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HARPER'S ENCYCLOPEDIA

UNITED STATES HISTORY

From 458 a.d. to 1906

BASED UPON THE PLAN OF

BENSON JOHN LOSSING, LL.D.

SOMETIME EDITOR OF " THE AMERICAN HISTORICAL RECORD " AND AUTHOR OF
" THE PICTORIAL FIELD-BOOK OF THE REVOLUTION" "THE PICTORIAL FIELD-
BOOK OF THE WAR OF l8l2" ETC., ETC., ETC.

WITH SPECIAL CONTRIBUTIONS COVERING EVERY PHASE OF AMERICAN HISTORY AND
DEVELOPMENT BY EMINENT AUTHORITIES, INCLUDING

JOHN FISKE.

THE AMERICAN HISTORIAN

WM. R. HARPER, Ph.D., LL.D., D.D.

PRESIDENT OF THE UNIVERSITY OF CHICAGO

ALBERT BUSHNELL HART, Ph.D.

PROF. OF HISTORY AT HARVARD

JOHN B. MOORE.

PROF. OF INTERNATIONAL LAW AT COLUMBIA

JOHN FRYER, A.M., LL.D.

PROF. OF LITERATURE AT UNIV. OF CALIFORNIA

WILLIAM T. HARRIS, Ph.D., LL.D.

V. S. COMMISSIONER OF EDUCATION

WOODROW WILSON, Ph.D., LL.D.

PRESIDENT OF PRINCETON UNIVERSITY

GOLDWIN SMITH, D.C.L., LL.D.

PROF. OF HISTOR Y UNIV. OF TORONTO

MOSES COIT TYLER, LL.D.

PROF. OF HISTORY AT CORNELL

EDWARD G. BOURNE, Ph.D.

PROF. OF HISTORY AT YALE

R. J. H. GOTTHEIL, Ph.D.

PROF. OF SEMITIC LANGUAGES AT COLUMBIA

ALFRED T. MAHAN, D.C.L., LL.D.

CAPTAIN UNITED STATES NAVY (Retirest>

ETC., ETC., ETC., ETC.
WITH A PREFACE ON THE STUDY OF AMERICAN HISTORY BY

WOODROW WILSON, Ph.D., LL.D.

PRESIDENT OF PRINCETON UNIVERSITY

AUTHOR OF

" A HISTORY OF THE AMERICAN PEOPLE,"' ETC., ETC.

WITH ORIGINAL DOCUMENTS, PORTRAITS, MAPS,PLANS,&l

COMPLETE IN TEN VOLUMES
VOL. X

HARPER & BROTHERS PUBLISHERS
NEW YORK - 1907 = LONDON

All rights rcscrvtd,

LIST OF PLATES

President George Washington 'Frontispiece

President Martin Van Buren Facing page 8

The Inauguration of Washington " " 160

Major-General Anthony Wayne " "250

The White House . . : " " 342

The Surrender of Cornwallis at Yorktown . . " . " 480

HARPERS' ENCYCLOPEDIA

UNITED STATES HISTORY

Vail, Alfsed, inventor; born in Mor- party in 1901. He wrote Modern Social-
ristown, N. J., Sept. 25, 1807; graduated ism; Socialism: What It Is and What It
at the University of the City of New 7s Not; The Trust Question, etc.
York in 1837; became interested in the Vail, Stephen, manufacturer; born
experiments of Prof. Samuel F. B. Morse near Morristown, N. J., June 28, 1780;
{q. v.), whom he greatly aided in the per- received a common school education; be-
fection of the telegraph. In 1837 he con- came owner of the Speedwell iron works
structed a miniature telegraph line on near Morristown, N. J., in 1804, where
the plan of Morse's invention, which was the engine of the Savannah, the first
pronounced practicable by a committee steamship that crossed the Atlantic, was
of Congress in 1838. On May 1, 1844, he built. He contributed money to aid Pro-
received from Annapolis the first news fessor Morse in the construction of the
message sent over telegraph wires. His electric telegraph, and the first practical
inventions include the lever and grooved exhibition of the new invention was made
roller; the alphabetical application of the at his works. He died in Morristown,
Morse dot-and : dash system; the first com- N. J., June 12, 1864.
bination of the horizontal lever to move Vail, Stephen Montfobd, clergyman;
a pencil, pen, or stylus ; a telegraphic born in Union Dale, Westchester co., N. Y.,
alphabet of dots, spaces, and dashes; and Jan. 10, 1818; graduated at Bowdoin
the finger-key. He also invented a print- College in 1838, and at the Union Theo-
ing telegraph, but took out no patent, logical Seminary in 1842; began to preach
He was assistant superintendent of the in the Methodist Episcopal Church and)
first telegraph line built. He published founded the first church of that denomi-
The American Electro-Magnetic Telegraph, nation in Brunswick, Me.; was Professor
He died in Morristown, N. J., Jan. 18, of Languages in Amenia Seminary in
1859. 1843; held pastorates in Fishkill, N. Y.,

Vail, Charles H., clergyman; born in Sharon, Conn., and Pine Plains, N. Y.;

Tully, N. Y., April 28, 1866; received a Professor of Oriental Languages in the

common school education; studied music General Biblical Institute of the Metho-

in New York and taught; graduated dist Episcopal Church, Concord, N. H,

at St. Lawrence University, Canton, in in 1849; and became United States con-

1892; and later studied theology. He sul for Rhenish Bavaria in 1869. He

was pastor of All Saints' Church, Albany, wrote for the Methodist press; and pub-

N. Y., in 1893-94; and of the First Uni- lished essays on slavery and church

versalist Church, Jersey City, N. J., in polity. He died in Jersey City, N. J.,

1894-1901; was nominated for governor Nov. 26, 1880.

of New Jersey by the Social Democratic Vale, Gilbert, author; born in London,
X.— A J

VALE-BLAKE— VALLEY EORGE

England, in 1788; received a classical edu-
cation; came to the United States in 1829;
engaged in literary work in New York and
Brooklyn; editor of the Citizen and of the
World for several years, and later of the
Beacon, a scientific and literary journal;
invented a combined celestial sphere and
terrestrial globe as a model for instruc-
tion in astronomy. His publications in-
clude Fanaticism, Its Source and Influ-
ence; and the Life of Thomas Paine. He
died in Brooklyn, N. Y., Aug. 17, 1866.

Vale-Blake, Euphemia, author; born
in Eye, Sussex, England, May 7, 182.4;
came to the United States early in life;
received a private education; and mar-
ried Daniel S. Blake in 1863. She wrote
History of Newbury port, Mass.; Arctic
Experiences, etc.

Valentine, David Thomas, historian;
born in East Chester, N. Y., Sept. 15,
1801; received an academic education; re-
moved to New York City in 1817; ap-
pointed clerk to the marine court in 1823 ;
was deputy clerk to the common council
in 1831-37; published an annual Manual
of the Corporation and Common Council
of New York in 1842-67, which is highly
prized for its historical collections. He
also wrote a History of New York (2
volumes). He died in New York City,
Feb. 25, 1869.

Valentine, Edward Virginius, sculp-
tor; born in Richmond, Va., Nov. 12,
1838; received a private education;
studied drawing and modelling in Rich-
mond and went to Paris for further study
in 1859. On his return to the United
States he opened a studio in Richmond
and exhibited a statuette of Robert E.
Lee. Among his works are portrait
busts of General Beauregard, Gen. James
E. B. Stuart, " Stonewall " Jackson,
Edwin Booth, and a marble figure of Gen.
Robert E. Lee, in the mausoleum of the
Memorial Chapel in Washington and
Lee University.

Vallandignam, Clement Laird, legis-
lator; born in New Lisbon, 0., July 29,
1820; was of Huguenot descent; studied
at Jefferson College, Ohio; was principal
of an academy at Snow Hill, Md.; and
was admitted to the bar in 1842. In 1845-
46 he was a member of the State legislat-
ure, and for ten years afterwards edited
the Dayton Empire. An earnest Democratic

politician, he was sent to Congress in
1857, in which body he was active until
1863, opposing all war measures of the
government, and openly showing sym-
pathy with the Confederates. His utter-
ances proclaiming him to be an enemy of
his country, he was arrested at his own
house, near Dayton, May 4, 1863, under a
military order, on a charge of " treason-
able conduct." He was tried by a court-
martial at Cincinnati, convicted, and sen-
tenced to close confinement in a fortress
for the remainder of the war. This sen-
tence was modified by President Lincoln,
who directed him to be sent within the
Confederate lines, and, in the event of his
returning without leave, to suffer the

CLEMENT L. VALLANDIGHAM.

penalty prescribed by the court. On his
release he went to Canada, and while there
was the Democratic candidate for governor
of Ohio in 1863, but was defeated by John
Brough by 100,000 majority. He was
permitted to return to his home, and was
a member of the national Democratic con-
ventions in Chicago in 1864 and in New
York in 1868. While engaged in e suit in
court in Lebanon, O., he was mortally
wounded by a pistol which he was handling
in explaining an alleged fact to the jury,
and died there, June 17, 1871.

Valley Forge. Washington's aimy en-
camped at Whitemarsh, in a beautiful
valley about 14 miles from Philadelphia,
where he remained until Dee. 11, 1777,
and proceeded with his half-clad, half-bars-

VALLEY FORGE

footed soldiers to Valley Forge, about 20 winding Schuylkill, they were encamped,
miles northward from Philadelphia. These with no shelter but rude log huts which
numbered about 11,000 men, of whom not they built themselves. The winter that en-
more than 7,000 were fit for field duty, sued was severe. The soldiers shivered with

WASHINGTON'S HEADQUARTERS AT VALLET FORGE.

The place was chosen because it was
farther from the danger of sudden attacks
from the foe, and where he might more
easily afford protection for the Congress
sitting at York. Blood-stains, made by
the lacerated feet of his barefooted sol-
diers, marked the line of their march to
Valley Forge. There, upon the slopes of
a narrow valley on the borders of the

cold and starved with hunger, and there
their genuine patriotism was fully tested.

The British under Howe had full pos-
session of Philadelphia and of the Dela-
ware below, and Pennsylvania was divided
among its people and in its legislature
by political factions. General uneasiness
prevailed; and when Washington sought
refuge at Valley Forge, the Pennsylvania

VAttEtf tOlL&S

legislature adopted a remonstrance against
that measure. To this cruel missive
Washington replied, after censuring the
quartermaster-general (Mifflin), a Penn-
sylvanian, for neglect of duty : " For the
want of a two-days supply of provisions,
an opportunity scarcely ever offered of
taking an advantage of the enemy that
has not been either totally obstructed or
greatly impeded. Men are confined in
hospitals or in farmers' houses for want
of shoes. We have this day [Dec. 23] no
less than 2,873 men in camp unfit for duty
because they are barefooted and other-
wise naked. Our whole strength in Con-
tinental troops amounts to no more than
8,200 in camp fit for duty." Since the 4th
inst., our numbers fit for duty, from hard-

ships and exposures, have decreased nearly
2,000 men. Numbers are still obliged to
sit all night by fires. Gentlemen repro-
bate going into winter-quarters as much
as if they thought the soldiers were made
of sticks or stones. I can assure those
gentlemen that it is a much easier and
less distressing thing to draw remon-
strances in a comfortable room by a good
fireside than to occupy a cold, bleak hill,
and sleep under frost and snow without
clothes or blankets. However, although
they seem to have little feeling for the
naked and distressed soldiers, I feel super-
abundantly for them; and from my soul
I pity those miseries which it is neither
in my power to relieve nor prevent."
At the same time the British army was

WASHINGTON'S PRIVATE OFFICE AT VALLBT FORGE.

