*^^^^/ -'^«^-- ^^^^^« ,.^.. -^^Z ..^', ^^^^^^ 'i..:^ :^" -^ ''o^MSi^ a^-^ ^T** -.4-'^' T*' A <.- A* ^ . •■ ' • • FAMOUS AMERICANS FAMOUS AMERICANS By RICHARD H. UHRBROCK, M. A. CARNEGIE INSTITUTE OF TECHNOLOGY, PITTSBURGH, PENNA. and ALBERT A. OWENS, B. 8. CAMPBELL-LYONS SCHOOL, PHILADELPHIA, PENNA. INDIANAPOLIS THE BOBBS-MERRILL COMPANY PUBLISHERS E f ^ Copyrieht 1922 The Bobbs-Merrill Company m -b 1922 I'rint.nK anij ninL'inir 1. Duukwalter-IIall Greathouse I'rintinii Cumpa lndianapo!i8, lnegan to read so early that he never remembered having been taught his letters. His father placed him in school when he was eight years old and he remained there for two years. Then several of his older brothers left home to enter business for themselves, so Benjamin was taken into his father's shop. There he helped his father for the next two years by cutting wicks and filling candle molds with melted tallow. Not all of young Franklin's time was spent in study or in his father's shop. He was fond of swim- ming, fishing and boating. A near-by pond was his favorite resort on a sunny day. There he was very popular with the other boys. One day he brought a large kite down to the i3ond with him. Without tell- ing his playmates what he was about to do, he undressed and then flew the kite. It sailed up and out over the water. Then he tied the string about his waist and waded out several yards. The kite was pulling and tugging; the breeze was strong. Stretch- ing out flat upon his stomach and grasping the string firmly, Franklin let the kite ])ull him across the* BENJAMIN FRANKLIN Photo from Undervvood and Underwood. Btiijainiu Franklin 4 FAiVrOITS AAIEKTCANS pond. The neAV sport soon became very popular with the other lads in the neighborhood. Until he was twelve years old Benjamin helped his father make soap and candles. At this time he became so dissatisfied with the work that he talked of running away to sea. His father discouraged that idea, but began to look for a trade for the boy to follow. The father and son visited bricklayers, glaziers, weavers, carpenters and cutlers, but the boy did not like any of the work he saw. About this time James Franklin, an elder brother of Benjamin, returned from England with a press and enough type to open a printing shop. Franklin's father grasped the opportunity to place the restless boy in a trade where he might read and study. He was apprenticed to his brother James, who was to feed and clothe him until he was twenty-one in return for his services. During that time Benjamin was to be taught the trade of printer. Only during the last year of his apprenticeship was he to receive a small wage. James Franklin started a newspaper in Boston, and Benjamin became the boy-of-all-work in the shop. His brother sometimes treated him cruelly, liut he enjoyed his woi'k and liked to read everything that he saw in print. The printing shop was the meeting-place of writers and thinkers of the day, and young Benjamin listened eagerly to their conversa- tion. AYhile working at some task, he thought over BENJAMIN FRANKLIN 5 all he had heard. Once in a while he wrote out dif- ferent ideas that occurred to him, but he was afraid to show them to his brother. He believed one little article that he wrote was so good it ought to be printed. He hid it away a long time between the pages of a book. At last he thought of a way to bring it to his brother's attention without letting him know who had written it. That night he slipped the folded bit of paper under the door of the printing office. The next morning James Franklin found it. As Benja- min watched him reading it his heart nearly stood still. Suddenly James exclaimed, "I like this. I wonder who wrote if?" And he placed it with the papers that were to be printed that day. The un- known author continued to slip articles under the door of the printing shop and James Franklin con- tinued to print them. At last Benjamin confessed that he was the writer and he became a person of some value in the eyes of his brother and his friends. Several articles that James Franklin printed in his paper displeased the authorities in the colony and he was arrested and thrown into jail. Benjamin was a])out sixteen years old at that time and for several months, until the release of his brother, he ran the paper. There had been a shipwreck off the New England coast and Benjamin wrote a poem about the event which he printed and sold on the streets of 6 FAMOUS AMERICANS Boston. Another sailoi- soni*' lie wrote was also very popular. His father said that the poems were poor and that he was wasting his time thinking about them. When James returned from jail the two brothers quarreled more and more. Finally Benjamin de- cided to leave his brother. James went to all of the printers in Boston and got their promise not to hire the boy. Since he could find no work at his trade in that city, he determined to go elsewhere. He sold his books and few trinkets and boarded a sailing vessel bound for New York. Later in life he said it was a great mistake to leave home without bidding friends and family good-by. After a few days at sea Franklin landed at New York. There he went to see William Bradford, the only printer in the town. Bradford had little work and plenty of hands, so he was not in a position to hire the young printer. However, he told him of an opportunity in the shop of a relative in Philadelphia, and urged the boy to go there. In those times it took sevei'al days to make the trip from New Yoi*k to Philadelphia. Now it can be done in two hours. Franklin boarded another sailing boat whose captain planned to sail aroimd New Jersey, then up the Delaware Bay and River to Philadelphia. While in Long Island Sound the boat was overtaken by a violent storm and very nearly wrecked. After thirty BENJAMIN FRANKLIN 7 hours the hungry, dripping, sea-sick ])assengers were landed at Amboy, on the New Jersey coast. From there the young traveler made his way afoot across the state to Burlington. At that town, after a short wait, he boarded a rowboat that was going to Phila- delphia. The men of the party rowed until late at night. In the darkness they were certain they had ])assed their destination, so they landed on the New Jersey shore where they camped until morning. When day broke they could see Philadelphia in the distance. The party rowed across the I'iver and landed at Market Street wharf about nine o'clock. From the wharf Franklin walked up Market Street. Soon he spied a baker's boy with a basket of bread on his arm. He thought of how hungry he was, so he asked the boy to direct him to a baker's shop. The boy told him where to go, and when he reached the place he went in and asked for three biscuits such as he had known in Boston. The baker did not have any, so Franklin asked for three pennies' worth of bread of any sort. He was surprised when he was given three large rolls. Not knowing what to do with so much bread, he placed a roll under each arm and stepped out into the street gnawing the third one. He walked out Market Street past the home of Miss Deborah Reid who was standing in the door- way. She could not help smiling at the queer figure he made. His clothing: was creased and his shoes 8 FAMOUS AMERICANS were dusty. His pockets were stuffed with extra socks and shirts. He might easily have been mis- taken for a runaway servant. Deborah Reid would have smiled still more if some fairy had allowed her to peep into the future, and to see the young man passing before her munching a roll, as the world- famous Franklin, and herself at his side as Mrs. Franklin. It was Sunday morning and the Quakei's were walking slowly out Market Street toward their meeting-house. Franklin followed and entered the building. Soon he became drowsy and fell asleep. After the service was ended a kind old Quaker aroused him. This man welcomed him to the Quaker City and found a boarding-place for him. The next day Franklin went to see the printer, Bradford. He did not have work f oi' the boy, but sent him to another man named Iveimer who hired him, and who was well pleased with his new employee. At that time Philadelphia was the capital of the Province of Pennsylvania. Benjamin Franklin soon came to the notice of Governor Keith who suggested that an up-to-date printing shop be set up in the town with the young man at its head. Franklin was pleased and flattered at the governor's attention, and made a joui-ney to Boston to secure his father's aid in buying a press and type. His father welcomed his returned son, ])ut was unable and unwilling to BENJAMIN FRANKLIN 9 set him up in business. AVlien lie returned to Phila- delphia the governor still urged his plan and sug- gested that Franklin go to England to purchase his supplies. The governor promised letters of credit to friends there. After many delays Franklin sailed on the annual ship from Philadelphia to London, being assured that letters of introduction were in the hands of the captain. Imagine his disappointment upon his arrival in London when he found that the easy-going Governor Keith had failed in his promise. Friendless and almost penniless in the largest city in the world, Franklin soon found work at his trade. He remained in London for eighteen months, and while there met many famous people and visited many noted places. The printers in the shop in which he worked drank beer to make them strong. Franklin argued that beer had little food value be- cause it was nearly all water. The part that was not water was harmful, he said. He drank pure water and was able to do more work with less effort than his fellow-workers. They called him the ''Water- American." After Franklin had been in London a year and a half he met a Philadelphia merchant who was return- ing with a stock of goods. This man persuaded Franklin to return to America and act as his clerk. Franklin accepted the offer and worked in a store 10 FAM0U8 AMERICANS for a time, hut uihui the death of his oiiiployer he returned to i)riutin,i;-. Ahout this time a newspaper, the Pe)nis//h-tiiii(i (idzcttv, was offered for sale. As Renjamin I'Vanklin Printino Press he had saved a little money Franklin bought the paper. Soon he secured the contract for printing the paper money for the colony and he was on the road to become a successful man. In 1732 Franklin began to i)rint an almanac un- der the name of Richard Saunders. This became the BENJAMIN FRANKLIN 11 famous Poor liic/Hird's AliiHiiHir. It was published yearly and was filled with quaint sayings, and homely advice, such as: Early to bed and early to rise Makes a man healthy, wealthy and wise. God helps those who help themselves. A word to the wise is enough. Well done is better than well said. Have something to do to-morrow? Do it to-day. Drive thy work. Let not thy work drive thee. Make haste slowly. A penny saved is a penny made. One to-day is worth two to-morrows. Speak little : do much. A slip of the foot you may soon recover, But a slip of the tongue you jnay never get over. The almanac contained information about crop planting and the weather. Children often carried it to school and used it for a reading book. During the I^eriod from 1740 until the Revolution no other book, except the Bible, was so widely read in the colonies. The almanac was translated into many foreign languages and helped to spread the fame of Franklin abroad. Benjamin Franklin was a man of method and oi'der. He set aside a certain part of the day for work and another part for reading and study. He 12 FAxMOUS AMEKKJAXS lived according to rule. During his spare moments he learned Latin, French, Spanish and Italian. The people of Philadelphia elected him to the assembly where he helped to make the laws for the common- wealth. He also became postmaster of the city, and later was postmaster-general of all the colonies. He was interested in making Philadelphia a model city. He constantly urged upon the citizens the need of street paving. He improved the smoky street-lamps so that they would burn brightly until morning. He invented the Franklin stove which gradually took the place of the wasteful fireplace- mode of heating. Systems of paid police protection and street cleaning that he suggested were adopted. Together with a number of friends, Franklin started a free lilu'ary which was the first one of its kind in the world. A college that he founded has grown into the University of Pennsylvania, and the Pennsyl- vania Hospital which he started is still in existence. If .you look on the front of TJie Saturday Evening Post you will find something interesting a])out Ben- jamin Franklin. It says that he began to ])ubUsh that weekly journal in 1728. When Franklin was about forty-five years old he became very mucli interested in electricity. One day while watching tlie lightning flash during a heavy storm, it occuri'ed to him that ])ossibly light- ning and electricity were the same thing. After the BENJAiMm FRANKLIN 13 idea came to him he could not rest until he had either proved or disproved it. For a long time he thought about the matter. At last he thought he had solved the problem. He made a large kite out of two strong sticks and a big silk handkerchief. To this he fas- tened a long hemp cord. Then he waited until the next heavy storm. At last the dark clouds rolled up and he knew that soon he would l)e al:>le to prove whether or not lightning and electricity were the same thing. Just before it began to rain he called his son Will- iam, and gave him the kite and ball of string to carry. As Franklin step^Ded out of his doorway he took the big brass key out of the lock and slipped it into his pocket. William did not know what to think, because he had never heard of any one flying kites in a thunder-storm. The two went out Market Street to an old cow-shed that stood on the site of the pres- ent City Hall, in Philadelphia. Standing in the shelter of the shed Franklin and his son William put up the kite. After it had sailed high up over the city the brass door key was tied to the end of the string. Then the two waited. After a flash of light- ning Franklin touched his knuckles to the key. What do you suppose happened? An electric spark jumped from the key to his hand and he felt a shock. "There is electricity there, William! There is electricity there!" he cried. He had brought electricity down 14 FAMOUS AMERICANS from the clouds and proved that it aud lightning were the same thing. This discovery won for him the respect and admiration of all thinking men, both in this country and in Europe. A short time after this he invented the lightning rod to protect houses during the time of storm. That invention has never been improved upon. It is used to-day just as when he placed the first rod on his own home. Franklin established a fire company in Phila- delphia, the first of its kind in any city in America. His system was very simple. All householders were required to keep several leather buckets, filled with water, near the door. When the fire bell was rung all of the citizens rushed out with their buckets. A line was formed quickly between the burning house and a pump, and while one or two strong men pumped, the filled buckets were passed and emptied on the fire. The empty buckets were returned by another line and quickly refilled. In 1754 a convention was called to meet at Al- bany, New York. The purpose of the meeting was to discuss the French and Indian question, and to make a treaty with the chiefs of the Six Nations, a powerful Indian tribe that lived in the Mohawk Val- ley. Franklin was one of the delegates from Penn- sylvania and he offered a plan of union for the colonies. In his paper, the Pennsylvania Gazette, he BENJAMIN FRANKLIN 15 printed a picture of a snake cut into thirteen pieces which represented the thirteen colonies. Above and below the picture he had these words, "Unite or Die." Although the colonists were in favor of a union, the plan was rejected by the King of England when it was placed before him. The trouble between the colonists and the French and Indians was not settled until a war was fought between them. That war was very expensive and the English government decided that since the war had been fought for the protection of the colonists they should pay the cost. Money was to be raised by means of a stamp tax. The Stamp Act which was passed by England in 1765 was a direct tax. All newspapers had to be printed on stamped paper. Marriage licenses, mortgages, deeds and other busi- ness papers were to bear a stamp which had to be bought from a government officer. The people in the colonies resented the direct tax, saying that their own assemblies and legislatures, whose members they had elected, were the only bodies that had a right to tax them. Franklin made a trip to England to pro- test against the tax. On his return he warned the people that they must prepare for war. The discontent grew and ten years later war be- came necessary. Franklin was a member of the First Continental Congress which met in Carpenter's Hall in Philadelphia. This Congress protested against 16 FAMOUS AMERICANS England's treatment and decided to prepare for war. Franklin was also a member of the Second Conti- nental Congress wliicli met in Independence Hall, and he helped Thomas Jefferson to draw np the Declar- ation of Independence. As the members of Congress were signing the document, John Hancock said, ''Gentlemen, we must all hang together in this mat- ter." Immediately Benjamin Franklin replied, "Yes, because if we don't hang together we will be sure to hang separately!" At this time Franklin was an old man, loved and respected in America and Europe. America needed a friend abroad, and it needed money and troops. • Some one had to go to Europe and plead our cause. No one was so well fitted to undertake such an im- portant mission as Benjamin Franklin. In his old age, while a revolution raged in his own country, he went to the court of the King of France. He per- suaded that monarch to recognize the struggling col- onies and to assist them in their fight for inde])end- ence. Franklin was very popular in Paris. Crowds cheered him when he appeared and followed him on the streets. His pictures were sold ever3wvdiere. He won the sympathy, i-egard and support of the French people and helped to win the Revolution by his untir- ing efforts. After the war was won Franklin represented his country when the treat}^ of jx'ace was signed ])etween BENJAMIN FRANKLIN 17 the United States of America and England. Soon after his return to this country he aided in drawing up the Constitution of the United States. Pennsyl- vania honored him hy electing him govei'uor of the state. Throughout the long life of Benjamin Franklin he liad l)ut one motive, and that was to serve. He spent years in the service of his country, and at times neglected his business in order to serve her. He was just as read}^ to give his time, as well as his advice, when that was needed. He was not content to have things done in a cai'eless way. He always tried to improve conditions under which he lived. Many of the enterprises and institutions founded b}^ him are still in existence and they form great memorials to his genius. SUGGESTIONS The study of Franklin sliould occupy four periods of thirty minutes each. The material should be presented in the follow- ing order: boyhood, arrival in Philadelphia, inventions, and services to his country. Interest is aroused when the account is presented in story form by the teacher. The anecdotes that appear in the text should be supplemented by additional ones when it is possible to obtain them. The book should be opened after a desire has been created to know more about the charac- ter. Children delight in acting, and added interest can be secured by dramatizing Franklin's arrival in Philadelphia and his meeting with Miss Reid. Pictures of Famous Americans and newspaper clippings of interest to the children should be pasted on a rear blackboard. Questions on the text should be used 18 FAMOUS AMERICANS whenever opportunity affords, but it is advisable to refrain from using the questions listed for discussion until the children are well acquainted with the details of Franklin 's life and serv- ices. The significant points developed during a discussion should be listed on the blackboard as they occur. QUESTIONS 1. Do you think Franklin was like other boys who lived in Boston two hundred years ago? Why? 2. How did Franklin's father help him to find his first job? 3. Why was that a good plan? Is it done to-day? Why? 4. Why did Franklin like the printing business? f). Do you think Governor Keith was an honest man ? Why ? C). What example did Franklin set the English printers? Was he right? Why? 7. What was Poor Richard's Almanac f •6. Why was Franklin just as thi-ifty in time saving as Its money saving? 9. How did Franklin serve liis country during the Kevolution ? 10. Was he a good citizen? Why? REFERENCES Bolton : Famous American Statesmen. Brooks: I'rue Story of Benjamin Franklin. Eliot: Four American Leaders. Franklin : Autohiographj/. Sparks: Men WJio Blade the Nation. CHAPTER II SAMUEL ADAMS Born : Boston, Massachusetts, September 27, 1722. Died: Boston, Massachusetts, October 2, 1803. When Benjamin Franklin was sixteen years old, working in his ])rotlier's printing shop in Boston, another boy, Samuel Adams, was born in the same town. When this boy grew to manhood he also was to aid in freeing his country from foreign rule, and to earn for himself the title of "Father of the Revol- ution." The father of Samuel Adams was a wealthy merchant who lived in a great mansion overlooking the harbor, where one could see many sailing ves- sels at anchor. Even at that time Boston was a great seaport and her ships went to and fro all over the world. Very little is known of the boyhood of Samuel Adams except that he attended the Boston Grammar School. The story is told that he was so punctual in going to and from school that workmen could regulate their hours of work by him. After he finished the work at the Boston Gram- mar School, his father sent him to Harvard Univer- sity, which is at Cambridge, just across the Charles 19 20 FAMOUS AMERICANS River from Boston. There lie was to study for the ministry, but Samuel had no liking for that kind of life. He was greatly interested in the affairs of the people and spent much of his time talking and writ- ing about the events of the day. When he was grad- uated from college he made a speech. His subject was, ''Whether It Be Lawful To Resist the Supreme Magistrate If the Commonwealth Can Not Other- wise Be Preserved." The supreme magistrate of Massachusetts, Governor Shirley, heard the speech, but he did not dream that the young man standing before him would one day put into practise what he was preaching. After graduating from college, Adams began to study law. His mother disapproved of law as a pro- fession and wanted him to enter some business. Shortly after this his father lost a great deal of money, and young Adams was obliged to give up all of his studies and find a paying position. He entered the banking house of Thomas Cushing, but disliked the work so much that he left it after a few months. His father had saved some money from the wreck of his fortune so he gave the son five thousand dol- lars to start in business for himself. He loaned half of this sum to a friend who never returned it, and soon lost the other half in an unsuccessful business deal. As a banker and a business man Samuel Adams SAMUEL ADAMS 21 had not been a success. However, his friends and relatives had not lost faith in him. They were so sure he had real ability that they secured the position of tax collector for him. Although he made many friends while engaged in that work he did not have the ability to get the taxes from the people. His accounts became mixed and he was obliged to give up the position. After Samuel Adams lost the position of tax col- lector in Boston he became clerk of the town assem- bly. In that position he had a good chance to use his talent for leading men. England needed money to pay the expenses of her wars. The king and his ministers decided that the colonies should pay part of the costs. A law was passed which said that all goods that the colonists had to sell would have to be sold in England, and anything they wanted to buy would have to be purchased there. This made the Boston merchants very angry. They would no longer be able to sell fish and manufactured articles in the West Indies and buy sugar, indigo and cotton there. Another section of the law said that all shii)s in the colonial trade would have to be built in England. This would destroy the connnerce, manufacturing and shipl)uilding in the colonies. Also, in order to obtain uku'c money, the English taxed all goods that were brought into the colonies. 22 FAMOUS AMERICANS The people refused to pay the taxes and soon they began to smuggle goods into the country. Fast sail- ing schooners would slip into some quiet river and unload a cargo of sugar, cotton, hides, timber, tar and indigo that had been brought from the West Indies. They would then slip away before the revenue officers of the king could find them and col- lect a tax. The English knew that many homes and ware- houses had smuggled goods in them, so they applied to the king for Writs of Assistance, which were war- rants, or permits, to search the homes of the New Englanders. If a revenue officer came to a man's house with a Writ of Assistance he could search the ■place from cellar to garret. If he found anything on which a tax had not been paid he could arrest the owner of the house as a smuggler, make him pay the tax, and perhaps put him in prison. Samuel Adams opposed the rights of the officers to search the homes of the people. The discontent in the colonies grew still greater when England decided to raise money by selling stamps which were to be placed on all newspapers, deeds, marriage licenses, mortgages and other busi- ness papers. When the people of Boston learned this, they apjDointed Samuel Adams to write a paper denying the right of the English Parliament to put the Stamp Act into force. Their charter said that SA^IUEL ADAMS 2?^ they had the rights and privileges of Englishmen. They further said that "Taxation without represen- tation is tyranny." Only the assemblies which they had elected had a right to tax them, they claimed. Adams stated in the paper that if the tax was not removed the colonists would not import anything from England. They would do without tea, new clothing and furniture, new dishes and books until the tax was lifted. While the people of Boston were thinking and talking about the Stamp Act, the same thing was going on in all of the other colonies, be- cause all of them were affected by the law. Ben- jamin Franklin was sent to England to defend the rights of the colonists, but his mission was not a success. When the Stamp Act became a law in 1765, Eng- land was obliged to enforce it. For this purpose she sent two regiments of troops to Boston and quartered the soldiers in the homes of the people. The soldiers and citizens constantly fought with one another. Finally on the fifth of March. 1770, the soldiers were so abused and ill-treated by the citizens that they fired into a crowd, killing three and wounding eight. Immediately a cry went up, "The soldiers are ris- ing! To arms! To arms! Town-born, turn out!" The streets were soon crowded with people, but wise heads controlled the situation and further ])loodshed was avoided. 