New Haven. Bellamy, a pirate, wrecked with his fleet on Cape Cod. 1718 Piracy suppressed in the West Indies. William Penn, the founder of Pennsylvania, died in England, aged 74. 1719 Carolina throws off the proprietary government. First Presbyterian churcn in New York founded. Northern lights appeared in New England, Dec. Uth. Lotteries suppressed bv the legislature of Massachusetts. 1721 Pirst inoculalion for the small pox in America, at Boston. Elihu Yale, the benefactor of Yale College, died in England. 1923 Twenty-six pirates executed at Newport, R. 1. Paper currency in Pennsylvania first issued. 1724 The sect of Dunkers took its rise in Pennsylvania. 1725 Synods abolished in New England. First newspaper printed at New York, by William Bradford. 1727 Great earthnuakein New England, Oct. 29. 1728 Drouaht and hurricane in Carolma ; yellow fever in Charleston. Rev. Cotton Mather, a distinguished writer, died, aged 65. 1731 Rev. Solomon .Stoddard, a theological writer, died. 1732 Corn and tobacco, made a legal tender in Maryland. Corn at 20 pence per bushel, and tobacco at 1 penny per pound. George Washington born in Westmoreland county, Va., Feb. 22. 1733 First masonic lodge held in Boston. 1737 Earlliquake in New Jersey. 1738 College at Princeton, N. J., foimded. I'-IO George Whitefield, a celebrated preacher, first arrives in Ame- rica. He died in Newburyport, Mass., Sept. 1770. Hard winter; severe cold. 1741 Four white persons executed, 13 negroes burnt, 18 hanged, and great numbers transported, for a conspiracy to burn the city of New York. 288 1745 Indigo plant discovered in South Carolina. 1740 First ordinaiion among tin; separate ministers in New England. About 30 congregations of this order were formed from 1740 to 1750. 1749 Severe drought in New England; causes great distress; some of the inhabitants sent to Ktigland for hay. 1750 Massachusetts enacts a law against theatrical entertainments. 1752 New Style introduced into Britain and America; Sept. 2d reck- oned Nth. Charleston, S. C, laid under water by a tempest, Sept. Dr. Franklin makes his electrical experiments. 1754 Convention at Albany, of delegates from seven of the colonies, agree on a plan of union — never carried into ertect. 1755 Great earthquake in North America, Nov. IS. 1758 Jonathan Edwards, a celebrated theologian, died, aged 55. 1759 Lotteries granted hy the legislature of Massachusetts for the benefit of public works. 1761 Violent whirlwind near Charleston, S. C. 1762 Severest druiit^ht known in America, no rain from May to Sept. 1764 Spanish potatoe introduced into New England. Medical lectures first read in Philadelphia. 1768 or 9 First Methodist church in America built in New York. 1769 Dartmouth coiltge, New Hampshire, received its charter. It was named from the Earl of Dartmouth, its benefactor. American Philosophical Society, at Philadelphia, founded, 1771 R. Sandeman, founder of the Sandemanians, died, at Danbury, Con. 1774 The Shakers first arrived from England; they settled near Al- bany. First congress at Philadelphia. 1775 Peyton Randolph, first president of congress, died, aged 52. The first line of post offices established ; Dr. Franklm appoint- ed postmaster. 1776 Declaration of Independence, July 4. 1777 Vermont declares her.^elf an independent state. 1780 American Academy of Arts and Sciences incorporated. Dark day in the northern states, 19th of May, candles neces- sary at noon. 1781 Massachusetts Medical Society incorporated. 1782 First English Bible printed in America, by Robert Aiken, of Philadelphia. The American launched at Portsmouth, N. H., Nov. 5th, thu first 74 ever built in America. 1783 Slavery abolished in Massacliusetts. 1783 — 4 Severe winter, great floods in March. 1784 Empress of China, a ship of 3()0 tons, sailed from New York for Canton ; the first voyage from the United States to China. Anthony Benezel, a distinguished philanthropist, died. The towns of Hartford, New Haven, Middletown, New Lon- don, and Norwich, in Connecticut, constituted cities by thu legislature. 178E First instance of instrumental music in the Congregational churches in Boston. 1736 Shay's insurrection in Massachusetts. Universalist church founded in Boston. 1768 Federal constitution ratified, and became the constitution of tht; United States. Cotton first planted in Georgia, by R. Leake. 289 1789 George Washington inaugurated first president, April 30th. Convention of Episcopal clergy in Philadelphia ; the first Epis- copal convention in America. Dr. Carrol, of Maryland, consecrated bishop of the Roman Catholic church ; the first Catholic bishop m the U. Statea. 1790 Dr. Franklin died, aged 85. 1792 National mint established at Philadelphia. 1793 Yellow fever in Philadelphiii, 4,000 persons died. John Hancock, Henry Laurens, Arthur Lee, and Roger Sher- man, died this year. 1794 Whiskey insurrectiun in Pennsylvania. Destructive frost in New England, May 24th. 1796 Detroit given up by the British to the United States. 1797 Jolin Adams elected president. 1798 Yellow fever in Philadelphia. 1799 Washington died, aged 68. ISOO Seat ofgovcrnmcnt transferred from Philadelphia toWashington. The inoculation of the kine pock introduced into America by Professor Waterhouse of Cambridge, Mass. 1801 Thomas Jetlerson elected president of the United States. 1802 Merino sheep introduced into the United States by Mr. Living ston and Gen. Humphreys. 1803 Louisiana purchased of the French government for 15 millions of dollars. 1804 Gen. Hamilton killed in a duel by Col. Aaron Burr, vice-presi- dent of the United States. 1507 First steamboat built in this country. Col. Aaron Burr arrested on a charge of treason. Several meteoric stores fell m the county of Fairfield, Coan., one wrigliing 35 p unds, Dec. 4th. 1809 James Madiscn elected president. 1811 Richmond theatre burnt, Dec. 26; many persons lost their lives, 1S14 Meeting of the Hartford Convention, Dec. 15. 1316 Americrn} liible Society formed, May 8. Colonization Society formed. Cold summer.— Frost every month in the year in the northern states. Bank of the United Statest, with a capital of 35 millions of dol- lars, incorporated in April. 1S17 Grand canal in the state of New York commenced. James Monroe elected president. 1S20 First mariner's church creeled at New York. 1821 Florida ceded to the United States. 1824 Gen. Lafayette arrived at New York. Ib25 John Quincv Adams elected president. 1826 Thomas Jefi'erson and John Adams, two ex-presidents, died, July 4th, on the fiftieth anniversary of American independence. American Temperance Society formed at Boston, Mass. 1S23 Andrew Jackson elected president. United States steam frigate Fulton blown up at New York ; between 30 and 40 persons killed, June 4th. 1631 Insurrection of slaves in Southampton county, Virginia; about 60 men, women, and children, murdered, August. Riot in Providence, R. L, several persons killed by the military, Sept. 24. 1332 The cholera appears in the city of New York, June 27. Ordinance of S. Carolina "nullifying" the operation of the ta- lifT laws in that state. 25 290 COLLEGES. The following table contains the names of the principal Literary Institutions in the United States, the place wherein they are located, , and the tune when they were incorporated. NAMES. Harvard c. Wm. & Mary c. Yale c. New Jersey c. Columbia c. Pennsylvania U. Brown U. Dartmouth c. Rutgers c. Hampden Sidney c. Dickinson c. Geors?ctown c. Charleston c. Franklin c. N. Carolina U. Vermont U. William c. Union c. Greenville c. Bowdoin c. Transylvania U. Middlebury c. Jefferson c. Washington c. S. Carolina c. Ohio U. Jefferson c. Washington c Cumberland c. Baltimore c. Miami U. Hamilton c. Maryland U. Allegany c. Virgmia U. Waterville c. Cincinnati c. Columbia c. Knoxville c. Centre c. Amherst c. Washington c. Wesley an U. WHERE LOCATED. INCOR. Cambridge, Mass. 1638 Williamsburg, Va. 1691 New Haven, Conn. 1700 Princeton, N. J. 1738 New York city. 1754 Philadelphia. 1755 Providence, R. L 1764 Hanover, N. H. 1769 New Brunswick, N. J. 1770 Prince Edward co. Va. 1774 Carlisle, Penn. 1783 Georgetown, D. C. 1784 Charleston, S. C. 1785 Athens, Geo. 1765 Chapel Hill, N. C. 1789 Burlington, Vt. 1791 Williamstown, Mass. 1793 Schenectadv, N. Y. 1794 Greenville, Tenn. 1794 Brunswick, Me. 1795 Lexington, Ken. 1798 Middlebury, Vt. 1800 Canonsburg, Penn. 1801 Lexington, Va. 1801 Columbia, S. C. 1801 Athens, Ohio. 1801 Washington, Missi. 1802 Washington, Pa. 1802 Nashville, Tenn. 1806 Baltimore, Md. 1807 Oxford, Ohio. 1809 Clinton, N. Y. 1812 Baltimore. 1812 Meadville, Penn. 1817 Charlottesville, Va. 1817 Waterville, Me. 1813 Cincinnati, Ohio. 1819 Washington, D. C. 1821 Knoxville. Tenn. 1821 Danville, Ken. 1823 Amherst, Mass. 1824 Hartford, Conn. 1824 Middletown, Conn. 1831 291 A SHORT BIOGRAPHICAL SKETCH OF SOME OF THE MOST EMINENT PERSONS WHO ARE DISTINGUISHED IN AMERICAN HISTORY. A. Abe rcrombie,' John, a major general in the British army in Canada, in 1756. He appeared to be very deficient in military talents, and was called by his soldiers Miss Nabby Crombie, in derision ; he was superseded by Gen. Amherst. Adams, John, a patriot of the revolution, and four years a president of the United States; was born at Boston, about 1735, and was bred to the practice of law. He was one of the most decided opposers to the encroach- ments of the British government on the rights of the co- lonies — was a member of the continental congress in 1776, and one of the signers of the declaration of inde- pendence. He was sent a minister by congress to Hol- land, and rendered his country important services in that capacity. After the conclusion of the revolutionary war, he was sent the first ambassador from the United States to Great Britain. On the retirement of Wash- ington from the presidency, Mr. Adams was chosen his successor. Upon Mr. JefTorson's accession to the pre- sidency, Mr. Adams retired to his estate at Quincy, Mass., where he died on tlie 4th of July, 182G, on the fiftieth an- )iiversary of American independence. Adams, John Cluincy, is the son of the preceding, and was born at Quincy, about 1705. He has long been engaged in public life, and has been sent an ambassador of the United States to several European courts. He 292 was one of the commissioners Avho signed the treaty of peace at Ghent in 1815 ; he also was secretary of state under Mr. Monroe, and discharged the duties of that station with reputation and distinguished ahilityfor eight years. Mr. Adams was elected president of the United States on the 4th of March, 1825, and continued in the office four years. , Adams, Samuel, one of the governors of Massachu- setts — distinguished as a patriot, and for his influence in promoting the revolution — a man of stern integrity and dignified manners; he died in 1803, aged 82 years. Adams, Hannah, a distinguished female writer, was born in Medfield, Massachusetts. Her first work which brought her into notice, was her " View of Religions," printed in 1784. She was likewise the author of a His- tory of New England, a History of the Jews, and a num- ber of other valuable Avorks. She died at Brookline, near Boston, December 15th, 1831, aged seventy-six. Allen, William, chief justice of Pennsylvania previous to the revolution — the friend and patron of Benjamin West, the celebrated painter. He published at London in 1774, the American Crisis, in which was suggested a plan for restoring the dependence of America. Allen, Ethan, a brigadier general in the revolutionary war. He was celebrated for his bold and daring spirit. He captured Ticonderoga and Crown Point — was taken prisoner in an attempt on Montreal, and sent in irons to England, and after having experienced much cruelty, was exchanged. He died in Vermont in 1789. In his religious opinions he maintained many absurd notions, and in his writings ridiculed the Scriptures. Alexander, William, commonly called Lord Sterling, a major-general in the American army, was a native of the city of New York, but spent a considerable part of his life in New Jersey. He was considered by many as the rightful heir to the title and estate of an earldom in Scotland, of which country his father w'as a native. Alsop, Richard, a native of Middletown, Conn. — He possessed fine talents, and is generally known as a poet and translator: he died in 1815. 203 Ames, Fisher, an eloquent orator and distinguished statesman, born in Dedham, Mass. He possessed a mind of a great and uncommon character. He died in 1808. Amherst, Jefirey, Lord, commander-in-chief of the Bri- tish army, at the conquest of Canada in 1760. He was created field marshal in England, and died in 1780, aged 80. Andre, John, aid to Sir Henry Clinton, and adjutant general of the British army in America, in the revolu- tionary war — he was taken as a spy when negotiating with Arnold, about the surrender of West Point. He was hung at Tappan, N. Y., Oct. 2d, 1798. Andros, Edmund, Sir, governor of New York in 1764, and of New England in 1686; he was tyrannical and odious in his administration — he Avas seized by the people, and sent a prisoner to England, but never tried. In 1692 he was sent over to Virginia as governor. He died in London in 1714, at an advanced age. Arnold, Benedict, a major general in the American army. He has rendered his name infamous for turning traitor to his country ; for attempting to deliver the fort- ress of West Point to the British ; for committing ravages in Virginia, after his desertion, and a wanton butchery of the garrison at Fort Griswold, Conn. He died in London in 1801. Ashury, Francis, the first bishop of the American Methodist Church. He died March 21st, 1816, in the seventy-first year of his age, having zealously devoted about fifty years of his life to the work of preaching the gospel. As/imun, Jehudi, agent of the American colony at Liberia, Africa. This philanthropist was eminently qualified for the station appointed him. Upon his arrival in the colony he found it in a feeble and defenceless state, and only twenty-eight efl'ective men could be mustered when the colony was attacked by more than eight hun- dred armed savages. By his uncommon energy and prowess, he saved the colony from destruction, and laid the foundation of a large and well organized community 25* 294 of freemen. " Like the patriarchs of old, he was their captain, their lawgiver, judge, priest, and governor." By his hardships and exposure to the climate, his health failed him, and he returned to the United States, and soon after his arrival, died, at the age of 34, in New Haven, August 26th, 1828, deeply lamented by his Christian brethren. B. Bacon, Nathaniel, came to America and caused an in- jurious rebellion, in 1676, in Virginia, during Governor Berkley's administration. Barloiv, Joel, LL. D., was born at Reading, Conn., 1758, and was educated at Yale college; he served in the American army as a volunteer, and as a chaplain. At the close of the war he went to France, and became popular as a v\'arm friend of the revolution in that coun- try. He was appointed by the American government as consul to Algiers, and afterwards minister to France, and died on his way to Wilna. to meet the Emperor Napoleon, 1812. He was a poet of considerable merit; his most celebrated production Vv-as the Columbiad. Barnard, John, minister of Marblehead, Mass. — the father of the commercial enterprise of that place. His publications are numerous and valuable. He died in 1770. Barry, John, first commodore in the American navy, died at Philadelphia, in September, 1803. He espoused with ardour the cause of liberty, early in 1775, and with boldness of enterprise, supported the interests of his country during the war. He was a patriot of inte- grity and unquestionable bravery. His naval achieve- ments, a few years before his death, reflect honour on his memory. Barlram, John, an eminent botanist, was born near the village of Darby, in Chester county, Pennsylvania, in the year 1701. His grandfather, of the same name, ac- companied William Penn to this country in 1682. He was the first American who conceived and carried into effect, the design of a botanic garden, for the cultivation 395 of American plants, as well as of exotics. He made such proficiency in his favourite pursuit, that Linnaeus pronounced him " the greatest natural botanist in the world." He was also a very ingenious mechanic. Bayard, James A., a native of Delaware; a repre- sentative and senator in congress ; one of the ministers who negotiated the treaty of peace at Ghent ; and minis- ter to Russia. He died in 1815. Belknap, Jeremy, author of a history of New Hamp- shire, and an American biography. He was a minister of the gospel, and also one of the founders of the Massa- chusetts Historical Society. He died in 1798. Bellamy, Joseph, D. D., a divine of New England, distinguished for several religious works. Benezet, Anthony, a celebrated philanthropist, a native of 'France, belonged to the society of Friends; teacher of the Friends English school in Philadelphia, after- wards of the blacks. He died in 1784. Blount, William, governor of the territory south of Ohio, and a member of the United States senate, from which he was e.x'pelled in 1797. He died at Knoxville, Tennessee, in 1810 Bogardus, Everardus, the first minister of the reformed Dutch church in New York, came early to this country, though the exact time of his arrival is not known. The records of this