VALLEY FORGE— VALVEBDE

OLD BRIDGE AT VALLEY FORGE.

made as weak by indulgence in the city
as were the American soldiers by physical
privations, and Franklin was justified in
saying, " Howe did not take Philadelphia ;
Philadelphia took Howe." At Valley
Forge Baron Steuben entered upon his
duties as inspector-general of the Conti-
nental army. There the joyful news
reached the American army of a treaty
of alliance with France. It was promul-
gated by Washington in general orders on
May .6, 1778. He set apart the next day
as one of rejoicing and grateful acknowl-
edgment of the divine goodness in raising
up a powerful friend " in one of the
princes of the earth." It was celebrated
with tokens of delight. The several
brigades were drawn up to hear discourses
by their respective chaplains. The men
were placed in specified positions to fire
a feu de joie with muskets and cannon —
three times three discharges of thirteen
cannon. At the first the army huzzaed,
" Long live the King of France " ; at the
second, "Long live the friendly European
powers"; and 9-t the third tHerp was a

shout, " The American States." Washing-
ton and his wife, and other officers and
their wives, attended the religious services
of the New Jersey brigade. Then the com-
mander-in-chief dined in public with all
the officers. Patriotic toasts were given,
and loud huzzas greeted Washington when
he left the table. As the season advanced
comforts abounded at Valley Forge, the
army increased, and on June 18 the en-
campment broke up and the army began
a chase of the British across New Jersey,
when the latter had evacuated Philadel-
phia.

A patriotic movement has been started
to have the site of the Valley Forge en-
campment preserved as a public reserva-
tion, and on Oct. 19, 1901, the Daughters
of the Revolution dedicated there a monu-
ment to the memory of the revolutionary
soldiers who died during the encampment.
The monument is a handsome obelisk of
granite, 50 feet high, and at its base ap-
pear two bronze panels, one containing
the seal of the society and the other rep-
resenting a scene of camp-life at Valley
Forge. Above these the original colonial
flag with thirteen stars has been carved
in the shaft. The inscription reads: "To
the Soldiers of Washington's Army who
Sleep in Valley Forge, 1777-78."

Valverde, Battle at. General Canby,
commander of the Department of New
Mexico, was at Fort Craig, on the Bio
Grande, early in 1862. At that time Col.
II. H. Sibley, a Louisianian, had invaded
New Mexico with 2,300 Texas Rangers,
many of them veterans who had fought
the Indians. Sibley issued a proclama-
tion demanding from the inhabitants aid
for and allegiance to his troops. Feeling
confident of success, he moved towards
Fort Craig to attack Canby. His light
field-pieces could not injure the fort, so
he crossed the Rio Grande below and
out of reach of the guns of the fort for
the purpose of drawing Canby out. In
this he was successful. Canby threw a
force across the river to occupy an emi-
nence commanding the fort, which it was
thought Sibley might attempt to gain.
There a skirmish ensued, and the Nation-
als retired to the fort. On the following
day (Feb. 21) a considerable force of
cavalry, artillery, and infantry, under
Lieutenant-Colonel Roberts, crossed the

VAN ARSDALE— VAN BUREN

river, and at Valverde, 7 miles north of
the fort, a severe battle occurred. Canby
was about to make a general advance,
when about 1,000 Texans, horse and foot,
armed with carbines, revolvers, and bowie-
knives, suddenly burst from a thick wood
and attacked two of the National bat-
teries, commanded respectively by Cap-
tains MeRae and Hall. The cavalry were
repulsed, but the infantry pressed for-
ward, while the grape-shot were making
fearful lanes in their ranks, and captured
the battery of McRae. The brave captain
defended his guns with great courage.
Seated upon one of them, he fought the
assailants with a pistol until he was shot
dead. At length the Nationals, panic-
stricken by the fierceness of the charge,
broke and fled, and did not stop until
they had reached the shelter of Fort
Craig. That flight was one of the most
disgraceful scenes of the war. Canby was
compelled to see the victory snatched from
him just as it seemed to be secured. Sib-
ley, alarmed by the sudden development of
Canby's strength by accessions to his
ranks, hurried towards Santa F6, captured
it, but could not hold it, and was soon
afterwards driven over the mountains into
Texas.

Van Arsdale, John, military officer;
born in Goshen, Orange co., N. Y., Jan.
5, 1756; served throughout the Revolu-
tionary War, first as sergeant and then
as captain. He suffered unusual priva-
tion and hardship in the expedition
against Quebec; was wounded and taken
prisoner at the capture of Fort Mont-
gomery and Fort Clinton; and subse-
quently was engaged in the war against
the Indians. He died in New York City,
Aug. 14, 1836.

Van. Brunt, Gershom Jaqtjes, naval
officer; born in Monmouth county, N. J.,
Aug. 28, 1708; entered the navy as mid-
shipman in 1818; served in Com. David
Porter's " Mosquito fleet " against pirates

in the West Indies; was made lieutenant
in 1827; had command of the brig Etna
during the Mexican War; and took part
in the expedition against Tuspan and
in the second expedition against Tobasco.
He was a commissioner to survey the
boundary-line of California in 1848-50;
was promoted captain in 1855; in the
Civil War had command of the Minnesota
and was active in the operations in the
North Carolina Sound and in the block-
ade of Hampton Roads, where he saved
his ship from the Confederate ram, Merri-
mac; and was promoted commodore in
1862. He died in Dedham, Mass., Dec.
17, 1863.

Van Buren, Abraham, military officer;
born in Kinderhook, N. Y., Nov. 27, 1807;
son of President Martin Van Buren;
graduated at the United States Military
Academy in 1827; served on the Western
frontier for two years; aide-de-camp to
Gen. Alexander Macomb for seven years;
made captain in the 1st Dragoons in 1836 ;
and became private secretary to his father
the same year. He re-entered the army at
the beginning of the Mexican War as
major and paymaster; was with Gen.
Zachary Taylor at Monterey, and with
General Scott in every engagement from
Vera Cruz to the capture of the City of
Mexico. He was brevetted lieutenant-
colonel for bravery at Contreras and
Churubusco in 1847, and served in the
paymaster's department till 1854, when
he resigned. He died in New York City,
March 15, 1873.

Van Buren, John, lawyer; horn in
Hudson, N. Y, Feb. 18, 1810; son of
President Martin Van Buren; graduated
at Yale College in 1828; admitted to the
bar in Albany, N. Y., in 1830; attorney-
general of New York State in 1845-46;
and for the remainder of his life practised
law. He was known as " Prince John,"
from his imposing figure and manners.
He died at sea, Oct. 13, 1866.

VAN BUREN, MARTIN

Van Buren, Martin, eighth President with William P. Van Ness; and was ad-
of the United States, from March 4, 1837, mitted to the bar in 1803. Having a taste
to March 4, 1841; Democrat; born in for politics, he early engaged in it, be-
Kinderhook, N. Y., Dec. 5, 1782; was edu- ing a member of a nominating convention
cated at the village academy; studied law when he was eighteen years of age. In

VAN BTJHE1T, MARTIN

1808 he was appointed surrogate of Co-
lumbia county, and was sent to the State
Senate in 1812. From 1815 to 1819 he
was attorney-general of the State of New
York; and was again Senator in 1816,
holding both offices at the same time. He
began a new organization of the Demo-
cratic party in 1818, and became the lead-
er of a body of politicians known as the
Albany Regency ( q. v. ) . It held the
political control of the State for nearly
twenty years. Mr. Van Buren was elected
to the United States Senate in 1821, and
was also in the convention that revised
the State constitution. In the latter body
he was favorable to the extension of the
elective franchise, but not of universal
suffrage. He opposed a proposition to
deprive colored people of the elective
franchise, but voted in favor of requiring
of them a freehold qualification of $250.
He was again elected United States Sen-
ator in 1827; governor of New York in
1828; entered Jackson's cabinet as Sec-
retary of State in March, 1829; but re-
signed in 1831, when he was appointed
minister to England. He arrived there in
September, but in December the Senate
rejected his nomination, and he returned.
In May, 1832, he was nominated for
Vice-President by the convention that re-
nominated Andrew Jackson for the Presi-
dency. He received all the electoral votes
that were cast for Jackson excepting Penn-
sylvania. In 1836 he was elected Presi-
dent by 170 votes out of 283, and he was
inaugurated March 4, 1837. The business
of the country was in a depressed state
during most of his administration, and
his political opponents, unfairly holding
him responsible for the grievance, accom-
plished his defeat at the next Presidential
election. When his name was proposed at
the Democratic nominating convention at
Baltimore in 1844 as a candidate for the
Presidency, it was rejected, because Mr.
Van Buren was opposed to the annexation
of Texas to the Union. In 1848, when
the Democrats had nominated General Cass
to please the slave-holders, the friends of
Mr. Van Buren, in convention at Utica,
adopting as their political creed a phase
of anti-slavery, nominated him as a Free-
soil candidate for the Presidency, with
Charles FranciB Adams, of Massachusetts,
for Vice-President. In accepting the nom-

ination, Mr. Van Buren declared his full
assent to the anti-slavery principles of
the platform. The convention declared
that Congress had " no more power to
make a slave than to make a, king " ar*!
that it was the duty of the national gov-
ernment to relieve itself of " all respon-
sibility for the existence or continuance of
slavery wherever the government possessed
constitutional authority to legislate on
that subject." General Taylor, candidate
of the Whigs, was elected. Mr. Van Buren
made a tour in Europe (1853-55). On
the outbreak of the Civil War he took de-
cided ground in favor of the national gov-
ernment. He died in Kinderhook, N. Y.,
July 24, 1862.

The Treasury and the Panic. — The fol-
lowing is the text of President Van Bur-
en's message to the Congress on the grave
financial situation of the country:

Washington, Sept. 4, 1837.

Fellow-Citizens of the Senate and House
of Representatives, — The act of June 23,
1836, regulating the deposits of the pub-
lic money and directing the employment
of State, District, and Territorial banks
for that purpose, made it the duty of the
Secretary of the Treasury to discontinue
the use of such of them as should at any
time refuse to redeem their notes in specie,
and to substitute other banks, provided a
sufficient number could be obtained to re-
ceive the public deposits upon the terms
and conditions therein prescribed. The
general and almost simultaneous suspen-
sion of specie payments by the banks in
May last rendered the performance of this
duty imperative in respect to those which
had been selected under the act, and made
it at the same time impracticable to em-
ploy the requisite number of others upon
the prescribed conditions. The specific
regulations established by Congress for
the deposit and safe-keeping of the public
moneys having thus unexpectedly become
inoperative, I felt it to be my duty to
afford you an early opportunity for the
exercise of your supervisory powers over
the subject.