24 FAMOUS AMERICANS This event became known as the Boston Massacre, and a committee on which Samuel Adams served was formed to inquire into the matter and fix the blame. At a great meeting held the next day it was declared The Boston Massacre that the peoj^le of Boston and the soldiers of the king coidd no longer live together in the same town. The removal of the troops was demanded. The gov- ernor wanted to compromise by sending one regiment away, but the angry people, led by Adams, stood firm and said, "Both regiments or none!" The gOA-ernor was forced to yield, and Adams becanic more ])()])nlar and powerful than ever. As the English Government contimied to i^ass SAMUEL ADAMS 25 laws that were harmful to the colonies, Adams pro- posed that the towns form "Committees of Corre- spondence" for their common good. The plan was very simple. At first near-by towns, such as Salem and Plymouth, appointed certain of their men whose duty it was to write to the Boston committee regu- larly. They told the Boston people all the important news they had heard about new laws, the methods of raising taxes, and ship arrivals. In turn the Bos- ton committee kept the people of the other towns informed of what was happening there. This idea became very popular. Soon New York and Phila- delphia had Committees of Correspondence who wrote regularly to the other cities. The plan was adopted and spread throughout the thirteen colonies. The work of the Committees of Correspondence did much to prepare the way for the formation of a congress that would represent all of the people. The king of England sent tea ships to Boston and other cities to force the colonies to use the tea which was taxed. The people of Boston held town meet- ings to discuss what should be done with the tea. The greatest meeting was held on December 16, 1773. All the business houses were closed, and the people stood on the street corners talking earnestly. At ten o'clock the people met in Old South Church and voted that the tea should not l)e landed. Permission to send the tea ships back to England was asked of 26 FAMOUS AMERICANS the governoi', but lie refused to grant it. When this news reached Adams, who was presiding at the eve- ning meeting, he arose and said, "This meeting can do nothing more to save the country!" Immediately a shrill war-whoop was heard, and a band of men disguised as Indians rushed past the church and down to the tea ships in the harbor. The Mohawks, as they were called, climbed aboard, broke open the three hundred and forty-two chests containing the tea and spilled the contents into the harbor. Oliver Wendell Holmes has described this event in the fol- lowing lines — "On — on to where the tea-ships ride! And now their ranks are forming, — A rush, and up the Dartmouth's side The Mohawk band is swarming ! See the fierce natives ! What a glimpse Of paint and fur and feather, As all at once the full-grown imps Light on the deck together ! A scarf the pigtail's secret keeps, A blanket hides the breeches, — And out the cursed cargo leaps, And overboard it pitches ! ' ' That same evening Samuel Adams sent Paul Revere to New York and Philadelphia with letters informing the people there of what had taken place in Boston. When thev learned of the Boston Tea SAMUEL ADAMS 27 Party, they declared they woukl stand behind that town. Help was very shortly needed, for the king and parliament closed the port and sent more troops to enforce order and obedience. All the people were alarmed by this act, and also by the removal of the charter of Massachusetts, which soon followed. The time had come for united action. A call was sent to all of the colonies to send delegates to meet at Philadelphia to consider what stand should be taken. That city was chosen because it is about midway between Massachusetts and Georgia. The delegates from all of the colonies assembled in Car- penter's Hall, in Philadelphia, in September, 1774, and formed the First Continental Congress. Samuel Adams was one of the delegates from his state, and at that meeting he met many of the men with whom he had been corresponding about public affairs for so long. Late in the following year General Gage, the English commander, received orders to arrest Samuel Adams and John Hancock, another New England patriot, and send them to England. There they were to be placed on trial for high treason on account of their efforts to get the colonies to fight for independ- ence from the mother country. It was the intention of Gage to seize them at Lexington on A]3ril nine- teenth. They were warned by Paul Revere, how- ever, and escaped to Philadelphia in time to attend 28 FAMOUS AMERICANS the Second Continental Congress which met in Independence Hall. It was here that the Declaration of Independence was written by the representatives ii Independence Hall of the colonies and approved on July 4, 1776. Adams did more, perhaps, than any other man to bring about the Declaration of Independence, and was one of the signers of it. When the convention for the approval of the Constitution of the United States was held, for over two weeks Adams sat and listened to the debates. Finally he agreed to support the Constitution. Had Adams not favored it, the Constitution would not have been adopted, because the acceptance of Massa- chusetts was necessarv for it to ])ecome a law. Of all SAMUEL ADAMS 29 the great services which Adams rendered the coun- try, none was greater than this. After the adoption of the Constitution, Adams served as governor of INIassachusetts for some time. Until the time of his death he hekl many positions in tlie state and in his own city of Boston. The greatest woi-k of Samuel Adams was to fan the fires of revolu- tion, and to urge those about him to resist tyranny and oppression. He was not a great business man or a great soldier, but he had the power to inspire people to fight for freedom. He had but one end in mind, and that was liberty and independence for the colonies. When that was won his work was finished, and by it he fully earned the right to the title, ' ' Father of the Revolution. ' ' SUGGESTIONS In this lesson emphasis should be placed upon the dramatic incidents in the career of Samuel Adams. Their relation to the sentiment of the people in all the colonies should be brought out. In order to understand the significance of the forces that ]n-eceded the Revolution, the material in this chapter should be mastered thoroughly. This is best accomplished by means of tlie text-book developed method. The story of the life and serv- ices of Samuel Adams should be told in the first lesson. The account may be read at home in preparation for the next period. During the second lesson a paragraph or section of the text should be assigned to be read silently. When sufficient time has elapsed, the books should be closed and the class questioned aliout their reading. An outline mav be worked out at the 30 FAMOUS AMERICANS board. When the first topic is understood, the next may be taken up in the same manner, and so on until all the details have been discussed and a complete outline developed. QUESTIONS 1. ITow did the early lives of Adams and Franklin differ? 2. In what ways were Samuel Adams and Benjamin Franklin alike ? 3. What was the Stamp Act ? 4. How did England oppress American merchants? 5. What caused the Boston Massacre? G. What part did Adams play in it? 7. IIow was important news spread through the colonies? 8. Why did the king's soldiers try to capture Samuel Adams 1 9. How did Adams learn to know patriots in other colonies? 10. Why do you think Adams is called the "Father of the Revolution ' ' ? REFERENCES Fiske : The American Revolution. Foote and Skinner : Makers and Defenders of America. Hosmer: Samuel Adams, the Man of the Town Meeting. Lodge : A Frontier Town, and Other Essaijs. Wilson : A History of the American People. CHAPTER III PAUL REVERE Born: Boston, Massachusetts, January 1, 1735. Died : Boston, IMassachusetts, ]May 10, 1818. In the days before the Revolutionary War the best gold and silversmith in Boston was Apollos Ri- voire, whose son Paul became one of the well-known figures in American history. The French name of the family was so often misspelled that it was changed to Revere. Paul Revere went to the North Grammar School with the other Boston boys. He was just an average student who liked to play in the schoolyard and fish and swim in the harbor far better than he liked to study his lessons. It was the custom in those days for boys to follow their fathers' trade. Benja- min Franklin began to learn the candle and soap making business when he left school because that was his parent's work. For the same reason Paul Revere was placed at a goldsmith's bench and taught the trade. He liked to draw and soon became skilled at engraving. ]\Iany silver sugarbowls, cups, ladles and spoons on which he cut the owner's initials are 31 32 FAMOUS AMERICANS still in existence and are highly prized because of his work. Revere, like most of the men of his time, was in- terested in the events of the day. When the Stamp Act was passed he attended the meetings which Samuel Adams called, and was willing to do all he could for the American cause. He was one of the leaders of the ''Indians" who pitched the tea into Boston Harbor in 1773. Just as soon as Samuel Adams wrote a full account of the Tea Party, Revere was sent with the letter to friends in New York and Philadelphia. Many times during the next few years he was called upon to saddle his horse and ride to distant towns with important messages for Han- cock, Adams and others. After the English troops landed in Boston to en- force the Stamp Act, a party of men, among whom was Paul Revere, formed a society called the "Sons of Liberty." They planned to watch the movements of the English and to report all they learned to their leaders. Many nights were spent by Revere and the other members of the society walking the dark streets of Boston, or watching the harbor to discover what the soldiers were doing. In this way it was learned that the English planned to march to Con- cord in April, 1775, to capture the powder and guns that the Americans had stored there. On the way they intended to stop at Lexington and captui-e John PAUL REVERE 33 Hancock and Samuel Adams who were wanted as traitors and rebels. The Sons of Liberty decided to spoil the English plans. Paul Revere was chosen to ride to Lexington and Concord and warn the people that the soldiers were coming. Late on the evening of April 18, 1775, he crossed the Charles River and tied his horse to a tree. It was expected that the English would start their march that night. Revere arranged with a I'hoto tiiiui LTnilcrwood and Underwood. The Miclniglit Kido of Paul Revere friend of his to watch the movements of the enemy from the tower of the Old North Church. Near mid- 34 FAMOUS AMERICANS night he saw the signal in the church tower. He grasped the bridle of his horse and put his foot in the stirrui3. He knew that the English soldiers were preparing to cross the river and march in the direc- tion of Lexington and Concord. Soon he was astride his horse, speeding into the night. All along the road that lead out of Boston, Revere warned the people that the redcoats were coming. The noise and clatter of his horse's hoofs awoke the sleeping farmers, and as he rode by he shouted out his warning. One man, who did not realize at first what was happening, told him to make less noise as he pounded on his door. "Noise!" cried Revere, "you'll have noise enough before long. The Reg- ulars are coming ! ' ' John Hancock and Samuel Adams were warned in time, and they escaped southward to Philadelphia where the Second Continental Congress was holding a meeting. The English soldiers reached Lexington. On the village green was "fired the shot heard 'round the world." The two "rebels," as they called Hancock and Adams, were out of reach, so the soldiers con- tinued their march toward Concord where powder and guns were stored. Several Americans were killed and others wounded. After destroying the few military supjjlies found there, the troops started on the return march to Boston. Bv this time the PAUL REVERE 35 farmers were tlioroiiglil}^ aroused. From beliincl rocks, stoiie fences and farm buildings they picked off the brightly-chid soldiers as they fled down the First Blow for Liberty dusty road. If the English general, Gage, had not sent fifteen hundred men and two field pieces to their rescue, few would have escaped alive. An artillery regiment was formed in Boston, and Revere was made a lieutenant-colonel. The colonists had great trouble in getting enough powder for their guns. During the early part of the war the only powder-mill in the colonies was located at Philadel- phia. Congress sent Colonel Revere there to learn 36 FAMOUS AMERICAN'S bow gunpowder was made so that be could start an- other mill in Boston. The mill that Revere founded ran for many years and was very successful. Revere 's skill as an engraver was often called into play during the Revolutionary War. Congress had him make the copper plates from which the paper money was printed. While he had the plates he had to be very careful that they were not stolen from him, because if they were taken by any one, that person could print money with them. After the Revolution, Colonel Revere, as he was always called, started an iron foundry where he made cannon and church bells. The first bell was cast in Boston in 1792. He became a wealthy man and an important figure in his native city. When the United States frigate. Constitution, was built in Boston, Paul Revere supplied all the brass and cop- per bolts, spikes, cogs, braces, pumps, staples and nails that were used in the vessel. A few years later he built the first copper rolling-mill in the country. He was always interested in public affairs, and the services that he performed for his country before and after the Revolution will never be forgotten. SUGGESTIONS No character in American history offers more dramatic possibilities tlian that of Paul Revere. The reference made to him in connection with 8amnel Adams fires tlie imagination of PAUL REVERE 37 the children. They may he assigned this lesson without discus- sion by the teacher. When the history period arrives there will be little need of questioning to get the children to relate what they have read. The opportunity to dramatize the life of Revere should not be overlooked. Using the aisles for country roads, a yardstick for a horse and desks for farm-houses, the children will readily undertake to portray Revere 's famous ride. In discussing this lesson emphasis should be placed upon the fact that the colonists were fast uniting against a common foe, and that a crisis was approaching. QUESTIONS 1. When and where did Paul Revere live? 2. What was his early trade? 3. What did he do for his country? 4. Why did he join the "Sons of Liberty"? 5. Why did he make his famous ride? 6. On what important errands was he sent? 7. Why were Adams and Revere friends? 8. How did Revere help the new government in its beginning? 9. What work did he follow after the Revolution? 10. Was he a good citizen? Why? EEFERENCES Goss: Life of Paul Revere. Moses : Paul Revere, The Torch Bearer of the Revolution. CHAPTER IV PATRICK Hf:NRY Born: Virg-inici, May 29, 1736. Died: Virginia, Jnne 6, 17!)f). Patrick Henry, the man who was to become the leader of the colony of Virginia, and who was to aid Washington, Franklin, Adams and others in secur- ing the independence of all the colonies, was the son of a Scotchman. He was the second of nine children, and spent his early years on a tobacco and cotton plantation. Virginia did not have pnblic schools in those days, so young Henry attended a private acad- emy until he was ten. Then he was taken home by his father who planned to teach the boy. Patrick loved sports and spent long hours alone in the near- by forest, hunting and fishing. He liked to lie on his back in the leaves and listen to the songs of the birds, and watch them as they built their nests. At home in the evenings he read stories and histories of Greece, Rome, England and the colonies. When Patrick Henry was fifteen years old he was placed in the store of a country merchant to learn the business. A year later his father gave him 38 PATRICK HENRY 39 and his older brother AVilliam enough money to open a store of their own. Clerking was tiresome work for Patrick. He would rather be out in the woods with a gun on his shoulder, or seated on the bank of a stream watching a bobbing cork and waiting for the fish to rise and nibble at the bait. Often he could bear it no longer. Then he would take his gun or fishing line and disappear into the near-by woods. Customers were few and profits were small. The wealthy planters bought most of their goods from the English traders whose ships sailed up the river and anchored at the plantation wharves. The ])oorer class of whites who came to the store had little money and quite often couldn't pay their debts. A¥ithin a year the brothers failed and their store was closed. At eighteen, Patrick Henry was married and his wife's father gave the young couple a few slaves as a wedding present. They moved to a farm where the next two years were spent in hard work. Want of skill and a dislike for farming made Henry wish he could do something else to earn a living. Again he opened a country store but, like the first attempt, this also failed. At twenty-four Patrick Henry had failed as a farmer and as a storekeeper. Then he decided to study law. For many weeks he borrowed and read all of the law books he could find in the town. His friends smiled and wondered what kind of a lawver he would 40 FAMOUS AMERICANS make, but he went ahead with his studies and soon was ready to take the examinations. His appearance was so unlike that of a lawyer that the board of examiners would scarcely consider him when he ap- plied for admission to the bar. One of the examin- ers, John Randolph, thought to have some sport with the young man. He made a statement and asked Patrick Henry what he thought about the matter. It did not sound like good law and Henry said so in decided terms. Randolijh continued his argument, but Patrick Henry held to his first statement. At last Randol^Dh said, "You defend your opinion well, sir, but now let us look up the law." He took down several law books from the near-by shelf, opened them and said, ''Here are the law books which you have never seen, yet you are right and I am wrong! Mr. Henry, if your industry is only half equal to your genius, you will prove an ornament to your profession!" Of course after that Patrick Henry was given permission to practise law, and soon he opened an office and hung out his sign. The first case that Patrick Henry had is known as the "Parson's Cause." In those days tobacco served as money in Virginia, and each preacher re- ceived about seventeen pounds of tobacco each year for his salary. This he would sell to the merchants whose shi})s came out from England two or three times a year, or trade it for goods made abroad. Dur- PATRICK HENRY 41 ing the previous year the crop had failed and to- bacco was worth nearly twice as much as ever before. The Virginia Assembly passed a law stating that tobacco debts could be paid that year in money at the old rate. The clergymen objected to this because it meant that they would each lose a large sum. They brought suit to compel payment in tobacco. Patrick Henry took the field against them. At first he was very nervous, but after he began to talk he was at ease. His voice, face and gestures pleased his au- dience. The preachers saw that they were losing their case and left the room in haste, long before the young lawyer had finished speaking. When court was over the people cheered Patrick Henry and car- ried him around the courtyard on their shoulders. He had won his first case as a lawyer and as an orator. After that he had all the business he could attend to, and the next year he was elected to fill a vacant seat in the Virginia House of Burgesses, where he helloed to make the laws of the colony. The public career of Patrick Henry had begun. News came to Virginia, by means of the Commit- tees of Correspondence, telling of the Boston Mas- sacre and the Boston Tea Party. Lord Dunmore, the English governor of the colony, fearing revolt, seized powder and ammunition stored in the old powder-house at Williamsburg. This he placed on board an English man-of-war. The people of Vir- 42 FAMOUS AMERICANS ginia, who owned the powder, demanded its return. Henry, who had been made a colonel in the newly organized militia, was active in driving Lord Dun- more from Virginia. In 1765 Patrick Henry made a stirring speech in the House of Burgesses against the Stamp Act. AVhile Adams was fighting the act in Massachusetts, and Franklin was trying to secure its repeal in Eng- land, Henry was leading the opposition in Virginia. He offered a set of r(\solutions which declared that only the Virginia Legislature had the right to tax Virginians. During the course of his speech he ex- claimed, "CiPsar had his Brutus; Charles the First his Cromwell, and George the Third" (''Treason! Treason!" shouted the speaker) "may profit by their example! If this be treason, make the most of it!" His wonderful powers as a fiery and brilliant orator won the support of the members. The resolu- tions were passed and printed in many papers throughout the colonies. After the Stamp Act riots and the Tea Party in Boston, the king of England sent troops to America to be quartered in the homes of the settlers, "for their protection." The people suspected that they were meant to suppress them. When the news reached Virginia a meeting was called to discuss the matter. Patrick Henry said that a militia should be organized for the protection of the colony because PATRICK HENRY 43 the soldiers were already landing in Boston. Some of his audience opposed his suggestion that they Photo from Underwood and Underwood. Patrick Henry Speaking against tlie Stamp Act must prepare for war. Then he exclaimed, "Is life so dear, or peace so sweet, as to be purchased at the 44 FAMOUS AMERICANS price of chains and slavery ? I know not what course cfthers may take, but as for me, give me liberty or give me death!" Patrick Henry and George Washington were both members of the Virginia delegation in the First Continental Congress which met in Carpenter's Hall, Philadelphia, in September, 1774. The men assem- bled there had all heard of the fiery Virginia patriot, but few outside of his own colony had heard him speak. During the early part of the convention Pat- rick Henry rose and urged the members to stop thinking about Massachusetts, New York, Pennsyl- vania and Virginia, and to think only of the whole country. He closed his speech by saying. "I am not a Virginian; I am an American!" The men who heard him never forgot the way he uttered those words. When they returned to their homes they told their friends and neighbors of the event. Soon the name of Patrick Henry was famous in every one of the colonies. The people of Virginia honored Patrick Henry by naming a county after him and electing him gov- ernor of the state. Although he believed in union he opposed the Constitution because he feared that it might be possible for a strong president to become king. In 1794 he retired to a great plantation which he had ])ought, and spent the rest of his life caring for his estate. Washington wanted him to become a PATRICK HENRY 45 member of his (Jabiiiet and act as secretary of state, but he refused the office. Also he was offered the post of ambassador to France, l)ut he declined tliat position. A few weeks before the deatli of Patrick Henry, he was asked by Washington to make a speech urg- ing the people of Virginia to hcl]) tlie national gov- ernment in carrying out all of its laws. He spoke in Carroll County and his remai'ks struck home. He told the people that Carroll County had to obey the laws of the State of Virginia, and in the same way the State of Virginia would have to obey the laws of the United States. That was the last ])ublic service rendered by the greatest oi-ator of the Revolution. SUGGESTIONS In shifting the scene of the history lessons from New Eng- land to Virginia an opportunity is afforded to emphasize again the fact that the colonists were united in their purpose. Excel- lent results can be obtained by means of the text-book developed method and by dramatizing the important incidents in the life of Patrick Henry. The opportunity for drawing contrasts is great. Failure in one thing does not necessarily mean failure in all things. Success in this lesson can be assured by a vivid presentation of Henry's life: his failure in business; his inter- est in law and his ultimate success. He should be portrayed as the dominant figure in Virginia politics and the spokesman of lliat colony. The children should Ix' encoui-aged to recite tii(» closing passages of Henry's speech before the House of Burgesses. 46 FAMOUS AMERKJANS QUESTIONS 1. How did Patrick Henry spend his early years? 2. How were Patrick Henry and Samnel Adams alike? 3. How did he influence people? 4. How did Henry help fight the Stamp Act? 5. Why did he organize the militia? 6. What did he do in Congress? 7. How did Virginia honor him? 8. Why is Henry called the "Orator of the Revolution"? 9. What is the Constitution of the United States? Why did Henry oppose it? 10. What last public service did he render his country? REFERENCES Burton: Four Atncricun Patriots. Fiske: Old Virginia and Her Neighbors. Henry: Patrick Henry; Life, Correspondence and Speeches. Morgan : The True Patrick Henry. Tyler: Patrick Henry. CHAPTER V GEORGE WASHINGTON Born : Virginia, February 22, 1732. Died : Virginia, December 14, 1799. The boyhood of George Washington was not dif- ferent from that of other boys who lived on the tobacco phmtations in Virginia two hnndred years ago. He and his brothers tramped and rode over the hirge estate, watched the slaves at work in the fields, and visited friends on neighboring farms. Once or twice a year a sailing vessel that had come out from England would anchor at the plantation wharf. The planters would be invited on board by the captain to see the goods he had to sell. Fine cloth, dishes and furniture would be shown the wives and daughters of the colonists, and the men would hv interested in new plows and other farming tools. Once in a while a ship-load of slaves would arrive. Then the planters from far up and down the river would gather to buy a new man to work in the fields or a woman to work in the home. When the English trader sailed away from Virginia he carried a cargo of tobacco with him. At that time tobacco served as 47 48 FAMOUS AMERICANS money. If a planter wanted to buy cloth for a new dress for his wife he gave the trader a small bale of Photo from Underwood and Underwood. George Washin,s:ton tobacco for it. Tn that Avay the ])rodncts of the col- ony were sold and neAv things Ixnight. GEORGE WASHINGTON 49 George Washington had an elder brother, Law- rence, who had been educated in England and who had served with Admiral Vernon in the West Indies. George was a constant visitor at his brother's large estate, which had been named Mount Vernon after the admiral. When George was fourteen his brother secured a commission in the English navy for him. When the boy went to bid his mother good-by she objected so strongly to the plan that he stayed at home and remained in school for two years longer. During this time young Washington was learning manners and gentlemanly bearing from the most polished men of his time. At Mount Vernon he met many distinguished visitors. On a near-by estate lived Lord Fairfax, a member of the English nobil- ity, who had come to Virginia to look after tlie thousands of acres of land he owned there. At Greenway Court, the home of Lord Fairfax, Wash- ington was a welcome visitor. The quiet observing boy soon learned the manners and customs that only association with men of culture can give. When he was sixteen years old his schooling ended. The lands of Lord Fairfax never had been surveyed, so he engaged George Washington to do the work for him. With a few assistants Washing- ton spent the next few years in the wilderness. Dur- ing that time he made maps and drawings of large tracts of unsettled land. Also he learned to live upon 50 FAMOUS AMEEICANS the barest necessities. At iii,i;ht lie and his compan- ious would buikl a camp-fire, cook tlieir supper, and stretch out upon their l)]ankets for a few hours' sleep. The next morning they would be off again with their stakes and chains, tramping over wild and Mount Vernon unexplored country. They often met parties of In- dians. Soon Washington learned their language and studied their ways, ^lany times in after years his knowledge of Indian life was of great service to him. When Washington was nineteen he was called to Mount Vernon by his brother Lawrence who was ill. Lawrence had been ordered to the Bahama Islands, in the West Indies, and he wanted George to go with, him. The two brothers sailed awav togethei' and GEORGE WASHINGTON 51 several months were spent in the tropics. Lawrence Washington became weaker and weaker as the days passed, and soon he begged George to take him back to Mount Vernon. Lawrence died during the follow- ing summer and left his vast estate on the Potomac to his younger brother. George Washington as- sumed the new burdens thrust upon him and moved to Mount Vernon where he made his home during the remainder of his life. For many years English settlers from the colonies along the coast had been crossing the mountains and entering the fertile Ohio Valley where they were making their homes. At the same time French set- tlers had been pouring into this section from Canada. Because both France and England claimed the Ohio country the people of the two nations were bitter ene- mies. On October 30, 1753, Governor Dinwiddle, of Virginia, commissioned Washington, then only twenty-one, to proceed to the "place on the Ohio Rivei' where the French have lately erected a fort or forts" in order to deliver a letter to the commander ordering them out of the territory which was claimed by the English. Washington set out on the journey the next day. At Frederickslnirg he engaged his Dutch fencing master, Jaeol) Van Braam, to act as his French in- lerpreter. Besides Van Braam, the party included rTohn Davidson, Indian interpreter. Christian Gist, 52 FAMOUS AMERICANS guide, and four men-servants, as well as horses and camp equipment. It is common to think of Washing- ton making that first journey alone, but such was not the case. There were seven men in the party who were under his orders. During the entire journey Washington kept a diary, upon which he relied in making his report to Governor Dinwiddie. He visited the chiefs of the Indian tribes along the way and did all in his power to strengthen their regard for the English. On De- cember 12, 1753, he arrived at Fort Venango, which was located on French Creek, a small tributary of the Alleghany River. The French commander of the little fort received the young messenger with great kindness and promised a prompt reply. Two days later the letter in which he refused to withdraw from the territory along the Ohio was handed to Washing- ton who began his homeward joui'ney. Governor Dinwiddie and the members of the Vir- ginia House of Burgesses were very angry when they received the rej^ly which Washington brought from the French commander. Immediately fifty thousand dollars were set aside to be used for rais- ing troops to drive the French out of the Ohio Val- ley. In February, 1754, a small company was sent to build a fort at the present site of Pitts])urgh, but in the middle of April a force of five hundred Frenchmen came quietly down the Alleghany River GEORGE WASHINGTON 53 iu Indian canoes and stopped the work. The small English force was compelled to surrender, and the French immediately finished the fort which they called Duquesne, after the governor of Canada. Washington at that time was twenty- two. He was commissioned a lieutenant-colonel and sent to capture Fort Duquesne. Before reaching the fort he met a small party of Frenchmen, whom he fired upon, killing nine men and capturing twenty-two. Knowing that a large force would follow, Washing- ton retreated to Fort Necessity, where he awaited the attack. Soon a force of nine hundred appeared and the Virginians were forced to surrender. The de- feated troops reached home in a pitiable condition and were received in anger and despair by Governor Dinwiddle. After the defeat at Fort Necessity, Governors Hamilton, of Pennsylvania, and Dinwiddle, of Virginia, raised forces and asked England for assist- ance. As a result, two regiments under Major- General Braddock arrived in February, 1775. Benjamin Franklin assisted in outfitting the expe- dition and wrote the following: ^'Tlie general was, I think, a brave man, and might probably have made a good figure in some European war. But he had too much self-confidence, too high opinion of the value of regular troops, and too mean a one of l^oth Amer- icans and Indians." 