Decease of General Jackson; Admission of Texas; Division of_Great Events in the History of North and South America

[Illustration]

GREAT EVENTS

THE HISTORY

NORTH AND SOUTH AMERICA;

FROM THE ALLEGED

DISCOVERY OF THE CONTINENT,

BY THE NORTHMEN, IN THE TENTH CENTURY,

THE PRESENT TIME;

WITH BIOGRAPHICAL SKETCHES OF EMINENT MEN CONNECTED WITH

AMERICAN HISTORY.

BY CHARLES A. GOODRICH,

AUTHOR OF "UNITED STATES' HISTORY," "LIVES OF THE SIGNERS OF THE

DECLARATION OF AMERICAN INDEPENDENCE," &c., &c.

ILLUSTRATED WITH UPWARDS OF TWO HUNDRED ENGRAVINGS,

CHIEFLY FROM ORIGINAL DESIGNS, BY EMINENT ARTISTS.

HARTFORD:

PUBLISHED BY HOUSE & BROWN

1851.

ENTERED, ACCORDING TO ACT OF CONGRESS, IN THE YEAR 1849, BY

CHARLES A. GOODRICH,

IN THE CLERK'S OFFICE OF THE DISTRICT COURT OF CONNECTICUT.

FOUNDRY OF

S. ANDRUS AND SON,

HARTFORD.

PRESS OF

WALTER S. WILLIAMS,

HARTFORD.

PREFACE.

The plan of the following work, whatever may be thought of its

execution, will commend itself, it is believed, to the taste and

judgment of the public. It proceeds upon the principle of _selection_,

being chiefly confined to the _Great Events_ of American History, and

which are treated of as _distinct subjects_. In these respects, the

work differs from other historical works on the same subject.

The advantages of a work thus constructed, are too obvious to need

specification. Yet, it may be remarked, that great events in history

are like great objects in nature and art. It is the bolder features of

a country--the more costly and imposing edifices of the city--the

higher and more elaborate achievements of art--upon which we delight

to dwell. In like manner, great events attract our attention and

interest our minds, because of their relations--because of the higher

qualities of mind which, perhaps, gave them birth, and the striking

and lasting changes which grow out of them. They serve as landmarks in

our drift down the stream of time. We date from them. We refer to

them. We measure between them. We compare them one with another--their

causes, progress, influences; and, in so doing, our knowledge of men

and things is advanced--our false opinions are corrected--our topics

for interesting and profitable speculation and reflection greatly

multiplied. A thorough perusal of a work thus constructed will secure,

it is believed, a more competent and permanent knowledge of the

history of a country, than some half-dozen readings of that history,

written on the ordinary plan.

The principle of selection will render the work the more valuable to

certain classes of persons--to those who, desirous of a competent

knowledge of the history of their country, have but a limited time to

devote to the study of it; to the young, whose minds are apt to become

wearied and perplexed with the number and details of minor events; and

to those who wish to refresh their recollections, without the labor

and loss of time incident to the perusal of works constructed on the

common plan. Each of these classes will find their interests consulted

in the work before them, while the general reader may profitably

proceed from the perusal of such a volume to those which describe

events and details more minutely.

In regard to what constitute the 'Great Events of American History,'

there may be some diversity of opinion. As to _his_ selection, the

author has not the vanity to suppose that it is the best that could be

made. The journey has been a long one; and surely, it were not strange,

if some events had been magnified into an undue importance; while those

of perhaps even higher consideration were neglected, either for want of

a better judgment, or for want of more serious reflection.

In the progress of the work, the author has endeavored to do justice

to the original settlers of the United States, and their immediate

descendants, by bringing into view their constant sense of their

dependence upon God. It will be seen that our forefathers were men who

feared God--who sought his blessing in all their great enterprises;

and when success crowned those enterprises, that they were ready to

acknowledge His good hand which had been with them. In seasons of

darkness, they fasted and prayed: in seasons of prosperity, they

rejoiced and gave thanks.

In these respects, our ancestors did, indeed, only their duty; but, it

may well be urged upon the rising generation, which will soon take the

management of the affairs of this already-mighty nation--and which is

growing in population, wealth, and importance, every year--to imitate

an example so just! so beautiful! so impressive!

The author has briefly to add, that the work was begun some years since;

but, until now, he has found no opportunity to complete it; nor should

he, even at this date, have had that pleasure, but for the important aid

of a highly valued literary friend, long favorably known to the public,

Rev. ROYAL ROBBINS, of Berlin, Ct., to whom, in this place, he is happy

to make his acknowledgments for valuable portions of the volume.

[Illustration]

CONTENTS.

NORTH AMERICA.--UNITED STATES.

PAGE.

INTRODUCTION, 13

I.--EARLY DISCOVERIES.

I. _Northmen._--Claims for the Northmen; Voyages of Biarne, Leif,

Thorwald, Thorfinn, Helge, and Finnboge, 19

II. _Columbus._--Birth and Education of Columbus; Unsuccessful

application to several European Courts; Patronized by

Isabella; Sails from Palos; Early Discontent of his Crew;

Expedients by which they are quieted; Discovery of Land; First

appearance of the Natives; Cuba and Hispaniola discovered;

Columbus sets sail on his Return; Incidents of the Voyage;

Marks of consideration bestowed upon him; Second Voyage;

Further Discoveries; Complaints against him; Third Voyage;

Discovery of the Continent; Persecuted by Enemies; Sent home

in Chains; Kindness of Isabella; Fourth Voyage; Return and

Death, 26

III. _Sebastian Cabot._--Discovery of the North American Continent

by Sebastian Cabot, 45

II.--EARLY SETTLEMENTS.

