beans stopped running, and lay parched and shrivelling. The other
vegetables were turning yellow. Unless rain should fall soon, the
Pilgrims knew that they and their little children must starve when
Winter came.
To add to the misery of it all, a ship laden with supplies, which had
been sent from England, was missing. Nothing had been heard of her for
months. And now, during the great drought, the wreck of a ship was cast
on shore.
In sorrow and anxiety, the Pilgrims met together for a day of public
fasting and prayer.
We will let Edward Winslow himself, tell what happened:--
“But, Oh! the mercy of our God! who was as ready to hear as we to
ask!
“For though in the morning when we assembled together, the heavens
were as clear and the drought as like to continue as ever it was,
yet our Exercise (public worship) continuing some eight or nine
hours, before our departure the weather was overcast, the clouds
gathered together on all sides.
“And on the next morning distilled such soft, sweet, and moderate
showers of rain continuing some fourteen days and mixed with such
seasonable weather, as it was hard to say whether our withered corn
or drooping affections were most quickened or revived.
“Such was the bounty and goodness of our God!
“So that having these many signs of God’s favour, and acceptation,
we thought it would be great ingratitude if secretly we should
smoother up the same or content ourselves with private
thanksgiving, for that which by private prayer could not be
obtained.
“And therefore another Solemn Day was set apart and appointed for
that end. Wherein we returned glory, honour, and praise, with all
thankfulness to our good God which dealt so graciously with us.”
_Governor Edward Winslow_ (_Condensed_)
_The story of “The First Harvest Home in Plymouth” may be found in
“Good Stories for Great Holidays.”_
JANUARY 7
GENERAL ISRAEL PUTNAM
“OLD PUT”
The picturesque wolf-slayer, a brave and sterling Patriot.
JOHN FISKE
There was a generosity and buoyancy about the brave old man, that made
him a favourite throughout the Army; especially with the younger
officers, who spoke of him familiarly and fondly as “Old Put.”
WASHINGTON IRVING
General ISRAEL PUTNAM was born in Massachusetts, January 7, 1718
Moved to Connecticut, 1740
Left his plough to fight at Bunker Hill, 1775
He died, May 29, 1790.
SEEING BOSTON
It was before the War for Independence. A country boy in rough homespun
clothes was walking along the streets of Boston. He was staring at the
shop signs and windows. It was his first visit to the big city. He had
never seen such interesting things before. The boy was Israel Putnam,
the son of a farmer.
A city boy, much bigger than Putnam, saw him wandering about staring
curiously at everything. He thought that it would be safe to bully such
a raw-looking boy. Stepping up to Putnam, he began to make fun of his
coarse clothes and his awkward walk.
Putnam stood it as long as he could, for though he was known as a
fighter at home, he never provoked a quarrel. But now, as he saw a crowd
gathering which seemed to enjoy his humiliation, his blood rose. He
turned on the big boy, and gave him such a drubbing that the crowd
cheered with delight. The boy slunk off, and Putnam walked away and had
no more annoyance.
That was the kind of boy--and man too--Israel Putnam was; slow to anger;
but when once roused by injustice, nothing could hold him back.
THE FIGHT WITH THE WOLF
Israel Putnam grew older, married, and went to live in Connecticut. He
had a stock farm.
One winter, wolves began to kill his animals. There was a she-wolf,
particularly fierce and ravenous, who had lost the toes of one foot. She
attacked and devoured animals for miles around.
During a single night Putnam lost seventy fine sheep and goats, besides
having many lambs and kids badly torn. In the morning he found around
the fold the tracks of the she-wolf’s toeless foot.
Putnam and some of his neighbours traced her to a cave about five miles
away. Then they returned home.
The next morning they started out with dogs, guns, and brimstone. The
dogs chased the wolf into her cave, but came running out again torn and
yelping. Putnam and the men built a fire in the cave-entrance. They
threw on brimstone which gave out choking fumes. They threw on straw
which made a thick smoke. But there were no signs of the wolf. All was
quiet in the cave.
It grew to be nearly ten o’clock at night. Putnam tried once more to
make his dog enter the cave, but he would not stir. Putnam, then, asked
his negro man to go in and shoot the beast. But the black man, shivering
with fright, refused to crawl in.