I was also led to apprehend that the sus-
pension of specie payments, increasing the
embarrassments before existing in the pe-
cuniary affairs of the country, would so

VAN BUREN, MARTIN

far diminish the public revenue that the with propriety avoid subjecting you to the
accruing receipts into the treasury would inconvenience of assembling at as early
not, with the reserved five millions, be a day as the state of the popular repre-
sufficient to defray the unavoidable ex- sentation would permit. I am sure that I
penses of the government until the usual have done but justice to your feelings in
period for the meeting of Congress, while believing that this inconvenience will be
the authority to call upon the States for cheerfully encountered in the hope of
a portion of the sums deposited with them rendering your meeting conducive to the
was too restricted to enable the depart- good of the country.

ment to realize a sufficient amount from During the earlier stages of the revul-
that source. These apprehensions have sion through which we have just passed
been justified by subsequent results, which much acrimonious discussion arose and
render it certain that this deficiency will great diversity of opinion existed as to its
occur if additional means be not provided real causes. This was not surprising,
by Congress. The operations of credit are so diversi-

The difficulties experienced by the mer- fied and the influences which affect them
cantile interest in meeting their engage- so numerous, and often so subtle, that
ments induced them to apply to me pre- even impartial and well-informed persons
viously to the actual suspension of specie are seldom found to agree in respect to
payments for indulgence upon their bonds them. To inherent difficulties were also
for duties, and all the relief authorized by added other tendencies which were by no
law was promptly and cheerfully granted, means favorable to the discovery of truth.
The dependence of the treasury upon the It was hardly to be expected that those
avails of these bonds to enable it to make who disapproved the policy of the govern-
the deposits with the States required by ment in relation to the currency would,
law led me in the outset to limit ' this in the excited state of public feeling pro-
indulgence to Sept. 1, but it has since duced by the occasion, fail to attribute to
been extended to Oct. 1, that the matter that policy any extensive embarrassment
might be submitted to your further direc- in the monetary affairs of the country,
tion. The matter thus became connected with

Questions were also expected to arise the passions and conflicts of party;
in the recess in respect to the October in- opinions were more or less affected by
stalment of those deposits requiring the political considerations, and differences
interposition of Congress. were prolonged which might otherwise

A provision of another act, passed about have been determined by an appeal to
the same time, and intended to secure a facts, by the exercise of reason, or by mut-
faithful compliance with the obligation of ual concession. It is, however, a cheer-
the United States to satisfy all demands ing reflection that circumstances of this
upon them in specie or its equivalent, nature cannot prevent a community so
prohibited the offer of any bank-note not intelligent as ours from ultimately arriv-
convertible on the spot into gold or silver ing at correct conclusions. Encouraged
at the will of the holder; and the ability by the firm belief of this truth, I proceed
of the government, with millions on de- to state my views, so far as may be neces-
posit, to meet its engagements in the man- Bary to a clear understanding of the reme-
ner thus required by law was rendered dies I feel it my duty to propose and of
very doubtful by the event to which I the reasons by which I have been led to
have referred. recommend them.

Sensible that adequate provisions for The history of trade in the United States
these unexpected exigencies could only be for the last three or four years affords
made by Congress; convinced that some the most convincing evidence that our
of them would be indispensably necessary present condition is chiefly to be attributed
to the public service before the regular to overaction in all the departments of
period of your meeting, and desirous also business— an overaction deriving, perhaps
to enable you to exercise at the earliest its first impulses from antecedent causes'
moment your full constitutional powers but stimulated to its destructive conse-
for the relief of the country, I could not quences by excessive issues of bank-paper

VAN BUREN, MARTIN

and by other facilities for the acquisi-
tion and enlargement of credit. At the
commencement of the year 1834 the bank-
ing capital of the United States, including
that of the national bank, then existing,
amounted to about $200,000,000, the bank-
notes then in circulation to about $95,-
000,000, and the loans and discounts of
the banks, to $324,000,000. Between that
time and Jan. 1, 1836, being the latest
period to which accurate accounts have
been received, our banking capital was in-
creased to more than $251,000,000, our
paper circulation to more than $140,-
000,000, and the loans and discounts to
more than $457,000,000. To this vast
increase are to be added the many
millions of credit acquired by means of
foreign loansy contracted by the States
and State institutions, and, above all, by
the lavish accommodations extended by
foreign dealers to our merchants.

The consequences of this redundancy of
credit and of the spirit of reckless specu-
lation engendered by it were a foreign
debt contracted by our citizens estimated
in March last at more than $30,000,000;
the extension to traders in the interior of
our country of credits for supplies greatly
beyond the wants of the people; the in-
vestment of $39,500,000 in unproductive
public lands in the years 1835 and 1836,
while in the preceding year the sales
amounted to only $4,500,000; the cre-
ation of debts, to an almost count-
less amount, for real estate in ex-
isting or anticipated cities and villages,
equally unproductive, and at prices now
seen to have been greatly disproportion-
ate to their real value; the expenditure of
immense sums in improvements which in
many cases have been found to be ruin-
ously improvident; the diversion to other
pursuits of much of the labor that should
have been applied to agriculture, theTeby
contributing to the expenditure of large
sums in the importation of grain from
Europe — an expenditure which, amount-
ing in 1834 to about $250,000, was in the
first two quarters of the present year in-
•creased to more 'than $2,000,000; and
finally, without enumerating other inju-
rious results, the rapid growth among all
classes, and especially in our great com-
mercial towns, of luxurious habits founded
too often on merely fancied wealth, and

detrimental alike to the industry, the re-
sources, and the morals of our people.

It was so impossible that such a state
of things could long continue that the
prospect of revulsion was present to the
minds of considerate men before it actu-
ally came. None, however, had correct-
ly anticipated its severity. A concurrence
of circumstances inadequate of themselves
to produce such wide-spread and calami-
tous embarrassments tended so greatly
to aggravate them that they cannot
be overlooked in considering their history!
Among these may be mentioned, as most
prominent, the great loss of capital sus-
tained by our commercial emporium in
the fire of December, 1835 — a loss the
effects of which were underrated at the
time because postponed for a season by
the great facilities of credit then existing;
the disturbing effects in our commercial
cities of the transfers of the public moneys
required by the deposit law of June, 1836,
and the measures adopted by the foreign
creditors of our merchants to reduce their
debts and to withdraw from the United
States a large portion of our specie.

However unwilling any of our citizens
may heretofore have been to assign to
these causes the chief instrumentality in
producing the present state of things, the
developments subsequently made the act-
ual condition of other commercial coun-
tries must, as it seems to me, dispel all
remaining doubts upon the subject. It
has since appeared that evils similar to
those suffered by ourselves have been ex-
perienced in Great Britain, on the Conti-
nent, and, indeed, throughout the com-
mercial world,, and that in other countries
as well as in our own they have been
uniformly preceded by an undue enlarge-
ment of the boundaries of the trade,
prompted, as with us, by unprecedented
expansions of the systems of credit. A
reference to the amount of banking oapi-
tal and the issues of paper credits out
in circulation in Great Britain, by banks
and in other ways, during the years 1834,
1835, and 1836, will show an augmentation
of the paper currency there as much dis-
proportioned to the real wants of trade
as in the United States. With this re-
dundancy of the paper currency there
arose in that country also a spirit of
adventurous speculation embracing the

VAN BTTREN, MARTIN

whole range of human enterprise. Aid people point out the objects which call
was profusely given to projected improve- for your immediate attention.
ments; large investments were made in They are: to regulate by law the safe-
foreign stocks and loans; credits for keeping, transfer, and disbursement of the
goods were granted with unbounded liber- public moneys; to designate the funds to
ality to merchants in foreign countries; be received and paid by the government;
and all the means of acquiring and em- to enable the treasury to meet promptly
ploying credit were put in active opera- every demand upon it; to prescribe the
tion and extended in their effects to ev- terms of indulgence and the mode of settle-
ery department of business and to every ment to be adopted, as well in collecting
quarter of the globe. The reaction was from individuals the revenue that has ac-
proportioned in its violence to the, 1 ex- crued as in withdrawing it from former
traordinary character of the events which depositories; and to devise and adopt such
preceded it. The commercial community further measures, within the constitu-
of Great Britain were subjected to the tional competency of Congress, as will
greatest difficulties, and their debtors in be best calculated to revive the enterprise
this country were not only suddenly de- and to promote the prosperity of the
prived of accustomed and expected cred- country.

its, but called upon for payments which For the deposit, transfer, and disburse-
in the actual posture of things here could ment of the revenue, national and State
only be made through a general pressure banks have always, with temporary and
and at the most ruinous sacrifices. limited exceptions, been theretofore em-

In view of these facts it would seem ployed; but although advocates of each
impossible for sincere inquirers after system are still to be found, it is ap-
truth to resist the conviction that the parent that the events of the last few
causes of the revulsion in both countries months have greatly augmented the de-
have been substantially the same. Two sire, long existing among the people of
nations, the most commercial in the world, the United States, to separate the fiscal
enjoying but recently the highest degree operations of the government from those
of apparent prosperity and maintaining of individuals or corporations,
with each other the closest relations are Again to create a national bank as a
suddenly, in a time of profound peace and fiscal agent would be to disregard the
without any great national disaster, ar- popular will, twice solemnly and un-
rested in their career and plunged into a equivocally expressed. On no question of
state of embarrassment and distress. In domestic policy is there stronger evi-
both countries we have witnessed the same dence that the sentiments of a large ma-
redundancy of paper money and other jority are deliberately fixed, and I can-
facilities of credit; the same spirit of not concur with those who think they see
speculation; the same partial successes; in recent events a proof that these senti-
the same difficulties and reverses, and at ments are, or a reason that they should
length nearly the same overwhelming be, changed.

catastrophe. The most material differ- Events similar in their origin and char-
ence between the results in the two coun- acter have heretofore frequently occurred
tries has only been that with us there has without producing any such change, and
also occurred an extensive derangement in the lessons of experience must be forgot-
the fiscal affairs of the federal and State ten if we suppose that the present over-
governments, occasioned by the suspension throw of credit would have been prevented
of specie payments by the banks. by the existence of a national bank.

The history of these causes and ef- Proneness to excessive issues has ever

fects in Great Britain and the United been the vice of the banking system a

States is substantially the history »f the vice as prominent in national as in State
revulsion in all other commercial coun- institutions. This propensity is as sub-
tries - servient to the advancement of private

The present and visible effects of these interests in the one as in the other, and
circumstances on the operations of the v those who direct' them both, being prin-
government and on the industry of the cipally guided by the same views and in-

VAN BTTREN, MARTIN

fluenced by the same motives, will be
equally ready to stimulate extravagance
of enterprise by improvidence of credit.
How strikingly is this conclusion sustain-
ed by experience! The Bank of the Unit-
ed States, with the vast powers conferred
on it. by Congress, did not or could not
prevent former and similar embarrass-
ments, nor has the still greater strength
it has been said to possess under its pres-
ent charter enabled it in the existing
emergency to check other institutions or
even to save itself. In Great Britain where
it has been seen the same causes have been
attended with the same effects,-^ a national
bank possessing powers far greater than
are asked for by the warmest advocates of
such an institution here has also proved
unable to prevent an undue expansion of
credit, and the evils that flow from it.
Nor can I find any tenable ground for
the re-establishment of a national bank in
the derangement alleged at present to
exist in the domestic exchanges of the
country or in the facilities it may be capa-
ble of affording them. Although ad-
vantages of this sort were anticipated
when the first Bank of the United States
was created, they were regarded as an in-
cidental accommodation, not one which
the federal government was bound or
could be called upon to furnish. This ac-
commodation is now, indeed, after the

ticipate the proceeds of property actually
transmitted. Bills of this description are
highly useful in the movements of trade
and well deserve all the encouragement
which can rightfully be given to them.
Another class is made up of bills of
exchange not drawn to transfer actual
capital nor on the credit of property
transmitted, but to create fictitious capi-
tal, partaking at once of the character of
notes discounted in bank and of bank-
notes in circulation, and swelling the mass
of paper credits to a vast extent in the
most objectionable manner. These bills
have formed for the last few years a large
proportion of what are termed the domes-
tic exchanges of the country, serving as
the means of usurious profit and constitut-
ing the most unsafe and precarious paper
in circulation. This species of traffic, in-
stead of being upheld, ought to be dis-
countenanced by the government and the
people.