church begin with the year 1639. Bnudinot, Elias, LL. D., an eminent lawyer of the state of New Jersey ; Avas president of congress in 1782, afterwards a director of the United States mint. He was the sincere friend of religion, and of the different chari- table associations of the country, and the first president of the American Bible Society. He died in 1821. Bowdoin, James, LL. D., governor of Massachusetts, a statesman and philosopher; he held various distin- guished offices in his native state till 1787. He was the first president of the American Academy of Arts and Sciences at Boston. Boylston, Zabdiel, F. lR. S., an eminent physician, who first introduced the inoculation of the small pox in America, was born at Brookline, Massachusetts, in the 396 year 1680. He died in 1766, in the eighty-seventh year of his age. Braddock, Edward, commander-in-chief of the British forces in America in 1755 ; was killed in an ambuscade of French and Indians near Fort du Q,uesne. Bradford, William, an eminent printer, came to Ame- rica about the year 1680, and landed where Philadelphia now stands, before the city was laid out, or a house built. He lived the greater part of his life in New York, and was printer to the government of that province upwards of fifty years. He died at New York in 1752. Bradford, William, second governor of Plymouth colony. He wrote a history of the Plymouth colony from 1602, to 1646, but it was lost in 1775. He died 1657, aged 69. Brainerd, David, born at Haddam, Conn., 1718, a mis- sionary to the Indians; remarkable for his piety and de- votedness to the Christian cause. He died at Northamp- ton, Mass., 1747. His diary, which has been published since his death, is highly esteemed by religious people. Brandt, Col. Joseph, a famous Indian chief, was edu- cated under the care of the Rev. Dr. Wheelock, first president of Dartmouth College. In the war of the American revolution, he attached himself to the British cause. He died in Upper Canada, in 1807. He trans- lated into the Mohawk language the Gospel of St. Mark, a:nd the liturgy of the English church, which was pub- lished for the benefit of the Indians. Brooks, John, LL. D., governor of Massachusetts, dis- tinguished as the early friend of the American revolu- tion, and as an able and sound statesman; a judicious officer of the American army, who enjoyed the confi- dence and respect of his fellow citizens. He died in 1825. Brown, Charles Brockden, a native of Pennsylvania, distinguished as holding a high rank among the Ameri- can novelists ; died in 1810. Bull, William, M. D., a physician, eminent for litera- ture and medical science, was the son of the honourable William Bull, who was appointed lieutenant governor of South Carolina, in 1738, and died in March, 1755. 397 Burgoyne, Rt. Hon. John, commander of the expedi- tion against the northern states from Canada — he sur- rendered his whole army to Gen. Gates, at Saratoga, during the American revolution. He was the author of several dramatic pieces ; he died in 1792. Burnet, William, governor of several of the Ameri- can colonies, was the eldest son of the celebrated bishop Burnet, and was born at Hague, in March, 1688. He arrived at New York, and took upon him the govern- ment of that province, September 17, 1720. His deci- sions were precipitate. He used to say of himself, " I act first, and think afterward." He published some astro- nomical observations in the transactions of the royal so- ciety, and an essay on Scripture prophecy, wherein it is endeavoured to explain the three periods contained in the twelfth chapter of Daniel, with arguments to prove that the first period expired in 1715. This was published in 1724. He died at Cambridge, in 1729. Burr, Aaron, was born at Fairfield, Conn., in 1749 — an aid-de-camp to Gen. Putnam in the revolution — vice- president of the United States — celebrated for his "con- spiracy" against the Union in 1806, and for killing Gen. Hamilton in a duel. Butler, Thomas, a brave officer in the revolutionary war. In 1797, he brought the Indian war in Tennes- see to a termination. He died in 1805. His brother, Gen. Richard Butler, was killed in the defeat of St. Clair. Bi/lei, Mather, D. D., minister of Boston ; born in that town, March 26, 1706. His literary merit intro- duced him to the acquaintance of many men of genius in England. In his preaching he was generally solemn and interesting, though sometimes his sermons gave in-« dications of the peculiar turn of his mind. On being asked why he did not preach politics, he replied : — " I have thrown up four breastworks, behind which I have intrenched myself, neither of which cnn be forced. In the first place, I do not understand politics ; in the second place, you all do, every man and mother's son of you ; in the third place, you have politics all the week — pray let one day in seven be devoted to religion ; in the fourth 298 place, I am engaged in a work of infinitely greater impor- tance. Give me any subject to preach on of more con- sequence than the truths I bring to you, and I will preach on it the next sabbath. He died in 1788. c. Cabot, George, an eminent statesman — was a member of the United States senate from the state of Massachu- setts, and president of the Hartford convention. He was also the friend and associate of Washington. CadwaUader, John, a brigadier general in the Ameri- can army, during the war of the revolution ; he died in 1786. CadwaUader, a celebrated physician of Philadelphia, and among the first who wrote on medical subjects ; he flourished about the year 1740. Caloert, Leonard, the proprietor and first governor of Maryland in 1633. Cali-crt, Frederick, Lord Baltimore, proprictcr of Ma- ryland, distinguished as an author. He died in 1771. Calhoun, John C, born in South Carolina about the year 1781, and was educated at Yale College, Conn. He is distinguished as a statesman, and in 1825 was elected vice-president of the United States. Campbell, Lord William, governor of the province of S. Carolina; was mortally wounded in an attack on Sul- livan's island in 1776. Carleton, Guj^, Lord Dorchester, a British officer in America, who succeeded Sir Henrj' Clinton, in 1782. Carrington, Edward, a qnarter-master-general under Gen. Greene in the revolution, and rendered important services in the southern army ; he died in 1810. Carroll, Charles, the last survivor of the signers of the declaration of independence, was born at Annapolis, in Maryland, Sept. 8, 1737, O. S. At eight years of age he was taken to France to be educated. He returned to Maryland in 1764. At the commencement of the revo- lution he took a decided stand for his coimtrj'-, and, being a Catholic, was sent with some others to Canada, to in- duce the Canadians to join the American cause. He retired to private life in 1801, favoured with tranquillity, 299 health, fortune, and the veneration of his countrymen. He died November 14, 1832. Carver, Jonathan, a native of Connecticut, who pub- lished " Travels into the most interior parts of Ameri- ca," and died in 1780, in want of the necessaries of life. Chalmers, Lionel, M. D., a learned physician of South Carolina, author of several works on medical subjects, about 1767. Champlain, Samuel de, who discovered the American lake which bears his name. He died in 1635. Chandler, Thomas Bradbury, D. D., an eminent Epis- copal minister in New Jersey, author of several works in defence of episcopacy. He died in 1790. Charlevoix, Peter Francis Xavier de, born in France in 1684 ; a learned Jesuit. He made a voyage to Cana- da, by order of the French king, in 1720; from thence he passed up the great lakes, and descended the Missis- sippi to New Orleans; thence to St. Domingo, and from thence he returned to France. His history of New France, or Canada, wherein the manners and customs of the Indians are described, is considered valuable. Chauncy, Charles, the second president of Harvard College, was born in Hertfordshire, England, in 1589. He came to this country, and arrived at Plymouth in 1638, to seek the peaceable enjoyment of the rights of conscience. He was a distinguished scholar, being inti- mately acquainted with the Hebrew, Greek, and Latin languages. He was well versed also in the sciences, especially in theology, which Avas his favourite study. He died in 1761. His manuscripts fell into the hands of a person at Northampton, who subsisted principally by making and sellinij pies. These learned and pious writings were not suffered to decay; being put at the bottom of the pies, they rendered good service, by shield- ing them from the scorching of the oven. Church, Benjamin, distinguished by his exploits in the Indian wars of New England, was born at Duxbury, Massachusetts, in 1630. He died in 1718. He was a man of integrity and piety. He published a narrative of Philip's war,' 1716. 300 Chester, John, an officer in the American army, dis- tinguished himself in the battle of Bunker's Hill ; died in 1809. Clap, Thomas, president of Yale College, one of the most profound scholars of his age; he constructed the first orrery, or planetarium, in America; died in 1767. Clap, Rodger, one of the first settlers in Dorchester, Mass., wrote memoirs of New England ; died in 1691. Clayton, John, an eminent botanist and physician of Virginia, who came from England in 1705 ; died in 1773. Clinton, Henry, a British general in the revolationary war, took Charleston, S. C, in 1780, was governor of Gibraltar in 1795. Clinton, James, a major-general in the American army during the revolution ; distinguished himself as a brave officer in the French, Indian, and revolutionary wars. He died in 1812. Clinton, George, brother of the general, was an emi- nent lawyer, and member of congress in 1776; he was repeatedly chosen governor of the state of New York, and in 1804 was chosen vice-president of the United States; he died in Washington in 1812. Clinton, De Witt, son of James Clinton, born in Orange county, N. Y., in 1769. He Avas chosen to many important offices in his native state, and was elect- ed governor in 1817. In his native state, his name, his genius, and his services are stamped upon many monu- ments of public munificence and private utility. He died suddenly, in February, 1828. Clymer, George, a member of congress in 1776, a signer of the declaration of American independence, and distinguished advocate of the rights of his country; he died in"l813. Clay, Henry, was born in Virginia, 1776 — the son of a respectable Baptist clergyman. He removed to Lex- ington, Ken., in 1797, and became distinguished as a lawyer and politician. He has filled various offices in the government of the United States, was for several years speaker of the house of representatives, and sub- sequently was appointed secretary of state. 301 Colden, Cadwallader, a respectable physician, botan- ist, and astronomer, was born in Scotland, 1688. Allured by the fame of William Penn's colony of Pennsylvania, he came over to this country, about the year 1708. In 1761 he was appointed lieutenant-governor of New York, and held this commission the remainder of his life, being repeatedly at the head of government, in con- sequence of the death or absence of several governors. His political character was rendered very conspicuous by the firmness of his conduct during violent commotions which preceded the late revolution. He died in 1776. Conucallis, Charles, Marquis, a brave British gene- ral, born in 1738. In the American war he displayed great military talents, but was compelled to surrender to the French and American army at Yorktown. He was appointed by the British government, governor-general of India, where he died in ISO/). Coito/i, John, one of the znost distinguished ministers of New England — born in England ; he sustained a high reputation for wisdom and learning; his publica- tions were numerous. Craik, James, M. D., born in Scotland, came to Vir- ginia, received an appointment in the revolutionary army, and was physician to the family of Gen. Washington; lie died in 1814. Culpepper, Thomas, Lord, governor of the colony of Virginia; died in 1719. I). Dagget, Naphtali, D. D., president of Yale college, was distinguished as a thorough scholar, and a sound divine. He displayed great bravery when the British entered New Haven, Con. ; he received a wound at this time, of which he finally died in 1780. Dallas, Alexander James, an eminent lawyer and statesman, came from the island of Jamaica to Penn- sylvania in 1783. He was appointed secretary of the treasury, and acting secretary of war, and published four volumes of valuable law reports ; he died in 1817. Dana, Francis, LL. D., 9u eminent lav.ver of Massa- 26 302 ehusetts, a member of the American congress in 1770, minister to Russia, and afterwards chief justice of the state of Massachusetts; he died in 1811. Davenport, John, the first minister of New Haven, Connecticut — one of the founders of the colony — a man distinguished for his piety, learning, and intrepidity ; died in 1670. Davidson, AVilliam, a brigadier general in the Ameri- can army during the revolution — he was killed while endeavouring to prevent the passage of Cornwallis over the Catawba, in North Carolina. Davie, William R., governor of North Carolina, was distinguished by his services in the army during the revolutionary war. Davics, Samuel, president of Princeton college, N. J. — celebrated as a preacher — published several sermons, still admired. He died in 17G1. Delaware, Thomas West, Lord, governor of Virginia in 1610. He took a deep interest in the afiairs of the colony, and may be considered one of its first founders ; he died in 1618. Dennie, Joseph, a native of Massachusetts, distinguished for his Iherary genius — the editor of the " Port Folio" in Philadelphia; he died in 181:2. Dexter, Samuel, LL.D., an eminent lawyer and states- man, born in Massachusetts in 1761. Under president Adams he was appointed secretary of the treasury, and acting secretary of state ; he died in 1816. Dickinson, John, a distinguished political writer and friend of his country, was the son of Samuel Dickinson, Esquire, of Delaware. He was a member of the assem- bly of Pennsylvania in 1764, and of the general congress in 1765. His political writings were collected and pub- lished in two volumes 8vo. He died at Wilmington, Delaware, in 1803. Dummer, Jeremiah, an agent of Massachusetts, in Eng- land, where he rendered important services to the colony ; he died in 1739. Dimmore, John Murray, ihe last royal governor of Virginia — after committing many outrages upon the co- 303 lonists he returned to England, where he died in 1809. Dwight, Timothy, D.D. LL.D., was born in Northamp- ton, Mass. 1752. " As a poet, philosopher, and divine, he had few equals ; as president and professor of divinity in Yale College, he stood unrivalled, both for his talents as an instructor, and for eloquence as a divine." His system of Theology has been frequently republished in Europe; lie died in 1817. Dca/ic^Sihs, a nati^'e of Connecticut, was a member of congress in 1774, and afterwards was appointed minis- ter to France. He died in 1789. Decatur, Stephen, a captain in the U. S. T\a\'y, distin- guished for his bravery and professional skill. He ren- dered himself conspicuous by his services at Tripoli in 1804, by his capture of the British frigate Macedonian, during the late war, and by his success against the Alge- rincs in 1815 ; he was killed in a duel in 1820. E. Ealon, Theophilus, the first governor of New Haven colony. He died in 1G57, highly esteemed and respected. Eaton, William, a general in the service of the United States, and a consul to the kingdom of Tunis. He v/as distinguished for his courage, and the services he render- ed his country in the Barbary states, and for his expedi- tion against Tripoli, against which power he obtained great advantages, but was compelled to relinquish them by a treaty made by Mr. Lear, the American consul ; he re- turned home mortified and disappointed, and died in 1811. Eden, Sir Robert, the last royal governor of Maryland. He was compelled to relinquish his office by order of Congress, and retired to England. At the close of the revolutionary war he returned and recovered his estates, and died in 1784. Edwards, Jonathan, a celebrated American divine, and author of several distinguished theological works, parti- cularly on " Original Sin," " Freedom of the Will," •' Treatise on Religious Affections," &c. He settled at Northampton, Mass., and afterwards was president of New Jersey college; he died in 1758. 