54 FAMOUS AMERICANS Washington was made a member of Braddock's staff and iH'epared to visit western Pennsylvania for the thii'd time. The troops felt sure of capturing Fort Duquesne, which was at the junction of the Alleghany and Monongahela Rivers. The old block- house which stood before it has been carefully pre- Photo fiom Underwood and Underwood. Washington at Braddock's Defeat served, and is one of the main spots of interest in Pittsburgh to-day. The English soldiers marched in regular columns, with banners waving and bands playing. Just a few miles east of the fort, in a ra- vine, they were suddenly attacked by the French and their Indian allies. Braddock was killed, and during GEORGE AVASHINGTON 55 the retreat his men buried him in the road, over which they drove their horses and wagons so that the enemy would not find the grave. Many of the English soldiers were killed, together with nearly all of the Virginia troops. Washington luckil}^ escaped without a wound, though he had four bullets through his coat and two horses shot under him. When Washington again visited western Penn- sylvania in 1758, things looked brighter for the Eng- lish cause than ever before. Late in that year General John Forbes, a Scotch soldier, was sent out to cap- ture Fort Duquesne. In this expedition Washington was in command of the Virginia, Maryland and North Carolina troops. About six thousand men were in line. Forbes, who was ill, was carried on a litter during the entire march across Pennsylvania. At first it was decided to wait until spring before making the attack, but on November twenty-third an Indian rimner brought in the new^s that the French at Fort Duquesne were leaving and that they had set fire to all of the wooden buildings within the walls of the fort. The English immediately pushed for- ward and occupied the smoking ruins without firing a shot or losing a man. They rebuilt and remodeled the fort and named it Pitt, in honor of the prime minister of England. After the close of the French and Indian War, Colonel Washington returned to Mount Vernon. For 56 FAMOUS AMERICANS twentj^ 3^ears he led the life of a wealthy Virginia 13lanter. He married Mrs. Martha Custis, a wealthy widow of his own age. Washington had no children of his own, but the two children of Mrs. Custis, Jack and Nellie, found him a kind and agreeable step- father. Washington spent his time in managing his estate, in caring for his stock and his slaves, in enter- taining many guests, and in attending the sessions of the Virginia House of Burgesses. Once in a while he left the quiet of his estate for a short social season at Williamsburg, the capital of Virginia, or for a trip to Philadelphia. At othei' times he permitted himself short hunting and fishing trips on his western lands. AVhen the Stamp Act and the Tea Tax troul)le arose in the colonies Washington was a member of the Virginia House of Burgesses. He, with Edmund Pendleton and Patrick Henry, made the journey fi'om Virginia to Philadelphia, where they repre- sented Virginia in the First Continental Congress which met in Carpenter's Hall in 1774. There Wash- ington was noted for his solid and sound judgment. The protest prepared by the First Continental Con- gress was received with contempt in England. In May, 1775, war had actually begun. The Boston Mas- sacre, the Tea Party and the battles of Lexington and Concord had caused the English to send troops GEORGE AYASHINGTOX 57 to destroy tlic I'clx'l anii3\ The colonies were in revolt. The Second Continental Congress found it neces- sary to raise forces large enough to defend American rights. Its members chose Washington commander- in-chief of the new army. At New York, as he journeyed from Philadelphia to Boston, he learned Battle of Bunker Hill of the battle of Bunker Hill. He arrived in Cam- bridge (m the third of July, 1775, and assumed com- mand of the army on the following day. During the next few months he drilled his troops and secui-ed supplies. By cleverly occu2:)ying the hills behind 58 FAMOUS AMERICANS Boston, General Washington forced the English to retire from that city. When the enemy left they abandoned jDowder, muskets, cannon and other mili- tary supplies which the Americans needed badly. After the English were forced to leaye Boston they made New York their headquarters. Many war- ships were anchored in the Hudson Riyer and General Howe had twenty thousand soldiers in the town. He was to hold the surrounding territory while another English officer. General Burgoyne, was to march down from Canada with seyeral thou- sand more men. The two forces were to meet and hold the great ^lohawk Valley in central New York. In that way the colonies would be cut in two, and New England would lose the help of her southern friends. General Washington was not prepared to face the large force assembled in New York, so he passed the city and retreated across northern New Jersey. After crossing the Delaware Riyer into Pennsylyania he spent much time in trying to per- suade his men to remain loyal to hinio They were hungry and in rags. Most of them had not been paid for months. . Across the riyer at Trenton the Hessian allies of the English were stationed. They were warm, well- fed and well -clothed. Washington quietly collected the rowboats along the banks of the riyer for miles aboye and below his camp. On Chi'istmas Eye, 177(). GEORGE AYASHINGTON 59 he began to inove liis tr()oi)S across tlie ice-filled river. Eor ten lioni'S in the darkness the boats crossed and recrossed the river carrying the Con- tinental soldiers. In a blinding snow-storm the men marched toward the Hessians at Trenton. The at- tack was begnn at daybreak, and one thousand of the enemy surrendered with their cannon, food, clothing and annnunition. The victorious Americans pur- sued the fleeing Hessians toward Princeton where a battle was fought next day. Their chief was killed and many men were captured. The success of the American Army raised the hopes of the colonists. General Howe planned to capture Philadelphia, the capital of the colonies, before Burgoyne needed him. Accordingly, while Burgoyne was marching south, Howe put most of his men aboard ships and carried them by sea to the Chesapeake Bay. He had been warned that Fort Mifflin, below Philadelphia, would bar his way up the Delaware River. He planned to march from the head of the Chesapeake Bay to Philadelphia. Washington met him at Brandywine and Germantown, but was unable to check his advance. Howe took Philadelphia and made preparations to spend the winter there. Gen- eral Burgoyne failed to receive aid during his march south. An American Army, under General Gates, met him at Saratoga. A battle followed and Bur- g(n^ne was forced to surrender with his entire armv. 60 FAMOUS AMEEICANS The year 1777 was one of the darkest during the entire Revohitionary War. The English held the American capital at Philadelphia, and after the de- feats at Brandywine, Germantown and Paoli, Wash- ington was compelled to seek winter quarters for his discouraged troops. Valley Forge was selected upon the recommendation of Major-General Anthony 2 -* "# 1 ^Ml HHk. '«»''''' -■i^l ^1^^^^ r^s [^ wA^"^m Winter at Valley Forge Wayne, whose home was near by. The Americans went into camp December 19, 1777, and immediately began to prepare for the sevei'e winter that followed. Huts had to be built for the men and officers. The men were divided into squads of twelve each, and to speed the building operations Washington offered a reward of twelve dollars to the squad whose winter GEORGE AVASHINGTON 61 home was built the quickest. Much time was spent in felling trees and cutting boards with the crude means at hand, but soon row upon row of log huts sprang up on the wooded hillsides of Valley Forge. Merely housing his men was the least of AYash- ington's difficulties during that winter. They also had to be fed and clothed. Discipline had to be strengthened and the courage of the men kept up. The little army had to be prepared to withstand at- tacks from the enemy. If the English had left their comfortable quarters in Philadelphia during the winter of 1777-1778 they might easily have captured or scattered what they termed the "Rebel Band" only twenty-seven miles away amid the hills of Val- ley Forge. However, Lord Howe and his officers felt certain that there was no need to cut short their parties and dances and begin a winter campaign. The war could just as well be ended in the spring, they thought. Meanwhile, AVashington, with the help of Lafayette and Steuben, was making every day count and preparing for the battles that he knew would soon be forced upon him. It had been the practise of Congress during the previous year to recruit men for six months or a year instead of for the duration of the war. The men whose time of service was ended were going home, glad to escape the privations that were their daily 62 FAMOUS AMEEICANS lot at Valley Forge. Also it became more and more impossible to recruit new men. The small pay waei uncertain and defeat seemed sui'e. A constantly growing group of colonists thought that Washington and his army would be compelled finally to surren- der to the well-fed, well-drilled and splendidly equipped men under Lord Howe. On December twenty-third, over twenty-nine hun- dred men were of no use to the army "because they were barefooted and otherwise unfit for duty. Be- cause of the scarcity of blankets, men were compelled to sit up by the fire all night to keep warm. A report of conditions at Valley Forge, made by an investigation committee, stated that many lives were sacrificed because of lack of food and clothing. Meanwhile many boxes of shoes, stockings and cloth- ing were lying at different places on the roads for want of teams or money to pay the teamsters. During the encampment at Valley Forge over three thousand men died of sickness, while in the main battles of the Revolution the killed and wounded was not greater than nine thousand men. The work of the Park Commission that now has charge of Washington's winter camp has shown us that the site is one vast cemetery. Many of the soldiers were almost naked. Their shoes were worn out, and their feet were often frost-bitten. Their stockings and breeches were torn and hardlv covered them. Few GEORGE WASHINGTON 63 at had more tluiii a tattered shirt on their shouklers. Added to this were the sufferings they had to bear because of hunger. They dragged themselves around as well as they ;:^ -^ -~- ..„-..-,.-^^ __„„_,_._ could and huddled together about the fires as much as possible in order t< » : keep what little strength they had. It was during this dark winter that Isaac Potts, a General Washington's Quaker, w hose farm was near the camp, found Washington in prayer in the woods. He rushed back to his home and sat down in the kitchen where his wife was working. She noted his excitement and asked the cause of it. ''Indeed," he replied, "if I appear agitated 'tis no more than what I am. I have seen this day what I shall never forget. Till now I have thought that a soldier could never be a Christian. But if George Washington be not a man of God, I am mistaken, and still more shall I be disappointed if God does not through him perform some great things for this country. ' ' Headquarters Valley Forge 64 FAMOUS AMERICANS The darkest hour is always before the dawn. On New Year's Day, 1778, a party of Americans cap- tured an English ship in the Delaware River whose cargo was for the officers of the English Army. The members of Washington's staff were particularly delighted with Howe's silver dinner service which was on board. For many months Benjamin Franklin had been working steadily to interest the French in our strug- gle for independence. On February 6, 1778, the treaty was made with France which immediately gave us standing abroad. The tide had turned and Washington's little band of patriots who had lived through the winter had their hope and faith renewed. They had been toughened by hunger and hardship, and they had spent the months in learning military drill. When public opinion once more swung to the support of Washington and his army, new men were recruited, and the series of successes that led to Corn- wallis' surrender began. The English had been defeated in New England and were unsuccessful in the middle Atlantic States. Now they stopped trying to defeat the colonists in the North, and began making war in South Carolina. Cornwallis, the English general, fought his way northward, until he reached Yorktown, Virginia. The colonists had secured aid from France, thanks to the untiring effort of Benjamin Franklin. Sea- GEORGE WASHINGTON 65 soned troops were now at Washington's command. A fleet of French war- vessels was also ready to give aid. Quickly moving south with his troops, General Washington captured the army of Cornwallis at The Surrender at Vorktown Yorktown. The surrender of Cornwallis ended the war. Washington's soldiers and the people of the country worshiped him so much that they would have crowned him king of the United States if he had been willing. 66 FAMOUS AMERICANS Washington was elected the first president of the United States after the independence of the colonies was won. No other man was so highly respected by the people. He made the journey from Mount Ver- non to New York, the capital of the country, amid great rejoicing. The people of every city, town and village cheered and waved their flags as he passed. He was feasted at Alexandria, entertained at Balti- more, and warmly received at Philadelphia. At every place he stojiped, great crowds joined in the shout. "Long live George Washington." The First City Troop of Philadelphia rode with the newly elected president as far as Trenton. Over the bridge leading into that town was the motto, "To Thee Alone." The Trenton troops rode with him as far as Jersey City where he boarded a boat for New York, just across the harbor. Flags were waving on all the vessels in the river and bay, and whistles and horns were blowing. Washington was met at the wharf by Governor Clinton of New York and a group of senators and representatives. Great crowds had collected to see the new head of the republic. That CA'Cning bonfires were lit, dinners were given, and speeches were made in honor of his arrival. April 30, 1789, was the day set for George Wash- ington to take the oath of office as president of the United Stat(^s. Tlie crowds began to form at dawn, nltlioimli the cercuionv was not to 1)0^^11 until noon. GEORCn^ WASHINGTON 67 At Federal Hall, Washington met and was intro- duced to all of the newly elected officials. Then he went out on the balcony- in full view of the great crowds that filled the streets below. Amid silence he swore to obey the Constitution and protect the rights of Americans. The chief justice who had sworn him in, turned to the people below and shouted, "Long live George Washington, President of the United States." The cry was taken up and swept like a wave over the town. The cannon in the harbor boomed forth a salute, and during the entire day he was cheered every time he appeared. After Washington had served as president for four years he was elected for another term. During the eight years he filled the office he established many of the policies and customs that other presi- dents have continued. He followed the suggestions of Alexander Hamilton and had the central govern- ment take over all of the state debts. He undertook to pay the foreign debt and opened a national bank. In 1794 he sent troops to western Pennsylvania to put down the Whisky Rebellion. The farmers in that section had no ready market for their corn so they erected stills and made whisky out of it. It was much easier to carry a gallon of liquor over the mountains to the stores than to transport several bushels of corn. When the national government put a tax on whisky the farmers in that section refused 68 FAMOUS AMERICANS to pay it. However, when the federal troops arrived, the tax was collected and respect for the central gov- ernment was strengthened. When Washington's second term as president ended he was asked to serve again, but he refused. He wished to retire to Mount Vernon and spend the remainder of his life caring for his estate there. In his farewell address he cautioned his people to "steer clear of permanent alliances with any portion of the foreign world." After Washington retired from the presidency of the United States he led the life of a wealthy Vir- ginia planter. His days were spent in riding over his fields and looking after the work of his slaves and overseers. He planned new imi3rovements, built fences, planted hedge and orchards, and erected new farm buildings. At his home he constantly enter- tained many visitors. Every one of importance who traveled north or south, either on business or pleas- ure, was sure to stop at Mount Vernon to pay his respects to George and Martha Washington. Al- though he was retired from public office his advice was constantly asked by the statesmen of his time. Every mail brought many letters from friends in all parts of the country and abroad. His letters alone took several hours a day to read and answer. The visitor at Mount Vernon to-day can see th^. tomb of the "Father of His Country." The simple GEORGE WASHINGTON 69 brick vault has an iron grating before it and faces the beautiful Potomac River. Within, in full view, are the two marl^le caskets in which rest the remains of George Washington and his wife Martha. La- fayette visited the spot when he visited this country in 1824. Visitors from all over the world who have W'asliintildti at Mount X'crnnn heard the name of George AVashington, have paused there and paid tribute to the man who was ''first in war, first in peace, and first in the hearts of his countrymen. ' ' SUGGESTIONS The aim of the teacher at this point should be to make Washington a real instead of a legendary figure. This may be achieved by constantly comparing him to others who lived at 70 FAMOUS AMEElCxiNS the same time, and showing that he was a man whose active life consisted in a succession of difficulties that were overcome, disappointments that were faced, hardships that were endured, and successes that were won. His entire life, from early boy- hood to the last years at jMount Vernon, should be pictured as an orderly sequence of events. The account of the life of Wash- ington divides into four periods: his youth, his participation in the French and Indian War, the Revolutionary period, and finally, his presidency and later life at Mount Vernon. This chapter will repay intensive study, but interest must be sus- tained. This result is obtained by varying the methods used. The story should be told in an intimate manner; short assign- ments for home reading should be made; pictures should be brought to class for discussion, and questions should be asked. A wall map should be used constantly and all geograplxical ref- erences should be indicated. Finally, the life of Wasliington should be summarized in outline form on the blackboard. QUESTIONS 1. Did Washington like to travel? Trace on the map the places lie visited. 2. Would he have become great if he liad always stayed at home ? Why ? 3. What things did he learn during tlie French and Indian War that helped liim later? 4. Why was Wasliington chosen to command the Amei'ican troops ? 5. Was he a great general? Why? 6. AVhy Avere the soldiers at Valley Forge true patriots? 7. Why did this small army keep on fighting in spite of its many sufferings ? GEORGE WASHINGTON 71 8. AVas Isaac Potts right in what he said of Washington? Why ? 0. What kind of president did Washington make? AVhy? 10. Why is he called "The Father of His Country"? REFERENCES Bolton : Famous American Statesmen. Brady : Revolutionary Fights and Fighters. Custis: RecoUectious and Memoirs of Washington. Lodge : George Washington. Wilson : George Washington. CHAPTER VI THOMAS JEFFERSON Born: Shadwell, Virginia, April 13, 1743. Died: Montieello, Virginia, July 4, 1826. Virginia was the home of three of the greatest men of Colonial and Revolutionary times. These men were George Washington, Patrick Henry and Thomas Jefferson. All worked for one common canse, the independence of the colonies. The boyhood of Jefferson was mnch like that of the other two pa- triots. He was born on a large plantation and at- tended a small country school which was taught by a preacher. During vacation he spent most of his time in the woods with his gun and dogs, or along some stream with a rod and line. Often he carried a book with him and read it while stretched in the shade of a tree. When Jefferson had finished his studies at the little country schoolhouse near his home he went to William and Mary's College at AVilliamsburg, the capital of the colony of Virginia. The college was named after a king and queen of England and was the best in that section. Williamsburg was a dull 72 THOMAS JEf^FERSON 73 little town except in the winter season when the As- sembly met. Then all of the wealthy planters and Thomas Jefferson their families gathered there for a short time. Jef- Ferson studied hard while in college, l)ut he fomifl 74 FAAIOUS AMERICANS time to make many valuable friends. He was in the House of Burgesses when Patrick Henry declared "Caesar had his Brutus; Charles the First his Crom- well, and George the Third may profit by their ex- ample ! If this be treason, make the most of it !" That speech made such a strong impression on Jefferson that he wanted to know the orator better. The two men became friends and worked side by side for many years in the service of their country. Thomas Jefferson is described by a person who knew him well as "six feet tall, and straight as a gun barrel — like a fine horse with no extra flesh." His hands, wrists and feet were large ; his hair was red ; his face was freckled, and his eyes were blue. He enjoyed horseback riding and violin playing. Also, he was a dead shot with a gun. After finishing his college work Jefferson ]>e- came a lawyer. For several years he managed the large estate which he inherited from his father. The people of Virginia elected him to the House of Burgesses. There he worked with George Wash- ington and Patrick Henry who were also members. As a member of the Committee of Correspondence, Jefferson kept in close touch with the leading men in the other colonies. Jefferson was appointed a delegate to the Second Continental Congress which met in Philadelphia, May 10, 1775. He was no orator, but his manner THOMAS JEFFERSON 75 and character gave him great iufhience there. A year later, when Congress appointed a committee to draft the Declaration of Independence, Thomas Jef- ferson was chosen as chairman, and was asked to prepare a draft of the Declaration. Benjamin Franklin also served on the committee, and aided with advice and snggestions. In seventeen days Jef- ferson completed his plan, by means of which a new nation was to spring into existence. This rongh copy of the Declaration of Independence was presented to Congress and, after some slight changes had been made, was adopted by the delegates. In the Declara- tion of Independence, Jefferson declared that all men are eqnal and that the colonies should be free and independent states. The Declaration of Independence was written in a house which stood on the southwest corner of Sev- enth and ]\larket Streets, Philadelphia. This house has been torn down and now a bank occupies the site. A bronze tablet set in the wall tells all who chance to pass of the great work done on that spot so many years ago. To-day the original Declaration of Inde- pendence lies in a vault in the State Department in Washington. There it is guarded carefully because it is one of the most valuable pieces of i)aper in the world. During the Revolution, Thomas Jefferson was active in politics in Virginia. His time was spent in 76 FAMOUS AMERICANS writing to patriots in other colonies cand in keeping the people of his state informed of the leading events of the day. As a member of the Virginia House of Burgesses he introduced a bill to do away with the laws of direct inheritance. Under that law the great House Where Jefferson \\"rote the Declaration of Independence estates eould not l)e mortgaged or sold for debt. In- stead they were handed down from father to son. Since the large land holdings could not be bri^ken \\\), the i)oor ])(U^])le of the colony were unal)le to huy THOMAS JEFFERSON 77 farms. If they wanted to own land tliey were forced to move out of Virginia or go to the free hinds far to tlie west. Jefferson believed that the state would be better off if many people owned small farms in- stead of a few owning all of the best land. At that time religious freedom was unknown in Virginia. Every one was supposed to attend the Church of England. Jefferson believed that all men should be free to worship in any manner that best pleased them, so he had a law passed that permitted people to attend other churches. He also managed to persuade his fellow members in the House of Burgesses to do away with the Debtor's Prison. A man who owed money and did not pay it was thrown into prison and kept there until the debt was paid. According to another old law, all foreigners had to wait fourteen years before they could become citi- zens. Jefferson secured the passage of a law that permitted men to get their final papers in two years. Thomas Jefferson believed that all men are born equal and that all should enjoy equal opportunities. He outlined a plan of free education for all of the people. There should be common schools where reading, writing and arithmetic are taught. In ad- dition, there should be high schools, colleges, a state university and a libraiy.- He believed that if the people were educated they could safely govern them- selves. Many others in the state at that time be- 78 FAMOUS AMERICANS lieved that only the wealthy should be allowed to make the laws and that it was dangerous to educate the common people. Jefferson's plan was finally adopted, and he drew the plans and supplied the money for the University of Virginia. For a century and a half slave ships had been bringing negroes to Virginia for sale to the planters. Although Jefferson was a large slave owner himself he thought that it was wrong for one man to own another, and to buy or sell him like a horse or an ox. He worked to have a law passed to give freedom to all born as slaves, but the wealthy planters who made up the Assembly would not vote for it. However, he did succeed in having the slave trade between Vir- ginia and Africa stopped. As a result of his work it became illegal to bring new slaves into the state. In 1779 Jefferson succeeded Patrick Henry as governor of Virginia. At that time men and guns were needed. The state was invaded and English war-ships sailed up the James River and landed troops. In 1781 Cornwallis, the English general, marched in from the south. His soldiers drove off horses, cattle and slaves from the plantations and destroyed what they could not use. Monticello, the beautiful home of Jefferson, was ruined almost be- yond repair. President AVashington sent Thomas rlefferson, Benjamin Franklin and John Adams to Europe in THOMAS JEFFERSON 79 1784 to make treaties of commerce with the nations there. Adams later l)ecanie minister to England and Franklin returned home because of his age and health. Jefferson stayed as minister to France. AVhen he presented himself to the prime minister as the new representative of the United States, that of- ficial said, "Ah, Mr. Jefferson, you replace Doctor Franklin, I hear." Jefferson bowed low and replied, "I succeed him. No man can replace him!" He remained in Paris for five years. He kept America informed of new discoveries and inventions. He wrote that the steam-engine "with a peck and a half of coal performs as much work as a horse in a day." Nearly every boat that sailed from Europe to America carried boxes of books and bags of seeds and roots that he had gathered for friends in his own country. He returned home in 1789, but fully in- tended to go back to Paris. At Washington 's request he remained as secretary of state. For eight years Jefferson served as a member of Washington's Cabinet. At all times he argued that America must be a true democracy, and that the peo- ple must alw^ays be allow^ed to rule themselves. He was always opposed b}^ Alexander Hamilton, Secre- tary of the Treasury. Hamilton was an aristocrat and could not agree with Jefferson's democratic principles. Hamilton was sure that the people did not know enough about govei'ument to be trusted 80 FAMOUS AMERICANS fully in such matters. Jefferson said that no one knew if that was true because the people had never had a chance to show what they could do. The two fought continually and Washington found it hard at times to keep them from coming to blows. After acting as vice-president under John Adams, Jefferson was elected the third president of the United States, and served for two terms. During his term of office, Louisiana, the teri'itory between the Mississippi Eiver and the Rocky Mountains, passed from Sj^anish ownei'ship into the possession of France. This transfer was forced upon Spain by Napoleon, the all-powerful ruler of France. It was Napoleon's hope to plant a French colony in America, and thus confine the United States be- tween the Atlantic Ocean and the Mississij^pi River. Before he could carry out his plan, however, he was drawn into a war with England. All of his plans for colonizing America were spoiled. When the Americans learned that Louisiana be- longed to France and that they were unable to ship goods down the Mississippi without paying a tax at New Orleans, they became alarmed and talked loudly of war. In order to prevent war, President Jeffer- son sent James Monroe to Fi'ance to purchase the land at the mouth of the Mississippi, and thus per- mit the people of the United States to carry on trade and to ship their goods down the river without pay- THOMAS JEFFP^RSON" 81 iiiii" a tax. Napoleon was greatly in need of money at the time to carry on his war with England. He was willing to sell, not only the land at the month of the Mississip^ji, but the entire territory of Louisiana. As a result of this purchase, which cost fifteen mil- lions of dollars, the size of the United States was more than doubled. jMany persons in the United States thought Jef- ferson w^as throwing money awa}", and said we could never use the land. The year following the purchase of Louisiana, a party under Lewds and Clark set out to ex2)l()re this country and the land to the northw^est of it. The}^ traveled up the jNIissouri, crossed the UKunitains on horseback, and floated dowai the Co- lumbia River in canoes. After two years and a half in that territory, they returned home with an ac- count of its vastness and wealth. After serving as president of the United States for eight years Jefferson returned to his home, Mon- ticello, where he spent the remainder of his life. Notables from all over the world visited him, and sti'angers came in trooi)S to see him. Occasionally he w\)uld drive to a distant farm to escape from his visitors. He gave much of his time to the erection of the buildings for the University of Virginia. Almost his entire fortune was swallowed up in the carrying out of his plans. One day, while walking over the groimds of the 82 FAMOUS AMERICANS university with his eldest grandson, a slave took off his hat and bowed low as the two passed. As was his habit, Jefferson raised his hat and returned the bow. The little grandson, however, did not notice the greeting. He neither raised his hat nor bowed. Jef- ferson turned to the boy and said, "Thomas, do you permit a slave to be more of a gentleman than your- self?" The unfailing courtesy of the man was his chief charm. SUGGESTIONS A good approach to the study of Jefferson is by means of a discussion of the rules of class room behavior; the laws of the city; the state, and finally those of the nation. The laws of the nation are all based on the Constitution which was written ))y Thomas Jefferson. With this point of contact made, the life of the writer of the Constitution can be presented by the teacher. Give the main facts, leaving the details for future les- sons. An assignment in the text should be made to supplement the material discussed in class and to prepare for a second les- son. The study of Jefferson's services to his country may be made by means of the text-book developed lesson. A paragraph should be r(>ad aloud by a child while the remainder of the children, whose books should be closed, listen to the account. Upon the completion of the account the children should be ques- tioned concerning what they have heard. Each successive para- graph is studied in the same manner. As a basis for comparison and review, a list of the services rendered by Jefferson should be placed on the blackboard, together with similar ones for Franklin and Washington. THOMAS JEFFERSON 8;; QUESTIONS 1. What was it about Jefferson that other people liked? 