I. VIRGINIA, OR SOUTHERN COLONY.

Unsuccessful Attempts to settle America; Expeditions of Sir

Humphrey Gilbert; Sir Walter Raleigh; Sir Richard Grenville;

Sir John White; First Permanent Settlement at Jamestown;

Colonists early in Want; Dissensions in their Councils;

Hostility of the Indians; Capture of Captain Smith; Generous

Conduct of Pocahontas; Gloomy Condition of the Colony; Timely

arrival of Assistance; Returning Prosperity; Establishment of

a Provisional Government; Introduction of Negro Slavery; Cruel

Massacre of the Colonists, 48

II. NEW ENGLAND, OR NORTHERN SETTLEMENTS.

Plymouth; Massachusetts; Connecticut; New Haven; New Hampshire;

Rhode Island; Maine; Vermont--Character of the Early

Settlers, 61

III. MIDDLE AND SOUTHERN SETTLEMENTS.

New York; New Jersey; Delaware; Maryland; N. Carolina; S.

Carolina; Georgia; Pennsylvania, 96

III.--INDIANS: THEIR TRIBES AND WARS.

I. INDIAN TRIBES.

General Division; Tribes in the Central and Southern parts of New

England; Tribes in the Northern parts; East of Lake Erie and

South of Lake Ontario; Southern Tribes, 104

II. ORIGIN OF THE AMERICAN INDIANS.

Various Speculations on the subject; Opinions of Voltaire, of Rev.

Thos. Thorowgood, Dr. Boudinot, Roger Williams, Hubbard, Thos.

Morton, John Josselin, Cotton Mather, Dr. Mitchell, Dr.

Swinton, 109

III. VIRGINIA INDIAN WARS.

Early Troubles of the English with the Indians; Power and Cruelty

of Powhatan; his apparent Friendship for the Colonists;

Treacherous Conduct; Kindness of Pocahontas; Inhuman Conduct

of Lord De la War; Captivity of Pocahontas; Cruel Massacre of

the Whites; Opecancanough; Troubles with Totopotomoi; Anecdote

of Jack-of-the-feather, 113

IV. PLYMOUTH COLONY AND THE INDIANS.

Early Rencontre at Plymouth; Friendly Intercourse established by

means of Samoset; Kindness of Squanto; Intercourse with

Massasoit; Contemplated Massacre defeated; Caunbitant;

Hobomok, 125

V. ENGLISH AND NARRAGANSETS.

Territory of the Narragansets; Canonicus their Sachem; his mode of

Challenging the English to War; Union proposed between the

Pequods and Narragansets; how Defeated; Haughty Bearing of

Miantonimoh; Accused of a Conspiracy against the English;

Accusations repelled; Peace concluded between him and

Massachusetts; War between Uncas and Miantonimoh; the latter

captured, and delivered to the English; how disposed of;

Character of Uncas; Troubles with the Narragansets under

Ninigret; Expedition against him; its Issue, 142

VI. PEQUOD WAR.

Territory of the Pequods; their Character; Sassacus; his Hatred of

the English; Cruelties practiced towards them; War declared by

Connecticut; Expedition of Captain Mason; Surprise and

Destruction of the Fort; Further Prosecution of the War;

Consequences resulting from it, 153

VII. PHILIP'S WAR.

Causes of Philip's War; Character of Philip; General Spirit of

Hostility among the Indians; Outbreak at Swansey; Expedition

under General Savage; Expedition under Captain Church;

Perilous Situation of this latter party; Timely Arrival of

Captain Hutchinson; Second Expedition of Captain Church;

Critical Situation of Philip; Effects his Escape; Annoys the

Back Settlements of Massachusetts; Treachery of the Nipmucks;

Attack on Brookfield; Bloody Affair at Muddy Brook; Attack on

Springfield; Attack on Hatfield; Outrages at Northampton;

Large Force raised by Massachusetts, Plymouth, and

Connecticut, against the Narragansets; Philip's Fortress at

Kingston, Rhode Island; Destruction of it; Lancaster

destroyed; other Towns burned; Fatal Affair at Pawtuxet river,

Rhode Island; Stratagem of Cape Cod Indians; Attacks on

Rehoboth, Chelmsford, Sudbury, &c.; Expedition of Connecticut

troops; Conanchet captured; Long Meadow attacked; Hadley;

Fortunes of Philip on the wane; Successful Expedition at

Connecticut-river Falls; Attack on Hatfield; on Hadley;

Remarkable Interposition of a Stranger at Hadley, supposed to

be Goffe; Decline of Philip's Power; Pursued by Captain

Church; Death of Philip; Disastrous Effects of the War;

Philip's Warriors; Annawon; Reflections, 161

VIII. WAR OF WILLIAM III.

Combination of French and Indians against the Americans; Burning

of Schenectady; Cause of it; Horrors attending it; Attack upon

Salmon Falls and upon Casco; Results of Expeditions fitted out

by New York and New England; Reduction of Port Royal;

Atrocities which marked the War; Attack on Haverhill,

Massachusetts; Heroic Conduct of Mrs. Dustan; Peace, 190

IX. QUEEN ANNE'S WAR.

Principal Scenes of this War in America; Attack upon Deerfield;

Captivity and Sufferings of Rev. Mr. Williams; Other Disasters

of the War; Peace; Death of Queen Anne; Accession of George

I.; Continued Sufferings of the Colonies of Massachusetts and

New Hampshire; Peace concluded with the Indians at Boston, 200

X. WAR OF GEORGE II.

War between England and France, 1744; French take Casco; Effect of

this Declaration of War upon the Indians; Attack upon the

Great Meadows (now Putney); also, upon Ashuelot (now Keene);

Expedition against Louisburg; Particulars of it; Surrender of

it; Continuance of the War; Various places assaulted; Savage

Barbarities following the surrender of Fort Massachusetts;

Peace declared, 208

XI. FRENCH AND INDIAN WAR.

Declaration of War between England and France; Causes of the War;

Mode of conducting it; Various Expeditions planned; Nova

Scotia taken from the French; General Braddock's Signal

Defeat; Failure of Expeditions against Niagara and Fort

Frontenac; Expedition against Crown Point; Battle of Lake

George; Campaign of 1756; Inefficiency of Lord Loudon; Loss of

Fort Oswego; Indian Atrocities in Pennsylvania; Campaign of

1757; Massacre at Fort William Henry; Exploits of Colonel

Trye; Captain John Burke and others; Campaign of 1758; Capture

of Louisburg; Unsuccessful Expedition against Ticonderoga;

Capture of Fort Frontenac; Fort du Quesne taken; Campaign of

1759; Ticonderoga and Crown Point taken; Niagara captured;

Siege and Capture of Quebec; Death of Wolfe and Montcalm;

Final Surrender of the French Possessions in Canada to the

English; Peace of Paris, 214

IV.--REVOLUTION.