304 Edwards, Jonathan, D.D., president of Union college, N. Y. ; was the son of the preceding, and was likewise distinguished as a scholar, and able theologian. He died in 1801. Elliot, John, born in England ; came to New England in 1631. He became a zealous missionary to the Indians, translated the Bible into their tongue, and for his uncom- mon labours has been called "the Apostle of New Eng- land." He died in 1690. Ellcrij, William, one of the signers of the declara- tion of independence, was a distinguished member of Congress, from Rhode Island. He died in 1820, aged 93 years. Ellsivorth, Oliver, born at Windsor, Con.; an eminent jurist, and chief justice of the supreme court of the Uni- ted States. In 1789, he was appointed ambassador to France; he died in 1807. Endicot, John, governor of Massachusetts. He was a sincere and zealous puritan, rigid in his principles, and severe in the execution of the laws against sectaries, or those who differed from the religion of Massachusetts. So opposed was he to every thing which looked like po- pery, that, through the influence of Roger Williams, he cut out the cross from the military standard. He died in 1665. Estaing, Charles Henry, Count d'. a French admiral who commanded the French fleet in the American revo- lution ; he was guillotined in 1793. Eustace, John Skey, a brave officer in the American war ; an aid to General Lee, and afterwards to General Greene : he went to France, were he was made a major general ; he returned, and died in 1805. F. Fiuley, Samuel, D.D.,born in Ireland, president of New Jersey college ; he was distinguished for his piety ; pub- lished numerous sermons; and died in 1766. Firman, Giles, a physician of New England, and af- terwards a minister of the gospel in England, author of the " Real Christian;" he died in 1697. Fisher, Alexander M., professor of mathematics and natural philosophy in Yale college ; his professional ta- lents were of the highest order ; -he was lost on the coast of Ireland, with the packet Albion, in 1822. Floyd, William, a member cf congress before and after the adoption of the federal constitution ; a signer of the declaration of independence; he died in 1821. Forbes, John, a physician and afterwards a brigadier general in the British service. He took fort Du Quesne from the French — where Pittsburgh is now built. He died at Philadelphia in 17-59. Frankim, Dr. Benjamin, was born at Boston, Mass., in 1 rOG, and served an apprenticeship to the printing busi- ness. He showed a philosophic mind from his earliest years, and by the continual exercise of his genius prepa- red himself for those great discoveries in science which have associated his name with that of Newton, and for those political reflections which have placed him by the side of a Solon and a Lycurgus. Soon after his removal from Boston to Philadelphia, in concert with other young men, he established a small club, in which various sub- jects were discussed. This society lias been the source of the most useful establishments in Pennsylvania, calcu- lated to promote the cause of science, the m.echanic arts, and the improvement of the human understanding. In 1757, Franklin was sent an agent by his country to Eng- land ; in the year 176G he was called to the bar of the house of commons, and underw'ent that famous interroga- tory, which has raised his name in the political world. He was a member of the first congress, and a signer of the declaration of independence ; he was sent to France, where he elTected important ser\dces to his country. He returned to America in 1785, and died in April, 1790. Fulton., Robert, a native of Pennsylvania, was born in 1765. He early evinced a genius for mechanics, and his discovery of the application of steam for the purpose of propelling boats, will continue his name to posterity, and associate him with the benefactors of mankind. The dis- covery was made at Paris, in 1803 ; after this he returned to America, and in 1807 the first steam boat was put in ■ 26* 306 motion in the waters of New York. Mr. Fulton died suddenly in the midst of his career, in Feb. 1815. G. Gage, Thomas, the last governor of Massachusetts ap- pointed by the king. He was very odious to the Ameri- cans, and died in England in 1787. Gallatin, Albert, a native of Geneva, came to the Uni- ted States, where connecting himself with Mr. Jefferson and others, he rose to a number of high employments in this country ; he was for a time secretary of the treasury, and has been a minister to several European powers. Gansevoort, Peter, a distinguished officer of the Ame- rican army during the revolution. He rendered his country important services in defending fort Stanwix, and other operations against General Burgoyne ; he died in 1812. Gates, Horatio, a major-general, and a distinguished American officer in the revolution. He was commander of the northern army to which Burgoyne surrendered in 1777. In 1780 he was appointed commander of the southern army, and was defeated by Lord CoruAvallis ; he died in New York in 1806. Gerry, Elbridge, a native of Massachusetts ; a signer of the declaration of independence; minister to France, governor of the state of Massachusetts, and afterwards vice-president of the United States; he died at Washing- ton in 1814. Girard, Stephen, an eminent merchant in Philadelphia, was born in France, and from a cabin-boy, became, at the time of his death, the richest man in America. He died December 26, 1831, aged eighty-four. He bequeathed the principal part of his fortune for public improvements in Philadelphia, and the State of Pennsylvania. He gave two millions of dollars to establish a literary insti- tution in Philadelphia. Godfrey, Thomas, the inventor of Hadley's quadrant, was by trade a glazier, in the city of Philadelphia. The extent of his education was only to read and write, and apply the common rules of arithmetic. Having met with 307 a mathematical book, he was so delighted with the study, that, without any instructer, by the mere streng-th of his genius, he soon made himself master of it, and of every book of the kind. The manner in which the inventor was deprived of the honour of having the instrument called by his name was the following. He put it, for trial, into the hands of an ingenious navigator, in a voy- age to Jamaica. On reaching that place, it was sho^vn to the captain of a ship, about sailing to England, by which means it came to the knowledge of Mr. Hadley. Mr. Godfrey died in Philadelphia in 1749. Goffe, William, one of the judges of Charles I., and major general under Cromwell ; he came to Boston, Mass., in 1660, and lived in concealment in various places, till his death in 1679. Gookiti, Daniel, author of the historical collections of the Indians of New England, and major general of Mas- sachusetts; he died in 1687. Gordon, William, D.D., of Roxbury, Mass., the author of a history of the revolution of the United States, &c. He died in 1807. Gosnold, Bartholomew, an intrepid mariner of the west of England, sailed from Falmouth for the coast of America in 1602. He discovered land on the 14th of May, and a cape on the 15th, near which he caught a great number of cod, from which circumstance he named the land Cape Cod. He resided three weeks on the most western of the Elizabeth Islands. But finding that he had not a supply of provisions, he gave up the design of making a settlement. He died in 1607. Green, Samuel, the first printer in North America : he died about 1685. Greene, Nathaniel, a native of Rhode Island, a major general in the American army during the revolution; in 1780 he was appointed to the command of the southern army in the room of Gen. Gates. His bravery, skill, and services in this command, called forth the express approbation of congress and his countrymen ; he died in Georgia, in 1786. Gwinnet, Button, a native of England, came to South 308 Carolina, in 1770 and soon removed to Georgia. He was a Avarm friend of the revolution, a member of con- gres.s, a signer of the declaration of independence ; he was killed in a duel in 1777. H. Hale, Nathan, a native of Connecticut, a captain in the American army during the revolution. After Washing- ton's retreat from Long Island, he wished to know the situation of the British army, and what would be their future operations. Captain Hale nobly offered his ser- vices, passed over to Long Island, obtained the necessary information ; on his return he was arrested and executed as a spy, " lamenting that he had but one life to lose for his country." Hall, Lyman, governor of Georgia, a warm patriot, and a signer of the declaration of independence; he died about 1790. Haviilton, Alexander, was born in the island of St. Croix, in 1757, and came to New York in 1773. He was aid-de-camp to Washington, continued in the Ameri- can service from the beginning to the close of the revolu- tion, and always enjoyed the confidence of Washington. He was appointed secretary of the treasury, and as a statesmen and financier, revived the public credit, and placed the revenue on a permanent footing. He was killed in a duel with Col. Aaron Burr, in 1804, univer- sally lamented. Haviilton, Paul, a firm patriot of the revolution, go- vernor of South Carolina, and secretary of the navy of the United States, under President Madison ; he died in 1816. Hancock, John, LL. D., one of the most distinguished patriots of the revolution ; was president of congress in 1776, and signed the declaration of independence in that capacity. He was afterwards governor of Massachusetts. He died in 1793. Heath, William, a brigadier, and afterwards a major general in the American revolution ; he was distinguish- ed for his patriotism, and after the war, died at Roxbury Mass. 309 Henry, Patrick, a native of Virginia, remarkable for his commanding- eloquence, and was the first man who pro- posed to the colonies hostile measures against Great Bri- tain. He declined a number of appointments under the government of the United States. He died in 1789. Hooker, Thomas, one of the founders of the colonj' of Connecticut, and an able minister of the gospel. He died in 1647. Hopkms, Stephen, LL. D., governor of the colony of Rhode Island, a signer of the declaration of indepen- dence ; died in 1785. Hopkins, Samuel, D. D., a distinguished divine, was born in Waterbury, Conn., Sept. 17th, 1721. He died in Newport, R. I., Dec. 20th, 1803, where he had preach- ed many years. He maintained in his writings, that ho- liness consisted in disinterested benevolence, and sin in selfishness. His peculiar sentiments are distinguished by the term Hopkinsianism. Hubbard, William, minister of Ipswich, Mass., author of a history of New England in manuscript ; he died in 1704. Hudson, Henry, a celebrated navigator, who discover- ed Hudson's Bay, and the river in the state of New York which now bears his name. He is supposed to have perished at sea, being set adrift in a shallop by his crew, in 1611. Humphreys, David, LL. D., a soldier of the revolution, aid-de-camp to Putnam, Greene, and Washington, suc- cessively, ambassador to Lisbon, and minister to Spain. He died at New Haven, Con., in 1818. He was distin- guished for his poetical and patriotic writings, also for the introduction of merino sheep from Spain into the United States. Hunlington, Jedediah, a general, and a distinguished officer in the American army during the revolution ; treasurer of the state of Connecticut ; he died in 1818. Hutchinson, Thomas, governor of Massachusetts; odi- ous for his arbitrary conduct; published a history of Massachusetts, &c.; he died in England, in 1780. Hutchinson, Ann, an artful woman, in Massachusetts, 310 whose religious opinions were heretical, and were con- demned by a council of ministers ; she was banished from the colony, and murdered by the Indians west of New Haven, 1G43. I. Irvine, William, a major general in the American service during the revolution, a member of congress from Pennsylvania ; he died in 1804. Irving, Washington, was born in the city of New York about 1783. He is at the present time one of the most distinguished American authors. In 1810 he pub- lished " Knickerbockers History of New York," which established his fame; since that time, he has added to his literary reputation by several volumes under the titles of "The Sketch Book," " Bracebridge Hall," " Tales of a Traveller," &c. J. Jackson, Andrew, was born in the (then) Wraxaw settlement. South Carolina, in 1767, and is of Irish de- scent. He engaged in the service of his country at the age of fourteen, and was wounded and taken prisoner. After his release, he applied himself to the study and practice of law. At the commencement of the last war with Great Britain, he was major general of the Ten- nessee militia, and has rendered his name memorable by his brave defence of New Orleans, on the 8th of .January, 1815. On the 4th of March, 1829, he was inducted into the office of president of the United States, and has since been re-elected. Jay, John, was born in the city of New York', in 1 745 ; he was a member of the first American congress, in 1774, and was president of that bodj^ in 1776. In 1778 he was minister plenipotentiary to Spain, and was one of the commissioners to negotiate a peace with Great Bri- tain, at the close of the revolution. As an envoy ex- traordinary to Great Britain, he negotiated and signed the treaty which bears his name ; afterwards he was ejected governor of the state of New York, in 1795; 311 this office he held till 1807, when he declined a re- election, and retired to his farm in Bedford, N. Y., where he died on the 17th of May, 1829. Jefferson, Thomas, Avas born in Chesterfield county, Va., Oct. 2, 1743, and was educated at William and Mary college. He was a distinguished member of the Virginia legislature, in 17G9, and at the eve of the American revolution took a bold and decided stand in favour of his country, in congress, of which he was a most conspicuous member. He drew up the celebrated declaration of American independence ; he served his country as a minister to Europe, and in 1801 was elected president of the United States. After serving in this capacity for eight j-ears, he withdrew from public life, and retired to Monticello. He was distinguished as a sound legislator and firm patriot, was a president of the American Philosophical Society, and a member of several literary societies, in Europe and America. He died on the 4th of July, 1826, on the fiftieth anniversary of American independence. Johnson, Sir William, superintendent of Indian affairs in the colony of New York, known for the uncommon influence and authority which he possessed over tliat people; he died in 1774. Jones, John Paul, a native of Scotland ; came to Ame- rica at the commencement of the revolution, and received a commission in the American nav^'. He was distin- guished for his desperate courage, valour, and success. After the peace, he was for a time in the service of Russia. He died at Paris in 1792. K Kalb, Baron do, was a German by birth, and was for a time a brigadier general in the French service. At the beginning of the American revolution he entered into the service of the Americans, and was promoted to the rank of major general. He was killed at the battle of Camden, in 1781, and a monument was ordered by con- gress to be erected to his memory. Kirkland, Samuel, a missionary among the Seneca 312 Indians for forty years; he died at Paris, New York, in -1808. Knox, Henry, a distinguished soldier of the revolution, was commander of the artillery until the captute oi Cornwallis, when he was made a major general. He was afterwards secretary of war, and died in 1810. Kosciusko, Thaddeus, a celebrated Polish general, was bred at Warsaw. In the American revolution he was aid-de-camp to Washington. He afterwards headed his countrymen in their resistance to Russian oppres- sion; but his efforts were unavailing; he was wounded and taken prisoner by the Russians, who treated him with great respect, and the Emperor Paul gave him an estate. He died in Switzerland, in 1817. There has been lately a monument erected to his memory at West Point, New York. Laidlie, Archibald, the first minister of the Dutch church in America, who officiated in the English lan- guage, was a native of Scotland, and had been four years a minister of the Dutch church of Flushing, in Zealand, when he received a call from New York. He arrived in America in the year 1764, and died at Red Hook, in the year 1778, during his exile from the city, occasioned by the revolutionary war. hanrens, Henry, a member of congress from South Carolina, and president of that body in 1777. He was appointed ambassador to Holland, but on his way thither he was taken prisoner by the British, and confined in the tower of London, and treated with great rigour, till 1781. On his -liberation he went to France, and was one of the signers of the treaty with Great Britain. vHe died in Carolina, in 1792. Laurens, John, son of the preceding, a distinguished officer in the revolution. He was mortally wounded in a skirmish with the British, in South Carolina, 1782, at the age of twenty -seven years. Lafayette, Gilbert Mottier, Marquis de, born in the department of Haute Loire, France, 1757. Fired with 313 enthusiasm in the cause of liberty, lie embarked for Ame- rica in 1777, and entered the army as a volunteer; con- gress immediately gave him the commission of major general in the army of the United States, tie rendered important services to the American cause in various ways, and his name will ever be remembered with gra- titude by the American people. Lawrence, James, a captain in the United States navy, distinguished by his bravery and skill. He was mor- tally wounded in an action with the British frigate Shan- non, in 1813 Leese, Anna, founder of the sect of Shakers, was bom in England. She was of low parentage, and of doubtful character. She first divulged her extraordinary preten- sions in 1770, assuming the ijame of the "elect lady," but being more generally denominated the " mother." She came to America, v.