2. What was the Declaration of Independence? 3. Why was Jefferson chosen to write it ? 4. How did he improve the laws of Virginia? 5. What were his views on slavery 1 (3. Why did the Americans want Louisiana? 7. What might have happened if Jefferson had not bought Louisiana ? 8. What states have l)een formed out of tlie Louisiana Purchase ? 9. Were the years that Jefferson spent in France of any bene- fit to him? If so, how? 10. Why did Jefferson have so many visitors after he retired to Monticello? REFERENCES Bolton: Famous American Statesmen. Brooks : Historic Americans. Curtis : The True Thomas Jefferson, Dana : Makers of America. Page : The Old Dominion, CHAPTER VII THE THILADELI'KIA TEA I'AKTY December 27, 1773. Late in the year 1773 there was great excitement in Philadelphia. Groups of citizens gathered in the coffee houses and talked over a matter that was of great importance. They had learned that a ship- load of tea had been sent to Philadelphia. The people liked tea and usually welcomed its arrival. From their talk, however, they were not at all pleased with the coming of the vessel. In addition to paying for the tea they would also be forced to pay a tax which the king of England i)laced on everything used by the people in the colonies. The people of Philadel- phia and of all the other colonies in America had no say in the making of the laws, and for that reason refused to obey the laws which they thought unjust. If England insisted on sending tea to Philadelphia the peoi)le tln'catciicd to ])itch it into the Delaware River. (Jolonel William IJradl'ord, one of the leaders in Philadelphia at that time, led the peoi:)le in their fight against the tax. He believed that the tea should 84 THE PHILADELPHIA TEA PARTY 81 not be landed in the city, but he felt that othei' methods should be used than throwing it overboard. He called a meeting of the people, and a committee was appointed to take steps to prevent the landing of the tea. Several of the members of the committee visited Abel James, the merchant in Philadelphia to whom the tea was being sent. They explained the case to him and pointed out that he could do either o1: two things. He could refuse to accept the tea when it arrived, or he could accept it and run the risk oi; being tarred and feathered by the people of the city. James agreed not to receive the tea, and promised that it would not be landed. In order that all the colonists w^ould work to- gether in fighting against the payment of the tea tax, Colonel Bradford and his committee w^rote to all the other towns along the Atlantic coast. He told them of what Philadelphia had done and hoped to do, and asked their help in keeping tea that was taxed from being landed at any port in the colonies. The Philadelphia committee knew that all sliii)B coming to that city would be seen first by the pilots? at the entrance to Delaware Bay. A letter was writ- ten to the pilots telling them to watch for the tea ship. The names of the ship and captain had been learned from Abel James, so another letter was sent to the captain with the one to the pilots. This was t(i be given to the captain by the pilot who boarded the 86 FAMOUS AMERICANS vessel. Botli letters explained very clearly what the people of Philadelphia thought about the coming of the tea, and what would happen to those who did not obey the wishes of the people. The letter directed to Captain Ayres, who had charge of the tea ship, informed him of the feelings of the people of Philadelphia, and stated that the arrival of his vessel would bring him into hot water. If he insisted upon coming to Philadelphia with his vessel he would find burning rafts floating about it, and tar and feathers waiting for him. The people had made up their minds that they were going to enjoy liberty, and could only do so by preventing the arrival of goods that were taxed without their consent. Everything possible had been done and the people daily expected the arrival of the Polly. Their anger and hatred grew as the days passed. On December twenty-fifth, the excitement of the people grew still greater when a messenger arrived and stated that the tea shii3 had arrived at Chester and was on the wa}^ up the river to Philadelphia. The people wanted to wait until the vessel dropped anchor in the harbor. Then they planned to board it and pitch the tea overboard. Colonel Bradford called the committee together. It was decided that Captain Ayers should be given the chance to turn about and sail home. However, force was to be used to prevent the tea THE PHILADELPHIA TEA PARTY 87 from being landed if that became necessary. The committee started down the river to meet Captain Ayres and explain the matter to him. They met the Polly and her captain, and suggested that he go with them to Philadelphia. There they could talk the matter over fully, and at the same time he could see the stir and excitement his visit was causing. After Captain Ayres arrived in Philadelphia and talked with Abel James, he decided not to attempt to land his cargo of tea. The captain agreed that if the people stated their wishes publicly he would do as they ordered. Upon an hour's notice a meeting was called at the State House. The building was not big enough to hold all the people so the meeting was held in the square outside. There the people showed clearly that it was their wish that the Polly leave the harbor at once, and carry the tea back to England. Having learned that the tea was not wanted, and knowing what the I'esults would be if he tried to unload it, Captain Ayres returned to his ship and on the next day, just forty-six hours after he arrived, he started on the return trip to England. The tea party was over, but the tea had not been served. SUGGESTIONS In dramatizing" tliis lesson suitable conversational material for tlie leading eharaeters may be prepared during the Englisli period. The action will develop in the following manner. Two citizens meet at a street corner. One tells the other of the 88 FAMOUS AMERICANS expected arrival of a tea ship. Bradford joins the couple and is told the news. He outlines the plan to see the merchants to Avhom the tea has been sent. The merchants are interviewed. A committee is appointed to write to the Delaware pilots. The letter is sent by special messenger. Time passes. Crowds gather and talk about what they will do when the ship arrives. Brad- ford counsels patience. A messenger arrives from Chester with the news that the tea ship is coming up the river. The com- mittee is called together. The decision is reached to row out to the ship, see the captain, and tell him of the temper of the people. Captain Ayres and the committee arrive in the city. The people are respectful, but firm. A town meeting is called. Every one attends. Captain Ayres decides to sail away. The tea party is over. QUESTIONS 1. Why did the people object to paying a tax on tea? • 2. Why was the tea being sent to Philadelphia ? .'^. Who was the leader of the people? What did he do? 4. If you had been in Philadelphia at that time, what would you have done? Why? 5. What did the Boston people do? G. How was the captain of the ship informed of the temper of the people? 7. What did they threaten to do with the tea? Why? 8. Did the people of Philadelphia treat Captain Ayres as he should have been treated? Wliy? 9. Why was tlic meeting called at the State House? 10. Why did Captain Ayi'cs agree lo sail away? Was he afraid? Why? REFERENCES Oberholtzer: Philadelphia, A History of the Citij and Its People. Vol. 1, pp. 223-225. THE PHILADELPHIA TEA PARTY 89 Repplier: Philadelphia, the Place and the People, pp. 181-183. Stone: "How the Landino: of Tea Was Opposed in Phila- delphia by Colonel William Bradford and Others in 1773." {Pennsylvania Magazine of Ilistori/ and Biography, 1801, Vol. XV, No. 4, pp. 385-393.) Watson : Annals of Philadelphia, Vol. 2, p. 272. Young : Memorial History of Philadelphia, Vol. 1, p. 313. CHAPTER VIII JOHN PAUL JONES Born : Arbigland, Scotland, July 6, 1747. Died: Paris, France, September 12, 1792. John Paul was the son of a Scottish gardener. He was born within sight of salt water. When he was a small boy he played along the shore and watched the countless' sailing vessels as they passed in and out of the harbor. Even before he was a man he sailed away from Scotland, and for more than thirty years his home was on the ocean. He won fame as a great sea fighter while an admiral in the American Navy, during the Revolutionary War. When John Paul was a lad of twelve he shipped on a sailing vessel named the Fyicndsliip. This boat carried him across the Atlantic Ocean, up the Chesa- peake Bay and the Rappahannock River, to Freder- icksburg, Virginia, where his older brother owned a plantation. He remained there for a time and Avent to the school attended ])y George Washington a few years before. Soon he returned to Scotland and shi})ped on a "slaver," a l)oat used to carry negroes from Africa to the American cohmies. He could not l)ear to see 90 JOHN PAUL JONES 91 the slaves bought and sold, and sometimes mis- treated. When the ship reached Virginia John Paul left the vessel. He remained in Virginia for a time and then took passage on a ship returning to Scotland. During the voyage the captain and mate died of yellow fever. John Paul had been an officer on board the slave ship, so he took command of the vessel and brought her safely into port. Her owners rewarded him by making him captain of the ship. Although he was only twenty-one years old he made two suc- cessful voyages to the West Indies in command of the vessel. After the death of his brother in Virginia, John Paul returned to that colony and invested his money in lands. During a visit to North Carolina he became acquainted with the family of a well-known lawyer and plantation owner, the famous Willie Jones. His liking for his man caused John Paul to add "Jones" to his own name. Ever afterward he signed his name "John Paul Jones." John Paul Jones was not heard of from this time until the Revolutionary War. Very likely his time was spent on his Virginia plantations, or in making trading trips to the West Indies. When the Second Continental Congress decided to fight the English upon the seas Jones was appointed a lieutenant in the new American Navy. 92 FAMOUS AMERICANS Photo from Underwood and Underwood. Jolin Paul Jones JOHN PAUL J0NE8 93 On a bright, cold, winter morning John Panl Jones and Commodore Hopkins, the commander of the little American fleet, were rowed out to the flag- ship, the Alfred, which lay at anchor in the Delaware River opposite Philadelphia. Lieutenant Jones hoisted a yellow silk flag which bore a rattlesnake about to strike, surrounded by the words, "Don't tread on me." The crowds which lined the shore cheered wildly as they read the words. The ice-filled river held the boats for two months. Then they pulled up their anchors and sailed for the Bahama Islands, where they planned to capture the powder stored there by the English. The attempt failed because the enemy learned of the plot. The raiders, however, succeeded in capturing a few can- nons, which could not be easily removed. On the way back two English vessels loaded with powder and arms were taken. Jones was made a captain as a reward for the bravery and skill he showed during the cruise. He sailed up and down the eastern coast of North America from Newfoundland to the West Indies, capturing many English ships which were loaded with powder, guns and clothing. There was a large fishing village near the Grand Banks of Newfoundland whose men were supplying the English war-vesseis with quantities of food. Jones made a daring attack on the fishing fleet. 94 FAMOUS AMERICANS After caiDturing it lie loaded the fish on the best ships and returned with his prizes. This feat made him the hero of the hour in America. During a cruise near Nova Scotia, Jones captured an English ship which was loaded with one hundred and fifty soldiers, many guns and military supplies, and ten thousand suits of winter clothing. The cloth- ing was especially welcomed by the men in Washing- ton's ragged army. Later Jones found a fleet of merchant ships under the protection of two English frigates. While sur- rounded by a thick fog he captured three of the ships, which were loaded with coal. He narrowly escaped capture himself while bringing his prizes into port. The great number of valuable prizes brought into port by the daring little captain caused Congress to decide to send John Paul Jones with a ship to cruise in European waters. He sailed in 1777 in command of the Ranger. Landing in France, he hurried to Paris to see our representative, Benjamin Franklin. He told Frank- lin of the surrender of the English Arm}^ under Gen- eral Burgoyne. The colonists had shown their abil- ities as soldiers, and Jones had made our navy a thing to be feared by the English. France pledged her aid to America, and to show her friendship for the infant republic across the Atlantic, the guns of the French fleet saluted the stars and stripes flying at the mast JOHN PAUL JONES 95 head of Jones' ship. This was the first time the American flag was saluted by a foreign nati(^n. Jones cruised in the English Chamiel and cap- tured many ships. At the port of AVhitehaven, in England, he raided the shipping and terrorized the people. Soon after this he returned to France, and with the aid of Franklin secured a vessel which he named the Bon Homme Bi chard in honor of the author of Poor Bicliard's Almanac. AYhen he w^as given command of the vessel, he said, "I do not wish to have command of any ship that does not sail fast, for I intend to go in harm's way!" With this vessel Jones sailed around Ireland and Scotland, continually taking prizes. AVhile in the North Sea, off Scarborough, England, on September 23, 1779, he met the English frigate, Sera pis, which was guarding a fleet of merchant ships. The Serapis was a larger vessel than the Bon Homme BicJiard. It had more men and guns. Jones attacked it, and the most brilliant sea battle the world ever has seen was fought dui'ing the next few hours. Slowly the boats shifted to secure better i)ositions. Broadside after broadside was fired by each. Two guns exploded in the Bon Homme Richard, killing several men and tearing up the decks. The sails on the two shi])S were torn to shreds and the masts were splintered. Soon the two sliii)S di-ifted until they touched. Immediately Jones and his men sj^i-ang 96 FAMOLUS AMEKICANS forward aud began lashing them together. From this time the fighting was hand-to-hand. Men tried to board the opposing ship. Others swarmed up the rigging, and fought in the cross-trees. Hand bombs were thrown from one ship to the other. The decks (m both ships were covered with the dying and. wounded. The air was filled with the shouts of the men and the noise of the guns. Jones, pacing the Engagement between the Bon Homme Richard and the Scrapie deck, commanded and encouraged. The English prisoners taken from previous prize ships bi'oke from the hold and rushed upon the deck, shouting, ''The boat is sinking!" Aided by his officers, Jones drove the pris(mers back and made them work the pumps. The fighting on the deck and in the cross-trees of the vessels continued. During a hdl in the noise, the JOHN PAUL JONES 97 captain of the Sera pis shouted to Jones, "Have you struck?" Jones replied, in a voice that was lieard by every man, ' ' 1 have not yet begun to fight ! ' ' Soon after this a hand bomb thrown from the rigging of the Bon Homme Eichard exploded a barrel of I'hotu iiuiu Und-rwuoU ami L'lultTWuud. Building in Paris under Which Body of John Paul Jones Was Found powder on board the English vessel. The captain of the Serapis surrendered. Jones removed his men and prisoners from the Bon Homme Biehard, which was sinking, and took charge of his prize. Jones sailed for Holland with the S('r((/)is. The 98 FAMOUS AMERICANS king of France heard of his victory and sent for him. When he arrived in Paris he was given a handsome gold sword, and made a member of the Order of Merit. Upon the I'etnrn of John Paul Jones to America, Congress commended him for his bravery and made him prize-agent in France. After the Revolution Jones lived in France. The Russian ambassador to France knew of his i*ecord as a fighter and offered him a position as rear- admiral in the Russian Navy. After an adventurous trip he landed at Petrograd, the capital of Russia. There he was received by Catherine, the queen of that country. Catherine knew of his bravery and placed him in command of the Black Sea Fleet with which she hoped to defeat the Turks and capture Constantinople. Jones remained in Russia for sev- eral years, and finally fell into disfavor. Then he returned to Paris where he died at the age of forty-five. John Paul Jones was buried in a leaden casket in a little cemetery in Paris. Soon his grave was forgotten and houses were built over the tiny plot of ground. About the year 1900, our ambassador to France, General Horace Porter, began a search foi' the grave of the first admiral in the American Navy. The hunt contimied for six years. During that time several tunnels were dug in the part of the city where John Paul ffones was known to liavc Ix'cn l)U]'ie(l. JOHN PAUL JONES 99 Filially tlic leaden casket coiitaiiiiui;' his Ixxly was found. The casket was removed by a party of American marines and French sailors, and sent to a seaport where a United States war-ship was waiting in the harbor. The fhig-draped casket was placed aboard tlie vessel while the guns along the shore and the ships of the French fleet fired a salute. The Ameri- can w^ar-vessel steamed across the Atlantic Ocean and up the Chesapeake Bay to Annapolis, Maryland, where the United States Naval Academy is located. To-day the remains of John Paul Jones are resting in a ])eautiful chapel on the grounds of the school. SUGGESTIONS Resourcefulness and a sense of responsibihty should be developed in the children. The story of the life of Jones should be presented vividly by the teacher. Assign the account in the book for home reading and during the following history period liave a text-book studied lesson. Prepare a set of questions whose answei'S are contained or implied in the text. Write tliese questions on the blackboard and allow the children a study period of fifteen minutes in which to find the answers. When tlie books are closed draw the pertinent facts from the children l)y means of a rapid oral drill based upon the questions written on the board. Use additional questions that will draw out sup- ]ilenu'ntary information. After that, have the entire account of the life of Jones related by several of the pupils. Stress tlie dramatic side of the battle between the Bon Homme RicJiard and the Serapis and emphasize the value of the services ren- dered by Jones to the colonies. 100 FAMOUS AMERICANS QUESTIONS 1. AVhy did John Paul add "Jones" to his name? 2. Why did he become a sailor? 3. Does a man's boyhood have any influence on his later life? Why? 4. Did -wo have a navy during the Revolutionary War? If so, what did it do? 5. Why did Jones raid the fishing fleet on the Newfound- land coast ? 6. Why did Congress decide to allow Jones to cruise in European waters? 7. What foreign country was the first to salute the American flag? 8. What is an admiral ? What does he do ? 0. Can you trace on the map the scenes of Jones' victories? 10. Why do you think Jones joined the Russian Navy? REFERENCES Brady: Commodore Paul Jones. DeKoven : The Life and Letters of John Pant Jones. Seawell : Tivelve Naval Captains. Stewart: "John Paul Jones Commemoration at Annapo- lis," April 24, 1906. i59th Congress, First Ses- sion. House Doc. No. 804.) Tapi)an : American Hero Stories. CHAPTER IX GEORGE ROGERS CLARK Born : Virginia, November 19, 1752. Died: Kentucky, February 13, 1818. The country west of the Alleghany Mountains contained few settlers before the Revolution. The people who did venture into that wild and unsettled region found themselves surrounded by many dan- gers. The Indians were their greatest enemies, i^t any time the settlers might be surprised and killed by a band of roving savages. Notwithstanding the dangers, the settlers remained and defended them- selves. The one man who was most noted for his skill in fighting the Indians was George Rogers Clark. He was born in Virginia and knew the life of the pioneer and Indian fighter. Like Washington, he was a surveyor. His work took him through all of what is now Kentucky, Ohio, Indiana and Illinois. During his travels he learned of the murdering of the women and children by the Indians. In 1775 he moved to Kentucky. He called a meeting of the people for the purpose of forming a government. They sent him to Virginia to get the assistance of that 101 302 FAMOUS AMERICANS state. A^irjT^inia offered to ])rotect Kentucky and to help in fighting the Indians. At the outbreak of the Revohitionaiy War the English held forts at Kaskaskia, Detroit and Vin- cennes. The Indians were being offered ammunition and money l)y the English in return for the scali)s of the settlers in that region. Massacres were becom- ing more and more frequent, and the English, with the help of the Indians, were destroying the settlements. Geoi'ge Rogers Clark knew that the only way to stop the Indians from continuing their murders was to attack the forts from which they secured their help. He went to Virginia and asked permission of Patrick Henry and Thomas Jefferson to form a regi- ment of soldiers to seize the forts. Patrick Henry, who was governor of Virginia at that time, gave his consent to the plan. He was not ready to offer men 01' money at that time. Clark immediately recrossed the moiuitains to Kentuck}^ organized a party of one hundred and fifty men, and began his journey. They left the Falls of the Ohio, which are opposite Louis- ville, Kentucky, on June 28, 1778, and went down the river to a place called Fort Massacre, in what is now Illinois. There they left their boats and marched with blankets and ])rovisions on their backs, across country to Kaskaskia, a distance of one hundred and thirtv miles. GEORGE ROGERS CLARK 103 The village of Kaskaskia was on one side of a river, and the English fort was opposite. After days of marching over rough roads, across prairies and thi'ough mai'shes and swamps, the men arrived at Kaskaskia on the evening of the fourth of July. Clark divided his little band into two groups. One The Kind of Fort Used by Our Forefathers he sent to take possession of the town; the other crossed to the fort, entered by an unguarded gate- way, and captured the place before the soldiers knew that an enemy was near. The people in the town, who were nearly all French, were easily won over to 104 FAMOUS AMERICANS the American cause. When they learned that the French Government had decided to help the colon- ists, they were eager to help Clark. Many of the French enlisted in his regiment. Sixty miles up the river was another French trading post, Cahokia. Clark at once sent a small body of his troops to the town which surrendered without firing a gun. The number of men at Kaskaskia was too small to undertake an attack on Vincennes. While tiying to decide what he should do, Clark was visited by a French priest, who wished to thank him for his kind treatment of the people of the town. Learning of Clark's difficulty, he offered to go to Vincennes and , use his influence with the people there to persuade them to take sides with the Americans. Accompanied by a few men and Captain Helm, who was a member of Clark's company, the priest went to Vincennes. He found that the commander had gone to Detroit and had left the post in the hands of the French in- habitants. They were easily persuaded to haul down the English flag and hoist the American colors over the fort. Clark was greatly pleased when the priest re- turned and informed him of his success. His pleas- ure was short-lived, however. Some of his scouts returned and informed him that Governor Hamilton, the English commander, had come down from l)e- GEORGE ROGERS CLARK 105 troit and recaptured Vincennes. Captain Helm and one soldier were in the fort at the time. Hearing of the approach of the English, the captain placed a loaded cannon at the gate of the fort. He stood be- side it with a lighted torch, ready to plunge it into the powder. When the enemy was within hailing distance he shouted, ''Halt!" The governor de- manded the surrender of the fort, but Captain Helm refused to give up his position until he knew the terms. Being promised the honors of war he sur- rendered with his entire force — one man. It was Governor Hamilton's intention to send a large force of Indians and soldiers to capture Clark and his men. Clark decided that instead of waiting for Hamilton to come to him, he would go to Hamil- ton. He proposed to march across the country in the dead of winter and surprise Vincennes. The English never dreamed that an enemy could cross a country that was nearly all swamp. Over one liiui- dred and fifty miles lay between Clark and Vin- cennes, but he and his men set off with their blankets, provisions and guns strapped on their backs. To assist them when they arrived at the fort they built a boat and loaded it with six cannons. The boat was to go down the Kaskaskia and Mississippi Rivers to the Ohio and Wabash and meet Clark and his men near Vincennes. Clark started on the fifth of Februarv, 1779, and J 06 FAMOUS AMERICANS for days he and his men marelied throiigli s\vann)s and woods. Often they were forced to wade throngh water with floating ice in it. After a long day's march the chilled and numl)ed men would pick out a high spot and roll and tunil)le about to get warm. Then they would roll themselves in their blankets and sleep. To make mattei's worse, their food gave out. They could not go gunning for food for fear of making their presence known to the English. The spirits of some of the men began to weaken. They were tired and worn out with marching and wading through icy streams where they had to hold their guns and blankets over their heads to keep them dry. Their leader knew there could be no backing down or backing out. To encourage his men as they were about to enter an icy stream, Clark placed the drum- mer boy on the shoulders of a tall sergeant. The boy began to beat the '^Charge!" Clark shouted, "Forward!" and plunged into the water, closely fol- lowed by the sergeant. The men laughed, caught the spirit of their leader, and plunged after him. At last, after many hardships, the party came within sight of the town. A young Frenchman, who had been out shooting ducks, was captured by Clark's men. He was questioned closely about the number of soldiers and Indians at the fort. I^ater he was sent into the town with a note announcing the arrival of Clark and his men. All who wished to l)e fi'iendly GEORGE ROGERS CLARK 107 were warned to remain quietly in their homes. Tlie others shoukl at once enter the fort and help to defend it. The p(M)ple remained ({uietly in their homes. Clark entered the town and began preparations for attacking the fort. He threw up a trench o]^- posite the gate of the fort and began a lively fire on the enemy. Not knowing the size of the attacking party, and having no hope of assistance, General Hamilton surrendered. The officers were sent to Virginia in chains as a punishment for aiding the Indians in killing the set- lers in the valley. One more fort re- mained in the hands of the English. That was Detroit. Clark wished to march upon that place, enough men. When the treaty of peace was being signed at the close of the Revolution in 178?), tho "•^ Statue of George Rogers Clark but could not secui'e 108 FAMOUS AMERICANS Americans claimed all the land cast of the Mis- sissippi. George Rogers Clark had taken possession of it and had held it against the English. Virginia made Clark a brigadier-general in honor of his great service to that state and to the conntry. H(> was also i)resented with a sword. Twenty years later his younger brother, William Clark, was to wdn fame as an explorer when he and Captain Lewis were sent by Jefferson to ex^jlore the lands west of the Mississippi. SITOGKSTIONS Cxcorge Rogers Clark was a sturdy pioneer and an able leader of men. He had the ability to inspire loyalty and enthu- siasm in his followers. The story of his life should be told by the teacher. Many interesting details concerning Clark have, no doubt, never been recorded. The many episodes in the strug- gles for Vincennes and Kaskaskia read like fiction and sufficient material exists to make this account realistic and interesting. Strive to ])ortray a leader that the children would want to follow. Give them the opportunity to ask questions and measure the success of the lesson by the number of intelli- gent comments that it arouses. The locations of the towns men- tioned and the route of Clark's march should be indicated on a wall map or a quickly drawn blackboard sketch. Do not neglect the larger significance of Clark's work. It was due mainly to his efforts that the Ohio territory was added to the United States at the close of the Revolution. GEORGE ROGERS CLARK 109 QUESTIONS 1. Why did Clark fight against the Indians! 