I. CAUSES OF THE REVOLUTION.

Objects proposed in the Settlement of America; Forms of Government

conducive to Independence; Influence of Expenses; Colonies

obliged to defend themselves, and to defray the Expenses of

their own Wars and those of the Mother-country; British system

of Taxation commenced; Writs of Assistance; Stamp Act;

Formidable Opposition to it; Non-importation Act; Arrival of

British Forces; Boston Massacre; Destruction of the Gaspee;

Destruction of Tea; Boston Port Bill; Arrival of General Gage;

his Obnoxious Measures; Meeting of Congress; Preparations for

War; Obstinacy of the King and Parliament; Crisis arrives;

Determination of the Colonists, 238

II. EVENTS OF THE REVOLUTION.

I. _Battle of Lexington._--Cause or Occasion of the Battle;

British Detachment proceeds towards Concord; Reaches

Lexington; First Blood shed; Hancock and Adams; Captain

Wheeler and the British Officer; Stores destroyed; the British

harassed by the Americans; Retreat from Concord; Effect of

this affair upon the Country; Proceedings of the Massachusetts

Provincial Congress, 266

II. _Battle of Bunker's Hill._--American Patriotism; American and

British Forces; Fortification of Bunker's Hill; Attacked by

British Ships; Asa Pollard, the First Martyr; Preparations of

the British; Warren; Prescott's Injunction to his Troops;

British repulsed with terrible slaughter; Second Attack;

Charlestown set on fire at the same time; Second Repulse;

Putnam and Major Small; Death of Colonel Gardiner; Thrilling

Incident; Third Advance of the British; Death of Major

Pitcairn; Americans in want of Ammunition; Retreat; Death of

Warren; Respective Losses; Results of the Battle, 274

III. _Washington, Commander-in-Chief._--Effects of the Battle of

Bunker's Hill; Meeting of Congress; Appointment of a

Commander-in-Chief proposed; Difficulties in regard to a

Selection; Claims of Individuals; Interview between John and

Samuel Adams; Speech of the former; Washington Nominated;

Unanimously Confirmed; Manifesto of Congress; Public Fast, 291

IV. _Evacuation of Boston._--General Officers appointed;

Washington repairs to Cambridge; State of the Army; Great Want

of Gunpowder; Sickness in the Camp; Dorchester Heights

fortified; Proposal of the British General to attack the

American Intrenchments; Alters his plan, and evacuates Boston;

Embarkation of the British; Washington enters the city, 299

V. _Independence Declared._--Independence begun to be

contemplated; Causes which increased a desire for such an

event; Question of a Declaration of Independence enters the

Colonial Assemblies; Introduced to Congress by Richard Henry

Lee; Debated; State of Parties in respect to it; Measures

adopted to secure a favorable vote; Question taken, and

Declaration adopted; Signed; the Great Act of the Revolution;

its Influence immediately perceptible; Character of the

Signers; the Fourth of July, a time-honored and glorious day;

How it should be celebrated, 310

VI. _Attack on Sullivan's Island._--Invasion of Southern Colonies

proposed; Expedition dispatched; Charleston its first Object;

Proceedings of its Citizens; Sullivan's island Fortified;

Arrival of General Lee; his Opinion of Fort Moultrie; British

Fleet arrives; Preliminary Movements; Fort Moultrie attacked;

Remarkable Defence; Action described; Heroic Conduct of

Sergeant Jasper; Repulse of the British; Respective Losses;

Liberality of Governor Rutledge; Standards presented by Mrs.

Elliot; Death of Jasper, 322

VII. _Military Reverses: Loss of New York._--British take

possession of Staten Island; Strongly reinforced; State of the

American Army; New York and Brooklyn occupied; Battle of

Brooklyn; Americans repulsed; Long Island abandoned;

Remarkable retreat; Gloomy State of the American Army;

Washington retreats to Harlem; Movements of the British;

Washington retires to White Plains; Loss of Fort Washington;

American Army pursued; Retreats successively to New Brunswick,

Princeton, and Trenton; thence to the Pennsylvania side of the

Delaware; British go into Winter-quarters; Capture of General

Lee; Prevalent Spirit of Despondency, 338

VIII. _Returning Prosperity: Battles of Trenton and

Princeton._--Reliance of the Patriots upon God for Success;

Public Fast recommended by Congress; Offensive Operations

decided upon; Battle of Trenton; Washington victorious; Battle

of Princeton; British repulsed; American Army at Morristown;

British at Brunswick; Prospects brightening, 344

IX. _Occupation of Philadelphia._--Position of the Armies; British

remove to New York; Sail for the Chesapeake; Advance towards

Philadelphia; American Army also move towards the same place;

Meet at Brandywine; Battle; Americans repulsed; British enter

Philadelphia; Congress retire to Lancaster; Battle of

Germantown; Americans retreat; Ineffectual Attempts to force

the British to evacuate Philadelphia, 353

X. _Surrender of Burgoyne._--British Project for securing the

command of the Hudson between New York and Albany; Intrusted

to Generals Howe and Burgoyne; the latter leaves Canada with a

strong Force; Invests and takes Crown Point and Ticonderoga;