Putnam grew angry. In spite of all that his neighbours could say, he
threw off his coat and lighted a torch. Then, tying a rope around his
legs, he gave the end to his friends, saying when he signaled to pull
him out.
In he went, headfirst, holding the lighted torch before him. Stooping,
he groped his way into the body of the cave. The torch made a dim circle
of light; all the rest of the den was in terrifying darkness. Silence
like death was around him.
He cautiously proceeded onward to an ascent. As he was slowly climbing
it on hands and knees, he discovered the glaring eyeballs of the
she-wolf just in front of him. Startled at the sight of the flaming
torch, she gnashed her teeth and gave a sullen growl.
Putnam kicked the rope, and his friends, who were listening with painful
anxiety and who heard the growling of the beast, pulled him out so
quickly that his shirt was stripped over his head and his body was badly
cut.
After he had adjusted his clothes, he loaded his gun with buckshot. Then
holding the torch in one hand and the gun in the other, he entered
again. This time the wolf assumed a still more fierce and terrible
aspect, howling, rolling her eyes, and snapping her teeth. Then she
dropped her head between her legs making ready to spring.
At this moment Putnam raised his gun and fired.
Stunned by the noise and suffocated with smoke, he felt himself being
jerked backward out of the cave. His friends had heard the shot, and
were pulling the rope.
He rested a few moments in the fresh air, while letting the smoke
dissipate. Then in he went a third time.
The wolf lay stretched on the floor as if asleep. He put the torch to
her nose to make sure that she was dead. Then he took her by the ears
and kicked the rope.
His friends, with loud cheers, drew him out, and the wolf with him.
FROM PLOUGH TO CAMP
Israel Putnam did not stay on his farm. When the French and Indian War
broke out, he enlisted. He served as major. He had many thrilling
escapes from Indians. Once he was captured and tortured by savages, but
was rescued by the French.
After many years’ service, he resigned and went back to his farm. When
the news of the Battle of Lexington reached him, he was ploughing. He
left his plough in the field, and unyoked his team. Then, in his old
farm-clothes, he sprang on a horse and galloped off to Governor Trumbull
for orders.
“Go,” said the Governor, “to the seat of action.”
“But my clothes, Governor!” exclaimed Putnam.
“Oh, never mind your clothes,” answered he, “your military experience
will be of service to your countrymen.”
“But my men, Governor! What shall I do about my men?”
“Oh, never mind your men,” said he, “I’ll send your men after you.”
So without waiting to change his soiled farm-clothes, Putnam put spurs
to his horse and in a single day rode all the way to Cambridge.
He attended a council of war held by the Americans, returned to
Connecticut, raised a regiment, and went back to Cambridge in time to
take part in the Battle of Bunker Hill. There on Prospect Hill he
unfurled the new Banner of Connecticut, which, as a cannon fired a
salute, was seen to rise and unroll itself to the wind.
When Washington, appointed by Congress to be Commander-in-Chief, arrived
at Cambridge, and saw the redoubts that had been cast up by Putnam and
his men, he said to Putnam:--
“You seem, General, to have the faculty of infusing your own spirit into
all the workmen you employ.”
Washington had brought with him a commission from Congress, making
Israel Putnam a Major-General.
HE MADE WASHINGTON LAUGH
General Putnam once had the honour of making Washington laugh heartily.
It was during the Siege of Boston.
There was a traitor in camp. No one knew who he was. A strange woman--a
spy--had delivered a letter, intended for him, to the wrong person. It
was laid before Washington. It was in cipher. Washington ordered the
woman to be arrested, but she was gone.
Not long after, as Washington was standing in the upper window at
Headquarters, he saw the oddest sight.
It was stout “Old Put” himself, in all his regimentals, mounted on his
horse, proudly cantering up to Headquarters. Behind him, seated on his
saddle-bow and hanging on like grim death, was a very fat woman. “Old
Put” had captured the spy.
Washington burst into a hearty laugh. He hurried to the top of the
stairs, just as “Old Put” escorted the fat woman into the hall.
Washington, as gravely as he could, called down, in his severest tones,
that unless she confessed _everything_, a halter was waiting for her.
She confessed immediately, and the traitor in camp was found.
A GENEROUS FOE
Israel Putnam was brave, bluff, and honest, and he was also
compassionate.
During the French and Indian War, the enemy’s wounded lay dying and
neglected on one of the battle-fields.