2. What kind of men do you think were in Clark's company? 3. What people from a foreign country helped us during the Revolution? Why did they help? 4. What example did Clark set his men? 5. What do you like about Clark and his soldiers? 6. Where did Clark and his men fight their battles? Can you point out the places on the map? 7. Why did the English want to hold the Ohio Valley? 8. Why did the Indians help the English? 9. Were the men under Clark as brave as tliose inider Wasli- ington ? Why ? 10. Of what value was Clark's work to the United .States? REFERENCES Lodge and Roosevelt: Hero Talcs from American History. McMurry : Pioneers of the Mississippi Valley. Perry and Beebe : Four American Pioneers. . Tappan : American Hero Stories. Thwaites : How George Rogers Clark Won the North West. CHAPTER X ROBERT MORRIS Born : Liverpool, Engiaiul, January 31, 1734. Died : Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, May 8, 1806. One of the greatest difficulties that Congress had to face during the Revolution was the raising of money to carry on the war. Robert ]\Iorris lieli)ed to solve this difficulty. He was brought to America when he was fourteen years of age by his father. In Philadelphia he worked for a merchant named A¥illing. The story is told that Morris was sent on several voyages to the West India Islands by his employer. During one of the trips his vessel was captured by the French who were at war with Eng- land at that time. The ship was sold and Morris was left without funds. One day he heard that a French officer had broken his watch so the young man of- fered to repair the time-piece if he would be given passage on the next homeward-bound trader. As it would be several months before the Frenchman would return to his own country he gladly grasped the chance to have the watch fixed. Morris took it apart, found the broken spring, repaired it and was 310 ROBERT MORRIS 111 allowed to return home. When only twenty-one years old he became a partner with Willing-, and in time gathered together a large fortune for himself. Morris was one of the committee of citizens who forced the stamp distributor of Pennsylvania to stop the selling of stamps. He became a member of the Second Continental Congress and served on several important committees. One of his duties was to im- port arms and ammunition for the use of the army. When the Declaration of Independence was proposed in July, 1776, Morris voted against it, but signed it the following month. In December of the same year the English gen- eral. Lord Howe, attempted to march across New Jersey from New York and capture Philadelphia. He did not succeed in reaching Philadelphia, at that time. Nevertheless, most of the members of Con- gress fled to Baltimore when they learned that the English Army was coming. Morris remained behind and carried on the work of the members. He pre- pared the ships for sea, sent money to Washington, and received and sent supplies to the army. It was at this time that the battle of Trenton took place. Morris was the only member of Congress upon whom Washington could rely for support. The following year, when Philadelphia was captured and Washing- ton went to Valley Forge, the entire Congress moved to York, Pennsylvania. n2 FAMOUS AMEHICANS The committee whicli had taken care of the finances of the country was discharged, and a single officer chosen to manage the treasury with the title, "Superintendent of Finance." Robert Morris was elected to this position in 1781. His plan of raising money was to tax all goods brought into the country, to cut down expenses, and to secure loans from France. He had poor success in collecting taxes. The people declared that they were fighting England because that country had placed taxes on their goods. They did not intend to be taxed by their own people. It was next to impossible to lower expenses, since the armies lived on almost nothing. Morris could de- pend only on the good will of France, and here he sticceeded, greatly through the aid of Franklin, in securing large sums of money. Congress began to issue paper money in payment of its debts. At first this money was accepted for the amount which it called for, but as Congress con- tinued to make greater quantities of it the value fell until the money was "not worth a Continental." Morris objected to the printing of so much paper and desired that each state should give its share of gold and silvei* money to carry on the war. About this time Washington was planning to march against Cornwall is in Virginia. Large sums were needed for food and salaries. IMorris undertook to raise the re- quired money, loaning some from his own pocket. ROBERT MORRIS 113 He wrote letters to the governors of the different states asking them to provide funds. Only one gov- ernor, Trumball of Connecticut, responded by obtain- ing the required money and sending it to Morris. A few persons made loans to the United States which were to be paid back at the end of six months. This, Congress was un- able to do. In 1781, when France sent a large sum of minted money over, Morris planned to hold it and issue paper notes in its place. Tlie people had no confidence in the Bank of North America, which was es- tablished in Philadel- phia to carry out tliis plan. They refused to accept the paper notes, ^'^st United States Capitol being afraid that Congress would not exchange them for gold or silver. Becoming discouraged the financier resigned his position. Later he was in- duced to undertake the task again as there was no one else fitted for the office. When the Constitutional Convention met in 1787, Franklin and Morris represented Pennsylvania. 114 FAMOUS AMERICANS The latter took very little part in the work of the convention. As soon as Washington had been elected president, he offered Morris the i)osition of secre- taiy of the treasmy. He declined the office and recommended Alexander Hamilton. Robert Morris was one of the first senators from Pennsylvania, serving for six years. He was strongly in favor of the Federal Government paying all the state debts. He also urged a federal system of taxation, rather than taxation by states. When the Revolution was won and the treaty of peace with England had been signed, Robert Morris felt sure that a time of great prosperity for the en- tire country had arrived. He liought thousands of acres of land which he hoped to sell later at a large profit. All of his ready money was invested and soon he found himself without cash. The taxes that he had to X)ay on his real estate were heavy and he tried to borrow money. Interest rates were high and lenders were few. Some of his property was sold because the taxes were not paid. Other bills became due and he was unable to meet them. In those days when a man could not pay his debt he was put into prison. Robert iMorris tried in vain to regain the fortune he had lost. His splendid home in Phila- delphia was seized and lie was put in the Debtor's Prison. There the Financier of the Revolution re- mained for three years and six months. During that ROBERT MORRIS 115 time George Washington visited him, but he could not secure the release of the prisoner. Finally he was set free and a few years later he died in poverty. Robert Morris was born a poor boy and rose to be perhaps the wealthiest man in the colonies at one time. His wisdom concerning money matters helped to win the War of Independence, and he had the re- spect of the leaders of his age. Just as Washington will always be remembered as the "Father of His Country," Robert Morris earned for himself the title of "Financier of the Revolution." SUGGESTIONS War always means the expenditure of vast sums of money for ammunition, food and clothing. The colonists did not have a well filled treasury upon which to draw as they fought the Revolutionary War. Washington's soldiers had to be fed and clothed and the country was without funds. Franklin was sent to the Court of France to enlist the aid of that nation and to negotiate a loan. At home Robert Morris was urging the governors of the different states to collect money for the defense of the country. He met with little success. The move to raise funds by taxation was bitterly opposed. The people lost faith in the paper money that was issued and the country was on the verge of bankruptcy when the French came to our aid. The success of the Revolution was due, in part, to the financial abil- ity of Robert Morris. This account should be presented in story form and then followed by a text-book studied lesson. The great work of Morris should be compared with that of other prominent men of the period. This is an admirable opportunity 116 FAMOUS AMP]RirAXS to point out the value of the work that is done "behind the lines." QUESTIONS 1. AVhy (lid Wasliington have to have money and supplies? 2. How did Robert Moi'i'is pi'ove that he was brave? 3. Suppose Ave had lost the Revolutionary War, Avonld bor- rowed money have been returned? Wliy? 4. AVliy did the people object to paying- taxes? 5. AVhat does "not worth a Continental" mean? 6. Did our country ever repay Morris for what he did? If so, how? 7. Was Morris a great man? Why? 8. AVliy Avere people afraid to accept the paper money that Congress issued during the RcA^olution? 9. Are people afraid to take paper money to-day? Why? 10. Were the people afraid to loan money to the government during the World War? Why? REFERENCES Brooks : Historic Americans. Lefferts: Noted Pennsijlvanians. Oberholtzer: Robert Morris; Patriot and Financier. Rhoades: The Story of Philadelphia. Sparks: 3Ien Who Made the Nation. CHAPTER XI ANTHONY WAYNE Born : Eastown, Pennsylvania, January 1, 1745. Died : Erie, Pennsylvania, December 15, 1796. On New Year's Day, 1745, Anthony Wayne was born in a little town a few miles from Philadelphia. He proved to be a valnable New Year's present to the country. To him is due much of the credit for the success of the American forces during the Revol- ution. During the early days of his life he heard many tales of the fighting that was going on between the English and French. He and the other boys in the neighborhood made up their armies and fought many sham battles. Later in life, when Wayne was a major-general in the Continental Army, many of his boyhood playmates followed him as he led them against an armed foe. AYhen Wayne was eighteen years old he left school. For a time he practised surveying. He made a visit to Philadeli)hia where he met Benjamin Franklin who wanted a surveyor to go to Nova Scotia with a party of settlers. Young Wayne was offered the position. He accepted, went to Nova 117 118 FAMOUS AIMERICANS Scotia, and stayed there for three years. Soon after liis return he married and settled on a farm neai* his ))irth])hice. He also built a tannery which kept him l)usy when he did not have to work on the farm. Like most of the other colonies, Pennsylvania formed a Committee of Safety to oppose all of Eng- land's acts against the colonies. Wayne was a mem- ])er of the committee, which met in Philadelx^hia. When the tea ship PoUfj arrived in the Delaware River, Wayne was active in preventing Captain Ayres from landing his cargo. When war was de- clared against England, Wayne was made colonel of a Pennsylvania regiment of soldiers. He was sent to Canada to take part in the attack on Quebec, but arrived there too late to be of service. He was given a chance to show his ability as a leader sooner than he expected. At the head of a small body of men he battled against a large force of English on the edge of a swamp at a place called Three Rivers. Although forced to retreat, lie showed that he knew how to command his troops. Wayne was next placed in charge of Fort Ticon- deroga on Lake Champlain. There he and his men spent the winter. He constantly urged Congress to supply new guns, bayonets, powder, l)ull('ts, clothing and food for his men. Although very strict and firm, Ins men loved and respected him. Later AVayne joined Washington who was at ANTHONY WAYNE 119 Morristown in northern New Jersey. The English wanted to capture the "rebel capital" at Philadel- phia. They j^lanned to sail down the coast from New York, up the Chesapeake Bay, and march overland to the city. Washington met Lord Howe, the British commander, at Brandywine, just below Philadelphia. Wayne was sent to Chadd's Ford to prevent the English from crossing the river at that point. AVayne held the ford until the rest of the American Army withdrew from the field. Although forced to re- treat, the Americans were still cheerful. Washing- ton went to Philadelphia, and Wayne, with his men, was sent to annoy the rear of the English Army. While encamped near Paoli, Pennsylvania, Wayne and his men were betrayed by a Tory and attacked by a large body of troops. Many of his men were massacred while they slept; others were cut down as they tried to defend themselves. Wayne tried to rally his men and succeeded in saving many. He was later accused of neglect of duty and court- martialed. It was decided that he was not guilty and that he had done everything that could be expected of a brave officer. After the massacre of Paoli, Wayne and his forces rejoined Washington. The two armies then prepared to meet the English at Germantown, There, when victory was within the grasp of the Americans, they became confused in the thick fog. 120 FAMOUS AMERICANS Some started to retreat. Others fired on their friends whose forms they could dimly see thvoush the mist. Wayne I'ode from one point to another trying to rally his men. They Ijecame panic-stricken and continued to retreat. The English snatched vic- tory from defeat and marched into Philadelphia. After the battle of Germantown, Wayne with- drew with Washington to Valley Forge where the Continental Army spent the winter. The officers constantly wi'ote to Congress to supply them with food and clothing for the men. Many were without coats and shoes and had to borrow from one another when on guard duty. Those not on duty huddled over the camp-fires to keep warm. In order to se- cure food Wayne was given command of the foraging parties. He and his men i'(^amed over the counti-y in search of sup^^lies, and often attacked the English troojjs and brought back food and clothing for the starving and shivering Americans. Lord Howe was replaced b}^ Sir Henry Clinton who decided to leave Philadelphia and return to New York. He crossed the Delaware River into New Jersey and began the march. Washington held a council of war to decide if a battle was to be fought because of the great strength of the English. ]Many of the officers advised Washington not to attack, but when Anthony Wayne was asked what he woidd do, he replied, "Fight, sir." Washington followed ANTHONY WAYNE 121 Wayne's advice and defeated the English at Mon- mouth Court House. One of the most (hiring victories of the war was won hv Wayne at Stony Point on the Hudson. At that phice the English controlled a fort built on a mass of rock one hundred and fifty feet above the water and surrounded by a marsh. Wayne planned a night attack on the i)lace. He gathered together over one thousand picked men; soldiers who had fought at Bunker Hill, Brandywine, Germantown and Monmouth. He marched his men over the mountains to a farm a mile and a half from Stony Point. Not a man knew where he was going. To make sure they would not be discovered Wayne sent out scouts to kill every dog in the neighborhood and capture every man they met. The soldiers were given white pieces of paper to pin on their hats. Then they were told they were to storm Stony Point at midnight. The men were divided into three groups and at eleven-thirty o'clock they marched forward. One column went to the left, another to the right, and the third and smallest approached the gateway. The men waded through the swamp that surrounded the fort and reached the foot of the point before the}^ were discovered. The Americans at the gate commenced a heavy fire while the men on the sides rushed up the rocks. Wayne was wounded just as he reached the fort's guns, but with the help of his 122 FAMOUS AMERICANS men he got to his feet again. As they supported him he shouted, ' ' The fort is ours ! The fort is oui-s ! ' ' Wayne was called "Mad Anthony." Among his men was an Irish sergeant, said to have been insane, but who was most useful as a spy. The sergeant had Ec|uestrian Statue of Anthony Wayne a habit of getting drunk and making trouble in the camp. He was known as Jerry and also as the "Com- modore." One day Jerry was put in the guard-house for disorderly conduct. Latei', when he was released, he asked the guard whether General Wayne was "mad or in fun," when he ordered him into the guard-house. The guard replied that the general ANTHONY AVAYNE 123 was very aii^ry at Jerry's conduct, and the next time he ^yon]d ))e stTa])])ed as well as pnt in the i;nard-house. "Then," said Jerry, "Anihony is mad. Farewell. Make way for the Connnodoie, Mad Anthony's friend." He left and never returned. Anthony Wayne Avas next ordered to go south to help Lafayette against Cornwall is. While engaged in making attacks on the rear of the English Army, Wayne found himself caught in a trap. With five hundred men he marched out of the woods and found, not the rear guard as he expected, but all of the army of Cornwall is l)efore him. Dashing for- ward, he ordered his men to charge, and they obeyed with a whoop. Of coui'se they were forced to with- draw, but CoruAvallis did not ])ursue them. The Eng- lish general thought the entire American Army must i)e near. He nevei- dreamed that five hundi'ed men would dare to attack five thousand. After the English surrendered at Yorktown and the Revolution closed, AVayne returned to his home in Pennsylvania. He Avas allowed to stay there oidy a few years, however, before he was called on to lead another attack u2)on the enemy. When the treaty of peace was signed the English agreed to giA^e up all the forts around the Great Lakes. They did not do this, but remained there and aided the Indians in their attacks on the settlers in the Ohio ValleA^ Taa^o 124 FAMOUS AMERICANS nniiicR wci'c scut to piinisli the Indians and their English allies, but tliey were badly defeated. Anthony Wayne, who had i-etired to his farm in Pennsylvania, was then called npon to lead another army into the Ohio country. Wayne gathered together an army of one thou- sand men and spent a year in di'illing them so that they would be able to load and fire while they charged. Witli these men, and a thousand Kentucky cavalrymen who joined him, forts were bTiilt throughout the valley. Wayne and his men then moved northward in search of the Indians and the English from Canada. He found them encamped in a strong position at Fallen Timbers. The Indians and the English expected to defeat Wa^oie as easily as they had defeated the other American Armies. Wayne divided his horsemen into two grou2:»s and sent one to each side of the enemy. He, Avith his foot- men, leaped forward with fixed bayonets. They pitch-forked the red men from behind the logs and trees, shot them down as they ran, and dashed after those who escaped until they had scattered them far into the wilderness. After the jjattle of Fallen Timbers, Wayne took possession of a fort in northern Indiana. This was named in his honor. The Indians slowly reappeared, but there was a great change in their manner. Now they came witli gifts of furs and begged for peace. AXTPIOXY WAYNE 125 AVayue made a treaty with fifteen tribes of In- dians and ended the wars and massacres that had ])een going on in the region. Upon his return to Phihulelphia he was met four miles from the city by a body of troops which served as a guard of honor. A sahite of fifteen guns was fired and thousands of people crowded the streets to see the brave general. When England finally agreed to give up all the forts in the Ohio Valley, AYayne was appointed to acce])t them for the government. On the return journey he was taken ill at Erie, Pennsylvania. Shortly before his death he asked that he be buried at the foot of the flagstaff of the fortress. His great wish was to lie undei* the shadow of the flag for which he had fought so bravely and so long. A few years later his remains were removed by his son to 8t. David's riuirchyard, at Radnor, near Philadelphia. SIOGESTIOXS A text-book developed lesson will serve a double purpose. By this means the facts in the life of Anthony Wayne may be presented and the children can be given a method for home study. Using the paragraph as a unit, have the first one read aloud by one child while the remainder follow the account in their o\ni books. Turning the books face down, the children should be required to answer questions on the subject-matter in the paragraph. All succeeding paragraphs are covered in the same manner. Constant reference should be made to wall maps, and to characters previously studied. Upon completion 126 FAMOUS AMERICANS of the account a summary of the facts should I)e secured from several of the children. If time allows, or if further lessons are desired, the value of the questions listed for discussion should not be overlooked. QTTESTIOXS 1. What thinpfs make a man a leader of men? 2. Was Anthony Wayne a leader? Why? .'). Where and how Avas Wayne's grreat victory won? 4. Was Anthony Wayne "mad"? Why? ."). Why was it necessary to have his men Avell drilled? (). AVhat happened at Paoli ? 7. Wlio were the "Tories"? 8. I Tow did Wayne hel]") Washing'ton? n. AVhat impoi'tant work did Wayne do after the Ivevolution? 10. What places have been named after Wayne? Can you point them out on the map? REFERENCES Bai-nes: Hero of Sioiiij Point, AntJiomi W(ni)ie. Brady: RevohitioMiry Fights and Fifjhters. Esarey : History of Indiana. Lef fei'ts : Noted Pennsylvanians. Lodge and Roosevelt: Hero Tales from American History. CHAPTER XII JOHN PETER MUHLENBERG Born: Trappe, Pennsylvania, October 1, 1746. Died: Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, Octol)er 1, 1807. John Peter Muhlenberg's father was a minister and lie desired that his oldest son should follow the same profession. When Peter, as he was always called, was sixteen he was sent to Halle, Germany, the place from which his father had come. There he was to study for the ministry. His father knew that the boy liked other thini>s liettei' than studying, and sent word to a friend at Halle to watch over young Peter and keep him out of trouble. In spite of all the care taken, the boy managed to make a great deal of mischief. He had a fiery tem- per and did not like the way he was forced to ol)ey his teachers. One day, in a pul)lic parade l^efore the officers of the school, Muhlenberg became insulted and struck one of his teachers. He knew he would have to leave the school after that, so without wait- ing to be told he packed his books and clothes and left. He walked slowly down the street, wondering what his father would say when told of the conduct 127 128 FAMOUS AMERICANS of his son. A regiment of soldiers passed him. .Miihk'nberg followed them and when they reached their barracks he asked to join their company. The officers were glad to add a tall, strong, well-l)iii]t boy to their ranks. During the year or more that he was with his new comrades he learned to obey, and also gained a knowledge of military commands and orders that he later used when he served in the American Army. Some American friends of Muhlenberg's father Avere traveling in Germany and saw the boy with the troops. They had him discharged and took him l)ack to his parents. He then returned to his studies and later entered the ministry. For some time Muhlenberg was pastor of Ger- man churches in New Jersey, but was called from there to Woodstock, Virginia, where a large colony of Germans had settled. There he was well liked by the people and gained many friends, among them George Washington and Patrick Henry. JMuhlen- berg was fond of hunting and would often ride through the Avoods with Washington as his com- panion. This friendship bc^tween the two men helped the Virginia preacher in deciding to enter the American Army when the colonies realized that war was coming. flolm Peter ^luhlenberg was chosen colonel and asked to raise a regiment of soldiers. Wh(Mi the peo- JOHN PETER MUHLENBERG 129 l)le of Woodstock learned that their pastor had joined the army and was to preach only one more sermon they crowded the chnrch to bid him fare- well. Long before the time set for the service to begin the peoj^le were all there. INlnhlenberg entered the chni'ch dressed in a black and white robe. Every one listened with close attention as he rose to delivei' his address. He told them of the wrong things England had done. He said that peace was impossible, and that nothing was left to do bnt fight. Then, as he ended his sermon, he exclaimed, "There is a time for all things — a time to preach, and a time to pray; ])nt there is also a time to fight, and that time has now come!" As he ended he threw off his robes, and stood before his people in the nnifoi'm of a Virginia colonel. At a signal a drnm was beaten at the door. "Who dares," this was the patriot's ery, As striding down the aisle lie eame — "Come out Avith me in Freedom's name, For her to live, for her to die?" A hundred hands flung up reply, A hundred voices answered "I!" His first battle was fonght at Fort Moultrie, South Carolina. While the people in the fort were holding back the British fleet in the bay, he kei)t a land force from attacking the rear of the fort. At Brandy wine he held one column of the English Army 130 FAMOUS AMERICANS while Anthony Wayne held the other. The work of these two generals allowed Washington to withdraw his forces from the field. Later, at Germantown, Mnhlenberg led his troops in a bayonet charge npon the enemy. When the retreat was sounded he found himself surrounded and had to bayonet his way out again. After he had succeeded in rejoining his friends he came very near being killed. He was seated on a large white horse and was waiting for a fence to be removed which his horse could not jump. Muhlenberg was almost asleep, having been in the saddle two nights and a day. He was awakened by a bullet which wliistled past his ear, and heard some one cry, "Pick off that officer on the white horse!" Turning around, he saw an English officer who had shot at him loading to fire again. General Muhlen- berg drew his own pistol and shot the man through the head. During the winter spent at Valley Forge Muhlen- berg frequently visited his father who lived near by. The English often sent small bodies of horsemen out to troul3le the American Arni,y. Several times they very nearly captured Muhlenberg. When he re- mained with his parents he never undressed or al- lowed his horse to be unsaddled. He never knew when he might be surprised and forced to make a quick escape. At one time, while being chased, he was saved onlj^ by the speed of his horse. JOHN PETER MUHEENBERG 131 Both ^Muhlenberg and Wayne were members of Washington's staff at the time of the battle of ^Ion- mouth. Again at Stonv Pniiit. wliile AVayno was climbing up the steep rocks to the fort, Gen- eral Muhlenberg with three hundred men took a position in the rear, at the edge of the marsh, ready to help him or to cover a retreat if that be- came necessary. The wonderful worlv of Washington, Wayne and IMuhlenberg, togeth- er with their men under them, forced the English to give up trying to win the war in the Xorth. In the South there were fewer soldiers. There Avere also many people in that section who hoped to see the English win and Statue of Muhlenberg who were willing to help them. When the troops of the enemy were sent south Ijy boat, ^Muhlenberg was sent to oppose them. He gathered together troops, and collected food and ammunition for them. Bv 132 FAMOUS AINIEHTOANS making quick attacks on the English soldiers and taking away their supplies, Muhlenberg constantly annoyed the enemy. The Americans began to drive the enemy fi'om the country. Cornwallis, the English general, vv- treated to Yorktown, Virginia. There he remained, waiting for reinforcements. Instead, a French fleet appeared in the harbor with many soldiers to help the Americans. After a bomliardment of scA^eral days Cornwallis surrendered with his whole army. The defeat of the English at Yorktown really ended the war. Muhlenberg returned to his family at Woodstock. The people there wanted him to re- turn to the church he had left, but he decided to move to Philadelphia, near where his father still lived. Be- fore entering business he visited the lands in Ohio which had been given him by Congress for his l^ervices. Upon his I'cturn to Philadelphia, ^luhlenberg was made the first vice-president of the State of Penn- sylvania. Later he was elected a member of Con- gress. When Thomas Jefferson was president he made Muhlenberg collector of the port of Philadel- phia, which position he held until his death. SUGGKSTIONS In preparation lor this lesson liave the children nse tlie same methods that were employed in the stndy of the life of Anihoiiy AVayne. Assign tlie lesson to be stndied at home, JOHN PETER MUHLFATBERG 133 emphasizing the advantages of pausing at the end of each para- graph to review mentally what has jnst been read. After the lesson is presented, the teacher should avail herself of the oppor- tunity to d]-amatize the scene in the Woodstock church. The stage needs no setting. The teacher's desk will serve excellently as a pulpit and the children's desks as the church pews. Imper- sonators of ^lulilenberg usually will be numerous and eager to assume the part. Be careful to select a l)oy whom tlie children recognize as a real leader. Rehearse what might have been said l)y Muhlenberg, endmg with liis (pioted passage. The children in the seats will be eager to add the finishing touches by enlist- ing under the banner of their leader. QUESTIONS 1. What changed Muhlenberg from a headstrong boy into a skilful leader of men? 2. Was he a brave man ? Why ? 