Affair of Skenesborough; Fort Edward abandoned; Retreat of

Americans to Stillwater; Battle of Bennington; General Gates

supersedes General Schuyler; Critical position of Burgoyne; he

advances upon Saratoga; Battle; Battle of Stillwater; Burgoyne

retreats, pursued by Gates; Capitulates; Public

Rejoicings, 360

XI. _Progress of the War._--State of affairs in England; Treaty

with France; Movements in the British Parliament; Overtures to

Congress; Rejection of them; Battle of Monmouth; Disastrous

Retreat of General Lee; Fortunate Interposition of Washington;

his Rebuke of Lee; Tremendous Battle; Sufferings of the

Armies; Renewal of the Contest; Midnight Retreat of the

British army; Subsequent Trial and Dismission of General

Lee, 378

XII. _Treachery of Arnold._--The Vulture in the Hudson; Midnight

Adventure; Benedict Arnold; Repairs to Cambridge; Expedition

to Canada; Created a Brigadier-general; Grounds of Complaint;

Honorable Conduct in Connecticut; Appointed to the command at

Philadelphia; Charges preferred against him; Reprimanded by

Washington; Plots against his Country; Correspondence with Sir

H. Clinton; Appointed to the command of West Point; Interview

with Andre; Capture of Andre; Arrival of Washington; Escape of

Arnold; Developments of his Traitorous Intentions; Trial and

Condemnation of Andre; Subsequent Incidents in the life of

Arnold, 391

XIII. _Concluding Scenes of the Revolution._--Theatre of War

changed to the South; Siege of Savannah; Battle of Camden;

Battle of Cowpens; Retreat; Subsequent Movements; Battles of

Guilford, Kohkirk's Hill, Ninety-Six, and Eutaw Springs;

Yorktown; Treaty of Peace; Cessation of Hostilities; Army

disbanded; Departure of the British; Final Interview between

Washington and his Officers; Resigns his Commission; Retires

to Mount Vernon, 415

XIV. _Naval Operations._--State of the Naval Affairs of the

Colonies at the commencement of the Revolution; First Naval

Engagement; Measures adopted by Congress to provide a Naval

Armament; Naval Officers appointed; Vessels built; Flag

adopted; Success of American Privateering; Distinguished Naval

Officers; Character of Naval Commanders; Particular

Engagements:--Randolph and Yarmouth; Raleigh and Druid;

Sub-marine Warfare, Le Bon Homme Richard and Serapis; Trumbull

and Watt; Alliance, Atalanta, and Trepassey; Congress and

Savage, 450

XV. _Eminent Foreigners connected with the Revolution._--George

III. King of England; General Burgoyne, Sir Henry Clinton,

Colonel Barre, Charles Townshend, Lord Cornwallis, William

Pitt, Marquis of Bute, George Grenville, Duke of Grafton, Lord

North, Colonel Tarleton, Sir Peter Parker, Sir William

Meadows, Sir Guy Carlton, General Gage, Marquis of Rockingham,

Edmund Burke, Kosciusko, Pulaski, Baron de Kalb, Baron

Steuben, Count Rochambeau, Count D'Estaing, 488

V.--FEDERAL CONSTITUTION.

Original Governments of the Colonies; Union between them; Plan

proposed by Dr. Franklin; First Congress; Congress of '74;

Confederation; Defects of it; Convention of States proposed by

Virginia; Commissioners from five States meet at Annapolis;

Powers too limited to act; Recommend a General Convention of

States; Delegates appointed; Convention meets at Philadelphia;

Decides to form a new Constitution; Draft prepared, discussed,

and adopted; Speech of Doctor Franklin; Constitution signed;

Adopted by the several States; Amendments; States admitted

since the adoption; Remarks on the Constitution, 520

VI.--GEORGE WASHINGTON, PRESIDENT.

A System of Revenue; Regulation of Departments; Amendments of the

Constitution; Establishment of a Judiciary; Assumption of

Debts; Removal of the Seat of Government; National Bank;

Indian War; Re-election of Washington; Difficulties with

France; Insurrection in Pennsylvania; Jay's Treaty; Election

of Mr. Adams; Farewell Address, 542

VII.--JOHN ADAMS, PRESIDENT.

Difficulties with France; Treaty with that Power; Death of

Washington; Removal of the Seat of Government; Election of Mr.

Jefferson, 571

VIII.--THOMAS JEFFERSON, PRESIDENT.

Purchase of Louisiana; War with Tripoli; Murder of Hamilton;

Re-election of Jefferson; Conspiracy and Trial of Burr; Attack

on the Chesapeake; British Orders in Council; Milan Decree;

Embargo; Election of Mr. Madison; Difficulties between France

and England, 590

IX.--JAMES MADISON, PRESIDENT.

Battle of Tippecanoe; Early Session of Congress; Declaration of

War; Surrender of Hull; Capture of the Gurriere; Battle of

Queenstown; Capture of the Frolic; of the Macedonian; of the

Java; Battle of Frenchtown; Capture of the Peacock;

Re-election of Mr. Madison; Capture of York; Siege of Fort

Meigs; Capture of the Argus; Perry's Victory; Battle of the

Thames; Creek War; Battle of Chippewa and Bridgewater; Capture

of Washington City; Engagement on Lake Champlain; Battle of

New Orleans; Treaty of Ghent; Close of Mr. Madison's

Administration, 611

X.--JAMES MONROE, PRESIDENT.

Tour of the President; Admission of Missouri; Provision for

Indigent Officers, &c.; Re-election of Mr. Monroe; Seminole

War; Revision of the Tariff; Visit of Lafayette; Review of Mr.

Monroe's Administration; Election of Mr. Adams, 658

XI.--JOHN QUINCY ADAMS, PRESIDENT.

Controversy respecting the Creeks; Proposed Mission to Panama;

Internal Improvements; Fiftieth Anniversary of Independence;

"American System;" Election of General Jackson, 673

XII.--ANDREW JACKSON, PRESIDENT.

Condition of the Country; Georgia and the Cherokees; Public Lands;

National Bank; Internal Improvements; Indian Hostilities;

Discontents in South Carolina; Re-election of Andrew Jackson;

Removal of the Deposites; Death of Lafayette; Deposite Act;

Seminole War; Treasury Circular; Election of Mr. Van Buren;

Character of Jackson's Administration, 683

XIII.--MARTIN VAN BUREN, PRESIDENT.