-ith five of her followers, in 1774, and settled near Alban}', N. Y. About the year 1780, she declared herself to bo the woman clothed with the .sun, &c. She died in 1734, and her sect has experienced a number of revolutions. Lcdvard, John, a native of Connecticut, and a dis- tinguished traveller. He was with Captain Cook in his last voyage, and witne-ssed his death. After suffering almost incredible hardships, in various paits of the world, in the course of his travels, he died at Cairo in 178^, while preparing for a journey into the interior of Africa. Lee, Charles, a native of Wales, an ofHcer in the Bri- tish army previous to the American revolution. In 1773 he came to Virginia, and was Jippoiiitcd major general in the American army. In this capacity he rendered important services to the American cause; but l)eing censured and suspended for disobedience of orders, he retired to private life, and died from chagrin and mor- tification, about 1782. Lee, Richard Henry, a distinguished patriot of the re- volution, a member of congress from Virginia in 1776, and first proposed to that body the declaration of independence He was afterwards president of congress, and a senator of congress under the federal constitution. He died in 1794. 27 314 hogan, James, distinguished for his learning, was born at Liengan, in Ireland, in 1674. As he was edu- cated in the sentiments of the Quakers, and was ac- quainted with William Penn, he was induced to accom- pany that gentleman to Pennsylvania, in 1699, in his last voyage ; under his patronage, he was much employed in public afiairs. He died in 1751. Lincoln, Benjamin, a major general in the American army during the revolution. His services were con- spicuous during the war. While commander of the American army in the soutliern states, he was taken prisoner at Charleston. Being exchanged, he shared in the siege of Yorktown, and was the officer appointed to receive the submission of Cornwallis. After the war he filled various public offices, and died in 1810. Livingston, Brockholst, an eminent lawyer of New York, was in the army during a part of the time of the revolution, and was at the capture of Burgoyne. He was a judge of the supreme court of New York, and afterwards of the United States, until his death in 1823. Livingston, Robert R., was one of the committee who drew up the declaration of independence. In 1780 he was appointed secretary for foreign affairs. He was afterwards chancellor of the state of New York, and minister from the United States to France. He assisted Mr: Fulton, by supplying him with funds to enable him to carry his discoveries into effect. He died in 1813. M. M'Kean, Thomas, LL. D., a distinguished actor in the American revolution, one of the signers of the de- claration of independence, president of congress, and governor of Pennsylvania : he died in 1817. Madison, James, a native of Virginia. He commenced his public life at the close of the revolution. He assisted in the formation of the national constitution, and ranked high among the luminaries of the day. He was ap- pointed secretary of state under Mr. Jefferson, and was elected president of the United States, in which office hu continued for eight years. In the various offices he has 315 tilled, he has displayed much talent as a statesman and logician. Marshall, John, a native of Virginia, born about the year. 175G, and received a liberal education. He shared in the dangers and fatigues of the American army daring the revolution, and was under the immediaic command of Washington. He was envoy to France, secretary of state, and chief justice of the United State.^, which office he has filled with dignity and reputation. He is likewise celebrated as a biographer of Washing- ton, whose life he published in five volumes, 8vo. Marion, Francis, an active, bold, and successful par- tisan officer of the revolution, in the southern states. He received the thanks of Congress for his bravery and usefulness to the American cause, and was promoted to the rank of brigadier general. He died iu Soiifh Carolina, in 1795. Mather, Increase, D. D., a clergyman of Boston, and afterwards president of Harvard College, and author of several works. He died in 1723. Mather, Cotton, D. D. F. R. S., son of the preceding, distinguished for his great learning and piety, and was the most eminent clergyman of his day in New England. His writings on various subjects were very numerous^. He died at Boston, in 1727. Mnyhew, Thomas, governor of Martha's Vineyard, and was distinguished for his regard for the spiritual and temporal wellare of the Indians. He died in 1G81. A number of his descendants, of his name, were distin- guished for their ministerial labours among the Indians on Martha's Vineyard. Mercer, Hugh, a brigadier general in the revolutionary war. was a native of Scotland, and after his arrival in America, he served with Washington in the war against the French and Indians, which terminated in 1763, and was greatly esteemed by him. He engaged zealously in support of the liberties of his adopted country. In the battle near Princeton, Januarys, 1777, he received three wounds, of which he died, January 19th. MiJJIin, Thomas, a major general in the American 316 army, and governor of Pennsylvania, was born about the year 1744, of parents who were quakers. He was amember of the first congress in 1774. He took arms, and was among the first officers commissioned on the organization of the continental army, being appointed qnarter-master general, in August, 1765. For this offence he was read out of the society of Quakers. He died at Lancaster, January 20th, 1800. Mills, Samuel J., an American clergyman, distin- guished for his piety and zeal in promoting the mis- sionary cause. He died in 1818, on his return from Africa, whither he had gone as an agent of the American colonization society. Montgomery, Richard, a native of Ireland, born in 1737. At the commencement of the American revolu- tion, he was appointed a major general in the army destined for the conquest of Canada. He was killed in an attack on Quebec, in 1775. Monros, James, the fifth president of the United States, was born in Virginia, in 1759. Ardently devoted to his country, he took part in the revolutionary war, when a youth, and his undaunted courage was evinced on more than one occasion. He was a member of the old con- gress, and assisted in the formation of the constitution. He died at the house of a relative, in the city of New York, on the 4th of July, 1831. One hundred thousand persons assembled at his funeral. Morgan, Daniel, a distinguished officer in the Ame- rican army during the revolution. His services were liighly important, and duly appreciated by his country- men. He was appointed a brigadier general. He died m 1799. Morris, Robert, an eminent merchant in Philadelphia, a member of congress, one of the signers of the declara- tion of independence, and an able financier. He was appointed treasurer of the United States, and during three years of the revolution, rendered important services to his country by his skill as a financier, in sustaining the public credit. He died in 1806. Morion, Nathaniel, one of the early settlers in Ply- sir mouth, author of " New England's Memorial," published in 16G9. Moultrie, William, a major general in the American army during the war of the revolution, and afterwards governor of South Carolina. He died in 1805. N. Nash, Francis, of North Carolina, a brigadier general in the American army during the revolution. He was killed at the battle of Germantown, in 1777. Nelson, Thomas, a distinguished patriot of the revolu- tion, and governor of Virginia. He died in 1789. Norris, John, a merchant of Salem, Mass., distin- guished as one of the founders and a liberal benefactor of the theological institution at Andover, Mass. o, Occum, Sampson, a Mohegan Indian, converted to Christianity, and became a missionary among the western Indians; died hi 1792. Oglethorpe, James, an able British general and phi- lanthropist. He was the founder of the state of Georgia. He died in England, in 1785, aged 97 years. Osgood, Samuel, an officer in the American army during the revolution, and member of congress from Massachusetts, and post master general of the United States. He died in 1812. Otis, James, of Boston, Massachusetts, a distinguished lawyer, author of political tracts, a zealous and active patriot of the revolution. He became insane several years before his death, and was killed by lightning in 1783. It is singular that he had often wished thus to die. P. Palnc, Thomas, a political Avriter, born in England, in 1737, and bred a stay-maker. Coming to America, he published a number of pamphlets, which had a pow- erful elfect in favour of the American cause ; particular- ly that entitled " Common Sense." He went to London in 1790, and published "The Rights of Man." To 27* 318 avoid a prosecution, he went to France, and was chosen a member of the national assembly. He returned to the United States, where he debased himself by his de- istical Avritings. He died in New York, in 1809. Paine, Robert Treat, LL. D., a distinguished lawyer of Massachusetts, and one of the signers of the declara- tion of independence. He died in 1814. His son, of the same name, was a distinguished poet, born in 1773, and died in 1811. Penn, William, the founder and legislator of the co- lony of Pennsylvania, was born in London, in 1644. He was a member of the society of Quakers, or Friends, and became a preacher of that order at the age of twen- ty-four. He died in England in 1718. i Pepperell, Sir William, a native of Maine. He com- | manded the expedition against Louisburgh, which result- ] ed in the capture of that important fortress. He died in j 1759. Perry, Oliver Hazard, a native of Rhode Island, a j captain in the American navy, distinguished for his vie- ' tory over the British fleet on Lake Erie. He died in ! 1820. Philip, an Indian sachem, or king, celebrated for the { bloody war he waged with the early settlers of New England. He was killed in 1676, and the Indian pow- er in New England was effectually destroyed. Phipps, Sir AVilliam, governor of the colony of Mas- ; sachusetts, was born of obscure parentage in 1650. He i was knighted for his success in obtaining a large amount j fi'om a Spanish wreck. He died in 1695. Pike, Zebuion Montgomery, a brigadier-general of the ' U. S. army, was killed at York, in Upper Canada, in i 1813, in an attack on that place. Preble, Edward, commodore in the American navy, was ; born in Falmouth, now Portland, Maine, in August, 1761. ) His father was a brigadier general. In his youth, he j became a mariner on board a merchant vessel. In 1803 he was appointed commodore, with a squadron of seven ) sail, and soon made his passage to the Mediterranean, with the design of humbling the Tripolitan barbarians ; 319 such was his success, that a peace was afterwards ob- tained on honourable terms. He died August 25, 1807. Prince, Thomas, an eminent American clergyman, settled at Boston ; he was autlior of a chronological his- tory of New England, and made large collections for a history of the country. He died in 1758. Putnam, Israel, of Connecticut, a major-general in the American army during the revolution. He was emi- nently distinguished for his daring courage and intre- pidity, both in the French and revolutionary wars. He died in 1790. Pulaski, Count, a distinguished Polish officer, who nobly offered his services to the United States, and was appointed a brigadier-general in the army of the United States. He was mortally wounded in an assault on Sa- vannah, in 1779. a. Quincy, Josiah, an eminent lawyer of Massachusetts, distinguished for his zeal in supporting the rights of the American colonies. He died in 1775. R. Randolph, Peyton, of Virginia, an eminent lawyer, and the first president of the American congress in 1774, died suddenly, in Philadelphia, in 1775, aged 52 years. Ramsay, David, M. D., an eminent physician, histo- rian, and statesman, from South Carolina. He was dis- tinguished for his patriotism in the revolution, and his writings in after life. He was the author of a " History of the American Revolution," a " Life of Washington," and several other valuable works. He died in 1815. Rasles, or Ralle, Sebastian, a French Jesuit, who was a missionary among the Indians, and acquired great in- fluence over them. The last twenty-six years of his life he spent among the Indians at Norridgewock, on the Kennebec river. He was a man of learning, and wrote " A Dictionary of the Indian Language," which is still preserved in Harvard college. He was killed in an at- 320 tack of the English in 1724, in the sixty-seventh year of his age. Reed, Joseph, a firm patriot of the revoUition, an aid to Washington, and afterwards an adjutant general in the army.. He died in 1781. Rittenhouse, David, an American philosopher, who, in the early part of his life, mingled the pursuits of science with the employments of a farmer and watch- maker. He constructed an observatory which he super- intended in person, and which was a source of many important discoveries. He succeeded Dr. Franklin in the office of president of the philosophical society, and died in 1796, aged 64. Rush, Benjamin, M. D., LL. D., a distinguished phy- sician and statesman. He was a member of congress in 1776, and a signer of the declaration of independence. His writings, particularly those on professional subjects, have acquired him great reputation at home and abroad. He died at Philadelphia in 1S13. Rutledge, Edward, was an eminent patriot, a signer of the declaration of independence, and afterwards go- vernor of South Carolina. He died in 1800. S. \ Saint Clair, Arthur a native of Scotland. In 1755, he came to America, and at the commencement of the revolution joined the American cause, and was succes- sively appointed a brigadier and major-general in the American army, which he served with reputation and success. He was afterwards president of congress, and ' governor of the territory north west of the Ohio. Schuyler, Peter, distinguished for his patriotism and services to the colony of New York. He had great in- fluence over the five nations of Indians, was mayor of the city of Albany, and in 1709, he being the oldest member of the council, held the chief command of the colony. Schuyler, Philip, a major general in the American army during the revolution, and a senator of the United States from the state of New York, He died in 1804. 321 Seaburi/, Samuel, D. D., an episcopal clergyman, bishop of Connecticut, and the first diocesan in the Uni- ted States. He died in 1796. Sherman, Roger, a signer of the declaration of inde- pendence, and senator of the United States, was born at Newton, Massachusetts, April 19, 1721. He was not favoured with a public education, nor did he enjoy the assistance of a private tutor. But his genius and inde- fatigable industry enabled him to surmount difficulties, and to make great acquisitions. He removed to New Haven in 1761, and died in 1793. Smallwood, AVilliam, a brigadier general in the Ame- rican army, and afteruards governor of the state of Ma- ryland ; died in 1792. Smith, John, one of the first settlers of Virginia, and for a time at the head of the colony; distinguished for his adventures and bravery as a soldier; died in 1631. Standish, Miles, the hero of New England, was born in Lancashire, about the year 1584. After having been for some time in the army in the Netherlands, he settled with Mr. Robinson's congregation at Loyden. Though not a member of the church, be embarked with the first company that came to New England, in 1620, and was chosen captain or chief military commander at Ply- mouth. In every hazardous enterprise, he was foremost. Mr. Hubbard says of him, " a little chimney is soon fired ; so was the Plymouth captain ; a man of very small stature, yet of a very hot and angry temper. He had been bred a soldier in the low countries, and never entered into the school of Christ, or of John the baptist." It does not appear, however, that in his military expedi- tions he e.xcceded his orders. He died in 1656. Stark, John, of Vermont, a cfcneral in the American army during the revolution, distinguished for his impor- tant services in the war. He died in 1822, aged 94. Stevbfn, Frederic William, Baron de, an aid-de-camp of Frederic the Great of Prussia, his native country, volunteered his services in the cause of American free- dom. He was appointed major general in the American sarmy. His knowledge of military tactics rendered him 322 highly serviceable to the army. He died at Steubens- ville, N. Y., in 1794. Stiles, Ezra, D. D., president of Yale college, was born in 1727. He was one of the most learned men of •whom this country can boast, and celebrated for his anti- quarian researches. He died in 179.5. Stuyvesanf, Peter, the last Dutch governor of New York, began his administration in 1647. He was con- tinually employed in resi.sting the encroachments of the English and Swedes upon the territory intrusted to him. Sullivan, John, LL.D., a distinguished patriot; a major general in the American army during the revolution, and afterwards a member of congress, and governor of Mas- sachusetts. His services were numerous and important ; he died in 1795. T. Thompson, Benjamin, Count Rumford, was born in New Hampshire, became a colonel in the British army, and received the honour of knighthood. He was a lieu- tenant general in the Bavarian service, and a count of the Holy Roman Empire, and also a member of many scien- tific societies, and was celebrated for his mechanical in- ventions and philosophical discoveries. He died near Paris in 1814. Thom-pson, Charles, of Pennsylvania, a patriot of the revolution, and secretary of the continental congress. Teciimseh, a celebrated Indian warrior, killed on the frontiers of Canada, October, 1813. Trumbull, Jonathan, a distinguished patriot of the re- volution, an eminent lawyer, and governor of Connecti- cut. He died in 1785. His son, of the same name, was aid and secretary to Gen. Washington. Trumbull, John, author of " M'Fingal," was born in Watertown, Connecticut, in 1750. He took a lively in- terest in the American revolution, and was a contributor to the political papers of the day. He died in 1831. Truxion, Thomas, an American naval officer, born on Long Island in 1755, and was distinguished for his ser- 323 vices in the revolution, and afterwards in the war with France. He died in 1822. u. Uncas, a Mohegan sachem in Connecticut, distinguish- ed for his friendship to the settlers of that colony. V. Vale, Sir Henry, governor of Massachusetts, was born in England, and educated at Oxford. He then went to Ge- neva, where he became a republican, and found argu- ments against the established church. On his return to London, as his non-conformity displeased the bishop, he came to New England in the beginning of 1635. In the next year, though he was only twenty-four years of age, he was chosen governor; but attaching himself to the party of Mrs. Hutchinson, he was, in 1637, superce- ded by Governor Winthrop. He soon returned to Eng- land, where he joined the party against the king, though he was opposed to the usurpation of Cromwell. After the restoration, he was tried for high treason, and be- headed, June 14, 1662. Varnum, James Mitchell, a brigadier general in the American army of the revolution, and afterwards a judge of the north west territory of the United States. He died at Marietta, Ohio, in 1789. Vaudreuil, Marquis de, governor of Canada, received the government of Montreal in 1689, and in 1700 he succeeded to the government of the whole province of (y'anada. He continued in this office till his death in 172.1 w. Wadnnorth, Jeremiah, of Connecticut, an active and ■cnerGfetic officer of the American revolution, and a mem- ber of congress. He died about 1804. Walton, George, of Georgia, a distinguished patriot lof the revolution, and one of tjie signers of the declara- tion of independence: chief justice and governor of Georgia. He died in 1804. 