In transferring its funds from place to
place the government is on the same foot-
ing with the private citizen and may re-
sort to the same legal means. It may do
so through the medium of bills drawn by
itself or purchased from others; and in
these operations it may, in a manner un-
doubtedly constitutional and legitimate,
facilitate and assist exchanges of individ-
uals founded on real transactions of trade.

lapse of not many years, demanded from The extent to which this may be done and

it as among its first duties, and an omis-
sion to aid and regulate commercial ex-
changes is treated as a ground of loud
and serious complaint. Such results only
serve to exemplify the constant desire
among some of our citizens to enlarge the
powers of the government and extend its

the best means of effecting it are entitled
to the fullest consideration. This has
been bestowed by the Secretary of the
Treasury, and his views will be submitted
to you in his report.

But it was not designed by the Consti-
tution that the government should assume

control to subjects with which it should the management of domestic or foreign

not interfere. They can never justify the
creation of an institution to promote such
objects. On the contrary, they justly ex-
cite among the community a more diligent
inquiry into the character of those oper-
ations of trade towards which it is de-
sired to extend such peculiar favors.
' The various transactions which bear
the name of domestic exchanges differ es-
sentially in their nature, operation, and
utility. One class of them consists of

exchange. It is indeed authorized to reg-
ulate by law the commerce between the
States and to provide a general stand-
ard of value or medium of exchange in
gold and silver, but it is not its province
to aid individuals in the transfer of their
funds otherwise than through the facili-
ties afforded by the Post-office Department.
As justly might it be called on to provide
for the transportation of their mer-
chandise. These are operations of trade.

bills of exchange drawn for the purpose They ought to be conducted by those who
of transferring actual capital from one are interested in them in the same manner
part of the country to another, or to an- that the incidental difficulties of other

VAN BUBEN, MARTIN

pursuits are encountered by other classes irreconcilably opposed to that measure;
of citizens. Such aid has not been deemed they consider such a concentration of
necessary in other countries. Through- powef dangerous to their liberties, and
out Europe the domestic as well as the many of them regard it as a violation of
foreign exchanges are carried on by private the Constitution. This collision of opinion
houses, often, if not generally, without has doubtless caused much of the embar-
the assistance of banks; yet they extend rassment to which the commercial trans-
throughout distinct sovereignties, and far actions of the country have lately been
exceed in amount the real exchanges of exposed. Banking has become a political
the United States. There is no reason topic of the highest interest, and trade
why our own may not be conducted in the has suffered in the conflict of parties. A
same manner with equal cheapness and speedy termination of this state of things,
safety. Certainly this might be accom- however desirable, is scarcely to be ex-
plished if it were favored by those most pected. We have seen for nearly half a
deeply interested; and few can doubt that century that those who advocate a na-
their own interest, as well as the general tional bank, by whatever motive they may
welfare of the country, would be promoted be influenced, constitute a portion of our
by leaving such a subject in the hands of community too numerous to allow us to
those to whom it properly belongs. A sys- hope for an early abandonment of their
tern founded on private interest, enter- favorite plan. On the other hand, they
prise, and competition, without the aid must indeed form an erroneous estimate
of legislative grants or regulations by of the intelligence and temper of the
law, would rapidly prosper; it would be American people who suppose that they
free from the influence of political agita- have continued on slight or insufficient
tion and extend the same exemption to grounds their perversing opposition to
trade itself, and it would put an end to such an institution, or that they can be
those complaints of neglect, partiality, in- induced by pecuniary pressure or by any
justice, and oppression, which are the un- other combination of circumstances to
avoidable results of interference by the surrender principles they have so long
government in the proper concerns of in- and so inflexibly maintained,
dividuals. All former attempts on the My own views of the subject are im-
part of the government to carry its legis- changed. They have been repeatedly and
lation in this respect further than was unreservedly announced to my fellow-cit-
designed by the Constitution have in the izens, who with full knowledge of them
end proved injurious, and have served conferred upon me the two highest offices
only to convince the great body of the of the government. On the last of these
people more and more of the certain dan- occasions I felt it due to the people to
gers of blending private interests with apprise them distinctly that in the event
the operations of public business; and of my election I would not be able to co-
there is no reason to suppose that a repe- operate in the re-establishment of a na-
tition of them now would be more sue- tional bank. To these sentiments I have
eessful. now only to add the expression of an in-
It cannot be concealed that there ex- creased conviction that the re-establish-
ist in our community opinions and feel- ment of such a bank in any form, while
ings on this subject in direct opposition it would not accomplish the beneficial
to each other. A large portion of them, purpose promised by its advocates, would
combining great intelligence, activity, and impair the rightful supremacy of the
influence, are no doubt sincere in their be- popular will, injure the character and
lief that the operations of trade ought diminish the influence of our political sys-
to be assisted by such a connection ; they tern, and bring once more into existence a
regard a national bank as necessary for concentrated moneyed power, hostile to
this purpose, and they are disinclined to the spirit and threatening the permanency
every measure that does not tend sooner of our republican institutions,
or later to the establishment of such an Local banks have been employed for the
institution. On the other hand, a ma- deposit and distribution of the revenue
jority of the people are believed to be at all times partially and on three differ-

VAN BtJREN, MARTIN

ent occasions exclusively: First, anterior by early necessities, the practice of em-
to the establishment of the first bank of ploying banks was in truth from the be-
the United States ; secondly, in the inter- ginning more a measure of emergency than
val between the termination of that in- of sound policy. When we started into
stitution and the charter of its successor; existence as a nation, in addition to the
and thirdly, during the limited period burdens of the new government we as-
which has now so abruptly closed. The sumed all the large but honorable load
connection thus repeatedly attempted of debt which was the price of our liberty;
proved unsatisfactory on each successive but we hesitated to weigh down the infant
occasion, notwithstanding the various industry of the country by resorting to
measures which were adopted to facilitate adequate taxation for the necessary rev-
or insure its success. On the last occasion, enue. The facilities of banks, in return
in the year 1835, the employment of the for the privileges they acquired, were
State banks was guarded especially, in promptly offered, and perhaps too readily
every way which experience and caution received by an embarrassed treasury. Dur-
could suggest. Personal security was re- ing the long continuance of a national
quired for the safe-keeping and prompt debt and the intervening difficulties of a
payment of the moneys to be received, and foreign war the connection was continued
full returns of their condition were from from motives of convenience; but these
time to time to be made *by the deposi- causes have long since passed away. We
tories. In the first stages the measure have no emergencies that make banks nec-
was eminently successful, notwithstanding essary to aid the wants of the treasury;
the violent opposition of the Bank of the we have no load of national debt to pro-
United States, and the unceasing efforts vide for, and we have on actual deposit a
made to overthrow it. The selected banks large surplus. No public interest, there-
performed with fidelity and without any fore, now requires the renewal of a con-
embarrassment to themselves or to the nection that circumstances have dissolved,
community their engagements to the gov- The complete organization of our govern-
ernment, and the system promised to be ment, the abundance of our resources, the
permanently useful; but when it becomes general harmony which prevails between
necessary, under the act of June, 1836, to the different States and with foreign
withdraw from them the public money powers, all enable us now to select the
for the purpose of placing it in additional system most consistent with the Consti-
institutions or of transferring it to the tution and most conducive to the public
States, they found it in many cases in- welfare. Should we, then, connect the
convenient to comply with the demands of treasury for a fourth time with the local
the treasury, and numerous and pressing banks, it can only be under a conviction
applications were made for indulgence or that past failures have arisen from ac-
relief. As the instalments under the de- cidental, not inherent, defects,
posit law became payable their own em- A danger difficult, if not impossible, to
barrassments and the necessity under be avoided in such an arrangement is made
which they lay of curtailing their dis- strikingly evident in the very event by
counts and calling in their debts increased which it has now been defeated. A sud-
the general distress, and contributed with den act of the banks intrusted with the
other causes to hasten the revulsion in funds of the people deprives the treasury
which at length they, in common with the without fault or agency of the govern-
other banks, were fatally involved. ment, of the ability to pay its creditors

Under these circumstances it becomes in the currency they have by law a right

our solemn duty to inquire whether there to demand. This circumstance no fluctua-

are not in any connection between the gov- tion of commerce could have produced if

ernment and banks of issue evils of great the public revenue had been collected in

magnitude, inherent in its very nature the legal currency and kept in that form

and against which no precautions can by the officers of the treasury. The citi-

effeetually guard. zen whose money was in bank receives it

Unforeseen in the organization of the back since the suspension at a sacrifice in

government and forced on the treasury its amount, while he who kept it in the

VAN BTXREN, MARTIN

legal currency of the country and in his people, instead of being kept till it is
own possession pursues without loss the needed for their use, is, in consequence of
current of his business. The government, this authority, a fund on which discounts
placed in the situation of the former, is are made for the profit of those who hap-
involved in embarrassments it would not pen to be owners of stock in the banks
have suffered had it pursued the course selected as depositories. The supposed
of the latter. These embarrassments are, and often exaggerated advantages of such
moreover, augmented by those salutary a boom will always cause it to be sought
and just laws which forbid it to use a for with avidity. I will not stop to con-
depreciated currency, and by so doing take sider on whom the patronage incident to
from the government the ability which it is to be conferred. Whether the selec-
individuals have of accommodating their tion ad control be intrusted to Congress
transactions to such a catastrophe. or to -the executive, either will be sub-

A system which can in a time of pro- jected to appeals made in every form
found peace, when there is a large revenue which the sagacity of interest can suggest,
laid by, thus suddenly prevent the ap- The banks under such a system are stimu-
plication and the use of the money of the lated to make the most of their fortunate
people in the manner and for the objects acquisition; the deposits are treated as an
they have directed cannot be wise; but increase of capital; loans and circulation
who can think without painful reflection are rashly augmented, and when the public
that under it the same unforeseen events exigencies require a return it is attended
might have befallen us in the midst of a with embarrassments not provided for nor
war and taken from us at the moment foreseen. Thus banks that thought them-
when most wanted the use of those very selves most fortunate when the public
means which were treasured up to pro- funds were received find themselves most
mote the national welfare and guard our embarrassed when the season of payment
national rights? To such embarrassments suddenly arrives.

and to such dangers will this government Unfortunately, too, the evils of the sys-
be always exposed while it takes the tern are not limited to the banks. It
moneys raised for and necessary to the stimulates a general rashness of enter-
public service out of the hands of its own prise and aggravates the fluctuations of
officers and converts them into a mere commerce and the currency. This result
right of action against corporations in- was strikingly exhibited during the oper-
trusted with the possession of them. Nor ations of the late deposit system, and es-
can such results be effectually guarded peeially in the purchases of public lands,
against in such a system without invest- The order which ultimately directed the
ing the executive with a control over the payment of gold and silver in such pur-
banks themselves, whether State or na- chases greatly checked, but could not
tional, that might with reason be ob- altogether prevent, the evil. Specie was
jected to. Ours is probably the only gov- indeed more difficult to be procured than
ernment in the world that is liable in the the notes which the banks could them-
management of its fiscal concerns to oc- selves create at pleasure; but still, bein°-
currences like these. obtained from them as a loan and returned

But this imminent risk is not the only as a deposit, which they were again at
danger attendant on the surrender of the liberty to use, it only passed round the
public money to the custody and control circle with diminished speed. This oper-
of local corporations. Though the ob- ation could not have been performed had
ject is aid to the treasury, its effect may the funds of the government gone into
be to introduce into the operations of the the treasury to be regularly disbursed,
government influences the most subtle, and not into banks to be loaned out
founded on interests the most selfish. for their own profit while they were per-

The use by the banks, for their own mitted to substitute for it a credit in ac-
benefit, of the money deposited with them count.

has received the sanction of the govern- In expressing these sentiments I desire
ment from the commencement of this con- not to undervalue the benefits of a salu-
nection. The money received from the tary credit to any branch of enterprise.