3 Would ]\Iuhlenberg's services 1o the country have been great if he had remaiued a lircaclicr instead of l)ec()ining a fighter ? Why ? 4. Why did he join the American Army? 5. What do you think of ]\Iuhlenl)ei'g's sei-mon? 6. In what battles did he take part ? 7. How did Congress reward liim for his services? 8. Why do you think Muhlenberg did not return to preach- ing after the war? 9. What public offices did he hold after the war? 10. Who was greater, Muhlenberg or Wayne? Why? REFERENCES IMuhlenberg : John Peter Muhlenberg. Muhlenberg: "Orderly Book, March 26-December 20, 1777*' (PennsijJixinia Magazine of History and Biography, July, 1909- January, 1911.) CHAPTER XIII ALEXANDER HAMILTON Born : Island of Nevis, West Indies, January 11, 1757. Died: New York, New York, July 12, 1804. Southeast of the United States, in the West Indies, there is a tiny ishmd called Nevis. It was upon that island that Alexander Hamilton was born. His father was a member of a famous Scotch family, and his mother was the daughter of a Frenchman who fled to Nevis for religious reasons. The first years of Alexander's life were care-free and happy. The great wliite house of the Hamiltons which over- looked the blue Caribbean Sea was like a faiiy palace to the child. His French mother read wonderful tales to him about the heroes of France, and his father told him of the brave men of Scotland. Soon the boy could speak both French and English. Many of the x><^ople of the island who called at the Hamil- ton home thought that Alexander was very clever for his age. The happy days of Alexander's childhood did not last long. Before he was twelve years old his mother died and his father lost all his money. For a short 134 ALEXANDER HAMILTON 135 time the boy stayed witli an aunt, but soon he began working as a clerk for one of the island merchants. A year later he was placed in full charge of the busi- ness while the merchant made a trip abroad. While acting as head of the business he wrote to a friend that he disliked his woi'k. He could see no future in it. He felt that lie couhl do great things if only he had the chance. Soon something did happen. The islands of the Caribbean Sea are sometimes visited by great storms called hurricanes. One of these storms which lasted for three da3^s swept over the islands and ruined thousands of dollars' worth of property. Houses were wrecked, cattle Avere killed, and sugar-cane fields were destroyed. Young Hamilton wrote a splendid account of tlie hurricane and sent his story to the paper. It was printed and every one who read it said that the writer was a very brilliant person. It was learned that the young clerk, Alexander Ham- ilton, was the writer. His friends decided that he would have to go away to school where he would be sure to receive a proper education. Every one was sure that he must not waste his life on a little island in the West Indies. The idea of leaving the island suited Hamilton exactly, and when his friends raised enough money for him to go away to school he gladly accepted the chance. At that time Hamilton was about sixteen vears 136 J^^AiMOUS AMERICANS of age. He took passage on a sailiiii;' vessel bound for Boston. AVhen he landed at that port he went sonth to New York and l)ei;an to seai'cli for a good school. Finally one at Elizabethtown, New Jersey, was selected. By hard stndy he soon conii)leted the work there and Avas ready to enter college. The nearest was at Princeton. Hamilton ask(Ml the presi- dent to allow him to pass his examinations as fast as he w^as ready, without waiting for his slower class- mates. The president would not have a student in his school who wanted to do his college work so quickly, so Hamilton went to King's College (now called Columbia) in New York. There he completed the work in less than the usual time. AMiile AlcX'^iiclcr Hamilton was a student in col- lege he made a trip to Bostim. The Boston Tea Party had occurred just a few^ days before and the people WTre still xcvy nuich excited. Hamilton was always interested in new movements and new people; so he took pains to learn all he could about the trou- ble between the colonies and England. He was told about the Stamp Act, the Tea Tax, the Navigation Laws, and the AYrits of Assistance. He saw the Eng- lish soldiers who were housed in the homes of the 2)eople of Boston. Finally he was convinced that the colonists w^ere right in opposing England; hence, when he returned to New York he was a warm patriot. AIJvXANDKl.' IIAMII/roX 1:57 Soon .'(rici- liis i-cliii'ii ii) New Yoi'k, 1 l;iiiiil1oii attended a j^i'cat mass iiicctin^' in the fields just out- side the city. At this meeting' the speaker's told of the wrongs the eoh)iiies liad suffei-ed at the hands of England. llaniiMon listened \\>v a loni;- lime. The speakei's did nol seem lo l>e ,'d)le to touch Hie heart (d' llie niattei-. Al I;is1 ii;iniilion lost i)atience and sti'ode uj) to the ])Iairoi-m. 'i'lie chairman was very much intei-ested and sui-pi'ised when this young man, who was hardly moi'c 1lian a hoy, asked ixM'mis- si(Hi to speak I0 llie ci'owd. As the cluii I'man hesitated some one shouled, "Lei him lalk! LeTs hear what he has to say!" Ilamillon w;is allowed to a(hli*ess the crowd and soon he had lliem cheei'ing. He made his poiiils in dear-cul language that Hie ))eo])le easilv' underslood. AFIer 1li;i1 when he a|>pe;ii'ed on the streets he was pointed out as the college hoy wdio was a])le to make such fine s])eeclies in the cause of freedom. ^''lie siXM'ch in Hie fields (d' New ^^n•k marked Ilic enti'ance (d' Alexander Ilainilt(»n into American poll tics. Soon a i)amphlet, or little hook, which he wrote to defend the acts of (N)ngress, was heing read hy every one. In it he declared that the American ])eo- ])le must support the measures of (\>ngi'ess if the cause was to he successful. The ])resident of King's College, Doctor Coopei', did not agree wdth what Hamilton had written. Doctor Oooper believed that 138 FAMOUS AMERICANS England was right in all her acts and that the colon- ists were disloyal subjects. One evening, as Hamilton was nearing the home of the president of the college, he heard the cries of a mob. Soon he found that a crowd was about to break doT;\Ti the door of Doctor Cooper's home. Hamilton rushed up the steps and asked the leaders of the mob why they were storming the house. They told him that Doctor CoojDer was a Tory, and an enemy of the colonists. Hamilton urged them not to destroy property and injure harmless people. While he was talking Doctor Cooper I'aised an upper window and looked out. AVhen he saw who was talking he thought that Ham- ilton was urging the mob to break down the door, so he called out. "Don't believe him. He is crazy!'* Hamilton talked on, and the doctor fled out the back door and later took refuge on an English man-of-war that was in the harbor. B}^ this time it was very clear that war would soon be declared between the colonies and the mother country, England. Hamilton got ready for the next event. He gathered together a band of patriots who named themselves '^ Hearts of Oak," and began drill- ing them for the l^attles he knew they would soon have to fight. Hamilton knew very little about how to drill and fight, but his men knew less, so he studied the rules of war in the evenings and taught his sol- diers what he had learned when he met them the next ALEXANDER HAMILTON 139 afternoon. When war was finally declared and New York started to raise an army, Alexander Hamilton was elected the captain of the first company of artil- lei'v that was formed. At that time he was less than twenty and in command of many men who were older than he, but who followed and obeyed him without a question. Soon Hamilton was noticed by General Greene who told Washington about the dashing young artillery officer he had seen. George Washington was always looking for men who were a1)le and ti'ustworthy, men whom he could trust to do things quickly when they were given orders. When he heard of Alexander Hamilton he sent for him. Washington was pleased with Hamil- ton's appearance and offered him a place on the gen- eral staff with the rank of lieutenant-colonel. This was a great step and soon he became AVashington's aide. In this position Hamilton wrote letters and cai'ried messages to prominent men throughout the colonies and to Congress. He knew almost as much about the war and the conditions throughout the country as Washington himself. In the camp and on the field Hamilton was popular with his fellow officers who called him "The Little Lion," because of his small size and his great bravery. Alexander Hamilton was a man of action. Although he liked his work as AVashington 's aide, he much preferred to lead a company of brave men into 140 FAMOUS AMERICANS battle. Often he asked to be transferred to one of the fighting units of the army, but Washington needed him at his side. As Hamilton passed Wash- ington on the stairs one day at headquarters the general stopped and said he wished to see him on important business. Hamilton was hurrying to de- liver a handful of papers to Lafayette, also a member of the staff, who was in a room on the floor below. He continued on his errand, talked with Lafayette for a short time, and returned. At the head of the stairs he was met by Washington who said, "Colonel Hamilton, you have kept me waiting at the head of these stairs these ten minutes. I nmst tell you, sir, you treat me with disrespect. ' ' Hamilton, very much surprised, replied, "I did not know it, sir, but since you have thought it necessar^^ to tell me so, we part." "Very well, sir, if it be your choice," the general replied. AVashington, Lafa^^ette, and the friends of Hamilton tried to get him to change his mind, but they did not succeed. There was a chance for active fighting and he was given charge of a body of light infantry in Lafayette's division. At Yorktown he led his men in a brilliant attack on the defenses of the enemy. After the Revolutionary War, Hamilton re- tui'ued to New York and studied law. Soon he was admitted to the bar. He became one of the ablest lawyers in the state. However, he was more inter- ALEXANDER HAMILTON Ul ested in the affairs of the cuiintry than he was in building up a great fortune for himself. The young nation was deeply in debt and no one seemed to know what to do. Hamilton l)elieved in a national bank, and it was partly due to his efforts that the Bank of North America was opened in Phihidelphia in 1781. This bank was to handle all the government money. As a member of Congress from New York, Hamilton stated to his fellow members that this nation must have a strong central government to be successful. Many of the congressmen believed in "state rights" or that separate states were supreme. They strongly opposed any attempt to strengthen the national government and weaken state powers. AYhen the Constitution was wi'itten and adopted by Congress, Hamilton steadily fought for a strong central government. He did not succeed in getting all his ideas adopted, and although he was not en- tirely satisfied with it, he did all in his power to have it accepted by his state. Together wdth James Madison of Virginia, Hamilton wrote a series of papers called Tlie Federalist, in which he explained to the American people why the Constitution should be accepted by the states. George Washington, the fii'st president of the United States, appointed Alexander Hamilton secre- tary of the treasury. Thomas Jefferson was also a member of the president's Cabinet. The two men 142 FAMOUS AIMERICANS held opposite views on most political subjects. Ham- ilton iDelieved in a strong central government and was an aristocrat. Jefferson stood for state rights and had great faith in the ability of the common people to govern themselves. The two men were constantly quarreling about government policies. Hamilton read the Constitution carefully and said it meant the i)resident and Congress had unlimited power. Jefferson said the central government had only such powers as were named. All others belonged to the states. The fight between the two statesmen b(^came lutter when Hamilton, as secretary of the treasury, put forth his plans to raise mone}^ to pay the debts of the nation. B(^fore the question of taking over the state debts was decided. Congress began to talk about a proper site for the national capital. The northern representatives wanted New York or Philadelphia to be the seat of government. The southerners urged that a i)oint in the South be chosen. As the matter was debated Hamilton saw a chance to settle at one stroke the question of taking over the state debts and the location of the capital. The southern states were most strongly opposed to his plan, so he said if they agreed that the central government should pay all war debts he would see that the national ca])ital was l)uilt in the South. The i)lan was accepted, and AYashiug- ton, in the District of ColuHil)ia, became the capital. ALEXANDER HAMILTON 14- Photo from Underwood and Underwood. Tomb of Hamilton in the Heart of New York City Under the newly adopted Constitution Congress could tax the people. It was Hamilton's duty as secretary of the treasury to decide how this was to 144 FAMOUS AIMERICANS ])e (lon(\ Money was badly needed to repay loans made to the government by foreign nations and by American citizens. Hamilton snggested that a tax shonld be paid on all whisky and upon all goods ])ronght from other countries. Under this plan all the state debts were also to be paid by the national government out of the central ti*easury. These ideas were opposed by Thomas Jefferson and all others who believed in state rights. They were sure that they were only new ways of weakening the states, and making the national government more powerful. Hamilton's dream of a strong central government was fast coming true when the election of 1800 took place. Thomas Jefferson, who had been Hamilton's bitterest enemy during Washington's term as presi- dent, and Aaron Burr, a New York j^olitician, received an equal number of votes for the presidency. AMien such a thing happened Congress had the power to decide who should be the president and who should be the vice-president. Both Jefferson and Burr wanted the higher office. Alexander Hamilton was a man whose advice was always well received by the think hig men of his j^arty. The man who had his support was sure to win the honor of being president of the United States for four years. Hamilton dis- trusted Jefferson's democratic ideas. He was not sure that the common people knew enough to govern ALEXANDER HAMILTON 145 themselves as they should be governed. On the otliei' hand Aaron Burr was known to be a man who could not be trusted. If he became president all the care- ful work of Washington and his followers might be ruined. After carefully thinking over the matter Hamilton decided to throw all his support in favor of Thomas Jefferson. This he did and Jefferson became president while Aaron Burr received the of- fice of vice-president. Burr knew that Hamilton had spoiled his plans and he resolved to be revenged. The next three years were spent in hard work by Hamilton. He had many warm and true friends but he also had many enemies. One evening at a theater party young Philip Hamilton heard a politician make a disrespectful remark about his father. He challenged the man to a duel and the two met early one morning across the harbor from New York at Weehawken Heights, New Jersey. Young Hamilton was only a boy, just past eighteen, and he fell mor- tally wounded at the first shot. The death of this son was one of the greatest sorrows of Alexander Hamilton's life. Three years later he, too, was to fight a duel on that same spot and to lose his life at the hand of a political enemy, Aaron Burr. Before Burr's term of office as vice-president of the United States had expired, he ran for the gover- norship of New York. For several months the New England states had been dissatisfied, and there 146 FAMOUS AIMERICANS had been some talk of their withdrawing from the Union and setting np an independent republic. Hamilton believed that Burr was ambitious to head such a movement and that if he became governor of New York he woidd attempt to build a new nation out of that state and those to the north. Such a plan, if it succeeded, would mean that the United States of America would disappear and that in its place we would have a number of little countries that would always be quarreling among themselves. Alexander Hamilton had spent too many yeai's in building one nation of thirteen weak colonies to see all his work ruined by Aaron Burr. As soon as Burr announced that he was a candidate for the office of governor, Hamilton took the field against him. He fought him bitterly and when the ballots were cast Aaron Burr was not elected. For a second time he had been de- feated by Hamilton. Burr's anger and hatred were so great that he challenged Hamilton to fight a duel. Aaron Burr spent several hours each day in pis- tol practise while he was waiting for the day of the duel. Alexander Hamilton continued with his daily work at his law office and in the court room. None of his friends knew that he was soon to meet his enemy, although Burr's daily practise aroused some curiosity. At seven o'clock on th(^ morning of July 11, 1804, Hamilton was I'owed across the Hudson to Weehawken Heights, New Jersey. The sun was ALEXANDER HAMILTON 147 shining on the water and the birds were singing in the trees as he climbed to the ledge where he met Burr and two of his friends. Pistols were provided and the two men moved several paces apart. The word was given ; the weapons were fired. Hamilton dropped, fatally wounded; Burr escaped unharmed. Hamilton was cai'ried back to his home in the city where he died the following day. The services that Alexander Hamilton rendered this country can never be fully measured. He came here from one of the smallest islands in the West Indies, unknown and alone. All his thoughts and energies were spent in helping to make this country free and strong. At times he was misunderstood, but the plans that he made and the policies that he out- lined have proved worth while. During the Revolu- tion he was a brave and valuable officer. After the war he served as a statesman of the first rank. He was one of the ablest men in Washington's Cabinet. His decision to pay all the debts of the nation won for us the respect and friendship of all the countries of Europe. His plans for raising taxes have been followed, with some changes, to the present day. SI (UiKSTIONS Lay stress on the human qualities of Hamilton before point- ing out the importance of his services. This study should be divided into four parts. In the first lesson tell the story of his M8 FAMOUS AMERICANS life in the West Indies and his adventures in New York until he entered the army. That portion of the text should be assigned to be read at home. The second lesson should cover his life in the army, his relations with Washington and the battles in whicli he fought. Use the map during tlie course of this lesson and connect Hamilton with other leaders of the same period. The third lesson is the most important in the presenta- tion of Hamilton's life. Explain the lasting qualities of his services, but keep the illustrations simple. List on the board five carefully worded questions on this portion of the text and assign the account to be read at home. Do not require written answers to the questions, but at the beginning of the fourth lesson review the facts by means of a rapid oral drill. The final lesson should be in the nature of a summary. Develop an outline at the board and emphasize Hamilton's services to the country. QUESTIONS 1. Why did Hamilton become interested in the American Revolution ? 2. Why did older men than Hamilton follow and believe in him? 3. Do you think he Avas a leader? Why? 4. Why was he called "The Little Lion"? 5. Why did Jefferson and Hamilton quarrel ? 6. What did Hamilton mean by a "strong central govern- ment ? ' ' 7. Why was Hamilton anxious to defeat Burr? 8. What plan did Hamilton have for paying the war debts » 9. What did he do to win the friendship and respect of all the countries of Europe? 10. Was Hamilton greater than Jefferson? Why? ALEXANDER HAMILTON 149 REFERENCES Atherton : The Conqueror. Brooks : Historic Americans. Foote and Skinner: Makers and Defenders, of America. Hubbard: Little Journeijs to the Homes of American Statesmen. Lodge: Alexander Hamilton, CHAPTER XIV DANIEL BOONE Born: Bucks County, Pennsylvania, February 11, 1735. Died : Charette, Missouri, September 26, 1820. AVhile George Rogers Clark was fighting the Tiuliaiis and English in the country north of the Ohio River, the region to the south was well guarded by Daniel Boone and other pioneers. That section had fewer settlers and there was greater danger of attack by the Indians. Daniel Boone was one of the first to cross the mountains and enter that coinitry. Boone's early life was spent in southeastern Pennsylvania. His home was in a little settlement built of log cabins. Around it were the woods which were filled with all kinds of birds and wild animals. There young Boone learned to handle a rifle and fishing rod. AMien Boone was still a youth his father moved to North Carolina, where the boy grew to manhood and mari-ied. The settlement in which he lived slowly grew in size as new settlers arrived. The game in the woods became scarcer and Boone be- came restless and dissatisfied. He wanted to be out in the open where there would be plenty of space and plenty of hunting. 150 DANIEL BOONE 151 He knew about the wonderful birds and wild beasts that wandered through the woods on the other side of the Appalachian Mountains. Boone was anxious to visit the land. With five others he started Daniel Roone over the mountains. When they reached the top and were passing down the other side they saw before them a country that was more beautiful than any they ever had seen. They pushed on and spent sev- eral months in what is now the state of Kentucky. One day, while Boone and a companion were 152 FAMOUS AMERICANS out liuntini;', tlicy were ('a])tTiro(l by tlie Indians. For a week they remained with their captors. At night, while the Indians were asleep by the camp- fire, Boone and liis friend quietly arose and crept away in the darkness. They returned to their camp, but found no one there. The place looked as though the Indians had come u})on it, and surprised the white men. The two men continued their hunting, hoping to l(>arn tlie wherealiouts of their friends. Later they met Boone's l)rotlier, Squire, and a companion. The new arrivals had crossed the moun- tains to join Daniel Boone's pai'ty. The four men went on exploring the country. Unfortunately the Boone brotliers soon lost the other hunters. One was killed by Indians, and the other was attacked and eaten by wolves. Daniel Boone wanted to i-emain in the countr}' for the winter, so Squire returned to North Carolina to get horses and ammunition. For several months Boone wandered through the mountains which were full of bears, deer, wolves and panthers. Squire re- turned in the spring with several other hunters, l:)ut the entire i:>arty soon recrossed the mountains and went back to North Carolina. The wonderful hunting-grounds made Boone and others want to settle there with their families. A party of over thirty families was led by Daniel Boone to the new land. Thev had to cut their wav through DANIEL BOONE 153 the woods and fight the Indians. During a battle with the redskins Boone's oldest son was killed. The whole party then decided to settle in Virginia for a while. Later they continued on their journey and arrived in Kentucky. When they reached the Ken- tucky River they built a fort which was called Boonesborough. This fort was shaped like a l^g box with a log cabin in each corner. Loopholes were cut in the walls so that the men could fire at the Indians who often attacked the i)lace. One day Boone's young daughter and two other girls were out on the river in a canoe. Suddenly, those in the fort heard a scream. Several Indians had seen the giils as they drifted near the opposite shore. The redskins waded into the water and grasped the boat which they pulled upon the bank. Then they seized the girls and made off into the for- est. Boone and the other settlers followed the trail of the kidnappers. After a chase of two days they overtook the Indians and rescued the girls. In one of his many battles with the Indians, Daniel Boone and several companions were cap- tured. They were taken to Detroit where all but Boone were handed over to the English. The Eng- lish offered the Indians a large sum of money for Boone, but Black Fish, the Indian chief in charge of the prisoner, refused to give him up. He kept Boone and took him back to his camp where he made 154 FAMOUS AIMEKICANS liim a meinlKM' of the tribe. All the hair on Boone's head \Yas cut off except a little lock on the top. This was dressed with feathers. He was taken to the river where he was washed and rubbed to ''take all the white blood from him." Then the Indians held a meeting, during which Boone was told w^hat w^as ex- pected of him. His head and face were then ])ainted and the cer- emon}^ ended wdth feast- ing and smoking. Boone remained wdth the Indians for several months. He was al- lowed to go where he wished but was always watched. The bullets he used were counted, so he cut them in half and ])ut by a store for future ,^ ..V leai'ued that the Indians intended to attack Boonesborough. He escaped and succeeded in reaching home in time to warn his friends, and help them to defend the fort. All who Statue use. One )f Daniel Boone nioruiuir ic DANIEL BOOXE 155 knew him were surprised to see him again hecanse they thought he was dead. All the men in Boonesborough began to strength- en the fort and drive in the cattle and horses. Several hundred Indians and English soon appeared. They demanded the surrender of the fort. Boone and his friends refused to give it up. The Indians then of- fered to make peace with the whites. The peace party met in the open space just in front of the fort. When the treaty was signed the Indians suddenly grabbed the white men and tried to carry them off. The white men tore themselves loose and rushed baclv into the fort. For two weeks the Indians surrounded the place. They climbed the trees to shoot at those within the walls, but they were soon discovered and picked off by the sharpshooters at the loopholes. They crept up at night and tried to set fire to the logs, but the settlers quickly ])ut out the blaze. After the close of the Revolution the Indians were less troublesome. They were not being helped so much by the English. They were also in great fear of the "Long Knives," as they called tlie men of Kentucky. At times, however, a few prowling In- dians, would appear. One day while Daniel Boone was working in his tol^acco shed he was surprised by four Indians. One said, as he pointed his gun, "Now, Boone, we got you. You no get away any more. We carry you off this time for sure. You 156 FAMOUS AMERICANS no cheat us any more." Boone told him he would go quietly if they would let him finish his tobacco. He gathered it into a pile and suddenly rushed upon them with it in his arms. Their eyes and mouths were filled with dust. They were almost blinded and could not follow him. Boone rushed to his cabin near by where he watched them as the}^ stretched their arms and felt al)out in different directions for him. As the Indians stopped troubling the whites, more people came to Kentucky. It soon became too crowd- ed for Boone and he moved westward. He crossed the Mississippi and settled in ^lissouri, west of St. Louis. Spain owned that part of the country then. The S23anish governor welcomed Boone and gave him a large tract of land. There he lived and hunted for many years. He liked to roam mountains, sleep in caves, camp by streams and hunt l^ears and deer. ISl'GGEfSTIONS An interesting" account like that of Boone may be assigned for home study after the details of the story have been told by the teacher. The interest of the children will be heightened if other accounts and stories are read and reported upon by the children. In this way they will realize that everything about these historical characters is not contained in one book. Emphasis should be laid on the value of going to several sources for material. Tlie teaclier sliould add a significant point here and there as the stories are told. The main points brought out during tlie progress of the lesson should be listed on the board DANIEL BOONE 157 in outline form. This practise aids in the development of habits of logical thinking. Boone should be represented as one of a great group of men whose joy it is to push beyond the limits of civilization. He was typical of the race of sturdy pioneers who entered Tennessee, Kentucky and the Ohio Valley before tlie Revolution. Becaus(> they were residents of that rt^gion, and in actual possession of tlie country, that territory was added to the United States when the Treaty of Peace was signed. QUESTIONS 1. Would Boone have been happy in a city? Why? 2. AVhy did he leave North Carolina? ;{. What is a pioneer? 