324 Ward, Artemas, a member of Congress in 1774, and one of the oldest major generals in the American army during the revolution. He died in 1800. Warren, Joseph, a physician of Boston, a distinguish- ed patriot, revered for his services. He was appointed major general in the American army, and was killed at the battle of Bunker's Hill, in the 35th year of his age. Washington, George, born in Westmoreland county, Virginia, Feb. 22, 1732; died Dec. 14th, 1799.— " The first in war, the first in peace, and th^ first in the hearts of his countrymen." Wayne, Anthony, of Pennsylvania, a major general in the American army during the revolution, distinguish- ed for his important services in the revolution, and in the Indian war in Ohio. He died at Presque Island, in Lake Erie, in 1796. West, Benjamin, an eminent painter, born of Quaker i parents, in Pennsylvania, in 1738. He went to England, ; and became president of the Royal Academy of London, i and died in 1820. Wkedock, John, LL. D., an officer in the American army in the revolution, and afterwards president of Dart- ; mouth college. He died in 1817. i Whitney, Eli, inventor of the Cotton Gin, Avas born at : Westborough, Worcester count3^ Massachusetts, Decem- ber 8, 1765. His mechanical genius displayed itself at > a very early age. At the age of nineteen, he conceived | the idea of obtaining a liberal education, but was unable : to obtain the consent of his father, until he had reached ! the age of twenty-three years, when, partly by the avails j of his manual labour, and partly by teaching a village j school, he obtained the means to enter the freshman class ' in Yale College, New Haven, Conn., in May, 1789. Soon ' after he took his degree, in 1792, he entered into an en- I gagement as a private tutor to the family of a gentleman . in Georgia ; having arrived in this state, he found that ; another teacher had been employed; he was, however, hospitably received by the family of Gen. Greene, where ' he commenced the study of law. While here, he becama j acquainted with the diiiiculty the planters lay under, in , 325 furnishing cotton for market, on account of the labour of separating the cotton from, its seed. Separating a pound of the clean staple from the seed was a day's work for a woman. A new turn was given to Mr. Whitney's pur- suits; he soon invented and completed a model of a ma- chine, " by which more cotton could be separated from the seed in one day, by the labour of one hand, than could be done in the usual manner in the space of many months." Of such immense importance was this machine to the cotton planters, that the populace broke open the building by night, and carried off his machine. In this way, the public became acquainted with the invention be- fore Mr. Whitney could complete his model, and secure a patent. After encountering a variety of obstacles, he completed his machine and obtained a patent; but such were the obstructions thrown in the way of his obtaining his just rights, that he eventually derived but little pecu- niary profit from his invention. About the year 1800, Mr. Whitney turned his attention to the manufacture of fire arms for the United States, and erected an armory near New Haven, Conn. Many parts of the machinery were his own invention. By this business, in a few years, he became independent in his circumstances. He died at New Haven, on the 8th of Jan. 1825. Williams, Samuel, LL. D., author of a " History of 'Vermont," and a " History of the American Revolution " i He died in 1817. Williams, Ephraim, an officer in the American army, and was killed in a skirmish in the French war in 1755. He was the founder of Williams college in Massachu- setts. Williams, Roger, one of the early settlers of New England, and founder of the colony of Rhode Island. Fie was an eminent and learned clergyman, and died in 111383. Wilson, James, LL. D., of Pennsylvania, an eminent lawyer, and a signer of the declaration of independence : I afterwards a judge of the supreme court of the United States, and a professor of law in the University of Penn- sylvania. He died in 1798. 28 326 Winchester, Elhanan, an itinerant preacher of flit doctrine of universal restoration, was born in Brookline, Mass., in 1751. In 1778, he was a baptist minister, on Pedee river, South Carolina, zealously teaching the Cal- vanistic doctrines as explained by Dr. Ciill. In 1781, he became a preacher of universal salvation in Philadelphia.; He preached in various parts of America and England,| and died in Hartford, Conn., in 1797. Withcrspoon, John, U.D., LL. D., a native of Scotland,-' and came to America in 1768, and became president of Princeton college. He was sent a delegate to congress, and signed the declaration of independence. He died in 1794. Wolcott, Oliver, LL. D., a distinguished patriot of thej revolution, and a signer of the declaration of independence,! and governor of Connecticut. He died in 1797. \ Wonsler, David, a major general of the militia of Con-i necticut, killed near Danbury, Conn., in 1777, in an in-l vasion of the British troops. j Wytke, George, of Virginia, an eminent la^\ye^ andj statesman, and an ardent patriot of the revolution, andj one of the signers of the declaration of independence. H« died in 1806. j Y. \ Yale, Elihu, a native of Connecticut, who amassed ai large fortune in the East Indies, and became the governor^ of the East India Company. He was a liberal benefac-j tor of the college at New Haven, Con., which bears his name. He died in 1721. 327 DECLARATION OF INDEPENDENCE UNITED STATES OF AMERICA, Signed on the ith ofJuh), 1776, bi/ a Congress of Dele- gates, assembled at Philadelphia, from the States of New Hampshire, Massachusetts, Rhode Island, Con- necticut, Neio York, New Jersey, Pennsi/lvama, Dela- ware, Maryland, Virginia, North Carolina, South Carolina, and Georgia. When, in the course of human events, it becomes ne- I cessary for one people- to dissolve the political bonds which have connected them with another, and to assume among the powers of the earth, the separate and equal station to Avhich the laws of nature and of nature's God entitle them, a decent respect to the opinions of m.ankind, ■ requires that they should declare the causes which impel ' them to the separation. We hold these truths to be self-evident — that all men are created equal ; that they are endowed by their Crea- tor with certain unalienable ricrhts ; that among these are life, liberty, and the pursuit of happiness. That to secure these rights, governments are instituted among men, de- riving their just powers from the consent of the governed; : that whenever any form of government becomes destruc- tive of these ends, it is the right of the people to alter or to abolish it, and to institute a new government, laying • its foundation on such principles, and organizing its [powers in such form, as to them shall seem most likely to effect their safety and happiness. Prudence, indeed, • will dictate, that governments long established, should ! not be changed for light and transient causes ; and, ac- 328 cordingly, all experience hath shown, that mankind are ] most disposed to suffer, while evils are suffc-rable, than to right tlicmselvcs by abolishing the forms to which they are accustomed. But when a long train of abuses and usurpations, pursuing invariably the same object, evinces a design to reduce them under absolute despotism, it is their right, it is their duty, to throw off such govern- ment, and to provide new guards for their future security. Such has been the patient suflerance of these colonies ; and such is now the necessity which constrains them to alter their former system of government. The history of the present king of Great Britain, is a history of re- peated injuries and usurpations, all having in direct object the establishment of an absolute tyranny over these States. To prove this, let facts be submitted to a candid world. He has refused his assent to laws, the most wholesome and necessary for the public good. He has forbidden his governors to pass laws of imme- diate and pressing importance, unless suspended in their operations till his assent should be obtained ; and when so suspended ; he has utterly neglected to attend to them. He has refused to pass other laws, for the accommoda- tion of large districts of people, unless those people would relinquish the right of representation in the legislature — ■ a right inestimable to them, and formidable to tyrants only. He has called together legislative bodies, at places un- usual, uncomfortable, and distant from the depository of their public records, for the sole purpose of fatiguing them into compliance with his measures. He has dissolved representative houses repeatedly, for opposing with manly firmness his invasions on the rights of the people. He has refused, for a long time after such dissolutions, to cause others to be elected ; whereby the legislative powers, incapable of annihilation, have returned to thi people at large, for their exercise ; the State remaining in the mean time, exposed to all the danger of invasion from without, and convulsions within. He has endeavoured to prevent the population of these States; for that purpose obstructing the laws for the na- turalization of foreigners ; refusing to pass others to encourage their migration hither, and raising the con- dition of new appropriations of lands. He has obstructed the administration of justice, by refusing his assent to laws for establishing Judiciary Powers. He has made judges dependent on his will alone for the, tenure of their offices, and the amount and payment of their salaries. He has erected a multitude of new offices, and sent hither swarms of officers, to harass our people and eat out their substance. . He has kept among us, in time of peace, standing armies, without the consent of our legislature. He has effected to render the military independent of, and superior to, the civil power. He has combined with others to subject us to a juris- diction, foreign to our constitution, and unacknowledged by our laws ; giving his assent to their acts of pretended legislation. For quartering large bodies of armed troops among us : For protecting them, by a mock trial, from punish- ment for any murders which they should commit on the inhabitants of these States: For cutting off our trade with all parts of the world : For imposing taxes on us without our consent : For depriving us, in many cases, of the benefits of trial For transporting us beyond seas, to be tried for pre- ' tended offences : For abolishing the free system of English laws in a I neighbouring province, establishing therein an arbitrary government, and enlarging its boundaries, so as to render it at once an example and fit instrument for introducing the same absolute rule into these colonies : For taking away our charters, abolishing our most 28* 330 valuable laws, and altering- fundamentally the forms of our governments ; For suspending our own legislatures, and declaring themselves invested with power to legislate for us in all cases whatsoever. He has abdicated government here, by declaring us out of his protection, and waging war against us. He has plundered our seas, ravaged our coasts, burnt our towns, and destroyed the lives of our people. He is, at this time, transporting large armies of foreign mercenaries to complete the work of death, desolation, and tyranny, already begun, with circumstances of cruelty and perfidy, scarcely paralleled in the most barbarous aires, and totally unworthy the head of a civilized nation. He has constrained our fellow citizens, taken captive on the high seas, to bear arms against their country, to become the executioners of their friends and brethren, or iall themselves by their hands. He has excited domestic insurrection amongst us, and has endeavoured to bring on the inhabitants of our fron- tiers, the merciless Indian savages, whose known rule of warfare is an undistinguished destruction of all ages, sexes, and conditions. In every stage of these oppressions, we have petitioned for redress in the most humble terms ; our repeated peti- tions have been answered only by repeated injury. A prince whose character is thus marked by every act which may define a tyrant, is unfit to be the ruler of a free people. Nor have we been wanting in attention to our British brethren. We have warned them from time to time, of attempts made by their Legislature to extend an unwar- rantable jurisdiction over us. We have reminded them of the circumstances of our emigration and settlement here. We have appealed to their native justice and mag- nanimity, and we have conjured them by the ties of our common kindred to disavow these usurpations, which would inevitably interrupt our connexion and correspon- dence. They, too, have been deaf to the voice of justice and consanguinity. We must, therefore, acquiesce in the 331 necessity which denounces our separation, and hold them, as we hold the rest of mankind — enemies in war — in peace, friends. We, therefore, the Representatives of the United States of America, in Congress assembled, appealing to the Su- preme Judge of the world for the rectitude of our inten- tions. Do in the name, and by the authority of the good People of these Colonies, solemnly declare, that these United Colonies are, and of right ought to be, free and in- dependent States. — That they are absolved from all alle- giance to the British Crown, and that all political con- nexion between them and the State of Great Britain, is, and ought to be, totally dissolved ; and that as free and independent States, they have full power to levy war, con- clude peace, contract alliances, establish commerce, and to do all other crcts and things which Independent States may of right do. And for the support of this Declaration, with a firm reliance on the protection of Divine Provi- dence, we mutually pledge to each other our lives, our fortunes, and our sacred honour. CONSTITUTION UNITED STATES OF AMERICA, Framed during the year 1787, by a Convention of Dele- gales vho met at Philadelphia, from the States of New Hampshire, Massachusetts, Connecticut, New York, New Jersey, Pennsylvania, Delaware, Mary- land, Virginia, North Carolina, South Carolina, and Georgia. We, the people of the United States, in order to form a more perfect union, establish justice, insure domestic tranquillity, provide for the common defence, promote the general welfare, and secure the blessings of liberty 332 to ourselves nnd our posterity, do ordain and establish this CONSTll'UTlON for the United States of Ame- ARTICLE I. SECTION I. All legislative powers herein granted shall be vested in a Congress of the United States, which shall consist of a Senate and House of Representatives. SECTION II. I. The House of Representatives shall be composed of members chosen every second year by the people of the several States, and