VAN BTJREN, MARTIN

The credit bestowed on probity and indus-
try is the just reward of merit and an
honorable incentive to further acquisi-
tion. None oppose it who love their coun-
try and understand its welfare. But when
it is unduly encouraged ; when it is made
to inflame the public mind with the temp-
tations of sudden and unsubstantial
wealth; when it turns industry into paths
that lead sooner or later to disappoint-
ment and distress, it becomes liable to
censure and needs correction. Far from
helping probity and industry, the ruin to
which it leads falls most severely on the
great laboring classes, who are thrown
suddenly out of employment, and by the
failure of magnificent schemes never in-
tended to enrich them are deprived in a
moment of their only resource. Abuses
of credit and excesses in speculation will
happen in despite of the most salutary
laws; no government, perhaps, can alto-
gether prevent them, but surely every
government can refrain from contributing
the stimulus that calls them into life.

Since, therefore, experience has shown
that to lend the public money to the local
banks is hazardous to the operations of
the government, at least of doubtful bene-
fit to the institutions themselves, and
productive of disastrous derangement in
the business and currency of the country,
is it the part of wisdom again to renew
the connection?

It is true that such an agency is in
many respects convenient to the treas-
ury, but it is not indispensable. A limi-
tation of the expenses of the government
to its actual wants, and of the revenue to
those expenses, with convenient means for
its prompt application to the purposes for
which it was raised, are the objects which
we should seek to accomplish. The col-
lection, safe-keeping, transfer, and dis-
bursement of the public money can, it is
ibelieved, be well managed by officers of the
government. Its collection, and to a great
extent its disbursement also, have indeed
been hitherto conducted solely by them,
neither national nor State banks, when
employed, being required to do more than
keep it safely while in their custody, and
transfer and pay it in such portions and
at such times as the treasury shall direct.

Surely banks are not more able than the
government to secure the money in their

possession against accident, violence, or
fraud. The assertion that they are so
must assume that a vault in a bank is
stronger than a vault in the treasury, and
that directors, cashiers, and clerks not
selected by the government nor under its
control are more worthy of confidence than
officers selected from the people and re-
sponsible to the government — officers
bound by "official oaths and bonds for a
faithful performance of their duties, and
constantly subject to the supervision of
Congress.

The difficulties of transfer and the aid
heretofore rendered by banks have been
less than is usually supposed. The actual
accounts show that by far the larger por-
tion of payments is made within short or
convenient distances from the places of
collection; and the whole number of war-
rants issued at the treasury in the year
1834 — a year the result- of which will,
it is believed, afford a safe test for the
future — fell short of 5,000, or an average
of less than one daily for each State; in
the city of New York they did not aver-
age more than two a day, and at the city
of Washington only four.

The difficulties heretofore existing are,
moreover, daily lessened by an increase in
the cheapness and facility of communi-
cation, and it may be asserted with con-
fidence that the necessary transfer, as well
as the safe-keeping and disbursements of
the public moneys, can be with safety and
convenience accomplished through the
agencies of treasury officers. This opin-
ion has been in some degree confirmed by
actual experience since the discontinuance
of the banks as fiscal agents in May last
— a period which from the embarrassments
in commercial intercourse presented obsta-
cles as great as any that may be hereafter
apprehended.

The manner of keeping the public money
since that period is fully stated in the
report of the Secretary of the Treasury.
That officer also suggests the propriety of
assigning by law certain additional duties
to existing establishments and officers
which, with the modifications and safe-
guards referred to by him, will, he thinks,
enable the department to continue to per-
form this branch of the public service
without any material addition either to
their number or to the present expense.
IS

VAN BTJREN, MARTIN

The extent of the business to be trans- has hitherto existed between the govern-
acted has already been stated; and in re- ment and banks offer sufficient advantages
spect to the amount of money, with which to justify the necessary expenses. If the
the officers employed would be intrusted object to be accomplished is deemed lm-
at any one time, it appears that, assum- portant to the future welfare of the coun-
ing a balance of $5,000,000 to be at all try, I cannot allow myself to believe that
times kept in the treasury, and the whole the addition to the public expenditure of
of it left in the hands of the collectors comparatively so small an amount as will
and receivers, the proportion, of each be necessary to effect it will be objected
would not exceed an average of $30,000; to by the people.

but that, deducting $1,000,000 for the It will be seen by the report of the
use of the mint and assuming the remain- Postmaster-General herewith communi-
ing $4,000,000 to be in the hands of cated that the fiscal affairs of that depart-
one-half of the present number of officers ment have been successfully conducted
— a supposition deemed more likely to cor- since May last upon the principle of deal-
respond with the fact — the sum in the ing only in the legal currency of the Unit-
hands of each would still be less than ed States, and that it needs no legislation
the amount of most of the bonds now to maintain its credit and facilitate the
taken from the receivers of public money, management of its concerns, the existing
Every apprehension, however, on the sub- laws being, in the opinion of that officar,
jeet, either in respect to the safety of the ample for those objects,
money or the faithful discharge of these Difficulties will doubtless be encountered
fiscal transactions, may, it appears to me, for a season and increased services re-
be effectually removed by adding to the quired from the public functionaries; such
present means of the treasury the estab- are usually incident to the commencement
lishment by law at a few important of every system, but they will be greatly
points of offices for the deposit and dis- lessened in the progress of its operations,
bursement of such portions of the public The power and influence supposed to be
revenue as cannot with obvious safety connected with the custody and disburse-
and convenience be left in the possession ment of the public money are topics on
of the collecting officers until paid over by which the public mind is naturally, and
them to the public creditors. Neither with great propriety, peculiarly sensitive,
the amounts retained in their hands nor Much has been said on them in reference
those deposited in the offices would in an to the proposed separation of the govern-
ordinary condition of the revenue be larger ment from the banking institutions ; and
in most cases than those often under the surely no one can object to any appeals
control of disbursing officers of the army or animadversions on the subject which
and navy, and might be made entirely safe are consistent with facts and evince a
by requiring such securities and exercis- proper respect for the intelligence of the
ing such controlling supervision as Con- people. If a chief magistrate may be al-
gress may by law prescribe. The prin- lowed to speak for himself on such a point,
cipal officers whose appointments would I can truly say that to me nothing would
become necessary under this plan, taking be more acceptable than the withdrawal
the largest number suggested by the Sec- from the executive, to the greatest prac-
retary of the Treasury, would not exceed ticable extent, of all concerns in the cus-
ten, nor the additional expenses, at the tody and disbursement of the public rev-
same estimate, $60,000 a year. enuc ; not that I would shrink from any
There can be no doubt of the obligations responsibility cast upon me by the duties
of those who are intrusted with the affairs of my office, but because it is my firm be-
of government to conduct them with as lief that its capacity for usefulness is in
little cost to the nation as is consistent no degree promoted by the possession of
with the public interest; and it is 'or any patronage not actually necessary to
Congress, and ultimately for the people, the performance of those duties. But un-
to decide whether the benefits to be de- der our present form of government the in-
rived from keeping our fiscal concerns tervention of the executive officers in the
apart and severing the connection which custody and disbursement of the public

VAN BTJREN, MARTIN

money seems to be unavoidable; and be- there equal room for such supervision and

fore it can be admitted that the influence publicity in a connection with banks, act-

and power of the executive would be in- ing under the shield of corporate immuni-

creased by dispensing with the agency of ties and conducted by persons irresponsible

banks the nature of that intervention in to the government and the people? It is

such an agency must be carefully regard- believed that a considerate and candid in-

ed, and a comparison must be instituted vestigation of these questions will result

between its extent in the two cases. in the conviction that the proposed plan

The revenue can only be collected by offi- is far less liable to objection on tfre score

cers appointed by the President with the of executive patronage and control than

advice and consent of the Senate. The any bank agency that has been or can be

public moneys in the first instance must devised.

therefore in all cases pass through hands With these views I leave to Congress
selected by the executive. Other officers the measures necessary to regulate in the
appointed in the same way, or, as in some present emergency the safe-keeping and
cases, by the President alone, must also transfer of the public moneys. In the per-
be intrusted with them when drawn for formanee of constitutional duty I have
the purpose of disbursement. It is thus stated to them without reserve the result
seen that even when banks are employed of my own reflections. The subject is of
the public funds must twice pass through great importance^ and one on which we
the hands of executive officers. Besides can scarcely expect to be as united in sen-
this, the head of the Treasury Department, timent as we are in interest. It deserves
who also holds office at the pleasure of the a full and free discussion, and cannot fail
President, and some other officers of the to be benefited by a dispassionate corn-
same department, must necessarily be in- parison of opinions. Well aware myself
vested with more or less power in the of the duty of reciprocal concession
selection, continuance, and supervision of among the co-ordinate branches of the
the banks that may be employed. The government, I can promise a reasonable
question is then narrowed to the single spirit of co-operation, so far as it can be
point whether in the intermediate stage indulged in without the surrender of con-
between the collection and disbursement stitutional objections which I believe to
of the public money the agency of banks be well founded. Any system that may be
is necessary to avoid a dangerous extension adopted should be subjected to the fullest
of the patronage and influence of the ex- legal provision, so as to leave nothing to
ecutive. ' But is it clear that the connec- the executive but what is necessary to the
tion of the executive with powerful discharge of the duties imposed on him;
moneyed institutions, capable of minister- and whatever plan may be ultimately es-
ing to the interests of men in points tablished, my own part shall be so dis-
where they are most accessible to cor- charged as to give to it a fair trial and
ruption, is less liable to abuse than his the best prospect of success.
constitutional agency in the appointment The character of the funds to be re-
and control of the few public officers re- ceived and disbursed in the transactions
quired by the proposed plan? Will the of the government likewise demands your
public money "when in their hands be nee- most careful consideration,
essarily exposed to any improper inter- There can be no doubt that those who
ference on the part of the executive? framed and adopted the Constitution, hav-
May it not be hoped that a prudent fear ing in immediate view the depreciated
of public jealousy and disapprobation in paper of the Confederacy — of which $500
a matter so peculiarly exposed to them in paper were at times only equal to
will deter him from any such interference, $1 in coin — intended to prevent the recur-
even if higher motives be found inoper- rence of similar evils, so far at least as
ative? May not Congress so regulate by related to the transactions of the new gov-
law the duty of those officers and subject eminent. They gave to Congress express
it to such supervision and publicity as to powers to coin money and to regulate the
prevent the possibility of any serious abuse value thereof and of foreign coin; they
on the part of the executive? And is refused to give it power to establish eor-
X.-B 17

VAN BtTREN, MARTIN

porations— the agents then as now chiefly paper had become so apparent that evea
employed to create a paper currency; they before the catastrophe I had resolved not
prohibited the States from making any- to interfere with its operation. Congress
thing but gold and silver a legal tender in is now to decide whether the revenue shall
payment of debts; and the first Congress continue to be so collected or not.
directed by positive law that the revenue The receipt into the treasury of bank-
should be received in nothing but gold and notes not redeemed in specie on demand .
si l ver will not, I presume, be sanctioned. It