Measures respecting Banks; Treasury Circular; Continuance of

Florida War; Internal Improvements; Public Expenses;

Difficulties in Maine; Border Troubles; Changes of Public

Opinion; Character of the Administration; Election of William

H. Harrison, 701

XIV.--WILLIAM HENRY HARRISON, PRESIDENT, 713

XV.--JOHN TYLER, PRESIDENT.

Extra Session of Congress; Relations with Great Britain;

Settlement of the North-eastern Boundary; Difficulties in

Rhode Island; Modification of the Tariff; Bunker's Hill

Monument; Treaties; Annexation of Texas; Presidential Canvass;

Character of Mr. Tyler's Administration, 715

XVI.--JAMES K. POLK, PRESIDENT.

Decease of General Jackson; Admission of Texas; Division of

Oregon; Mexican War; Siege of Fort Brown; Battle of Palo Alto;

Battle of Resaca de la Palma; Fall of Monterey; Battle of

Buena Vista; Capture of Vera Cruz; Cerro Gordo; Progress of

the Army; Occupation of Mexico; Treaty; California and its

Gold; Election of General Taylor, 725

XVII.--ZACHARY TAYLOR, PRESIDENT. 755

BRITISH AMERICA, 757

I. CANADA.

Discovery; Settlement; Capture of Quebec; Death of Champlain;

Religious Enterprises; War made by the Iroquois; Accessions to

the Colony; Progress of the Colony; Attempts of the English to

Conquer Canada; Condition of Canada in 1721 and 1722; General

Prosperity of the Colony; Refusal to join in the War of

American Independence; Consequences of American Independence

to Canada; Territorial Divisions and Constitution; Dissensions

after the close of the War of 1812; Disturbances and

Insurrections, 759

II. NOVA SCOTIA.

Limits; Conquest by the English; Settlement; Annexation to the

British Crown; Policy of England in relation to the Country;

Situation of the English Settlers; English Treatment of the

Acadians; State of the Province during the Wars of the United

States; Results of the War of 1812, 781

III. NEW BRUNSWICK.

Extent; Physical Aspect and Soil; Settlement and Progress; Signal

Calamity, 787

IV. PRINCE EDWARD'S ISLAND.

Location, Surface, and Climate; Early Settlers; Change of

Possession; Plans of Colonization; Character of late

Governors; Inhabitants, 790

V. NEWFOUNDLAND.

Location and Importance; Discovery and Settlement; French

Hostilities; Renewal of War; Change of Administration; Present

Condition, 793

VI. HUDSON'S BAY TERRITORY.

Extent; Discovery; Settlement; Contests with France; Present

State, 797

RUSSIAN AMERICA, 800

MEXICO.

Discovery; Condition, anterior to the Spanish Conquest; Invasion

by Cortez; Arrival of Cortez in the Mexican Capital;

Abdication of Montezuma; Retreat of Cortez, and Return; Fall

of the City and Empire; Fate of Cortez; Extent of New Spain;

Introduction of the Catholic Religion; Native Spanish

Population, under the Colonial Government; Classes of the

Inhabitants; Causes of the First Mexican Revolution;

Commencement of the Revolution; Continuation of the War by the

Patriot Chiefs; Decline of the Revolution; Invasion by Mina;

Revolution under Iturbide; Adoption of the Federal

Constitution; Prosperity of the years 1825 and 1826; Election

of President in 1828; Usurpation of Bustamente; Defence of the

Federal Constitution; Santa Anna's Proceedings; Establishment

of a Central Republic; Attempts against the Central

Government; Revolution of 1841; Overthrow of Santa Anna's

Government, 802

GUATEMALA.

Locality; Extent; Physical Character; Discovery and Conquest;

Independence of the Country, 830

SOUTH AMERICA.

I. NEW GRENADA.

Extent and Physical Features; Revolution of 1811; Formation of a

Constitution; Liberation of Quito; Crisis of 1828; Separation

of New Grenada, Venezuela, and Equator; State of the

Government since the Separation, 833

II. VENEZUELA.

Name, Physical Features, &c.; Discovery; State of the Country

under the Spanish Dominion; Termination of the Spanish

Dominion; Condition since, 837

III. EQUATOR.

Name, Extent, and Physical Character; Classes of the Inhabitants;

Subversion of the Spanish Authority; Condition since the

Spanish Rule, 841

IV. PERU.

Locality, Extent, and Physical Character; Condition at the time of

its Invasion by the Spaniards; Conquest by Pizarro; Condition

of the Country after the Conquest; Insurrection; Revolutionary

Movement; Declaration of Independence; Condition after the

Expulsion of the Spaniards, 845

V. BOLIVIA.

Name, Extent, and Physical Character; Overthrow of the Spanish

Power; Proclamation of Independence; Choice of Rulers under

the New Constitution; Present Condition, 855

VI. CHILI.

Extent, Physical Features, and Climate; Conquest by Almagro;

Revolution in the beginning of the Present Century; Final

Establishment of Independence; Subsequent Condition, 858

VII. BUENOS AYRES.

Name, &c.; Inhabitants, or Classes of People; Discovery and

Settlement; First Insurrection against the Government of

Spain; Progress and Changes of the New Government; Present

Condition of the Government, 863

VIII. URUGUAY.

Locality and Extent; Name and History; Constitution, 868

IX. BRAZIL.

Situation, Extent, &c.; Discovery and Settlement; Policy of the

Portuguese Government; Removal of the Portuguese Court to

Brazil; Constitution and Government, 870

X. PARAGUAY.

Situation, Extent, &c.; Insurrection and attempt at Revolution in

the latter part of the Eighteenth Century; Establishment of

Independence, and Despotic Government, 875

WEST INDIES.

Situation, Extent, &c.; Inhabitants; Political Divisions, 879

I. BRITISH WEST INDIES.

Jamaica, Trinidad, Barbadoes, Bahamas, St. Christopher, Bermudas,

and St. Vincent, 881

II. SPANISH WEST INDIES.

Cuba and Porto Rico, 885

III. FRENCH WEST INDIES.

Martinique and Guadaloupe, 887

IV. DUTCH WEST INDIES.

Curacoa, St. Eustatius, St. Martin, and Saba, 888

V. DANISH WEST INDIES.

St. Croix, St. John, and St. Thomas, 888

VI. INDEPENDENT ISLAND OF HAYTI.

Formerly called St. Domingo and Hispaniola, 888

APPENDIX.