the electors in each stafe shall have the qualifications requisite for electors of the most numerous branch of the State Legislature. n. No person shall be a Representative who shall not have attained the age of twenty-five years, and been seven years a citizen of the United States, and who shall not when elected, be an inhabitant of that State in which he shall be chosen. ni. Representative and direct taxes shall be appor- tioned among the several States which may be included within this Union, according to their respective numbers, which shall be determined by adding to the whole num- i ber of free persons, including those bound to service for a term of years, and excluding Indians not taxed, three fifths of all other persons. The actual enumeration shall be made within three years after the first meeting of the Congress of the United States, and within every subsequent term of ten years, in such manner as they shall by law direct. The number of representatives shall not exceed one for every thirty thousand, but each State shall have at least one representative ; and until such enumeration shall be made, the State of New Hampshire shall be entitled to choose three, Massachu- setts eight, Rhode Island and Providence Plantations one, Connecticut five, New York six. New Jersey four, Pennsylvania eight, Delaware one, Maryland six, Vir- ginia ten, North Carolina five. South Carolina five, and Georgia three. IV. When vacancies happen in the representation from any State, the executive authority thereof shall issue writs of election to fill such vacancies. V. The House of Representatives shall choose their Speaker, and other officers; and shall have the sole power of impeachment. SECTION III. I. The Senate of the United States shall be composed of two senators from each State, choSen by the legisla- ture thereof, for six years, and each senator shall have one vote. II. Immediately after they shall be assembled in con- sequence of the first election, they shall be divided as equally as may be into three classes, llie seats of the senators of the first class shall be vacated at the ex- piration of the second year, of the second class at the expiration of the fourth year, and of the third class at the expiration of the sixth year, so that one third may be chosen every second year ; and if vacancies happen by resignation or otherwise, during the recess of the legis- lature of any State, the executive thereof may make tem- porary appointments until the next meeting of the legis- lature, which shall then fill such vacancies. III. No person shall be a senator who shall not have attained the age of thirty years, and been nine years a citizen of the United States, and who shall not, when elected, be an inhabitant of that State for which he shall be chosen. IV. The Vice President of the United States shall be President of the Senate, but shall have no vote unless they be equally divided. V. The Senate shall choose their other officers, and also a President pro tempore in the absence of the Vice President, or Avhen he shall exercise the office of Presi- dent of the United States. VI. The Senate shall have the sole power to try all impeachments. When sitting for that purpose, they shall be on oath or affirmation. When the President of the United States is tried, the chief justice shall preside ; 334 and no person shall be convicted without the concurrence of two thirds of the members present. VII. Judgment in cases of impeachment shall not ex- tend further than to removal from office, and disquali- fication to hold and enjoy any office of honour, trust, or profit, under the United States ; but the party convicted shall nevertheless be liable and subject to indictment, trial, judgment, and punishment, according to law. SKCTION" IV. I. The limes, places and manner of holding elections for senators and representatives, shall be prescribed in each State by the legislature thereof; but the Congress may at any time by law make or alter such regulations, except as to the places of choosing senators. II. The Congress shall assemble at least once in every year, and such meeting shall be on the first Monday in December, unless they shall by law appoint a difl^erent day. SECTION V I. Each house shall be the judge of the elections, re- turns and qualifications of its own members, and a ma- jority of each shall constitute a quorum to do business ; but a smaller number may adjourn from daj'^ to day, and may be authorized to compel the attendance of absent members, in such manner, and under such penalties as { each house may provide. j II. Each house may determine the rules of its pro- j ceedings, punish its members for disorderly beha- J viour, and, with the concurrence of two thirds, expel a i member. | III. Each house shall keep a journal of its proceed- I ings, and from time to lime publish the same, excepting J such parts as may in their judgment require secrecy; ] and the yeas and nays of the members of either house, on any question, shall, at the desire of one fifth of those t present, be entered on the journal. » IV. Neither house, during the session of Congress, ' shall, without the consent of the other, adjourn for more j than three days, nor to any other place than that in which i the two houses shall be sitting. SECTION VI. I. The Senators and Representatives shall receive a compensation for their servict-s, to be ascertained bylaw, and paid out of the treasury of the United States. They shall in all cases except treason, felony, and breach of the peace, be privileged from arrest during their attend- ance at the session of their respective houses, and in going to and returning from the same; and for any speech or debate in either house, they sliall not be ques- tioned in any other place. II. No Senator or Representative shall, during the time for which he was elected, be appointed to any civil office under the authority of the United States, which shall have been created, or the emoluments whereo|' shall have been increased during such time; and no holding any office under the United States, shr member of either house during his continuance iij SECTION VII. I. All bills for raising revenue shall^Bf(frnate in the House of Representatives ; but the Senate may propose or concur with amendments as on other hills. II. Every bill which shall have passed the House of Representatives and the Senate, shall, before it becomes a law, be presented to the President of the United States; if he approve, lie shall sign it; but if not, he shall return it, with liis objections, to that house in which it shall have originated, who shall enter the objections at large on their journal, and proceed to reconsider it. If, after such reconsideration, two thirds of that house shall agree to pass the bill, it shall be sent, together with the ob- jections, to the other house, by which it shall lilcewise be reconsidered, and if approved by two thirds of that house, it shall become a law. But in all such cases, the votes of both iKHises shall be determined by yeas and nays, and the names of the persons voting for and against the bill, shall be entered on the journal of each house respectively. If any bill shall not be returned by the President within ten days, (Sundays excepted,) after it shall have been presented to him, the same shall be a law, in the like manner as if he' had signed it, unless the Congress by 336 their adjournment prevent its return, in which case it shall not be a law. III. Every order, resolution, or vote, to which the concurrence of the Senate and House of Representatives may be necessary, (except on a question of adjournment,) shall be presented to the President of the United States ; and before the same shall take effect, shall be approved by him, or being disapproved by him, shall be re-passed by two thirds of the Senate and House of Representa- tives, according to the rules and limitations prescribed in the case of a bill. SECTION VIII. TJtie Congress shall have power — I. To lay and collect taxes, duties, imposts, and excises ; to pt^the debts, and provide for the common defence and gene%l welfare of the United States; but all duties, im- posts, atod excises, shall be uniform throughout the United States. \^ n. To baafroflv money on the credit of the United States. HI. To regulate commerce with foreign nations, and among the several States, and with the Indian tribes. IV. To establish a uniform rule of naturalization, and uniform laws on the subject of bankruptcies, throughout the United States. V. To coin money, regulate the value thereof, and of foreign coin, and fix the standard of weights and mea- sures. VI. To provide for the punishment of counterfeiting the securities and current coin of the United States. VII. To establish post offices and post roads. VIII. To promote the progress of science and usefiil arts, by securing, for limited times, to authors and invent- ors, tlie exclusive right to tlieir respective writings and discoveries. IX. To constitute tribunals inferior to the supreme court. X. To define and punish piracies and felonies com- mitted on the high seas, and offences against the laws of nations. XI. To declare war, grant letters of marque and re- prisal, and make rules concerning captures on land and water. XII. To raise and support armies; but no appropria- tions of money for that use shall be for a longer term than two years. XIII. To provide and maintain a navy. XIV. To make rules for the government and regula- tion of the land and naval forces. XV. To provide for calling forth the militia to execute the laws of the union, suppress insurrection, and repel invasions. XVI. To provide for organizing, arming, and disci- plining the militia, and for governing such parts of them as may be employed in the service of the United States, reserving to the States respectively the appointment of the officers, and the authority of training the militia, accord- ing to the discipline pre.scribed by Congress. XVII. To exercise exclusive legislation, in all cases whatsoever, over such district (not exceeding ten miles square) as may by cession of particular States, and the acceptance of Congress, become the seat of the govern- ment of the United States, and to exercise like authority over all places purchased by the consent of the legisla- ture of the State in which the same shall be, for the erection of forts, magazines, arsenals, dock-yards, and other needful buildings : and, XVIII. To make all the laws v.diich shall be neces- sary and proper for carrying into execution the forego- ing powers, and all otiier powers vested by this constitu- tion in the government of the United States, or in any department or oliice thereof SECTION IX. I. The migration or importation of such persons as any of the States now existing shall think proper to ad- mit, shall not be prohibited b}' the Congress prior to the year one thousand eight hundred and eight, but a tax 1 or duty may be imposed on such importation, not ex-*' ■ ceeding ten dollars for each person. II. The privilege of the writ of habeas corpus shall 29 338 not be suspended, unless when in cases of rebellion or invasion the public safety may require it. III. No bill of attainder or ex po.st facto law shall be passed. IV. No capitation, or other direct tax, shall be laid, un- less in proportion to the census of enumeration, herein before directed to be taken. | V. No tax or duty shall be laid on articles exported | from any State. No preference shall be given by any re- I gulation of commerce or revenue to the ports of one Siato over those of another ; nor shall vessels bound to or from ; one State, be obliged to enter, clear, or pay duties in another. VI. No money shall be dra-\ATi from the treasury, but ' in consequence of appropriations made by law : and a regular statement and account of the receipts and expen- ^ ditures of all public money shall be published from time j to time. j VII. No title of nobility shall be granted by the Uni- ti^d States ; and no person holding any office of profit or | 'rust under them, shall, without the consent of Congres?', ' accept of any present, emolument, office, or title, of anv i Ivind whatever, from any king, prince, or foreign State. I SECTION X. I. No State shall enter into any treaty, alliance, or con- , : -deration; grant letters of marque or reprisal; coin' money; emit bills of credit; make any thing but gold»i and silver coin a tender in payment of debts: pass anv i hill of attainder, ex post facto law, or law impairing the t obligation of contracts, or grant any thle of nobility. II. No State shall, without the consent of Congress, lay any imposts or duties on imports or exports, except what may be absolutely necessary for executing its in- ;^pection laws; and the net produce of all duties and im- posts laid by any State on imports or exports, shall be for the use of the treasury of the United States, and all such laws shall be subject to the revision and control of Con- ■ gress. No State shall, without the consent of Congress, lay any duty on tonnage, keep troops, or ships of war, in time of peace, enter into any agreement or compact with another State, or with a foreign power, or engage in war, 339 unless actually invaded, or in such imminent danger as will not admit of delay. ARTICLE II. SECTION I. I. The executive power shall be vested in a President t.if the United States of America. He shall hold his of- fice during the term of four years, and, together with the Vice President, chosen for the same term, be elected lis follows: — II. Each State shall appoint, in such manner as the legislature thereof may direct, a number of electors, equal to the whole number of senators and representatives to which the State may be entitled in the Congress ; but no senator or representative, or person holding an ofRce of trust or profit under the United States, shall be appointed an elector. III. The electors shall meet in their respective States, and vote by ballot for two persons, of whom one at least, shall not be an inhabitant of the same State with them- selves. And they shall make a list of all the persons voted for, and of the number of votes for each ; which list they shall sign and certify, and transmit, sealed, to the seat of government of 'the United States, directed to the President of the Senate. The President of the Senate shall, in the presence of the Senate and House of Represent- atives, open all the certificates, and the votes shall then be counted. The person having the greatest number of votes shall be the President, if such number be a majori- ty of the whole number of electors appointed ; and if there be more than one who have such majority, and have an equal number of votes, then the House of Repre- sentatives shall immediately choose by ballot one of them for President : and if no person have a majority, then from the five highest on the list the said House shall in like manner choose the President. But in choosing the President, the votes shall be taken by States, the repre- sentation from each State having one vote ; a quorum for this purpose shall consist of a member or members from two thirds of the States, and a maioritv of all the S'.'ites 340 shall be necessary for a choice. In every case after the choice of a President, the person having" the greatest number of votes of the electors shall be the Vice Presi- dent. But if there should remain two or more who have equal votes, the Senate shall choose I'rom them by ballot, the Vice President. IV. The Congress may determine the time of cho""'?- ing- the electors, and the day on which they shall give their votes ; which day shall be the same throughout the United States. V. No person except a natural born citizen, or a citi- zen of the United Stales at the time of the adoption of this constitution, shall be eligible to the office of Presi- dent, neither shall any person be eligible to that office who shall not have attained the age of thirty-five j'ears, and been fourteen years a resident of the United States. VI. In case of the removal of the President from of- fice, or of his death, resignation, or inability to discharge the powers and duties of the said office, the same shall devolve on the Vice President, and the Congress may by lav/ proA'ide for the case of the removal, death, resigna- tion, or inability, both of the President or "\^ice President, declaring what officer shall then act as President, and such officer shall act accordingly, until the disability be removed, or a President shall be elected. VII. The President shall, at stated times, receive for his ser\'ices a compensation, which shall neither be in- creased nor diminished during the period for which h^' shall have been elected, and he shall not receive within that period, any other emolument from the United States, or any of them. VIII. Before he enter on the execution of hi^ office, he shall take the following oath or affirmation: " I do solemnly swear (or affirm) that I will .faithfully execute the office of President of the United States, and will, to the best of my ability, preserve, protect, and de- fend the constitution of the United States." SECTION II. I. The President shall be commander-in-chief of the army and na\y of the United States, and of the mi- 341 litia of the several States, when called into the actual service of the United States ; he may require the opi- nion, in writing-, of the principal officer in each of the executive departments, upon any subject relating to the duties of their respective offices ; and he shall have the power to grant reprieves and pardons for offences against the United States, except in cases of impeachment. II. He shall have power by and with the advice and consent of the Senate, to make treaties, provided two thirds of tlie Senators present concur ; and he shall no- minate, and, by and with the advice and consent of the Senate, appoint ambassadors, other public ministers, and consuls, judges of the supreme court, and all other offi- cers of the United States, whose appointments are not herein otherwise provided for, and which shall be estab- lished by law. But the Congress may by law vest the ap- pointment of such inferior officers, as they think proper, in the President alone, in the courts of law, or in the heads of departments. III. The President shall have power to fill up all va- cancies that may happen during the recess of the Senate, by granting commissions which shall expire at the end of their next session. SECTION III. 1. He shall, from time to time, give to the Congress information of the state of the Union, and recommend to their consideration such measures as he shall judge ne- cessary and expedient ; he may, on extraordinary occa- sions, convene both houses, or either of them, and, in case of disagreement between them, with respect to the time of adjournment, he may adjourn them to such time as he shall think proper ; he shall receive ambassadors and other public ministers; he shall take care that the laws be faithfully executed ; and shall commission all the officers of the United States. SKCTIOX IV. I. The President, Vice President, and all civil officers of the United States, shall be removed from office, on im- peachment for. and conviction of, treason, bribery, or other high trimes and misdemeanors. 