After the fierce fighting was over, Putnam himself hurried out onto the
field, to tend the poor fellows. He gathered them together into one
place. He gave them what food and drink he could get. He furnished each
with a blanket. Under one badly wounded French sergeant, he placed three
blankets, and laid him in a comfortable position against a tree.
Gratefully, the suffering man squeezed his hand, while Putnam said
reassuringly:--
“Ah! depend upon it, my brave soldier, you shall be brought to the camp
as soon as possible, and the same care shall be taken of you as if you
were my brother.”
At the Battle of Princeton a Scotch Captain of the British Army was
desperately wounded in the lungs and left for dead. Putnam found him in
great pain, with no surgeon, and without any friend to cheer him. He had
him supplied with every comfort and the best of care.
One day, when Putnam was visiting him, the Scotchman said:--
“Pray, sir, what countryman are you?”
“An American,” answered Putnam.
“Not a Yankee!” exclaimed the Scotchman.
“A full-blooded one,” replied Putnam.
“I’m sorry for that!” rejoined the Scotchman with an oath. “I did not
think there could be so much goodness and generosity in an American, or,
indeed, in anybody but a Scotchman!”
Thanks to Putnam’s friendly Yankee care, the Scotchman recovered.
PUTNAM NOT FORGOTTEN!
When General Putnam, full of years and honours, retired from the Army,
Washington wrote him a letter telling him that he was entitled to full
pay till the close of the War, and afterward to half-pay. The letter was
cordial and warm, and in it Washington said:--
“Among the many worthy and meritorious officers, with whom I have
had the happiness to be connected in service through the course of
this War, and from whose cheerful assistance and advice I have
received much support and confidence ... the name of Putnam is not
forgotten, nor will it be but with that stroke of time which shall
obliterate from my mind the remembrance of all those toils and
fatigues through which we have struggled for the preservation and
establishment of the Rights, Liberties, and Independence of our
Country....
“I commend you, my dear sir, my other friends, and with them the
interests and happiness of our dear Country, to the keeping and
protection of Almighty God.
“GEORGE WASHINGTON”
JANUARY 11
ALEXANDER HAMILTON
DEFENDER OF THE CONSTITUTION
THE CONSTITUTION; OR, THE NEW ROOF
1787
_Our roof is now raised, and our song still shall be
A Federal Head o’er a People that’s free!_
_Huzza! my brave boys, our work is complete,
The World shall admire Columbia’s fair seat;_
_Its strength against tempest and time shall be proof;
And thousands shall come to dwell under our roof._
FRANCIS HOPKINSON (_Condensed_)
ALEXANDER HAMILTON
_He gave the whole powers of his mind to the contemplation of the weak
and distracted condition of the Country.... He saw ... the absolute
necessity of some closer bond of Union for the States.... He saw at last
his hopes fulfilled; he saw the Constitution adopted, and the Government
under it established and organized._
_The discerning eye of Washington immediately called him to the post
which was far the most important in the administration of the new
system. He was made Secretary of the Treasury. And how he fulfilled the
duties of such a place, at such a time, the whole Country perceived with
delight and the whole World saw with admiration._
DANIEL WEBSTER
ALEXANDER HAMILTON was born in the West Indies, January 11, 1757
Came to New York City, 1772
Signed the Constitution, 1787
Was appointed first Secretary of the Treasury, 1789
He was killed by Aaron Burr in a duel, 1804
THE BOY OF THE HURRICANE
On the 11th of January, 1757, there was born on the little West Indian
island of Nevis, a boy who was to become one of the foremost citizens of
his adopted Country, and who was to have a large part in determining its
Independence, its form of government, and in working out the details of
its administration. This was Alexander Hamilton.
His mother died when he was very young. His father was not so situated
as properly to care for his son, so he was sent to the adjoining island
of St. Croix, to live with his mother’s relatives, who were people of
means.
He was given a place in their counting-house, where he acquitted himself
with much credit, though the work was not at all to his liking.
When Hamilton was only fifteen years old, a terrible hurricane swept
over the island. The sea was lashed into fury. The storm swept across
the land, uprooting trees, and carrying devastation in its path. Even
the bravest of the inhabitants were greatly frightened, and many were
terror-stricken. But young Hamilton watched the storm with the greatest
interest and without fear.