XVII. ZACHARY TAYLOR. (_Continued from page_ 756.)

Proceedings in Congress; Death of Mr. Calhoun; Invasion of Cuba;

Convention with Great Britain; Death of Gen. Taylor, 902

XVIII. MILLARD FILLMORE, PRESIDENT.

Assumes the Government; Compromise Bill; Adjournment of

Congress, 911

ILLUSTRATIONS.

PAGE.

Time stopping in his Course, &c. 13

Tailpiece--Discovery of Newfoundland, 18

Columbus and Cabot, 19

Northmen leaving Iceland, 21

Discovery of Labrador, 22

Incident in the Camp of the Northmen, 24

Columbus, 26

Columbus before Ferdinand and Isabella, 30

Columbus sets sail, 32

First Sight of Land, 36

Columbus and Natives of Cuba, 38

Columbus casting a Barrel into the Sea, 39

Tailpiece--Prairie Scene, 44

Tailpiece--Columbus at Hispaniola, 47

Early Settlements, 48

Early Settlers trading with the Natives, 50

Captain Smith saved from death, 55

Landing of the Pilgrims, 66

Visit of Samoset to the English, 67

Interview with Massasoit, 68

Boston founded, 73

Settlers emigrating to Connecticut, 76

Hooker addressing the Soldiers, 79

Gallup finds Oldham murdered, 80

Portsmouth founded, 84

Tailpiece--Indian Council, 95

Surrendering of New Amsterdam, 97

Charles II. signing Charter for Penn, 101

Tailpiece--The Maple, 103

Indian Wars, 104

Tailpiece--Indian War Dance, 108

Tailpiece--Savage Barbarities, 112

Smith selling Blue Beads to Powhatan, 115

Pocahontas disclosing a Plot, 118

Opecancanough borne to a Massacre, 121

Tailpiece--Ship before the wind, 124

New England Indian Wars, 125

Governor Winslow's Visit to Massasoit, 134

Governor Bradford and the Snake-skin, 143

Captain Atherton threatens Ninigret, 149

Captain Mason attacking the Pequod Fort, 156

Tailpiece--Camanche Wigwam, 160

Philip's War, 161

Flight of Philip from Mount Hope, 163

Captain Church and his Men hemmed in, 164

Attack on Brookfield, 166

Battle of Muddy Brook, 168

Swamp Fight, 172

Indian Stratagem, 176

Fight near Sudbury, 177

Indians attacked at Connecticut-river Falls, 180

Defence of Hadley, 182

Philip's Escape, 184

Death of Philip, 185

Capture of Anawon, 188

Burning of Schenectady, 191

Mrs. Dustan saving her Children, 196

Escape of Mrs. Dustan, 197

Tailpiece--Round Tower at Rhode Island, 199

Capture of Mr. Williams, 202

Reduction of Louisburg, 211

Tailpiece--Boston Harbor discovered, 213

Braddock's Defeat, 219

Battle of Lake George, 222

Destruction of Kittaning, 224

Destruction of the village of St. Francis, 230

View of Quebec, 231

Death of Wolfe, 235

Tailpiece--Peruvian Canoe, &c. 237

The Revolution, 238

Otis in the Council-chamber, 246

Procession at Boston, 249

Attack on the Governor's House, 250

Burning of the Effigy of Governor Colden, 251

Arrival of the First Man-of-war at Boston, 253

Boston Massacre, 255

Burning of the Gaspee, 257

Destruction of Tea, 259

Patrick Henry, 262

Tailpiece--Falls of St. Anthony, 265

Events of the Revolution, 266

Battle of Lexington, 268

Captain Wheeler and the British Officer, 269

Retreat of the British from Concord, 271

Tailpiece--Source of the Passaic, 273

President Langdon at Prayer, 276

Death of Pollard, 277

General Putnam, 278

Interview between Warren and Putnam, 279

Putnam saves the life of Major Small, 284

Death of Colonel Gardiner, 286

Tailpiece--View of Boston, 290

Messengers spreading news, &c. 291

Tailpiece--Penn laying out Philadelphia, 298

Evacuation of Boston, 299

House at Cambridge occupied by Washington, 300

Fortifying Dorchester Heights, 305

Putnam reading Declaration of Independence, 310

John Hancock, 317

Sergeant Jasper re-planting the Flag, 328

Tailpiece--The Cotton-plant, 332

Battle of Trenton, 347

Tailpiece--Cortez landing at St. Juan d'Ulloa, 352

General Wayne, 355

Marquis Lafayette, 356

Tailpiece--Franklin in Council, 359

Destruction of Gallies, 363

Burgoyne's Advance, 366

Burgoyne's Retreat, 372

Tailpiece--View on the Hudson, 377

American Commissioners and Louis XVI. 379

Tailpiece--The Genius of Liberty, &c. 390

The Sloop-of-war Vulture, 391

Arnold's Expedition through the Wilderness, 393

General Lincoln, 394

Death of General Wooster, 396

Arnold and the British Soldier, 397

General Arnold, 398

Major Andre, 401

Interview of Arnold and Wife, 409

Tailpiece--Capture of Major Andre, 414

Jasper on the Ramparts, 419

Death of De Kalb, 425

Charge of Colonel Washington, 428

Battle of Yorktown, 440

Washington taking leave of the Army, 444

Washington embarking at Whitehall, 446

Tailpiece--American Flag, 449

Naval Operations, 450

First Naval Engagement of the Revolution, 452

Silas Deane, 454

Randolph and Yarmouth, 463

Raleigh and Druid, 465

Jones setting fire to Ships at Whitehaven, 470

Paul Jones, 472

Le Bon Homme Richard and Serapis, 473

Sinking of the Bon Homme Richard, 479

Tailpiece--Ship on her Beam-ends, 487

Sir Henry Clinton, 494

Colonel Barre, 495

Lord Chatham, 500

Charles James Fox, 503

George Grenville, 506

Sir Guy Carlton, 511

Edmund Burke, 513

Tailpiece--Lugger near Shore, 519

Governments, 520

Franklin, 534

Tailpiece--Natural Bridge, 541

George Washington, 542

Inauguration of Washington, 547

John Adams, 571

Tailpiece--New York, from the East river, 589

Thomas Jefferson, 590

Tailpiece--Basket of Flowers, 610

James Madison, 611

Tippecanoe, 615

Constitution and Java, 629

Perry's Victory, 638

Battle of the Thames, 639

Creek Chiefs surrendering to Gen. Jackson, 641

Battle of New Orleans, 652

James Monroe, 656