2'J* 342 ARTICLE III. SECTION I. I. The judicial power of the United States shall be vested in one supreme court, and in such inferior courts as the congress may from time to time order and estab- lish. The judges, both of the supreme and inferior courts, shall, hold their offices during good behaviour; and shall at stated times, receive for their services a com- pensation which shall not be diminished during their continuance in office. SECTION II. I. The judicial power shall extend to all cases in law and equity, arising under this constitution, the laws of the United States, and treaties nriade, or which shall be made, under their authority ; to all cases of admiralty and ma- ritime jurisdiction ; to controversies to which the United States shall be a party ; to controversies betv.-een two or more States, between a State and citizens of another State, between citizens of different States, between citizens of the same State claiming lands under grants of different States, between a State, or the citizens thereof, and foreign States, citizens, or subjects. II. In all cases affecting ambassadors, other public ministers, and consuls, and those in which a State shall be a party, the supreme court shall have original jurisdic- tion. In all other cases before mentioned, the supreme court shall have appellate jurisdiction, both as to law and fact, with such exceptions, and under such regulations, as the Congress shall make. III. The trial of all crimes, except in cases of im- peachment, shall be by jury; and such trials shall be held in the State where the said crimes shall have been committed ; but when not committed within any State the trial shall be at such place or places as the Congress may by law have directed. SECTION III. I. Treason against the United States shall consist only in levying war against them, or in adhering to their ene- 343 nues, giving them aid and comfort. No person shall be convicted of treason, unless on the testimony of two wit- nesses to the same overt act, or on confession in open court. II. The Congress shall have power to declare the punishment of treason; but no attainder of treason shall work corruption of blood or forfeiture, except during the life of the person attainted. ARTICLE IV. SECTION I. 1. Full faith and credit shall be given in each S.tate, to the public acts, records, and judicial proceedings of every other State. And the Congress may, by general laws, prescribe the manner iii which such acts, records, and proceedings, shall be proved, and the effect thereof SECTION II. I. The citizens of each State shall be entitled to all privileges and immunities of citizens in the several States. II. A person charged, in any State, with treason, felony, or other crime, who shall flee from justice and be found in another State, shall, on demand of the executive autho- rity of the State from Avhich he is fled, be delivered up, to be removed to the State having jurisdiction of the crime. III. No person held to service or labour in one State, under the laws thereof, escaping into another, shall, in consequence of any law or regulation therein, be discharg- ed from such service or labour : but shall be delivered up on claim of the party to whom such service or labour may be due. SECTION in. I. New States may be admitted by the Congress into this Union ; but no new Stale shall be formed or erected ■ within the jurisdiction of any other State, nor any State be formed by the junction of two or more States, or parts of States, without the consent of the Legislatures of the States concerned, as well as of the Congress. II The Congress shall have power to dispose of and 344 make all needful rules and regulations respecting the territory or other property belonging to the United States; and nothing in this Constitution shall be so construed as to prejudice any claims of the United States, or of any particular State. SECTION IV. I. The United States shall guaranty to every State in the Union, a republican form of government, and shall pro- tect each of them against invasion ; and on application of the Legislature, or of the Executive, (when the Legislature cannot be convened,) against domestic violence. ARTICLE V. I. The Congress, whenever two thirds of both houses shall deem it necessary, shall propose amendments to this Constitution, or on the application of the Legislatures of two thirds of the several States, shall call a Convention for proposing amendments, which, in either case, shall be valid to all intents and purposes, as a part of this Consti- tution, when ratified by the Legislatures of three fourths of the several States, or by Conventions in three fourths thereof^ as the one or the other mode of ratification may be proposed by the Congress : Provided, that no amendment which may be made prior to the year one thousand eight hundred and eight shall in any manner affect the first and fourth clauses in the ninth section of the first article ; and that no State, without its consent, shall be deprived of its equal suffrage in the Senate. ARTICLE VI. I. All debts contracted, and engagements entered into, before the adoption of this Constitution, shall be as valid against the United States under this Constitution, as under the confederation. II. This Constitution, and the laws of the United States which shall be made in pursuance thereof; and all trea- ties made, or which shall be made, under the authority of the United States, shall be the supreme law of the land ; and the judges in every State shall be bound thereby, any thing in the Constitution or laws of any State to the con- trary notwithstanding. 345 111. The Scnaiovs and Representatives before men- tioned, and the members of the several State Legislatures, and all executive and judicial officers, both of the United States and of the several States, shall be bound by oath or affirmation, to support this Constitution ; hut no religious test shall ever be required as a qualification to any oflice or public trust under the United States. ARTICLE VII. I. The ratifications of the Conventions of nine States, shall be sufficient for the establishment of this Constitution between the States so ratifying the same. Done m Convention by the unanimous consent of the States present, the seventeenth day of September, in the year of our Lord one thousand seven hundred and eighty-seven, and of the Independence of the United States of America, the twelfth. In witness whereof, we have hereunto subscribed our names. New Hampshire. — John Langdon, Nicholas Gi'man. Massachusettts. — NatharJel Gorham, Rufus King. Connecticut. — William S. Johnson, Roger Sherman. New York. — Alexander Hamilton. New Jer.<5ev. — William Livingston, David Brearly, William Patterson, Jonathan Dayton. Pennsylvania. — Benjamin Franklin, Thomas Mifflin, Robert Morris, George Clymer, Thomas Fitzsimons, Jared Ingersol, James Wilson, Governeur Morris. Delaware. — George Read, Gunning Bedford, Jim., John Dickinson, Ivichard Bassett, Jacob Broom. Maryland. — James M'Henry, Daniel of St. Thomas Jenifer, Daniel Carroll. Virginia. — John Blair, James Madison, Junr. North Carolina. — William Blount, Richard Dobbs Spaight, Hugh Williamson. South Carolina. — John Rutledge, Charles C. Pinck- ncy. Pierce Butler. Georgia. — William Few, Abraham Baldwin. GEORGE WASHINGTON, President. William Jackson, Secretary. 346 AMENDMENTS TO THE CONSTITUTION OF THE UNITED STATES. Since the adoption of the foregoingf Constitution, the fol- lowing amendments have been made, and ratified by the Legislatures of three fourths of the several States in the Union. ARTICLE I. Congress shall make no law respecting the establish- ment of religion, or prohibiting the free exercise thereof; or abridging the freedom of speech, or of the press ; or the right of the people peaceably to assemble, and to pe- tition the government for a redress of grievances. ARTICLE II. A well regulated militia being necessary to the security I if a free State, the right of the people to keep and bear arms shall not be infringed. ARTICLE III. No soldier shall, in time of peace, be quartered in any house, without the consent of the owner ; nor in time of Avar, but in a manner to be prescribed by law. ARTICLE IV. The right of the people to be secure in their persons, houses, papers, and effects, against unreasonable searches and seizures, shall not be violated ; and no warrants shall issue, but upon probable cause, supported by oath or affirm- ation, and particularly describing the place to be searched, and the persons or things to be seized. ARTICLE V. No person shall be held to answer for a capital or otherwise infamous crime, unless on a presentment or in- dictment of a grand jury, except in cases arising in the land and naval forces, or in the militia, when in actual 347 service in time of war or public danger ; nor shall any person be subject, for the same offence, to be twice put in jeopardy of life or limb ; nor shall be compelled, in any criminal case, to be a witness against himself; nor be de- prived of life, liberty, or property, without due process of lav,- ; nor shall private property be taken for public vise, Avithout due compensation. ARTICLE VI. In all criminal prosecutions, the accused shall enjoy the right to a speedy and public trial, by an impartial jury of the State and district wherein the crime shall have been committed, (which district shall have been previously ascertained by law,) and to be informed of the nature and cause of the accusation ; and to be confronted with the witnesses against him ; to have compulsory process for obtaining witnesses in his favour, and to have the assist- ance of counsel for his defence. ARTICLE VII. In suits at common law, where the value in controversy shall exceed twenty dollars, the right of trial by jury shall be preserved, and no fact tried by a jury, shall be otherwise re-e.xamined in any court of the United States, than according to the rules of the common law. ARTICLE VIII. Excessive bail shall not be required, nor excessive fines imposed, nor cruel and unusual punishments inflicted. ARTICLE IX. The enumeration in the Constitution of certain rights, .shall not be construed to deny or disparage others retained by the people. ARTICLE X. The powers not delegated to the United States by the Constitution, nor prohibited by it to the States, are reserved to the Suites respectively, or to the per/pie. ARTICLE XI. The judicial power of the United States shall not be coni«trued to extend to any suit in law or ecpiity, com- menced or prosecuted against one of the United States, by citizens of another State, or by citizens or subjects of any foreign State. 348 ARTICLE XII. The electors shall meet in their respective States, and vote by ballot for President and Vice President, one ot" whom, at least, shall not be an inhabitant of the same State Avith themselves ; they shall name in their ballots the persons voted for as President, and in distinct ballots of all persons voted for as Vice President; and they shall make distinct lists for all persons voted for as President, and for all persons voted for as Vice President, and of the number of votes for each, which lists they shall sign and certify, and transmit, sealed, to the seat of government of the United States, directed to the President of the Senate ; the President of the Senate shall, in the presence of the Senate and House of Representatives, open all the certificates, and the votes shall then be counted : the person having the greatest number of votes for President shall be the Pre- sident, if such number be a majority of the whole number of electors appointed ; and if no person have such a ma- jority, then from the persons having the highest numbers, not exceeding three, on the list of those voted for as Pre- sident, the House of Representatives shall choose imme- diately, by ballot, the President. But in choosing the President, the votes shall be taken by States, the repre- sentatives from each State having one vote : a quorum for this purpose shall consist of a member or members from two thirds of the States, and a majority of all the States shall be necessaiy to a choice; and if the House of Re- j>resentatives shall not choose a President, whenever the right of choice shall devolve upon them, before the fourth day of March next following, then the Vice President shall act as President, as in case of death, or ether con- stitutional disability of the President. The person having the greatest number of- votes as Vice President, shall be the Vice President, if such number bt* a majority of the whole number of electors appointed ; and if no person have a majority, then from the two highest liurnbers on the list, the Senate shall choose the Vice President ; a quorum for this purpose shall consist of two thirds of the whole number of senators, and a majority of the whole number shall be necessary tc^ a choice. 349 But no person constitutionally ineligible to the office of President, shall be eligible to that of Vice President of the United States. ARTICLE xm. If any citizen of the United States shall accept, claim, receive, or retain any title of nobility or honour, or shall, without the consent of Congress, accept and retain any present, pension, office, or emolument of any kind what- ever, from, any emperor, king, prince, or foreign power, such person shall cease to be a citizen of the United States, and shall be incapable of holding any office of trust or profit under them, or either of them. ARTICLE XIV. After the first enumeration required by the first article of the Constitution, there shall be one representative for every thirty thousand, until the number shall amount to one hundred, after which the proportion shall be so regu- lated by Congress, that there shall be not less than one hundred representatives, or less than one representative for every forty thousand persons, until the number of re- presentatives shall amount to two hundred, and after which the proportion shall be so regulated by Congress, that there shall not be less than two hundred representatives, nor more than ono representative for every fifty thousand persons. ARTICLE XV. No law, varying the compensation for the services of the senators and representatives, shall take effect, until an election of representatives shall have intervened. 30 350 THE FAREWELL ADDRESS OF GEORGE WASHINGTON. Friends and Fellow-Citizens, The period for a new election of a citizen, to administer the executive government of the United States, being not far distant, and the time actually arrived, when your thoughts must be employed in designating the person who is to be clothed with that important trust, it appears to me proper, especially as it may conduce to a more distinct expression of the public voice, that I should now apprize you of the resolution I have formed, to decline being con- sidered among the number of those out of whom a choice 13 to be made. I beg you, at the same time, to do me the justice to be assured, that this resolution l)as not been taken, without a strict regard to all the considerations appertaining to the relation which binds a dutiful citizen to his country; and that, in withdrawing the tender of .service which silence in my situation might imply, I am influenced by no diminution of zeal for your future in- terest ; no deficiency of grateful respect, for jttur past kindness ; but am supported by a full conviction that the step is compatible with both. 2. The acceptance of, and continuance hitherto in, the office to which your suffrages have twice called me, have been a uniform sacrifice of inclination to the opinion of duty, and to a deference for what appeared to be your de- sire. I constantly hoped, that it would have been much earlier in my power, consistently with motives which I was not at liberty to disregard, to return to that retirement 351 from which I have been reluctantly drawn. The strength of iny inclination to do this, previous to the last election, had even led to the preparation of an address to declare it to you ; but mature reflection on the then perplexed and critical posture of our affairs with foreign nations, and the -', I should be excluded ; and that in place of them just and j amicable feelings towards all should be cultivated. I'he ', nation, which indulges towards another an habitual ha- * tred, or an habitual fondness, is in some degree a slave. \ ft is a slave to its animosity or to its affection, either of > which is sufficient to lead it astray from its duty and its interest. Antipathy in one nation against another, dis- j poses each more readily to ofTer insult and injury, to lay I hold of slight causes of umbrage, and to be haughty and ! intractable, when accidental or trifling occasions of di?