A few days later, an account of the storm appeared in a paper printed in
a neighbouring island. The account was so vivid, the word-painting so
marvellous, that the people were certain some writer of note must have
been among them without their knowledge. And when they learned that the
account was written by Alexander Hamilton, and he a mere boy, they were
greatly astonished.
They felt that such a lad should have a better chance for education than
St. Croix could afford, and a wider field in which to exercise his
talents. His friends raised a fund for him, and he was sent to America.
He entered a preparatory school at Elizabethtown in the Jerseys. He then
went to New York City, and entered King’s College, now Columbia
University.
At this time, he was disposed to side with the friends of the King of
England in the controversy between the Colonists and the Mother Country;
but after he had been at college for half a year, he made a visit to
Boston where he heard Samuel Adams, James Otis, and other Patriots, and
came back a most earnest Patriot himself.
About the time of the breaking out of the War for Independence, Hamilton
organized a company of the college students who adopted the name
“Hearts of Oak.” Later Hamilton was appointed the Captain of the first
company of artillery raised in the Colony. He so thoroughly drilled and
disciplined it, that the attention of General Greene was attracted. He
sought the acquaintance of Hamilton, and spoke most enthusiastically to
Washington about him, saying that he was a natural master of men, and a
young man worthy the attention of the Commander-in-Chief.
_Sherman Williams_ (_Arranged_)
CALL COLONEL HAMILTON
While young Hamilton was directing his battery during the passage of the
Raritan, Washington, who was anxiously watching the passing of the
troops, observed Hamilton’s skill and courage. He ordered one of his
officers to find out the young man’s name, and tell him to report at
Headquarters.
Therefore, as soon as possible, young Hamilton hurried to Headquarters.
As a result of this interview, Washington made him a member of his own
staff. Hamilton became Washington’s private secretary.
Many a night, after long hours of work together, Washington and Hamilton
would retire to their rooms. Then suddenly a courier with important
despatches would gallop up to Headquarters. Washington would arise,
read the despatches and say:--
“Call Colonel Hamilton.”
And the young secretary would come and take his dictation.
Washington had the greatest confidence in Hamilton’s judgment. So much
did Washington value his advice, that when he wrote his “Farewell
Address,” “acting as every wise man would do under the circumstances,”
he asked Hamilton for his opinion, as he also asked James Madison for
his. Washington desired to get the different points of view of two large
minds, on so important a document.
A STRUGGLE
After the Constitution of the United States had been framed by the
Constitutional Convention, a severe political struggle took place to
bring about its ratification by the States themselves. There were
selfish political interests at work to prevent ratification.
The influence of Alexander Hamilton, through his speeches and writings,
so brilliant and convincing, did much to bring the People of the United
States to understand the absolute necessity for a strong Federal Union
and for a Constitution to safeguard the liberties of the Country.
In the State of New York, the opposition to ratification was most
violent. But Alexander Hamilton, during weeks of furious debate in the
State Convention, spoke again and again in defense of the Constitution.
And when the weary weeks of contention were passed, the vote was taken;
and Alexander Hamilton’s arguments had won votes enough to carry the
ratification of the Constitution. He had saved the day.
“HE KNOWS EVERYTHING”
“He knows everything,” said Robert Morris to President Washington.
Robert Morris, during the War for Independence, had been Superintendent
of Finance. When Congress needed funds, when Washington wished money
with which to pay the soldiers, Robert Morris provided the means since
his private commercial credit was great. Men had confidence in his
business ability and honour.
Once, when Congress was utterly without cash, Robert Morris supplied the
Army with four or five thousand barrels of flour. And when France sent
troops to America to fight for us, Robert Morris personally borrowed
through Count Rochambeau, money for our Country’s use.
When Robert Morris sought to procure for Congress, money from abroad, he
borrowed large sums through the Patriot, Haym Salomon, “the little
friend in Front Street.”
So after Washington was elected President, and while he was making up
his Cabinet, he visited Robert Morris, and said:--
“The Treasury, Morris, will of course be your berth. After your
invaluable services as Financier of the Revolution, no one can pretend
to contest the office of Secretary of the Treasury with you.”
This flattering offer, Robert Morris promptly declined, adding:--
“But, my dear General, you will be no loser by my declining the
Secretaryship of the Treasury, for I can recommend to you a far cleverer
fellow than I am, for your minister of finance, in the person of your
former aide-de-camp, Colonel Hamilton.”