Reception of Monroe, 658

Attack on Lieutenant Scott's Boats, 663

Taking the Fort at Pensacola, 665

Landing of Lafayette at New York, 668

Lafayette laying Corner-stone, &c. 669

Lafayette at Washington's Tomb, 670

John Q. Adams, 673

Removal of the Creek Indians, 676

Tailpiece--Agricultural Emblem, 682

Andrew Jackson, 683

Martin Van Buren, 701

Burning of the Caroline, 709

William Henry Harrison, 713

John Tyler, 715

James K. Polk, 725

Surprise of Captain Thornton and his Party, 732

Charge of Captain May, 736

American Army in Vera Cruz, 744

Colonel Harney at Cerro Gordo, 746

Battle of Churubusco, 748

Army crossing the National Bridge, 751

Zachary Taylor, 755

British America, 757

Tailpiece--Indians Hunting in Skins, 758

Champlain's Interview with the Algonquins, 760

Extermination of the Hurons, 764

Death of Wolfe, 771

Tailpiece--Tampico, 780

Nova Scotia, 781

Destruction of the Acadians, 785

Newfoundland, 793

Tailpiece--Vessels in the Offing, 796

Tailpiece--Icebergs, 799

Tailpiece--Winter in Lapland, 801

Mexico, 802

Marina acting as Interpreter, 805

Cortez burning his Ships, 806

Meeting of Cortez and Montezuma, 807

Montezuma on his Throne, 808

Death of Montezuma, 809

Noche Triste, 811

Texans flying to Arms, 827

Guatemala, 830

Alvarado marching on Guatemala, 832

New Grenada, 833

Venezuela, 837

Equator, 841

Tailpiece--Peruvian Peasants, 844

Peru, 845

Hualpa discovers the Mine of Potosi, 846

Manco Capac and his Wife, 847

Valverde addressing Atahualpa, 848

Pizarro in Cusco, 850

Bolivia, 855

Tailpiece--Mexican Women making Bread, 857

Chili, 858

Almagro marching against Chili, 859

Tailpiece--Araucanian Men and Women, 862

Buenos Ayres, 863

Uruguay, 868

Brazil, 870

Alvarez Cabral discovers Brazil, 872

Paraguay, 875

West Indies, 879

Millard Fillmore, 911

[Illustration]

INTRODUCTION

[Illustration: Time stopping in his course to read the Inscription

carved by the Muse of History.]

If it be remarkable that the Western Continent should have remained

unknown for so many centuries to civilized man, it is, perhaps, still

more remarkable that since its discovery and settlement, it should

have become the theatre of so many signal transactions, and have

advanced so rapidly to its present civil, religious, and political

importance. The history of every portion of it is interesting and

instructive; but more especially that portion occupied by the people

of the United States. A great work is in progress throughout the

entire continent; but the importance of the American Republic, with

which our fortunes are more immediately connected, is becoming

apparent with each revolving year. While, therefore, we propose to

make an historical survey of the several countries both of North and

South America, we shall dwell with greater particularity upon the

events which have signalized our own republican America. If not from

her present population, which, though increasing by a wonderful

progression, is still, in point of numbers, inferior to many other

nations; yet, from her wealth, her enterprise, her commercial and

political relations, she is entitled to rank among the most powerful

and influential nations on the globe. The eyes of the civilized world

are upon her; and with wonder, if not with jealousy, do they mark her

rapid and surprising advancement.

The _history_ of such a people must be full of interest. By what means

has her national elevation been maintained? But a little more than two

centuries have elapsed, since the first settlers planted themselves at

Jamestown, in Virginia, and the Pilgrim Fathers landed on Plymouth

Rock. They were then a feeble band. Before them lay a howling

wilderness. An inhospitable and intractable race rose up to oppose and

harass them. The means of living were stinted and uncertain. Famine

pressed upon them, and weakened them. The winters were cold and

piercing. Their habitations were rude and unprotective. Disease added

its sufferings and sorrows, and death hurried many of the few to an

untimely grave. Yet, amidst accumulated calamity, they gathered

strength and courage. Accessions from the mother-country were made to

their numbers. Other and distant stations were occupied. The forest

fell before them. Towns and villages rose in the wilderness, and

solitary places became glad. Savage tribes--after years of terror,

massacre, and bloodshed--retired, leaving the colonists to the

peaceful occupancy of the land, in all its length and breadth.

But they were still a dependant people--subject to the laws,

exactions, and oppressions of a proud and arbitrary foreign

government. That government, jealous of their growing importance,

adopted measures to check their aspirations, and to extend and

perpetuate the prerogatives of the crown. But it was impossible that a

people, sprung from the loins of fathers whose courage and enterprise

had been matured by years of conflict, should be either crushed, or

long thwarted in their plans. Oppressions served rather to strengthen

them; threats prompted to resolution, and served to inspire

confidence. And, at length, they arose to the assertion and

maintenance of their rights. They entered the field; and for years,

with all the fortunes of war apparently against them, they grappled

successfully with the colossal power of the British empire--thwarted

her counsels--conquered her armies--established their independence.