- j pute occur. Hence frequent collisions, obstinate, enve- nomed, and bloody conte.sts. The nation, prompted by ill will and re.sentment, sometimes impels to war the ^ government, contrary to the best calculations of. policy. 'Hie government sometimes participates in the national propensity, and adopts throuo-h passion what reason would reject; at other times, it makes the animosity of the nation subservient to projects of hostility instigated by pride, ambition, and other sinister and pernicious mo- j tives. The peace often, sometimes perhaps tlie liberty, v' of nations, has been the victim. *i 25. So likewise a passionate attnchmrnt of one nation 1 for another, pro(hices a variety of evils. Syjnjathy for ; the favourite nation, facilitating the illusion of an imagi- ] nary common interest, in cases where no real common in- | terest exists, and infusing into one the enmities of thv; j other, betrays the former into a participation in the fpiar- '1 rels and wars of the latter, without adequate indue, m.ent ' or justification. It leads also to the concessions to the fa- , vourite nation of privileges denied to others, which is apt 'j doubly to injure the nation making the concessions; by ■ unnecessarily parting with what ought to have been re- ^ tained, and by exciting jealousy, ill will, and a disposi- \ tion to retaliate, in the parties from whom equal privi- i 363 leges are withheld, — and it gives to ambitious, corrupted, or dehided citizens, (who devote themselves to the favour- ite nation,) facility to betray or sacrifice the interests of their own country without odium, sometimes even with popularity ; gilding with the appearances of a virtuous sense of obligation, a commendable deference for public opinion, or a laudable zeal for public good, the base or foolish compliances of ambition, corruption, or infatuation. 2G. As avenues to foreign influence in innumerable ways, such attachments are particularly alarming to the truly enlightened and independent patriot. How many opportunities do they afibrd to tamper with domestic fac- tions, to practise the arts of seduction, to mislead public opinions, to influence or awe public councils ! Such an attachment of small or weak, towards a great and pow- erful nation, dooms the former to be the satellites of the latter. Against the insidious wiles of foreign influence, (I conjure you to believe me, fellow citizens,) the jeal- ousy of a free people ought to be constantly awake; since history and e.xperience prove that foreigii influence is one of the most baneful foes of republican govern- ment. But that jealousy, to be useful, must be impar- tial : else it becomes the instrument of the very influence to be avoided, instead of a defence against it. E.xcessive partiality for one foreign nation, and excessive dislike of another, cause those whom they actuate, to see danger only on one side, and serve to veil and even second the arts of influence on the other. Real patriots, who may resist the intrigues of the favourite, are liable to become suspected and odious ; while its tools and dupes usurp the applause and confidence of the people, to surrender their interests. The great rule of conduct for us, in re- gard to foreign nations, is, in extending our commercial relations, to have with them as little political connexion as possible. So far as we ^lave already formed engage- ments, let them be fulfilled with perfect good faith. Here 1ft us stop. 27. Europe has a set of primary interests, which to us have none, or a very remote relation. Hence she must be engaged in frequent controversies, the causes of 364 which are essentially foreign to our concerns. Hence, therefore, it must be unwise in us to implicate ourselves by artificial ties, in the ordinary vicissitudes of her poli- tics, or the ordinary combinations and collisions of her friendships or enmities. Our detached and distant situa- tion invites and enables us to pursue a different course. If we remain one people, under an efficient government, the period is not far off, when we may defy material in- jury from external annoyance; when we may take such an attitude, as will cause the neutrality we may at ;iny time resolve upon, to be scrupulously respected ; when belligerent nations, under the impossibility of making acquisitions upon us, will not lightly hazard the giving- us provocation ; when we may choose peace or wax, as our interest, guided by justice, shall counsel. 28. Why forego the advantages of so peculiar a si- tuation ? Why quit our own to stand upon foreign ground? Wh}?-, by interweaving our destiny with that of any part of Europe, entangle our peace and prosperi- ty in the toils of European ambition, rivalship, interest, humour, or caprice? 'Tis our true policy to steer clear of permanent alliances with any portion of the foreign world ; so far, I mean, as we are now at liberty to do it ; for let me not be understood as patronising infidelity to existing engagements. I hold the maxim no less appli- cable to public than to private affairs, that honesty is al- ways the best policy. I repeat it, therefore, let those engagements be observed in their genuine sense. But, in my opinion, it is unnecessary, and would be unwise. to extend them. Taking care always to keep ourselves, by suitable establishments, on a respectable defensive pos- ture, we ma)' safely trust to temporary alliances for ex- traordinary emergencies. 29. Harmony, liberal intercourse with all nations, are recommended by policy, humanity, and interest. But even our commercial policy should hold an equal and impartial hand r neither seeking nor granting exclusive favours or preferences ; consulting the natural coui-se of things ; diffusing and diversifying, by gentle means, the streams of commerce, but forcing nothing ; establishing 365 with powers so clisposoil, in order to give trade a staLle course, to define the rigiits of our merchants, and to ena- ble the government to support them, conventional rules 'if intercourse, the best that present circumstances and mutual opinion will permit, but tcmporarj', and liable to be from time to time abandoned or varied, as experience and circumstances shall dictate; constantly keeping in view, that 'tis folly in one nation to look for disinterested favours from another ; that it must pay with a portion of its independence whatever it may accept under that cha- racter ; that by such acceptance, it may place itself in the condition of having given equivalent for nominal fa- vours, and yet of being reproached with ingratitude for not giving more. There can be no greater error than to • ■xpect or calculate upon real favours from nation to na- tion. 'Tis an illusion which experience must ctire, which a just pride ought to discard. 30. In oflering to you, my countrymen, these counsels nf an old and affectionate friend, I dare not hope they v>ill make the strong and lasting impression I could wish; that they will control the usual current of the passions, or prevent our nation from running the course which has liiiherto marked the destiny of nations: but if I may f a refusal may be serious. We are determined that j f)ur brother shall not be tried by the laws of the State of \ New York. Their laws make no difference between a crime committed in liquor, and one committed coolly and deliberately. Our laws are different, as we have before j stated.- If tried here, our brother must be hanged. We ' cannot submit to that. Has a murder been committed ; upon our people, when was it punished with death? "Brothers — We have now finished what we had to - say on the subject of the murder. We vvash to addres.? yon upon another, and to have our ideas communicated ' to the President upon it also ? " Brothers — It was understood at the treaty concluded by Col. Pickering, that our superintendent should reside in the toAvn of Canandaigua, and for very good reasons : that situation is the most central to the Six Nations, and ; by subseqvient treaties between the State of New York .Tiid the Indians ; and there are still stronger reasons why lie should reside here, principally on account of the an- , nuities being stipulated to be paid to our superintendent at tiiis place. These treaties are sacred. If their superin- ^ ti^ndent resides elsewhere, the state may object to sending i tlieir money to him at a greater distance. We would j therefore wish our superintendent to reside here at ail events. " Brothers — With regard to the appointment of our present superintendent, we look upon ourselves as much neglected and injured. When General Chapin and Cap- tain Chapin were appointed, our wishes were consulted ujion the occasion, and we most cordially agreed to the ajipointments. Captain Chapin has been turned out, how ever, within these few daj'S. We do not understand that any neglect of duty has been alleged against him. We are told it is because he differs from the President in his sentiments on government matters. He has also been perfectly satisfactory to us ; and had we known of the in- 399 Icntion, we shovilcl most cordially have united in a petition to the Presidtnt to continue him in office. We feel our- selves injured — we have nobody to look to — nobody to listen to our complaints — none to reconcile any diflerences among us. We are like a young iiunily without a father. '• Brothers — We cannot conclude without again urgiisg you to make known all these our sentiments: to tin- Pre- sident." • Sprech delivered orer the grave of Black Bujfulo, prcn- cipal Chief of the Te/o/i tribe of I/idians, by Ike Biii; Elk Maha Chief Do not grieve. Misfortunes will happen to the wi^er-t and best men. Deatli will come, and always comes owl of season. It is the command of the Great Spirit, and all nations and people must obey. What is past and eanntit • be prevented should not be grievetl for. Be not discour- aged or displeased, then, that in visiting your father hero you have lost your chief A misfortune of this kind m;i.y never again befall you, but this would have attended you perhaps at your own villagi". Five limes have I visited this land, and never returned with sorrow or pain. Misfbr- tinies do not flourish particularly in our path. They grow every where. {Addressing himself to Gortrnvr Edwards and Colonel Miller.) What a misfortune ll.r me, that I could not have died this day, instead of the chief that lies before us. The trifli)ig loss my nati(.;i would have sustained in my dei'.th woukl have been dou- bly paid for, by the honours of my burial — They would have wiped off every thing like regret. Instead of being covered with a cloud of sorrow, my Avarriors would hav^' felt the sunshine of joy in their heart.'^. Tome it would have been a most glorious occurrence. Hereafter, when 1 die, at home, instead of a noble grave and a grand pro- cession, the rolling music and the tinmdering cannon, with a flag waving at my head— I shall be wrapped in a robe (an old rube perhaps) and hoisted on a ^'Ienaer r^caf- 400 fold to the whistling- winds, soon to be blown to the earth — my flesh to be devoured by the wolves, and mj-- bones rattled on the plain by the wild beasts. {Addressing himself to Colo?iel Miller.) Chief of the Soi.dieus, — Your labours have not been in vain. Your attention shall not be forgotten. My nation shall knuvyf tlie respect that is paid over the deail When I return, i will e«iio the sound of your guns. Speech uf Red Jacket. [In ihe summer of li?05, a number of the principal Chiefs and War- riors of the Six Nations, priiieipally Senecas, asseinhled at Buffalo Creek, in the State of New York, at the particular rerjuest of tlie Rev. Mr. Cram, a Missionary from tl)e State of Massachusetts. The Missionary being furnished with an Interpreter, and accompa- nied by the Agent of the United States lor Indian nD'airs, met the Indians hi Council, when the following talk took place.] First, by the Agent. " Brothers of the Six Nations — I rejoice to meet you at this time, and thank the Great Spirit that he has pre- served you in health, and given me another opportunity of taking you by the hand. " Brothers — the person who sits by me, is a friend who has come a great distance to hold a talk with you. He will inform you what his business is, and it is my request that you would listen with attention to his words." Missionary. " My friends — I am thankful for the opportunity aflbrded us of uniting together at this time. I had a great desire to see you, and inquire into your state and welfare : for this purpose I have travelled a great distance, being sent by your old friends, the Boston Missionary Society. You will recollect they formerly sent missionaries among you, to instruct you in religion, and labour for your good. Although they have not heard from you for along time, yet they have not forgotten their brothers, the Six Nations, and are still anxious to do you good. 401 " Brothers — I have not come to get your lands or j-oui' money, but to enlighten your minds, and to instruct you how to worship the Great Spirit agreeably to his mind and will, and to preach to you the gospel of his Son Je- sus Christ. There is but one religion, and but one way to serve God, and if you do not embrace the right way^ you cannot be happy hereafter. You have never ^yor- shipped the Great Spirit in a manner acceptable to him ; but have all your lives been in great errors and darkness. To endeavour to remove these errors, and open your eyes, so that you might see clearly, is my business with you. " Brothers— ^I wish to talk with you as one friend talks with another: and if you have any objections to receive the religion which I preach, I wish you to state them ; and I Avill endeavour to satisfy your minds, and remove the objections. -■ ■ " Brothers — I want you to speak your minds freely ; for I wish to reason with you on the subject, and, if pos- sible, remove all doubts, if there be any on your minds. The subject is an important one, and it is of consequence that "O'l P^'^'t' it an early attention while the ofTer is made yoil. Your friends, the Boston ?.'l!!'!!C'!?.ry^ ^'IZlZTj, V,'!;l continue to send vou good and faithful ministers, to in- Struct and strengthen \-ou m religion, ii, on your part, 3'ou are willing to receive them. " Brothers — Since I have been in this part of the coun- try, 1 have visited some of your small villages, and talked with your people. They appear willing to receive in- struction, but as they look up to you as their elder bro- thers in coun(?il, they want first to know your opinion on the subject. " You have now heard what I have to propose at pre- sent. I hope you will take it into consideration, and give me an answer before we part." Lifter about two hours' consultation amonc themselves, the Chief cotnmonU' called by the white people Red Jacket, (whose Indian name is Sa-gu-yu-wha-hah, which interpreted, is Keeper Awake,) rose and spoke as follows :] " Friend and Brother — It was the will of the Great Spirit that we should meet together this day. He orders. 34* 402 all things, and has given us a fine tlay for our Council. He has taken his garment Irom before the sun, and caused it to shine with brightness upon us. Our eyes are opened, that we see clearly ; our ears are unstopped, that we have been able to hear 'distinctly the words you have spoken. For all these favours we thank the Great Spirit, and Him oiily. *' Brother — This council fire "was kindled by you. It was at your request that -we came together at this time. We have listened with attention to what you have said. You requested us to speak out minds freely. This gives us great joy ; for we now consider that we stand upright j| before you, and can speak what we think. All have ] heard your voice, and all speak to you now as one man. ' Our minds are agreed. » ■ " Brother — .You say you vi-ant an answer to your talk before you leave this place. j\\. is right you should have \ one, as you are a great distaftce from home, and we do not wish to detain yoi^ But we will first look back a j little, and tell you what our-f^hers have told us, and what ; we have heard from the white people. i " Brothe-i- -Listen to wliat we say. i " Thel■, o^ ^^0^ c° / • \^ .. -^ •" -f^ ^i>. *•"• , LIBRARY OF CONGRESS illiiiliilili 111 i 011 412 743 7 ♦