“I always knew Colonel Hamilton to be a man of superior talents,” said
Washington, “but never supposed he had any knowledge of finance.”
To which Robert Morris replied:--
“He knows everything, sir! To a mind like his, nothing comes amiss.”
Washington then appointed Hamilton to be Secretary of the Treasury.
Hamilton took up his duties. The Country and the States were in debt. He
organized the finances of our young and new Nation, putting them upon a
sound basis; he provided funds with which to pay the National debt, so
that the United States of America “might command the respect of the
Nations of the World.”
It was Alexander Hamilton who laid the foundations of the financial
system of our Republic.
JANUARY 17
BENJAMIN FRANKLIN
THE AMERICAN SOCRATES
_We have reason to be thankful he was so long spared, that the most
useful life should be the longest, also that it was protracted so far
beyond the ordinary span allotted to man, as to avail us of his wisdom
in the establishment of our own Freedom._
THOMAS JEFFERSON
OUR COUNTRY
_Dr. Benjamin Franklin to General George Washington_
_I must soon quit the scene, but you may live to see our Country
flourish, as it will amazingly and rapidly after the War is over; like a
field of young Indian Corn, which long fair weather and sunshine had
enfeebled and discoloured, and which in that weak state, by a
thundergust of violent wind, hail, and rain, seemed to be threatened
with absolute destruction; yet the storm being past, it recovers fresh
verdure, shoots up with double vigour, and delights the eye not of its
owner only, but of every observing traveller._
_March 5, 1780_
BENJAMIN FRANKLIN was born in Boston, January 17, 1706
Went to Philadelphia, 1723
Through his diplomacy, France was persuaded to recognize the United
States by treaty, February 6, 1778
He signed the Constitution of the United States, 1787
He died in Philadelphia, April 17, 1790
THE WHISTLE
TOLD BY FRANKLIN HIMSELF
When I was a child of seven years old, my friends on a holiday filled my
pocket with coppers. I went directly to a shop where they sold toys for
children, and being charmed with the sound of a _whistle_ that I met by
the way in the hands of another boy, I voluntarily offered and gave all
my money for one.
I then came home and went whistling all over the house, much pleased
with my _whistle_, but disturbing all the family.
My brothers and sisters and cousins, understanding the bargain I had
made, told me I had given four times as much for it as it was worth; put
me in mind what good things I might have bought with the rest of the
money, and laughed at me so much for my folly, that I cried with
vexation. And the reflection gave me more chagrin than the _whistle_
gave me pleasure.
This, however, was afterwards of use to me, the impression continuing on
my mind, so that often, when I was tempted to buy some unnecessary
thing, I said to myself:--
“_Don’t give too much for the whistle!_”
And I saved my money.
As I grew up, came into the world, and observed the actions of men, I
thought I met with many, very many, _who gave too much for the whistle_.
_From The Whistle_
THE CANDLE-MAKER’S BOY
Benjamin Franklin, when a boy, used to work in his father’s shop at the
Sign of the Blue Ball. His father was a tallow chandler, and made soap
and candles.
The boy got up early, cut wicks for candles, filled moulds with tallow,
ran errands, and tended shop. Though he worked hard and honestly, his
heart was not in his work. He wanted to go to sea. His elder brother, a
sailor, had come home; and he told the most thrilling tales of his
adventures. So Benjamin Franklin could not get the sea out of his mind.
He grew to detest the trade of tallow chandler, and hankered more and
more for the sea. His father, wishing him to give up thoughts of a
roving life, took him to talk with joiners, bricklayers, turners, and
other workmen, and to watch them at work. But none of their trades
appealed to the boy.
His place was at home his father urged, adding:
“Seest thou a man diligent in his calling, he shall stand before Kings;
he shall not stand before mean men.”
THE BOY OF THE PRINTING PRESS
But Benjamin Franklin did not run away to sea. He became a printer’s
boy.
Because he liked books, he was apprenticed to his brother James, who had
set up a printing press in Boston. To James’s house he went, taking with
him his collection of precious volumes.
There he worked hard by day, and read and studied at night. Recollecting
his father’s favourite proverb, “Seest thou a man diligent in his
calling, he shall stand before Kings,” Franklin saved his money, and
worked early and late.