Public exigency at the outset of the gov- would destroy without the excuse of war
ernment, without direct legislative author- or public distress that equality of impost
ity, led to the use of banks as fiscal aids and identity of commercial regulations
to the treasury. It admitted deviation which lie at the foundation of our con-
from the law; at the same period and un- federacy, and would offer to each State
der the same exigency, the Secretary of a direct temptation to increase its foreign
the Treasury received their notes in pay- trade by depreciating the currency re-
ment of duties. The sole ground on which ceived for duties in its ports. Such a
the practice thus commenced was then or proceeding would also in a great degree
has since been justified is the certain, im- frustrate the policy so highly cherished
mediate, and convenient exchange of such of infusing into our circulation a larger
notes for specie. The government did, in- proportion of the precious metals— a pol-
deed, receive the inconvertible notes of icy the wisdom of which none can doubt,
State banks during the difficulties of war, though there may be different opinions as
and the community submitted without to the extent to which it should be car-
a murmur to the unequal taxation and ried. Its results have been already too
multiplied evils of which such a course auspicious and its success is too closely
was productive. With the war this in- interwoven with the future prosperity of
dulgence ceased, and the banks were the country to permit us for a moment to
obliged again to redeem their notes in contemplate its abandonment. We have
gold and silver. The treasury, in accord- seen under its influence our specie aug-
anee with previous practice, continued to mented beyond $80,000,000, our coin-
dispense with the currency required by the age increased so as to make that of gold
act of 1789, and took the notes of banks amount between August, 1834, and De-
in full confidence of their being paid in cember, 1836, to $10,000,000, exceeding
specie on demand; and Congress, to guard the whole coinage at the mint during the
against the slightest violation of this thirty-one previous years,
principle, have declared by law that if The prospect of further improvement
notes are paid in the transactions of the continued without abatement until the
government it must be under such cir- moment of the suspension of specie pay-
cumstances as to enable the holder to con- ments. This policy has now, indeed, been
vert them into specie without depreciation, suddenly checked, but is still far from
or delay. being overthrown. Amid all conflicting

Of my own duties under the existing theories, one position is undeniable — the

laws, when the banks suspended specie precious metals will invariably disappear

payments, I could not doubt. Directions when there ceases to be a necessity for

were immediately given to prevent the re- their use as a circulating medium. It

ception into the treasury of anything but was in strict accordance with this truth

gold and silver, or its equivalent, and that, while in the month of May last they

every practicable arrangement was made were everywhere seen and were current for

to preserve the public faith by similar or all ordinary purposes, they disappeared

equivalent payments to the public credit- from circulation the moment the payment

ors. The revenue from lands had been of specie was refused by the banks and the

for some time substantially so collected community tacitly acreed to dispense with

under the order issued by directions of its employment. Their place was supplied

my predecessor. The effects of that order by a currency exclusively of paper, and in

had been so salutary and its forecast in many cases of the worst description. Al-

regard to the increasing insecurity of bank- ready are the bank-note* now in circula-

VAN BTJREN, MARTIN

tion greatly depreciated, and they fluetu- To say that the refusal of paper money
ate in value between one place and another, by the government introduces an unjust
thus diminishing and making uncertain discrimination between the currency re-
the worth of property and the price of ceived by it and that used by individuals
labor, and failing to subserve, except at in their ordinary affairs is, in my judg-
a heavy loss, the purposes of business, ment, to view it in a very erroneous light.
With each succeeding day the metallic The Constitution prohibits the States from
currency decreases; by some it is hoarded making anything but gold and silver a
in the natural fear that once parted with tender in the payment .of debts, and thus
it cannot be replaced, while by others it secures to every citizen a right to demand
is diverted from its more legitimate uses payment in the legal currency. To pro-
for the sake of gain. Should Congress vide by law that the government will only
sanction this condition of things by mak- receive its dues in gold and silver is not
ing irredeemable paper money receivable to confer on it any peculiar privilege, but
in payment of public dues, a temporary merely to place it on an equality with the
check to a wise and salutary policy will citizen by reserving to it a right secured
in all probability be converted into its ab- to him by the Constitution. It is doubt-
solute destruction. less for this reason that the principle

It is true that bank-notes actually con- has been sanctioned by successive laws

vertible into specie may be received in from the time of the first Congress under

payment of the revenue without being the Constitution down to the last. Such

liable to all these objections, and that precedents, never objected to, and proceed-

such a course may to some extent promote ing from such sources, afford a decisive

individual convenience — an object always answer to the imputation of inequality or

to be considered where it does not con- injustice.

flict with the principles of our govern- But, in fact, the measure is one of re-

ment or the general welfare of the coun- striction, not of favor. To forbid the

try. If such notes only were received, public agent to receive in payment any

and always under circumstances allowing other than a certain kind of money is to

their early presentation for payment, and refuse him a discretion possessed by every

if at short and fixed periods they were con- citizen. It may be left to those who have

verted into specie to be kept by the officers the management of their own transactions

of the treasury, some of the most serious to make their own terms, but no such dis-

obstacles to their reception would per- cretion should be given to him who acts

haps be removed. To retain the notes in merely as an agent of the people — who is

the treasury would be to renew under to collect what the law requires and to

another form the loans of public money pay the appropriations it makes. When

to the banks, and the evils consequent bank-notes are redeemed on demand, there

thereon. is then no discrimination in reality, for

It is, however, a mistaken impression the individual who receives them may at

that any large amount of specie is re- his option substitute the specie for them;

quired for public payments. Of the he takes them from convenience or choice.

$70,000,000 or $80,000,000 now estimated When they are not so redeemed, it will

to be in the country, $10,000,000 would scarcely be contended that their receipt

be abundantly sufficient for that purpose and payment by a public officer should

provided an accumulation of a large be permitted, though none deny that right

amount of revenue beyond the necessary to an individual. If it were, th« effect

wants of the government be hereafter would be most injurious to the public,

prevented. If to these considerations be since their officer could make none of those

added the facilities which will arise from arrangements to meet or guard against the

enabling the treasury to satisfy the public depreciation which an individual is at

creditors, by its drafts and notes received liberty to do. Nor can inconvenience to

in payment of the public dues, it may be the community be alleged as an objection

safely assumed that no motive of con- to such a regulation. Its object and mo-

venience to the citizen requires the re- tive are their convenience and welfare,
ception of bank-paper. If at a moment of simultaneous and un-

VAN BUREN, MARTIN

expected suspension by the banks it adds government to promote the accomplish-
something to the many embarrassments of ment of that important object will without
that proceeding, yet these are far over- doubt be performed.

balanced by its direct tendency to produce In the mean time it is our duty to
a wider circulation of gold and silver, to provide all the remedies against a de-
increase the safety of bank-paper, to im- preciated paper currency which the Con-
prove the general currency, and thus to stitution enables us to afford. The Treas-
prevent altogether such occurrences and ury Department on several former oc-
the other and far greater evils that at- casions has suggested the propriety and
tend them. importance of a uniform law concerning

It may, indeed, be questioned whether it bankruptcies of corporations and other

is not for the interest of the banks them- bankers. Through the instrumentality of

selves that the government should not re- such a law a salutary check may doubt-

ceive their paper. They would be conduct- less be imposed oh the issues of paper

ed with more caution and on sounder money, and an effectual remedy given to

principles. By using specie only in its the citizens in a way at once equal in all

transactions the government would create parts of the Union and fully authorized

a demand for it, which would to a great by the Constitution.

extent prevent its exportation, and by The indulgence granted by executive au-

keeping it in circulation maintain a broad- thority in the payment of bonds for duties

er and safer basis for the paper x currency, has been already mentioned. Seeing that

That the banks would thus be rendered the immediate enforcement of these obliga-

more sound and the community more safe tions would subject a large and highly

cannot admit of a doubt. respectable portion of our citizens to great

The foregoing views, it seems to me, do sacrifices, and believing that a temporary
but fairly carry out the provisions of the postponement could be made without det-
federal Constitution in relation to the riment to other interests and with in-
currency, as far as relates to the public creased certainty of ultimate payment, I
revenue. At the time that instrument did not hesitate to comply with the request
was framed there were but three or four that was made of me. The terms allowed
banks in the United States, and had the are to the full extent as liberal as any
extension of the banking system and the that are to be found in the practice of the
evils growing out of it been foreseen they executive department. It remains for
would probably have been specially guard- Congress to decide whether a further post-
ed against. The same policy which led to ponement may not with propriety be al-
the prohibition of bills of credit by the lowed, and if so, their legislation upon
States would doubtless in that event have the subject is respectfully invited,
also interdicted their issue as a currency The report of the Secretary of the
in any other form. The Constitution, Treasury will exhibit the condition of
however, contains no such prohibition; these debts, the extent and effect of the
and since the States have exercised for present indulgence, the probable result of
nearly half a century the power to reg- its further extension on the state of the
ulate the business of banking, it is not treasury, and every other fact necessary
to be expected that it will be abandoned, to a full consideration of the subject.
The whole matter is now under discussion Similar Information is communicated in
before the proper tribunal — the people of regard to such depositories of the public
the States. Never before has the public moneys as are indebted to the government,
mind been so thoroughly awakened to a in order that Congress may also adopt
proper senseof its importance; never has the proper measures in regard to them,
the subject in all its bearings been sub- The receipts and expenditures for the
mitted to so searching an inquiry. It first half of the year and an estimate of
would be distrusting the intelligence and those for the residue will be laid before
virtue of the people to doubt the speedy you by the Secretary of the Treasury,
and efficient adoption of such measures of In his report of December last it was
reform as the public good demands. All estimated that the current receipts would
that can rightfully be done by the federal fall short of the expenditures by about

VAN BUREtf, MARTIN

$3,000,000. It will be seen that the dif-
ference will be much greater. This is to
be attributed not only to the occurrence
of greater pecuniary embarrassments in
the business of the country than those
which were then predicted, and con-
sequently a greater diminution in the rev-
enue, but also to the fact that the appro-
priations exceeded by nearly $6,000,000
the amount which was asked for in the
estimates then submitted. The sum nec-
essary for the service of the year, beyond
the probable receipts and the amount
which it was intended should be reserved
in the treasury at the commencement of
the year, will be about $6,000,000. If the
whole of the reserved balance be not at
once applied to the current expenditures,
but $4,000,000 be still kept in the treas-
ury, as seems most expedient for the uses
of the mint and to meet contingencies, the
sum needed will be $10,000,000.

In making this estimate the receipts are
calculated on the supposition of some
further extension of the indulgence grant-
ed in the paymsnt of bonds for duties,
which will affect the amount of the rev-
enue for the present year to the extent of
$2,500,000.

It is not proposed to procure the re-
quired amount by loans or increased taxa-
tion. There are now in the treasury $9,-
367,214, directed by the act of June 23,
1836, to be deposited with the States in
October next. This sum, if so deposited,
will be subject under the law to be re-
called if needed to defray existing ap-
propriations ; and as it is now evident that
the whole, or the principal part, of it will
be wanted for that purpose, it appears
most proper that the deposit should be
withheld. Until the amount can be col-
lected from the banks, treasury notes
may be temporarily issued, to be gradually
redeemed as it is received.

I am aware that this course may be
productive of inconvenience to many of
the States. Relying upon the acts of Con-
gress which held out to them the strong
probability, if not the certainty, of re-
ceiving this instalment, they have in some
instances adopted measures with which its
intention may seriously interfere. That
such a condition of things should have
occurred is much to be regretted. It is
not the least among the unfortunate re-

suits of the disasters of the times; and
it is for Congress to devise a fit remedy,
if there be one. The money being indis-
pensable to the wants of the treasury, it
is difficult to conceive upon what principle
of justice or expediency its application to
that object can be avoided. To recall any
portion of the sums already deposited with
the States would be more inconvenient and
less efficient. To burden the country with
increased taxation when there is in fact~"
a large surplus revenue would be unjust
and unwise; to raise moneys by loans un-
der such circumstances, and thus to com-
mence a new national debt, would scarcely
be sanctioned by the American people.