4. What kind of men make good pioneers? ;1. Why did Boone like Kentucky'? (). Wliy did the early pioneers build forts? 7. Where is Boonesborough ? 8. Why do you think Black Fish, the Indian chief, refused to surrender Boone to the English at Detroit? 9. Why did Boone move to ^lissouri? 10. Are there any men like Boone living to-day? If so, where would you find them ? RKFKRENCES Brady: Border Fights and Fighters. Fitzhugh : The Bog's Book of Scouts. Lindsay : Daniel Boone, Backwoodsman. Tappan : American Hero Stories. Thwaites: Daniel Boone. CHAPTER XV THh: IJ'AVIS AND CI.AltK I X I'l .DITFON" May 14, 1804— S('i)1("iiil)('r 2:5, 180G. At thk close of the Revolution the Mississi])p1 River was the western boiiiulnry of the [Tiiited States. All the country between that river and the Rocky Mountains belonged to Spain. For many years the Spaniards at New Orleans made all the Ameri- cans who ])rouj4ht goods down the river pay a t;ix be- cause they wei'e passing through Spanish territory. l>esides stop])ing the growth and develojmient of the Ohio and Mississippi \'alleys, this led to many quar- rels between the Americans and Ihe Sj)aniards. When Thomas Jefferson became president of the United States in 1801 he took ste])s to prevent fui'ther trouble. He sent two men to Spain to buy the city of New Orleans, and thus make the Mississij)pi River free foi- the Americans. The men learned that Spain had just signed a treaty which gave all of the Louisi- ana Territory to Ki'ance. The two Americans then went to Paris where they offered to buy New Or- leans from the French. At that time Napoleon was empei'oi- of Ki-ance. He was at war with England 158 LEWIS AND (^LARK EXPEDITIOX 159 and otlior coiiiitrics of Europe and needed money. He I'efnsed to sell the eitv at the mouth of the iMis- sissi])])i River, hut offeTcnl to pavt with the entire territory for fifteen million dollars. The offer was accepted, '^i'he Louisiana Pui-ehase included all the land between the Mississippi River and the Rocky Mountains, with the exee])tion of Texas. This ])ur- chase more than doubled the size of the United States. Nothint;' was known about the land wesl of the ]\Iississippi River. Stories had been told of the snow- covered peaks, roarini;" sti'eams and dark forests, l^eople thought of it as a land of Indians and wild animals, but no one really knew what was there, hi order to learn soiiiethim;' a))out the eounti'y that had just been bought. President ffefferson decided to send a ])arty of ex])lorers into the territory. The leaders of the party were (.aptain jMeriwether J^ewis and ('a])tain William dark, the younger brothei' of George Rogers (^lark. In the ])arty of forty-five persons there w(M'e soldiers, hunters, guides and a negro belonging to Ca})tain Clark. f Jefferson gave careful orders to l^ewis and Clark before the expedition set out. '^Fhey were to start at St. Louis and travel up the Afissouri River as far as possible. Then they were to journey across the Rockv Mountains and find a ])ass that led to the Pacific Ocean. Notes were to be made of all that 160 FAMOUS A]\[Er?r(^ANS was seen and done, so that when the party returned every one would know more about the country. ^laps and charts were to be drawn which woukl show rh^ers, streams, forests and mountains. The party was to make friends with the Indians they met. They carried a su])ply of beads and other gifts for that purpose. Tlie Lewis and Chirk Expedition left St. Louis on May 14, 1804. They traveled up the Missouri River in large canoes fitted with sails. During the first few weeks they met several white hunters and trappei's. As they pushed farther and farther west the Avliite men were seen no more. The party stopped and talked with the Indians whose cam])S dotted tlie shores of the river. The men hunted for food and found buffaloes and prairie dogs, animals which they never had seen before. In November the weather grew so cold that the expedition could go no farther. They stopped with the Mandan Indians, in wliat is now the central part of Xorth Dakota. There they l)uilt a fort and i-emained for the winter. Many hunting trips were taken to keep u]) the supply of food. The hunters had no trouble in bringing back deer, buffalo and porcupine to the fort. The Indians were greatly interested in the black- smith who was a member of the expedition. They often looked on as he hanunered the red-hot iron and shaped it into a horseshoe. They all stood around LEWIS AND CLARK EXPEDITION 161 and watched him nail the shoe to the horse's hoof. The Indians followed Captain Clark's black man about whenever he appeared. They had never seen any one like him before. To amuse them the black William Clark Meriwether Lewis man said that he had been a wild animal in the woods and had been caught and tamed by his master. When spring came and the snow and ice melted, the party set out again. One day Clark was hunting alone. He discovered a grizzly bear and shot it, but the shot only wounded the animal. The bear started after Clark so fast that he had not time to reload J 62 FAMOUS AMERICANS liis rifle. It was impossible for him to get far enough ahead of the animal to I'eload his gun. The l)ear gained on Clark so that it ^vas necessary for him to run into the I'iver to make his eseai)e. Upon arriving at the head waters of the Missouri River the explorers hid the supplies they would need on the return trip. Then they prepared for their journey across the Rocky Mountains, No white man ever had been in that country before. For a time the party wandered in the mountains. Once in a while the men would get lost as they followed the trail of the deer or bear they were hunting. One man was lost and given up for dead, but after being gone for fifteen days he returned. All that time he ha'd wandered in the mountains trying to find the camp. Bad weather set in and the members of the party suffered greatly from the wet and cold. During a cloud-burst many of the men, Avho were in a nari'ow valley, barely escaped drowning. The water in the stream rose so rapidly that they hardly had time to climb up the sides of the mountain. Both Lewis and Clark realized that they must have Indian guides or they never would find their way out of the mountains. Ca]^tain Lewis started out one morning to see if he could find an Indian camp. About midday he reached one. When the Indians saw him they rushed away and hid m their wigwams. Lewis walked to the chief's tent and LEWIS AND TLARK EXPEDITION 163 looked ill. The chief ^Yas sitting there greatly fright- ened. The red men never had seen a white man before. They thought he had fallen from the sky. Lewis made the Indians understand that he was hu- man. Guides were secured who pointed out a stream that the travelers could follow to the Pacific Ocean. One day while Clark was hunting he shot a duck. The noise of his gun frightened a party of Indians near by. They were sure that if he could kill a bird while it was flying far over their heads he must be a god. AVhile talking to them, Clark took a little round glass from his pocket and held it between his pipe and the sun. AYhen the tobacco stai'ted to glow and burst into flame the Indians were frightened still more. They thought that any one who could draw down fire from heaven with which to light his pipe could not be a man like themselves. Late in 1805 the party reached the mouth of the Columbia River, where they built a small fort out of logs. There they camped during the winter and com- pleted their accounts of the trip, i-epaired theii* canoes, and prepared food and clothing for the re- turn trip. The many rivers and streams they had passed during the long journey from St. Louis were all named. One river was named after Jefferscm, another after Lewis, and still another after Clark. Other members of the party were honored in the same wav. 164 FAMOUS AIMEETCANS On the return journey the two leaders separated at the point where they first had seen the Columbia River. Lewis returned over tlie ohl trail, and Clark turned south to the Yellowstone River. Clark and Ills men built rafts and floated down the Yellowstone, and the two parties met where that river flows into the ^[issouri. The entire expedition then continued down the river to St. Louis, where they arrived Sep- tem])er 23, 1806. As they reached the town the men fired a salute. They then w^ent ashore and received a joyful welcome from the peofde of the town. The party had been gone two and a half years and had traveled over eii^ht thousand miles. At St. Louis the ])arty disbanded. The leaders returned to Washing- ton, where they reported to President Jefferson. The president w^as greath^ pleased with the re- ports of the explorers. Congress gave grants of land to all the members of the party in addition to the pay they received. The accounts of the Lewis and Clark Exi)edition were soon printed. Many settlers at once set out for that i-egion. The gold, silver, lead and copper mines that have been discovered there since then, and the large forests of that region, have repaid the cost of the territory many times. Pi'esident Jefferson realized that the men who knew the most about the Louisiana country would make the best rulers of it. Captain Lewis was ap- pointed governor of the territory and Clark was LEWIS AND CLARK EXPEDITION 165 placed in charge of Indian affairs. After the death of Lewis the governorshij) was given to Clark. He continued as head of the government in that section until the territory was broken into states. The work of JMeriw^ther Lewis and William Clark was of great value to the country. They gave several years of their lives to exi:>loring a country that white men had never entered. The people of the United States learned the value of the great territory they had bought. They were anxious to enter and settle there as a result of what Lewis and Clark told them. The years the two men spent as governors of the Louisiana territory helped to strengthen the feeling of friendship that had grown up between the Indians and the whites. SUGGESTIONS The territorial expansion beg'un by Boone will serve as a connecting link in presenting' the accoimt of the Lewis and Clark Expedition. A large wall map, or a map drawn on the l)lackhoard, shonld be nsed thronghout the conrse of this les- son. A nsefnl device to liold the eye of the children is the employment of colored chalk to mark the route and principal points in the journey. The split in the party on the return trip, and the value of one group breaking a new trail, should be pointed out. The Lewis and Clark Expedition passed through a region that is unrivaled for scenic splendor. In order to give the children something concrete about which to think, abundant illustrative material should he used during the progress of this lesson. The tourist literature is full of pictures of the natural ^66 FAMOUS AMERICANS wonders of tlie AVest. A set of pictures illustrating the life of tlic Indians, the wonders of the Columbia River Valley, and the beauties of Yellowstone Park should be assembled. The keynote of this lesson slioiild be the value of the Louisiana Pur- chase and the effect of the Lewis and Clark Expedition upon the expansion of the Ignited States. QUESTIONS 1. "What were the boundaries of United States at the close of the Revolution? 2. Where is the land that is known as the "Louisiana Pur- chase"? How many people live there to-day? 3. "What did people say when this land was bought ? "Why ? 4. Who were sent to explore the new country? Why were they sent? 5. Why do you think these men were picked to lead the expedition? G. What instructions were given to the explorers? 7. What kind of men did they choose to go with them? Why? 8. Why did the leaders separate on their return trip? 9. What effect did their reports have on the people? 10. How did Congress reward Lewis and Clark? REFERENCES Brooks: First across the Continent. Ki?igsley: The Story of Meriwether Lewis and Captain William Clark. McIMurray: Pioneers of the Kockij Mountains and the West. Sabin : Opening the West with Lewis and Clark. Tappan : American Hero Stories. CHAPTER XVI STEPHEN DECATUR Born: Sinnepiixent, iMaryland, January ">, 1779. Died: Washington, District of Columbia, March 22, 1820. While Jolm Paul Jones was sailing the sea and forcing the nations of the world to respect our flag and country, Stephen Decatur was playing about his father's home in Sinnepuxent. Young Stephen's father was a sailor and the boy was to follow his footsteps. He was to take up the work where John Paul Jones left it off, and show England a second time that America was not to be played with. At the close of the Revolution the Decatur family returned to Philadelphia, from which place they had moved when the English had captured it. There Stephen attended school, Init he never enjoyed it. As he himself said he was "tired of thumbing old gram- mars and dictionaries and wanted to get out into the world." His great desire was to go to sea. Com- modore Barry, a friend of his father, learned of the boy's wish and offered him a jjosition as midshijv man on board his vessel. The boy's mother nevei- had wanted her son to go to sea, but after much 167 WS FAMOUS AMERICANS coaxing, she gave her permission. Decatur made many trips with Commodore Barry and received his first lesson-s in warfare when they met the joirates wlio were raiding the American ships. The navy was ahnost entirely disbanded in 1801. Many of the officers were discharged or retired. Fortimately, Decatur was selected to remain in the service, and was given command of one of the six ships that made up our navy at that time. When the ruler of Tripoli, which is in northern Africa, heard that the United States had only six war-vessels, he decided that it was safe to capture American mer- chant ships and sell American prisoners as slaves. Although the United States was paying these pirates to keep their hands off American vessels, they now felt they could get both money and ships. In addi- tion, they insulted the American consul in their country and cut down the flagstaff that carried the American flag. War was declared on Tripoli and a fleet sent to punish the dusky raiders along the African coast. The American flagshi]) Philadelph'ut ran aground near shore while chasing one of the ships of the enemy. The entire crew were made prisoners. The Tri])olitans managed to float the vessel and remove it to their harbor. To })revent its being used against them, the Americans decided to recapture the vessel or desti'ov it. Lieutenant Decatur volunteered to do STEPHEN DECATUR 169 the work, and with a crew of six men he made full preparations. The Philadelphia lay in the harbor close to the fortress, and had on board a crew of Tripolitans. It was necessary for Decatur to enter the harbor unseen, and row to the Philadelphia, He wanted to board her with as little noise as possible, and either sail her out of the harbor or set fire to her. In the darkness Decatur and his men drew near the vessel. Those on board discovered the Ameri- cans just as the}^ were climbing over the sides. A short, sharp fight followed. Those who were not killed or captured dived overboard to esca]ie. The noise of the fight reached the shore. Decatur saw that he could not hope to get the vessel out of the harbor. His men at once set fire to the oil soaked rags the}^ had brought with them. Within ten minutes the ship was ablaze in a dozen places. Decatur and his men returned to their boat and made their way out of the harbor. They were seen plainly by the light of the burning Philadelphia, and were fired on by the guns of the fort. The guns of the Pliiladelphia were loaded and when the fire reached them they went off. Some of the shots landed in the town. Decatur was promoted to a captaincy and pre- sented with a sword by Congress for his bravery. Before the news of his promotion and reward reached him he had won greater honors for himself. 170 FAMOUS AMERICANS The Americans attempted to l)ombarcl the town of Tripoli and capture the fleet. The enemy's vessels were anchored close to shore. The Americans, with small gunboats, intended to sail among the enemy's ships and caj^tnre them by hand-to-hand fighting. Our war-vessels were arranged in two divisions, one ])eing under Decatur. As they moved forward they saw that the enemy had many more shii3s than they, and there seemed to be little chance for success. Com- modore Preble, who was in charge of the two divi- sions, ordered the signal for retreat. He found, however, that in preparing his signals for the boats, the one for retreat had been forgotten. There was only one thing to do ; that was to go on. Each boat picked a vessel of the enemy and ran up to it. The men engaged in a desperate hand-to-hand fight. De- catur captured his prize and was taking it out of the harbor when he received word that his brother, James, had just taken one of the enemy's largest boats. As the younger brother stepped on board to take possession he was shot through the head hy the pirate chief. Filled with anger, Stephen Decatur pushed off from his own prize and pursued that of his brother's murderer. He overtook the boat and leaped on board, followed by one officer and nine men. He singled out the cai)tain, a man of huge size and fierce manner. Decatur liad a long sword, and his enemy STEPHEN DECATUR 171 had a heavy iron boarding-iDike. As he made a thrust at the savage, Decatur's sword was broken by a blow from the pike. He at once eh)sed in on his enemy and the two tussled about, clasped in each other's arms. They fell, with Decatur on top. The struggle continued all al^out them. Each crew tried to pre- vent the other from giving help. One of the pirates was about to strike Decatur from the rear with a sword, but one of the American seamen rushed be- tween them. His two ai'ms had ])een wounded and were useless, so he received the 1)1()W on his head and was knocked senseless. Fortunately he recovered, and was given a pension by Congress for his bravery. The Tripolitan succeeded in getting on top, and pulled a short dagger from his shirt. Decatur grasped his wrist, and after a great struggle man- aged to remove a pistol from his own pocket which he aimed and fired. The Tripolitan crew surrendered as soon as their captain was killed. Decatur then arose to his feet. For the second time that day he was a victor. The pirates soon came to terms with the Americans and agreed to kee}) their hands off the American ships. After a few years at home, war was declared against England. That country had not kept the promises it had made after the Revolution. Ameri- can vessels were stopped on the ocean and Amei'ican sailors were taken from them. Enaland claimed 172 FAMOUS AMERICANS tliat the iiu'ii were Englishmen and made them serve on their war-ships. This "right to search" was ob- jected to ])y the American government, bnt withont I'esnlts. England continued to stop the vessels and seize the men. Decatur was given command of the United States, and made a cruise with the American fleet after the declaration of war on Jun(^ 18, 1812. Sev- eral English vessels were captured and taken to American ports. Decatur then sailed out of the har- bor alone in search of the enemy. The second day out he saw a vessel coming toward him. He soon learned that it was the Macedoiuan, an English ves- sel. Captain Carden, commander of the English ship, was well acquainted with Commodore Decatur. They had often lunched together before the war, waited u])()n by Carden's black servant. During their meals \\\cy alwa3"S quarreled as to which was the better navy. Carden insisted that the Americans did not know how to fight. As the two vessels drew closer together Decatur ])oured shell after shell into the enemy. AVhen the firing began Carden's slave very wisely hid himself. After several hours of fighting the English vessel rsurrendered. A¥hen Carden offered his sword to Decatur in token of surrender Decatur said he could not think of taking the sword of an officer who had defended his ship so bravely, but that he would be STEPHEN DECATUR 173 proud to take his hand. At that moment the servant aj^i^eared from his hiding-place and called out, "Say, Marse Garden, what yo' think now 'bout de way dem 'Mericans fight?" Decatur returned to the United States with his prize and was received with great honors by the people. Commodo]'e Decatur was next given command of a fleet stationed in the harbor of New London, Con- necticut. Beyond the harljor entrance, English war- ships awaited the day when the Americans would sail out. Decatur knew that his vessel would be de- stroyed if he dared to leave the port. He left the fleet and went to New York where he took command of the President and a squadron of vessels. He sailed out of the harbor alone during a storm. The other vessels were ordered to follow as soon as the storm was over. As he passed the entrance to the harbor his shii) struck a sand-bar. There she stuck until the tide rose and freed her. Much damage was done by the winds and waves, but the storm prevented his return to the port. Next morning he met five of the enemy's vessels. Putting on all the sail possible he attempted to escape. All day long he led the enemy, but they slowly gained on him. Late in the afternoon the leading shi}) of the enemy's fleet came within range. A battle was fought and great damage was done to both vessels. Decatur soon saw that he never could escape in the 174 FAMOUS AMERICANS President. Most of his sails had been shot away and if he made another rnsh to escape he would soon be overtaken. He decided to run down the enemy, and capture her in a hand-to-hand struggle. Then he intended to sink his own ship and escape in the swufter vessel. The English captain avoided the trap set for him, and the tw^o vessels continued to bom- bard each other. The enemy's battery of guns was finally silenced and dropped out of the fight. The other English vessels had gained greatly during the battle. Decatur put on wdiat little sail he could and made a final effort to escape. The enemy slowly crept up on him during the night, and about eleven o'clock he w^as engaged by another of them. After firing a few broadsides he decided that it would l)e better to surrender than to continue the slaughter of his men. He and his crew were taken prisoners and sent to the Bermuda Islands. Soon he was released and sent home. Before he arrived new^s of the sign- ing of peace reached the people. Upon his arrival hv was met everywhere with great praise. The peo- })le knew^ that he had made a brave fight. During the war Avith England the pirates of Al- giers, another one of the African states along the Mediterranean Sea, had been capturing American ships. Immediately after the signing of peace with England, Commodore Decatur w^as sent with a fleet to put a stop to it. He captured most of the Algerian STEPHEN DECATUR 175 Navy and then entered the liarbor. He demanded the surrender of all the American prisoners and the freeing of all (lu'istian slaves, together with pay- ment for the ships that had been captured. The Algerians wanted Decatur to stop fighting while they considered the matter. Decatur refused, say- ing, "Not one mimite. If your fleet appears before the treaty is signed and sent off from the sIku'c with the prisoners, ours will capture it." The Swedish consul, who acted for the Americans, returned from the shore with the treaty and the ])i'is()ners Just as the pirate's fleet appeared. When Decatur I'eturned to the United States he built himself a home in Washington, in the District of (\)luml)ia, where he li<)i)ed to spend the remainder of his days in peace. He became engaged in a quar- rel with ('Ommodore Barron, another naval officer. This finally resulted in a duel between the two. De- catur had no desire to kill Barron and shot him in the hip. He, himself, received a Indlet wound in the thigh from which he died that evening. No ( )ther person in the history of our country stands out :is being braver, more loyal, or more splendid than Stephen Decatur. He spent his entire life in the service of his country, and always placed it first. His motto has become well known to all Americans, " Mij coioifri/, ))iaij sJic (iJiraijs he right, hut, rif/Jit or wroiifj, ill// eouiitrjj." 17CS FAMOUS AMERICANS SUGGESTIONS Decatur Wcis the hero of the War of 1812 and of the two minor wars that the United States waged with the pirates of the Barl)ary Coast. Ilis exploits offer excellent starting- points around which to group a study of the period from 1800 to ISl."). This lesson should be presented in story form, using the map and available illustrations as much as possible. A second lesson using the text-book developed metliod should De followed by a rapid oral drill and the use of the discussion questions. When- ever possible, link the name of the chief character in a story with the names of other prominent men of the same period. This is readily accomplished by means of questions, or an indi- rect reference to another event that took place at approximately the same time. However, care must l)e taken not to wander from the point of the discussion. Undue empliasis must not be placed upon dates. Their main value lies in the fact that they help to create a feeling of time relations, QUESTIONS 1. Where is Tripoli? 2. What kind of people live there? 3. Why did the United States go to war with the people of Tripoli? 4. What wei-e the causes of the War of 1812? 5. Can a uuni be a citizen of two countries? Wliy? 6. Where is Algiers? 7. Why did the United States declare war on Algiei-s? 8. AVliat part did Decatur play in this wai-? U. Wlial does Decatur's motio iiieaii? 10. Wlio was the greater man, Decatur or -loiies? Wh.v? STEPHEN DECATUR 177 REFERENCES Brady: Revolutiondry Fights and Fighters. Lodge and Roosevelt: Hero Tales from American Hi story. Morris: Heroes of the Navy in America. Parker: Young Heroes of the American Navy. Sea well: Twelve Naval Captains. CHAPTER XVTI OLIVER HAZARD rKRRY Born: Soutli Kingston, Rhode Island, August 23, 1785. Died: Port of Spain, Trinidad, August 2::{, 1819. When Napoleon was ruling France he declared war on England. Tn order to prevent his enemy from receiving suppli(\s they might need, he refused to al- low American ships to trade with England. The English wouhl not permit our l)()ats to trade Avith France for the same reason. The vessels sent from the United States were captured hy hoth countries so that our trade with Euroi)e was soon killed. England also stopped our vessels on the high seas and took seamen from them. She claimed they were Englishmen and nuist not s(U"ve another country. This was done because the war with France caused a great need of men, and England was not able to get all she needed at home. The peo])le of the United States were very angry and bitter toward the English for these acts, and war was declared in 1812. One of the ]iersons who was most angry at England's actions was Oliver Hazard T^erry, a young lieutenant in the navy at that time. As a boy he had served as a midshipman with his 178 OLIVER HAZARD PERRY 179 father, wlio was a captain in the navy. Later, as an acting-lieutenant, he sailed to the Mediterranean Sea when the American fleet made war on the barbarians of Tripoli. Unfortunately, the ship on which he was serving was sent l)ack to the United States before he had a chance to see any active fighting. After his return he was given command of a ves- sel, the Revenge. With this ship Perry overtook an American merchant ship that had been stolen by its captain, who was an Englishman. He boarded the boat and took possession of it even though two Eng- lish war-ships were lying close b}^ Later the Revenge was shipwrecked in a storm. Perry re- mained calm and managed to land all his men, sails, supplies and guns safely ashore. When war was declared against England in 1812, Perry was placed in charge of a fleet at Newport, Rhode Island. There he had little work to do as he was not able to meet an^^ of the enemy's ships. He soon became very tired of this, for Perry liked to be where the fighting was hottest. A large fleet was to be built on the Great Lakes to meet the one belonging to England that was already there. Perry was placed in charge of the building of the fleet. He at once set to work with his men to cut down trees from the forest. As the vessels were being built he gath- ered his men and trained them for the fierce fighting he knew they would soon face. 180 FAMOUS AMERICANS When the ships were finished, Perry found that the English were guarding the mouth of the Niagara River on which the fleet had been built. There was also a sand-bar at the mouth of the river that made it hard for vessels to pass. Perry watched for a chance to slip out into the lake. Finally, one Sunday morning, the English disappeared. Later it was learned that the English commander had gone to Canada to attend a dinner. He did not think the Americans would be able to pass the sand-bar before his return. Perry set to work at once and soon had his fleet out on Lake Erie ready to meet the vessels of the enemy. On the morning of September 10, 1813, the two fleets sighted each other. The wind was poor and they drew together slowly. Both prepared for battle. There was very little difference in the strength of the two fleets. The English had six very large ves- sels while the Americans had two large and seven small ones. Perry's flagship, the Lmvrence, was at- tacked by the English flagship and two smaller ves- sels. With shots pouring in from all sides, the ship was soon battered and splintered, and the guns dis- abled. So many of his men were killed and wounded that Perry had to help in the loading and firing of the guns. He soon saw that there was little hope of keeping up the fight. Only eight men were left on board and all the uuns were useless. The other ves- OLIVER HAZARD PERRY 181 sels of his fleet were still holding their own. His next largest ship, the Niagara, had not been harmed by the enemy. Perry suddenly decided to transfer his flag to the Niagara and carry on the battle. He left the Law- Perry on Lake Erie rence in charge of his first officer and entered a boat. There he stood with his flag over his arm as he was rowed to the Niagara. The English soon guessed what he was doing. If he reached his other ship they would be forced to continue the bat- tle. If he were killed the American fleet would sur- render. The English war-ships opened fire on Perry as he stood in the open boat, but their bullets only struck the water, and he reached the Niagara safely. 