But a little more than seventy years has America been free from the

British yoke; yet, in that brief period, her advancement has

outstripped all the predictions of the most sanguine statesmen. With

but three millions of people, she entered the Revolutionary contest;

she now numbers more than twenty millions. Instead of thirteen

colonies, she embraces thirty free and independent states. Meanwhile,

she has continued to gather national strength and national importance.

Her wealth is rolling up, while her moral power is becoming the

admiration of the world.

These attainments, too, she has made amid convulsions and revolutions,

which have shaken the proudest empires, and spread desolation over

some of the fairest portions of the globe. On every side are the

evidences of her advancement. Genius and industry are creating and

rolling forward with amazing power and rapidity the means of national

wealth and aggrandizement. An enterprising, ardent, restless

population are spreading over our western wilds, and our cities are

now the creations almost of a day.

But by what means has this national elevation and prosperity been

attained? Shall we ascribe them to the wise, sagacious, and patriotic

men, who guided our councils and led our armies? Shall we offer our

homage and gratitude to WASHINGTON, FRANKLIN, ADAMS, OTIS, HENRY,

JEFFERSON, and a multitude of others, who periled fortune, liberty,

life itself, to achieve our independence, and lay the foundation of

our country's glory?

Let us do them honor; and a nation's honor and gratitude will be

accorded to them, so long as the recorded history of their noble

achievements shall last.

Theirs is no vulgar sepulchre: green sods

Are all their monument; and, yet, it tells

A nobler history than pillar'd pile,

Or the eternal pyramid. They need

No statue, nor inscription, to reveal

Their greatness.

But, while merited honor is paid to the sages and heroes of the

Revolution, and to the Pilgrim Fathers of an earlier age, let not the

hand of Providence be overlooked or disregarded.

On this point, the Puritans have left a noble example to their

posterity. The supplication of the smiles and blessings of a

superintending Providence preceded and accompanied all their plans and

all their enterprises. "God was their king; and they regarded him as

truly and literally so, as if he had dwelt in a visible palace in the

midst of their state. They were his devoted, resolute, humble

subjects; they undertook nothing which they did not beg of him to

prosper; they accomplished nothing without rendering to him the

praise; they suffered nothing without carrying up their sorrows to his

throne; they ate nothing which they did not implore him to bless." Nor

were the actors in the Revolutionary struggle insensible to the

necessity of the Divine blessing upon their counsels and efforts.

Washington, as well at the head of his army as in the retirement of

his closet, or amid some secluded spot in the field, looked up for the

blessing of the God of battles. That also was a beautiful recognition

of a superintending Providence, which Franklin made in the Convention,

which, subsequent to the Revolution, framed the Constitution. "I have

lived, sir, a long time," said he; "and the longer I live, the more

convincing proof I see of this truth, that _God governs in the affairs

of men_. And if a sparrow cannot fall to the ground without his

notice, is it probable that an empire can rise without his aid?"

Let it be remembered by the American people--by men who fill her

councils--by historians who write her history--by the young, who are

coming up to the possession of the rich inheritance, that whatever human

agencies were employed in the discovery, settlement, independence, and

prosperity of these states, the "good hand of God has been over and

around us," and has given to us this goodly land, with its religious

institutions--its free government--its unwonted prosperity.

Let not the historian, who writes--especially if he writes for the

_young_--be thought to travel out of his appropriate sphere, in an

effort to imbue the rising generation with somewhat of the religious

spirit of the fathers--to lead them to recognise the Divine government,

in respect to nations as well as individuals--to impress upon them that

sentiment of the "Father of his country," as just as impressive, viz:

"Of all the dispositions and habits which lead to political prosperity,

religion and morality are indispensable supports."

"When the children of the Pilgrims forget that Being who was the

Pilgrims guide and deliverer"--should they ever be so faulty and

unfortunate--when the descendants of the Puritans cease to

acknowledge, and obey, and love that Being, for whose service the

Puritans forsook all that men chiefly love, enduring scorn and

reproach, exile and poverty, and finding at last a superabundant

reward; when the sons of a religious and holy ancestry fall away from

its high communion, and join themselves to the assemblies of the

profane, they have forfeited the dear blessings of their inheritance;

and they deserve to be cast out from this fair land, without even a

wilderness for their refuge. No! let us still keep the ark of God in

the midst of us; let us adopt the prayer of the wise monarch of

Israel: "The Lord our God be with us, as he was with our fathers; let

him not leave us nor forsake us; that he may incline our hearts unto

him, to walk in all his ways, and to keep his commandments and his

statutes and his judgments, which he commanded our fathers."

Such a regard for God--his laws--his institutions, and his service, is

obligatory upon the present generation, aside from those blessings which

may be justly anticipated as the reward of such reverence and obedience.

It is due to the memory of the Pilgrim Fathers. Never can we so worthily

and appropriately honor them, as to cherish the pious sentiments which

they cherished, and perpetuate the civil and religious institutions

which they founded.--It is due to the generation of our Revolutionary

era, which, impressed with a sense of the value of the inheritance

transmitted to them, periled life and fortune that they might transmit

that inheritance in all its fullness and in all its richness to their

posterity. We are the children of patriot heroes, who prayed and then

fought, and fought and then prayed.--It is due to ourselves, as we would

secure the admiration and gratitude of the generations which are to

God, are to spread over and occupy the vast territory which now

constitutes the American republic.

Those generations! I see them rising and spreading abroad, as future

years roll on! What shall be their character--their regard for civil

and religious liberty--their peace, order, happiness, and prosperity,

may depend upon the example which we set, and the principles which we

inculcate. We are living and acting not only for the present, but for

the future. We are making impressions for all time to come. If, then,

our history for the future shall be as our history past--filled up

with divine blessings, and signal providential interpositions--if the

noble work begun, centuries since, is to go on--if the "fullest

liberty and the purest religion" are to prevail as time rolls on--if

this vast continent is to be inhabited by enlightened and happy

millions--we, who are now on the stage of action, must imitate the

example of that pilgrim band, which first landed on Plymouth Rock.

Under the influence of such an example transmitted from generation to

generation, we may hope that our beloved country will ultimately

become, if she is not already,

"The queen of the world, and the child of the skies."