The plan proposed will be adequate to
all our fiscal operations during the re-
mainder of the year. Should it be
adopted, the treasury, aided by the ample
resources of the country, will be able to
discharge punctually every pecuniary obli-
gation. For the future all that is needed
will be that caution and forbearance in
appropriations whieh the diminution of
the revenue requires and which the com-
plete accomplishment or great forwardness
of many extensive national undertakings
renders equally consistent with prudence
and patriotic liberality.

The preceding suggestions and recom-
mendations are submitted in the belief
that their adoption by Congress will en-
able the executive department to conduct
our fiscal concerns with success so far
as their management has been committed
to it. While the objects and the means
proposed to attain them are within its
constitutional powers and appropriate
duties, they will at the same time, it is
hoped, by their necessary operation, afford
essential aid in the transaction of indi-
vidual concerns, and thus yield relief to
the people at large in a form adapted to
the nature of our government. Those
who look to the action of this govern-
ment for specific aid to the citizen to re-
lieve embarrassments arising from losses
by revulsions in commerce and credit lose
sight of the ends for which it was created
and the powers with which it is clothed.
It was established to give security to us
all in our lawful and honorable pursuits,
under the lasting safeguard of republican
institutions. It was not intended to con-
fer special favors on individuals or on any

VAN BTJREN, MARTIN

classes of them, to create systems of agri- any specific plan for regulating the ex-
culture, manufactures, or trade, or to en- changes of the country, relieving mercan-
engage in them either separately or in con- tile embarrassments, or interfering with
nection with individual citizens or organ- the ordinary operations of foreign or do-
ized associations. If its operations were mestic commerce, it is from a conviction
to be directed for the benefit of any one that such measures are not within the con-
class, equivalent favors must in justice be stitutional province of the general gov-
extended to the rest, and the attempt to eminent, and that their adoption would
bestow such favors with an equal hand, or not promote the real and permanent wel-
even to select those who should most de- fare of those they might be designed to
serve them, would never be successful. aid.

All communities are apt to look to gov- The difficulties and distresses of the
eminent for too much. Even in our own times, though unquestionably great, are
country, where its powers and duties are limited in their extent, and cannot be pe-
so strictly limited, we are prone to do so, garded as affecting the permanent pros-
especially at periods of sudden embarrass- perity of the nation. Arising in a great
ment and distress. But this ought not degree from the transactions of foreign
to be. The framers of our excellent Con- and domestic commerce, it is upon them
stitution and the people who approved it that they have chiefly fallen. The great
with calm and sagacious deliberation acted agricultural interest has in many parts of
at the time on a sounder principle. They the country suffered comparatively little,
wisely judged that the less government and, as if Providence intended to display
interferes with private pursuits the better the munificence of its goodness at the mo-
for the general prosperity. It is not its ment of our greatest need, and in direct
legitimate object to make men rich or to contrast to the evils occasioned by the
repair by direct grants of money or legis- waywardness of man, we have been
lation in favor of particular pursuits blessed throughout our extended territory
losses not incurred in the public service, with a season of general health and of
This would be substantially to use the uncommon fruitfulness. The proceeds of
property of some for the benefit of others, our great staples will soon furnish the
But its real duty — that duty the perform- means of liquidating debts at home and
ance of which makes a good government abroad, and contribute equally to the re-
the most precious of human blessings — vival of commercial activity and the resto-
is to enact and enforce a system of general ration of-commercial credit. The banks,
laws commensurate with, but not exceed- established avowedly for its support, de-
ing, the objects of its establishment, and riving their profits from it, and resting
to leave every citizen and every interest under obligations to it which cannot be
to reap under its benign protection the overlooked, will feel at once the neces-
rewards of virtue, industry, and prudence, sity and justice of uniting their energies

I cannot doubt that on this as on all with those of the mercantile interest,
similar occasions the federal government The suspension of specie payments at
will find its agency most conducive to such a time and under such circumstances
the security and happiness of the people as we have lately witnessed could not be
when limited to the exercise of its con- other than a temporary measure, and we
ceded powers. In never assuming, even can scarcely err in believing that the
for a well-meant object, such powers as period must, soon arrive when All that are
were not designed to be conferred upon it, solvent will redeem their issues in gold
we shall in reality do most, for the general and silver. Dealings abroad naturally de-
welfare. To avoid every unnecessary in- pend on resources and prosperity at home,
terference with the pursuits of the citizen If the debt of ouv merchants ' has aecu-
will result in more benefit than to adopt mulated or their credit is impaired, these
measures which could only assist limited are fluctuations always incident to'exten-
interests, and are eagerly, but perhaps sive or extravagant mercantile transac-
naturally, sought for under the pressure tions. But the ultimate security of such
of temporary circumstances. If, there- obligations does not admit of question,
fore, I refrain from suggesting to Congress They are guaranteed by the resources of

VAN CLEVE— VAN" CORTLANDT

a country the fruits of whose industry was employed in civil engineering and

afford abundant means of ample liquida- agriculture in Michigan and Minnesota

tion and by the evident interest of every until the breaking-out of the Civil War,

merchant to sustain a credit hitherto high when he became colonel of the 2d Minne-

by promptly applying these means for its sota volunteers. He commanded these in

preservation. the battle of Mill Spring in January, 1862;

I deeply regret that events have oc- and for his conduct there was made a brig-
curred which require me to ask your con- adier-general in March. He commanded a
sideration on such serious topics. I could brigade in Crittenden's division in north-
have wished that in making my first com- ern Mississippi and Alabama; and when
munication to the assembled representa- that officer was promoted (Oct. 1, 1862)
tives of my country I had nothing to dwell General Van Cleve took command of the
upon but the history of her unalloyed division, with which he did excellent ser-
prosperity. Since it is otherwise, we can vice in the battle of Stone River, where he
only feel more deeply the responsibility was wounded. In September, 1863, he
of the respective trusts that have been performed good service in northern
confided to us, and under the pressure of Georgia, particularly in the battle of
difficulties unite in invoking the guidance Chickamauga. Prom 1863 to 1865 he was
and aid of the Supreme Ruler of Nations in command at Murfreesboro. He was
and in laboring with zealous resolution to mustered out of the volunteer service as
overcome the difficulties by which we are brevet major-general March 13, 1865; and
"environed. was adjutant-general of the State of Min-

It is under such circumstances a high nesota in 1866-70 and 1876-82. He died

gratification to know by long experience in Minneapolis, Minn., April 24, 1891.
that we act for a people to whom the Van Cortlandt, Oliver Stevense, mili-

truth, however unpromising, can always tary officer,; born in Wijk, Holland, in

be spoken with safety; for the trial of 1600; received a fair education; arrived

whose patriotism no emergency is too in New Netherland as an officer of the

severe, and who are sure never to desert West India Company March 28, 1638;

a public functionary, honestly laboring was made customs officer in 1639; had

for the public good. It seems just that charge of the public stores of the com-

they should receive without delay any pany in 1643-48; then became a merchant

aid in their embarrassments which your and brewer. He was made colonel of the

deliberations can afford. Coming directly burgher guard in 1649; was appointed

from the midst of them, and knowing the mayor (burgomaster) of New Amsterdam,

course of events in every section of our in 1654; and held that office almost with-

country, from you may best be learned as out interruption till 1664, when New

well the extent and nature of these em- Amsterdam was surrendered to the

barrassments as the most desirable meas- British. He was then appointed by Gov-

ures of relief. ernor Stuyvesant one of the commission-

I am aware, however, that it is not ers to arrange a settlement with the

proper to detain you at present longer British. In 1663 he took a prominent

than may be demanded by the special part in settling the Connecticut boundary

objects for which you are convened. To dispute, and in 1664 in settling the claims

them, therefore, I have confined my com- of Capt. John Scott to Long Island, and

munication: and believing it will not be also held trusts under the English gov-

your own wish now to extend your delib- ernors Nicholls, Lovelace, and Dongan.

crations beyond them, I reserve till the He died in New York, April 4, 1684.
usual period of your annual meeting that His son, Jacob, born in New York City,

general information on the state of the July 7, 1658, was a member of the first

Union which the Constitution requires me three William and Mary assemblies, was

to give. again a member in 1702-9 and 1710-

Van Cleve, Horatio Phillips, mili- 15 ; and was mayor of his native city in

tary officer; born in Princeton, N. J., 1719. He was a large land-holder and

Nov. 23, 1809; graduated at West Point one of the most prominent men of his

in 1831, hut left the army in 1839. He time. His estate of 800 acres at Yonkers

VAN CORTLANDT

was bought by New York City from his
descendants, to whom it had continuously
passed, and was thrown into the new
Van Cortlandt Park. He died in New
York City in 1739.

Another son, Stephen, born in New
York City, May 4, 1643, was educated by
a Dutch clergyman; became an ensign in
the King's County Regiment in 1668,
and later was colonel. In 1677 he was
made the first native American mayor of
New York City, and held that office al-

In 1776 he was made colonel of the 2d
New York Regiment, with which he fought
at Bemis's Heights and Saratoga. In the
winter of 1778 he was sent to protect the
New York frontiers against the Indians
under Brant. He was a member of the
court that tried General Arnold for im-_
proper conduet at Philadelphia, and was
in favor of cashiering him. " Had all the
court," wrote Van Cortlandt in his diary,
" known Arnold's former conduct as well
as myself, he would have been dismissed

VAN CORTLANDT MANOR-HOUSE.

most consecutively till his death. He the service." In 1780 he commanded a
was a member of the governor's council regiment under Lafayette; was with him

for many years, and became a justice of
the Provincial Supreme Court in 1693.
His estate was erected into the manor
and lordship of Cortlandt, June 17, 1697.
In the manor, which stood on the shore
of Croton Bay, Washington, Franklin,
Rochambeau, Lafayette, and other eminent
men were entertained during the Revolu-
tionary War. He died in New York City,
Nov. 25, 1700.
Van Cortlandt, Philip, military offi-

in Virginia; and for his gallant conduct
at Yorktown was promoted to brigadier-
general. At the close of the war he re-
tired to the Manor-house. From 1788 to

1790 he was a membeT of the New York
legislature, and also of the State conven-
tion that adopted the national Constitu-
tion. He was United States Senator from

1791 to 1794, and member of Congress
from 1793 to 1809. Lafayette was accom-
panied by General Van Cortlandt in his

cer ; born in Cortlandt Manor, N. Y., Sept. tour through the United States in 1824-25.