382 FAIMOUS AMET^TCANS He at once ran liis new flagsliix) between two English vessels and ixnired shot after shot into them. His other vessels closed in on the enemy, and in fifteen mimites the English were forced to lower their flag. Perry at once I'etnrned to the LawrencG. There he met the English officers who came to present their swords as a token of surrendei*. As they came over the sides of the ship they had to pick their way throngh the dead lying on the deck. Perry refused to accept theii' swords. It was a great victory for the Americans ; both sides had fought with credit. That evening Perry sent the following message to General Harrison, who was in command of all the Americans in that regicm, "We have met the enemy and they are ours!" After the victorj^ General Harrison prepared to attack the English and Indians in Canada. Perry carried the general's troojjs across the lakes. For many weeks the enemy was pursued by the Ameri- cans. Perry was attached to General Harrison's staff as an aide, and was received with cheers by the soldiers when they learned he was to be with them. The English were overtaken on a narrow strip of land between a river and a swamp. They quickly formed in line of battle and prepared to meet the Americans. A comjjany of Kentucky cavalrymen dashed through the lines and soon destroyed the enemy. During the battle Perry was carrying or- OLIVER HAZARD PERRY 183 ders for General Harrison. The white face of his l)ii;' black horse could be seen all ovei* the field. Once the animal sank up to its breast in the soft mud. Perry leaped over its head to the dry land. Without the weight of the rider tlu^ horse freed himself and rushed forward. Perry grasped the bridle as the horse dashed ])ast and swung into the saddle. The soldiers cheered him when they saw how well he could ride. Later Perry was i)laced in command of the Java in Chesapeake Bay. The English had a fleet at the mouth of the ba}^ and Perry could not get out. The English 23lanned to attack Baltimore and Washing- ton. They sailed up the Chesapeake Bay and cap- tured Washington. While there they also burned the public buildings. Perry had a battery of guns on the shores of the Potomac River. However, he was able to do little damage to the enemy because of the lack of powder and shot. During the attack on Baltimore the English cap- tured a friend of Francis Scott Key. As soon as Key learned of this he went to the English com- mander and asked that his friend be set free. This was done, but befoi'e th.ey could make their way l)ack an attack on Port McHenry began. The two friends were forced to stay aboard the English ship. As the sun set. Key could see the stars an,d stripes waving over the fort. During the night he knew by the 184 FAMOUS AMERICANS steady firing that our flag was still there. Toward morning the firing stopped. Key leaned over the rail to see if the flag still waved. As dawn came and the fog lifted he could see the flag still fluttering in the breeze. Key drew out from his pocket an old (envelope and on the back of it wrote The Star Spangled Banner. After j^eace was declared Perr}" remained in the service of his country. He took charge of the build- ing of ships. The pirates of Tripoli and Algiers were again capturing our mei'chant vessels and sell- ing American sailors for slaves. Perry was not sent to the ^leditorranean. Instead, Stephen Decatur was placed in charge of the fleet. He succeeded in forc- ing the barbarians to stop seizing our ships. In 1819 Pei'i'y was sent in charge of a squadron to South American waters. He was to visit the capi- tal of Venezuela, which was at war with Spain at that time. The Venezuelan vessels were capturing American ships as well as those of Spain. Perry se- cured payment for tlie American ships that had been taken, and received a promise that no more of our vessels would be stopped. As he was preparing to return to the United States he was taken sick with yellow fever and died. H(^ was ])uried at Port of S|)ain, on the island of Trinidad. Later his body was brought to the United States in a war-ship and buried at Newport, Rhode Island, near his home. OLIVER HAZARD PERRY 185 SUGGESTIONS Perry is one of the figures around whom the causes and effects of the War of 1812 may be grouped. An assignment for home study should be made in preparation for this lesson. The interest of the children will be aroused sufficiently by reading the account to make them anxious to know more of the events connected Avith the second war with England. Point out on the map the locations mentioned in the account and have tlie chil- dren who relate the events do the same as they recite. The questions for discussion should be used and the children should be encouraged to express themselves freely and vigorously. The success of a lesson may be measured by the amount and intensity of the discussion that it occasions. However, care should always be taken to keep the attention of the class upon the questions at issue. QUESTIONS 1. What do we mean when we talk about the "freedom of the seas"? 2. Why did England interfere with our commerce after the Revolution ? 3. Where is Lake Erie? C'an you describe the battle that took place there? 4. What was Perry's famous message to his counnandiug officer ? 5. How are the battle-ships of to-day different from those used in 1812? 6. Does the United States keep a fleet of battle-ships on the Great Lakes to-day ? Why ? 7. Is the Canadian border fortified? Why? 8. Is a great navy necessary to our country? Wh}-? 186 FAMOUS AMKKTCAXS 9. Wh;i1 inspired Key to wi-itc The Star Spanrjlrd Banner? 10. Who was the greater man, i'erry or Deeatur? Why? REFKRKNCKS Adams: Dewey, and Other Naval Commanders. Baneroft : Oliver Hazard Perrij and the Battle of Lake Erie. Beebe : Four Americayi Naval Heroes. Parker: Young Heroes of the American Navy. Sea well : Tivelve Naval Captains. CHAPTP]R XA^TII DAVID CROCKETT Born: Tennessee, August 17, 1786. Died: San Antonio, Texas, March 6, 1836. When Oliver Perry was fighting on Lake Erie and Stephen Decatnr was defeating the English on the Atlantic dnring the War of 1812, other Americans were warring against the English and Indians in the west. Chief among these were General Andrew Jackson and David Crockett, who served Avith the general. Crockett was ])oi'n in tlie wilderness of Ten- nessee. His parents conld neither read nor write, and he had very little education himself. When he was twelve years old his father sent him to school. He got into tron])le with another boy and gave him a Ideating. The next day Crockett was afraid to go to school for fear the teacher would giv(^ him a whi])- ping. He ])layed truant for more than a week. His father went after David with a stick when he learned that he was not attending school. The boy rushed out of the house and did not return. For three months Crockett roamed over the country, working for the wagoners who hauled goods 187 188 FAMOUS AMERICANS back and fortli over the mountains. Finally, he ro- turned home, expecting to get the long delayed whipping. No one thought of the whipping that he had run away to escape, and he remained at home for many years. The men in the neighborhood would hold shooting matches to see who was the best shot. The winner was usually given a reward of a silver dollar. That was very highly prized by all, as money was the scarcest thing in the backwoods. Young David Crockett attended all the shooting matches and often came home a winner. When he was eighteen years old he married and moved to the western part of Tennessee. Better land was to be had there and more game was to be found. Like Boone, David Crockett wanted to get away into the woods where there were few people and where hunting was plentiful. Foi' some years he lived a life of idleness; he hunted during the day and brought home plenty of game in the evening. Then he would loaf around the cal)in, tanning skins for moccasins and breeches. The Indians in that region gave little trouble to th(^ white settlei'S. At times they were shot down by lawless pioneers. As a result, when England began to war against the United States in 1812, the Indians were urged to repay the settlers for the murder of their warriors. A fort in southern Alabama was at- tacked, and every man, woman and child massacred. DAVID CROCKETT 189 All the settlers were aroused and prepared to give battle. General Andrew Jackson called for volun- teers and David Crockett at once enlisted. An armv of thirteen hundred mounted men was gotten together. They decided to fight in the Indian coun- try, and thus pi*event the red men from killing the families the settlers had left behind when they en- tered the army. Two parties of scouts were sent out to visit the Indians' territory and locate the redskins. Crockett led one party and soon brought back news of the position of the Indian camp. The army then marched from the fort and attacked the camp. They killed every one they found there, and then set fire to the camp and burned it. After many battles the Indians were finally de- feated. A foi't which they had built was surrounded and set on fii'e. As they rushed out to escape the flames they were shot down by the soldiers who sur- rounded the place. This put an end to the Indian warfare. The red men agreed to remain at i^eace with the whites. Some went to Florida where the Indians were still fighting. Florida belonged to Spain at that time. The Spaniards allowed the English to land there and lead the Indians in battle. General Jackson, together with David Crockett and two thousand other Americans, marched against the fort at Pensacola and captured it. The English retreated to their ships in the harbor and Jackson turned his 190 FAMOUS AMERICANS gims oil tlio fleot, wliicli quickly raised its sails and disappeared. After the defeat of the Indians in Florida, David Crockett returned to his home in Tennessee. He was made a justice of the j^eace, and later he ran for the state legislature. He knew nothing about making speeches, whih' the man who was running against him had often spoken to crowds of people. A squir- rel hunt was held on the day set for the election speeches. After it was over a crowd gathered and David Crockett was called upon to speak. He climbed uj) on the stump of a tree and told the i^eople that he knew nothing about making speeches. Instead he told them many bear stories and tales of his ad- ventures while hunting the Indians. From the time (^rockett began speaking until he stopi:)ed he kept the crowd laughing. As a result of his popularity he was eh^cted to a seat in the state legislature. After serving several terms there he was elected to represent the people of Tennessee in Congress. His appear- ance attracted much attention in Washington. His manners and habits were different from those of city-bi'ed i)eople. He was greatly admired and liked by all who met him. They were surprised to find that a person with no education, and who had lived all his life in the woods, could talk so well on the questions of the day. When Crockett had once made u]) his mind on a subject he could not be persuaded to DAVID CROCKP]TT 191 change it. He often said, "Be sio-e ijou are right, tluni ()() ((head:' During Crockett's first term in Congress lie got along very well with the other members. He was elected for a second term, l)ut wlien some of Presi- dent Andrew Jackson's bills were presented he refused to vote for them because he thought they were wrong. As a result of this the people of Ten- nessee did not return him to Congress at the next election. For the next two years Crockett remained at home shooting bears, but again he was elected to Congress. During that term he visited Baltimore, Philadelphia, New York and Boston. This was the only part of the country he did not know. He had traveled over the South and West with a rifle on his shoulder. In every city he Avas met by great crowds who had heard of his adventures. About this time Texas was fighting to win its freedom from ]Mexico. Crockett became interested in the struggle and decided to help the Texans. After he left Congress he set out across the prairies with, several companions. The Texans, under General Sam Houston, finally succeeded in defeating the Mexicans and setting up a I'epublic. It was a hard struggle, however. When David Crockett arrived at San Antonio on the JMexican border, the Texans had just captured the Alamo. This was an immense 192 FAMOUS AMEHICANS building, half fort and half church. Santa Anna, the Mexican general, was gathering a large force to re- capture the place. Within the walls were one hun- dred and forty-four men under Colonel Travis. The i\lexicans demanded its surrender at once. When this was refused they threatened to put every man to the sword when they captured it. The Texans answered the threat by firing a cannon into the Mexi- can Army. Travis sent word to General Houston to send assistance. Houston could do nothing; he had very few men himself. Day after day the battle con- tinued between the Americans within the walls of the Alamo and the ^lexicans who surrounded the place. Crockett and Travis kept watch for the assistance they expected. One day they saw a small band of thirty-seven men cut its way through the Mexican Army, to the fortress. They had come to fight by the side of Crockett and Travis. Santa Anna ordered another attack on the foui'- teenth day. The Mexican soldiers were not anxious to get too close to the men within the Alamo. The Texans had already killed a thousand of the enemy. The Mexican officers stood behind their soldiers to kill any who attempted to retreat. Charge after charge was made until the Mexicans were directly under the walls of the Alamo. Ladders were quickly placed in position and the Mexicans climbed up, only to be hurled back again. AVith their officers in back DAVID CROCKETT 193 of them there was nothing for them to do but con- tinue until they had entered the fort. When the smoke cleared away there was silence within the Alamo. Travis lay dead, still grasping the sword he had thrust through a Mexican officer. David Crockett and five others remained alive. Photo from Underwood and Underwood. The Alamo Their guns were useless and they had nothing but short swords with which to fight. They were of- fered their lives by the Mexican officer and taken before Santa Anna. That general looked at them quietly for a moment. Then he reached for his sword. Crockett knew what was about to happen 194 FAMOUS AJ^IERTCANS and sprang at him. He was too late. A dozen swords flashed in the sunlight and the prisoners fell dead. They were the last to give their lives for Texas in the Alamo. THE DEFENSE OF THE ALAMO Santa Ana came storming, as a storm might come ; There was rumble of cannon ; there was rattle of blade ; There was cavalry, infantry, bugle and drum — Full seven proud thousand in pomp and parade. The chivalry, flower of all Mexico ; And a gaunt two hundred in the Alamo ! And thirty lay sick, and some were shot through ; For the siege had been bitter, and bloody, and long. "Surrender, or die!" — "Men, what will you do?" And Travis, great Travis, drew sword, quick and strong; Drew a line at his feet. . . ."Will you come? Will you go? I die with my wounded, in the Alamo." Tlien Bowie gasped, "Guide me over that line!" Then Crockett, one hand to the sick, one hand to his gun, ' Crossed with him ; then never a word or a sign Till all, sick or well, all, all, save but one, One man. Then a woman stopped praying, and slow Across, to die with the heroes of the Alamo. Then one coward fled, in the night, in that night When all men silently prayed and thought Of home; of to-morrow; of God and the right; Till daw^n; then Travis sent his single last cannon-shot, In answer to insolent Mexico, From the old bell-tower of the Alamo. DAVID CROCKETT 195 Then came Santa Ana ; a crescent of flame ! Then the red escalade; then the fight hand to hand : Such an unequal fight as never had name Since the Persian hordes butchered that doomed Spartan band. All day — all day and all night, and the morning? so slow, Through the battle smoke mantling the Alamo. Then silence ! Such silence ! Two thousand lay dead In a crescent outside! And within? Not a breath Save the gasp of a woman, with gory, gashed head. All alone, with her dead there, waiting for death; And she but a nurse. Yet when shall we loiow Another like this of the Alamo. Shout "Victory, victory, victory ho!" I say, 'tis not always with tlie liosts that win; I say that the victory, high or low, Is given the hero who grapples with sin, Or legion or single ; just asking to know When duty fronts death in his Alamo. Joaquin Miller, suggestions Many of the stories that are related about Crockett have little basis in fact. In using supplementary material care should be exercised not to stray into the field of fiction. As this les- !5on is presented indicate on the map all places mentioned. First, tell the story and, as a climax, read The Defense of the Alamo. Do not ask questions at this time. During the second lesson the text-book developed method should be used. Make extensive use of the illustrations in the book, using them as the starting points for discussions. Lay emphasis upon the simplicity of the 396 FAMOUS AMERICANS society in which Crockett lived and develop the idea that he was a typical pioneer. Follow this by questions on the text and a general discussion of pioneer life. Emphasize the part that Crockett played in adding Texas to the United States. QUESTIONS 1. What was Crockett's famous motto? What does it mean? 2. What is a frontier? 3. What kind of men become frontiersmen? 4. Is there a frontier to the United States to-day? If so, where is it? 5. AVhy did Crockett move to Tennessee? C. Why did he enlist during the AVar of 1812? 7. Why was Crockett so popular with the people in the East and North? 8. Why did the Texans want to be independent of Mexico? 9. How were Boone and Crockett alike? How were they different ? 10. W^as Crockett an educated mau ? Why? REFERENCES Abbott : David Crockett. Allen : David Crockett, Scout. Hough: Way to the West, and the Lives of the Early Americans ; Boone, Crockett. Carson. Lodge and Roosevelt : Hero Tales from American History. Sprague: Davy Crockett. CHAPTER XIX JOHN CHARLES FREMONT Born: Savaunah, Georgia, January 21, ]81.'3. Died: New York, New York, July 13, 1890. Great territories have been added to the United States from time to time by the efforts of a few men. It was due to George Rogers Clark that the rich re- gion north of the Ohio Ri^Tr was given np by Eng- land at the close of the Revolution. Thomas Jeffer- son more than doubled the size of the United States when he bought Louisiana from Napoleon, the Em- peror of France. The Oregon country was claimed by the United States because of the explorations of Lewis and Clark along the Columbia River, and the work of the men who guided settlers to the rich val- leys of that region. Texas was added to the L^nited States in 1815 through the efforts of Sam Houston and David Crockett. The independence of Califor- nia and its addition to the United States was due, largely, to the work and explorations of John Charles Fremont. Fremont, who wanted to study law, entered the office of a lawyer in Charleston, South Carolina. 197 198 FAMOUS AMERICANS His work was done so well, and he seemed so clever, that tlie lawyer sent hhn to college. There he took a great interest in mathematics, civil engineering and snrveying. He left college before gradnation and taught mathematics for several years. He gave up that work and made a survey for a railroad which w^as to run from Charleston, South Carolina, to Atlanta, Georgia. He explored the mountains be- tween South Carolina and Tennessee and joined an expedition wdiich was sent to explore the country between the ^lissouri and INIississippi Rivers. It w^as during this trip that he w^as made a lieutenant in the United States Army. In 1842 Fremont was ordered by the United States Government to lead a party which w^as to ex- l)lore the Rocky ]\Iountains. He started from St. Louis and traveled across the prairies. Many large herds of buffalo were roaming about. At times the hunters w^ould shoot one of the animals to get a supply of fresh meat for the party. The buffaloes traveled in big herds and the hunters rode in among them where they picked out the animal they wanted. Kit Carson, a famous Indian fighter and guide, met Fremont at Fort Laramie. Carson had spent years on the plains and knew^ all the paths and trails across the country. Fremont hired Carson to guide the party. While at the fort the explorers were vis- ited by an Indian chief who feared that th(^ wiiite JOHN CHARLES FREMONT 199 men had come to make war upon his tribe. Fremont explained that he had not come to fight but that he only wanted to see the country. This satisfied the Indians and they invited him to a dog feast. This was the greatest honor that the Indians could pay, and they would have been angry if Fremont had refused. He went to the Indian camp and seated himself upon the buffalo robe which the Indians spread before the fire. A dog was being boiled in a pot in the center of the wigwam. It was dished out and served in large wooden bowls. Fremont had never eaten dog meat before and he was sure he would not like it. It tasted like mutton, so he tried to think it was mutton he was eating. After the feast was over, Fremont and his men started for the mountains. They could see the snow- covered peaks in the distance. Fremont climbed to the top of the highest mountain in the Wind River Range, which is in AYyoming, and there raised the American flag. For many months the party searched for a pass through the mountains. Finally they turned back and Fremont returned to AVashington. There he made a full report about his trip and showed the maps and drawings that had been made. Almost at once he was asked to head a second ex- pedition. This time he was to visit the Oregon country that Lewis and Clark had explored, then turn south to the Sacramento Yallev in California. 200 FAMOUS AMERICANS With thirty-iiine iiK^n he traveled through regions filled with Indians. One day one of the men in the pni'ly lu'cninc so]»nrnt('d from his friends. He sud- denly galloped into camp yelling, ''Indians, In- dians!" At once they prepared for an attack. No Indians appeared and Kit C -arson set out to see what had become of them. He found nothing hut six deer gazing at the camp, whose horns looked something like Indian feathers ! Fremont and his party moved steadily westward until they came to the shores of a large lake whose waters were salty and bitter. This they named the Great Salt I^ake. Pushing on the> J. c 1 rcniont came to the Cohunbia Rivci-, wliicli ilicy followed to its mouth. Their next step was to go south to the Sacramento Valley in Oaliforr.ia. They could find no Indian guides to lead them through the mountains. All the JOHN CHARLES FREMONT 201 Indians said the white men woukl surely die in the snow and ice. AVinter overtook them, and the ex- plorers wei'e caught in the heavy snow in the moun- tains. The horses and mules were lost in the bitter cold and some of the men died from starvation. After many hardships they finally reached Fort Sutter, in the Sacramento Valley. There they rested Hardships of Early Western Travel and gathered together new animals and supplies. The party returned east by way of the South Pass where they found the traveling easy and safe. In- stead of snow, ice and starvation, they met with sunshine, flowei-s, and many wild animals which they shot for food. Fremont was better prepared when he set out on 202 FAiMOUS AMERICANS his third expedition in 1845. Much of the journey was made over the old trails. AVar was expected be- tween the United States and Mexico. California belonged to Mexico at that time. Fremont was given permission by the Mexican general at Monterey, Cal- ifornia, to explore that region. While in what is now southern Oregon, a United States Army officer, with a guard of six men, overtook the party. The officer brought messages to Fremont which told him to watch over the interest of the United States in California. After receiving the messages sent by the presi- dent at Washington, Fremont turned south. He learned that the Mexicans and Indians were prepar- ing to attack his camp. He decided to do the attacking, and that night his men surrounded the In- dians. Giving a whoop and a yell, they rushed in and fired upon the I'cdskins, who ran off into the forest. Tlie American settlers in California were being massacred and their homes and wheat-fields burned. They banded together, and with Fremont as their leader they i)repared to resist all attacks. Castro, the Mexican general, was marching toward them. News that war had been declared between the United States and Mexico had not reached Fremont. Never- theless, he decided to carry out the president's orders and guard the lives and property of the Americans in JOHN CHARLES FRE:\I0NT 203 California. General Castro had said that he would kill every American in Mexican territory. Fremont and his men soon cleared northern California of the Mexicans and Indians. The settlers then declared their independence and Fremont was appointed gov- ernor. The Mexicans had retreated south to Los Angeles. The Americans started after them. When they arrived at the town they found that the INIexi- cans had fled. All of California was now in American control. Governor Fremont sent Kit Carson, the scont, to Washington to repoi't what had happened in Cali- fornia. Carson returned with General Kearney and a force of men who had been sent out to fight the Mexicans. When Kearney learned that the Mexicans had been defeated he triced to take possession of Cali- fornia in the name of the United States Government. Fremont refused to allow Kearney to control the affairs of the state. Kearney arrested Fremont and had him taken to Washington where he was court- martialed and dismissed from the army. President Polk offered him his old position as head of the government exploring parties, but he refused to accept it. At his own expense Fremont fitted out a fourth expedition to California. This time he Avent by way of the Rio Grande, a I'egion that had never been ex- plored. He reached California in 18J:9 where he was 204 FAMOUS AMERICANS welcomed by his old friends. He helped them to make their laws, and when California was admitted to the Union, he was elected to represent that state in the United States Senate. Gold was discovered in California about this time by Captain Sutter. In digging near his fort he un- earthed some yellow pebbles. He looked at them Gold Fields in California in '49 carefully and recognized them as gold. News of his find spread like wild-fire and soon every one stopped work and began to dig for the yellow metal. AVord of the discovery reached the East and thou- sands of men left their jobs and rushed madly to California. Some went overland in great prairie JOHN CHARLES FREMONT 205 schooners, while others sailed around Cape Horn. All hoped to become rich in a short time. Many of the gold seekers were attacked by the Indians while crossing the mountains. Others lost their wa}^ in the deserts and were never heard from again. ]\lany of the men who did succeed in reaching California were successful in finding gold, while others failed and were disappointed. In 1852 Fremont made a trip to Europe. The many hardships he had undergone in the Far West had weakened him and he thought the sea voyage would help him recover his health. He was received everywhere as a great explorer and discoverer, and was given medals and other honors l)y European geographical societies. After his return to the United States he organized his last expedition to the Pacific Coast. He hoi)ed to find a route for a railroad across the Rocky JMountains. The suffering of the men was intense. Some died in the saddle from hunger and cold. They were attacked by the Indians, and forced to live on horse meat for days at a time. At last the party reached California. Due to Fremont's great work the American peo- ple learned much about the Rocky jNlountains and the land to the west of them. He led the way across the mountains to California and saved that territory for the United States. Not satisfied with that, he organized the government of that state. When it 206 FAMOUS AMERICANS was admitted to the Union lie i'ei)resented it in the Senate, where his knowledge of the West was of great value to the country. One of the highest peaks in the Rocky ]Monntains, on which he raised the American flag during his first trip, has heen named in honor of John diaries Fremont, the great pathfinder. SrCGESTIONS Tlic success of this lesson will depend largely npon the ability of the teacher to stimnlate the imaginations of the chil- dren and to carry them back and forth across the continent. The desired effect may be gained through contrast. Compare the safety and comforts that the East offered with the dangers and privations that were the lot of the explorer of the West. A few hardy Americans had reached California by sailing around Cape Horn or l)y way of Panama, but no one had dis- covered a pass through the Rocky IMountains. Show what a ijreat service Fr(>mont rendei-ed. A sand table may be used with effect during tliis lesson, or the five journeys of Fremont may be shown in colored chalk on a blackboard map. In conclusion, review t!ie succ(>ssive steps in the expansion of the United States and link the names and deeds of the men who were responsible for each addition of territory. QUESTIONS 1. Why does a man want to leave a c()mfortal)le iionie to explore wild and dangerous places? 2. Are there any "patlifindei-s" to-day? If so, where? ■I How did Fi-emoni lielp the jK'ojile of this countiy? 4. What new territoi-y was added to the United States through his work? JOHN CHARLES FREiMONT 207 5. Who was Kit Carson? 6. What I)ody of water was discovered on the second expedition? 7. AVhat great discovery was made at Sntter's camp? 8. Wliy was Fremont conrt-martialed? 0. Wliat were the results of Fremont's expeditions? 10. Were Fremont's services as great as those of Lewis and Clark? Why? REFERENCES Dellenbang'h : Frenioiif