1, 1749; son of Pierre Van Cortlandt; be- He died in Cortlandt Manor, N. Y., Nov.

came a land surveyor at the age of nine- 5, 1831.

teen years, but when the Revolutionary War Van Cortlandt, Pteebe, patriot; born
began he entered the military service as in Cortlandt Manor, N. Y., Jan. 10, 1721 ;
lieutenant-colonel. His Tory relatives had son of Philip Van Cortlandt, third son
tried to dissuade him from this step, and of Stephanus; was a member of the first
Governor Tryon sent him a commission Provincial Congress of New York; chair-
as colonel of militia, which he destroyed, man of the committee of public safety;

VAN DAM— VAN DYKE

and was exceedingly active in the pa- by Twiggs (see Twiggs; David Emanuel).
triot cause. Throughout the Revolution At that time seven companies, under Major
he appears to have been the principal Sibley, were at Matagorda Bay, prepar-
administrator of the government of New ing to embark for the North on the
York; and so obnoxious was he to Star of the West, under convoy of
the British government that it set a the gunboat Mohawk. These vessels
bounty on his head. He was the first did not make their appearance, and
lieutenant-governor of New York, and Sibley embarked on two lighters for
held that office by re-election for eigh- Tampico, Mexico. Lack of coal and pro-
teen years. He had been one of the com- visions compelled him to turn back,
mittee that framed -the constitution of Four vessels, with 1,500 Texans unde^ Van
the State of New York in 1777. He Dorn, came into the bay, and captured
died in Cortlandt Manor, N. Y., May 1, Sibley and his whole command. At about
1814. - the same time a party of volunteers from

Van Dam, Rip, colonial governor; Galveston captured the Star of the West
born in Albany, N. Y., about 1662; en- (April 17), with all her stores. On the
gaged in trade with the West Indies. 23d Colonel Waite and all his officers, on
In order to oppose Lord Bellomont's com- duty at San Antonio, were made prisoners ;
mercial policy, he entered politics, and in so also were seven companies under Colonel
1669 was elected to the Assembly, where Reese, who were making their way towards
he led the opposition party; was ap- the coast. These were all the National
pointed a member of the council and re-' troops remaining in Texas, which Twiggs
mained. there for nearly thirty years ; and had surrendered. They were kept prison-
was acting governor of New York from ers awhile, and, after being compelled
July 1, 1731, till Aug. 1, 1732. Shortly to give their parole not to bear arms
after the arrival of Gov. William Cosby against the Confederates, embarked for
a bitter dispute arose between him and New York. Promoted major-general, Van
Van Dam over an order which the gov- Dorn took command of the trans-Mis-
emor exhibited for an equal division of sissippi district in January, 1862, and
perquisites and emoluments. Each sued was defeated at Pea Ridge and Corinth,
the other, but no settlement was ever and superseded by Pemberton. Defeated
reached. Van Dam published Heads of at Franklin, he was shot dead by Dr.
Complaint Against Governor Cosby. He Peters in Spring Hill, Te'nn., May 8,
died in New York City some time after 1863.
1736. . Van Dyke, Henry, educator; born in

Van Der Veer, Abraham, legislator; Germantown, Pa., Nov. 10, 1852; grad-.
born in Flatbush, New York, Jan. 27, uated at Brooklyn Polytechnic Institute
1781; appointed postmaster of Flatbush, in 1869, Princeton College in 1873, Prince-
1814; clerk of the Kings county courts, ton Theological Seminary in 1877, and Ber-
1816; elected member of Congress for the lin University in 1878. He was pastor of
district including Kings, Richmond, and the United Congregational Church, New-
Bockland counties in 1836. He died in port, R. I., in 1878, and of the Brick
Brooklyn, July 21, 1839. Presbyterian Church, New York, in 1883-

Van Dorn, Earl, military officer; born 1900; and became Professor of English
near Port Gibson, Miss., Sept. 17, 1820; Literature in Princeton University in
graduated at West Point in 1842, and 1900. He wrote The National Sin of
served in the war against Mexico, receiv- Literary Piracy; The Poetry of Tenny-
ing brevets for gallantry at Cerro Gordo, son; The Story of the Other Wise Man,
Contreras, Churubusco, and at the capture etc.

of the city of Mexico, where he was Van Dyke, Theodore Strong, author;
woundedr After serving in several Indian born in New Brunswick, N. J., July 19,
campaigns, he resigned, Jan. 31, 1861, and 1842; graduated at Princeton College in
was commissioned a colonel in the Con- 1863; was admitted to the bar in 1866,
federate army.- He was ordered to Texas and practised in Minnesota in 1869-75;
in April, 1861, to secure for the Confed- then settled in Southern California and
erates the remnant of the forces betrayed devoted himself to literature. He was the

VAN HORNE— VAN RENSSELAER

first to eulogize Southern California as a the story, and pushed forward his men
place offering peculiar advantages to the in two columns, when they were fired
invalid and sportsman. His publications upon from both sides by Indians concealed
include The Rifle, Rod, and Gun in Oali- in the thickets and woods. The attack
fornia; The SHU Hunter; Southern Cali- was sudden, sharp, and deadly, and the
fornia; and Southern California the Italy troops were thrown into confusion. Ap-
of America prehensive that he might "be surrounded,

Van Home, Thomas B., military offl- Van Home ordered a retreat. The Ind-
cer; conspicuous in the War of 1812-15. ians pursued, and a running fight was
In August, 1812, Governor Meigs sent kept up for some distance, the Americans
Captain Brush with men, cattle, provi- frequently turning upon the savage foe
sions, and a mail for Hull's army. At the and giving them deadly volleys. The mail
Raisin River, Brush sent word to Hull that carried by the Americans was lost, and
he had information that a body of Ind- fell into the hands of the British at Fort
ians under Tecumseh was lying in wait Maiden, by which most valuable informa-
for him near Brownstown, at the mouth tion concerning the army under Hull was
of the Huron River, 25 miles below De- revealed, for officers and soldiers had writ-
troit, and he asked the general to send ten freely to their friends at home. The
down a detachment of soldiers as an es- Americans lost seventeen killed and sev-
cort. Hull ordered Major Van Home, of eral wounded, who were left behind.
Colonel Findlav's regiment, with 200 men, Van Ness, William Peter, jurist;
to join Brush, and escort him and his horn in Ghent, N. Y., in 1778; graduated
treasures to headquarters. The major at Columbia College; admitted to the bar
crossed the Detroit from Hull's forces and removed to New York City, where he
in Canada, Aug. 4. On the morning of the became an intimate friend of Aaron Burr;

carried Burr's challenge to Hamilton and
acted as one of the former's seconds in the
duel; was United States judge of the
southern district of New York in 1812-
26. He was the author of Examination
of Charges Against Aaron Burr; Laws of
New York, with Notes (with John Wood-
worth) ; Reports of Two Cases in the
Prize Court for New York District; and
Concise Narrative of General Jackson's
First Invasion of Florida. He died in
New York City, Sept. 6, 1826.

Van Rensselaer, Henby Killiait, mili-
tary officer ; born near Albany, N. Y., in
1744; commanded a regiment in the Revo-
lutionary War, and was wounded in the
battle of Saratoga. He was afterwards
a general of militia. In July, 1777, at
about the time of the retreat of the Amer-
ican army from Ticonderoga before Bur-
goyne, he was attacked by a large British
force near Fort Anne. He made stout
resistance; but, hearing of the evacuation
of Ticonderoga, he fell back towards Fort
Edward. In that encounter he received
a bulVet in his thigh, which was not ex-
5th, while the detachment was moving tracted until after his death, in Green-
cautiously, Van Home was told by a bush, N. Y., Sept. 9, 1816.
Frenchman that several hundred Indians Van Rensselaer, Ktllian, colonist;
lay in ambush near Brownstown. Ac- born in Amsterdam, Holland, in 1595;
customed to alarmists, he did not believe received a good education; acquired

THOMAS B. VAN HORNB.

VAN RENSSELAER

wealth as a diamond and pearl merchant Van Rensselaer, Mariana Griswold,
in Amsterdam; and was prominent in the author; born in New York City, Feb. 23,
establishment of the West India Company. 1851; received a private education; and
Later, through an agent, he bought a large later studied art and architecture. She
tract of land from the Indians in New contributed to magazines and periodicals,
Netherland, on the Hudson River, com- and wrote Henry Hobson Richardson and
prising the present counties of Albany, Works; American Etchers; Should We
Eensselaer, and Columbia. The tract, Ask for the Suffrage? etc.
which was named Rensselaerswick, was Van Rensselaer, Solomon, military
colonized with immigrants from Holland, officer; born in Eensselaer county, N. Y.,
Van Rensselaer never visited the colony, Aug. 6, 1774; was a son of Henry Killian
but directed its affairs through a sheriff. Van Rensselaer; entered the military ser-
To protect the colonists from the Indians, vice as cornet of cavalry in 1792, and in
he ordered that they should all live near the battle of Fallen Timbers, fought by
each other, except the tobacco-
planters and farmers. After his
death, in 1644, the West India
Company became jealous of the
success of the colony, and Gov-
ernor Stuyvesant, with a military
escort, visited it in 1648, and gave
orders that no buildings should be
constructed within a certain dis-
tance of Fort Orange. Subsequent-
ly he endeavored to restrict the
privileges of Van Rensselaer's sons.

His son, Jeremias, colonist, born
in Amsterdam, Holland, presumably
about 1632, was in charge of Rens-
selaerswick, N. Y., for sixteen
years. When the English threat-
ened New Netherland he was ap-
pointed to preside over the con-
vention in New Amsterdam to
adopt measures of defence. In 1664,
after the province was surrendered
to the English, he allied himself
to the Duke of York on the con-
dition that no offence should be
offered his colony. Later Rens-
selaerswick was erected into a

manor. Under the pen-name of " New Wayne, Aug. 20, 1794, was shot through
Netherland Mercury" he was the author the lungs. From 1801 to 1810 he was
of narratives of various events in the colo- adjutant-general of New York militia,
nies. He died in Rensselaerswick, N. Y., He was lieutenant-colonel of New York
in October, 1674. volunteers in 1812, and commanded the

Another son, Nicholas, clergyman, troops that attacked those of the Brit-
born in Amsterdam, Holland, about 1638, ish at Queenston, Oct. 13 of that year,
was made chaplain of the Dutch em- At the landing-place he received four
bassy in England; appointed a deacon in wounds, and had to be carried back to
the English Church, and in 1674 came to Lewiston. From 1819 to 1822 he was
New York. In September, 1675, he was a member of Congress, and from 1822
made colleague pastor of the Dutch Church until 1839 postmaster at Albany. He
in Albany, but two years later was de- published a Narrative of the Affair at
posed by the governor. He died in Al- Queenston (1836). He died in Albany,
bany, N. Y., in 1678. N. Y., April 23, 1852.

SOLOMON VAN RENSSELAElt.

VAN RENSSELAER— VAN SCHAACK

Van Rensselaer, Stephen, last of the 1821-23. In 1824 he established at Troy,
patroons; born in New York, Nov. 1, N. Y., a scientific school for the instruc-
1765: son of Nicholas Van Rensselaer; tion of teachers, which was incorporated
married a daughter of Gen. Philip in 1826 as the Rensselaer Polytechnic In-
stitute. He died in Albany, Jan.
26, 1839.

Van Rensselaerswick,
or Rensselaeeswick. See Van
Rensselaeb, Killian.

Van Reypen, William
Knickebbockeb, naval officer ;
born in Bergen, N. J., Nov. 14,
1840; graduated at the Medical
Department of the University
of New York in 1862; served at
the Naval Hospital, New York,
in 1862, and on the frigate St.
Lawrence of the East Gulf
blockading squadron, in 1863-
64; appointed medical director
in March, 1~865; surgeon-general
United States navy, and chief of
the bureau of medicine and
surgery with the rank of rear-
admiral, Oct. 22, 1897. During
the American - Spanish War he
designed and equipped the am-
bulance ship Solace, the first
ever employed in naval warfare.
Van Santwood, George,
lawyer; born in Belleville, N. J.,
Dec. 8, 1819; graduated at
Schuyler in 1783. In 1789 he was a mem- Union College in 1841 ; admitted to the
ber of the legislature, and State Senator bar; practised in Kinderhook, N. Y., in
from 1790 to 1795. From 1795 to 1801 1846-52; district attorney of Rensselaer
he was lieutenant-governor. He presided county in 1860-63. His publications in-
over the constitutional convention in elude Life of Algernon Sidney; Principles
1801, and in 1810-11 was one of the of Pleading in Civil Actions Under the
commissioners to ascertain the feasi- New York Code; Lives of the Chief -Jus-
bility of a canal to connect the waters tiees of the United States; Precedents of
of the lakes with the Hudson. From Pleading; and Practice in the Supreme
1816 until his death he was one of the Court of New York in Equity Actions.
canal commissioners, and for fifteen He died in East Albany, N. Y., March 6,
years president of the board. In 1801 1863.

he commanded the State cavalry, with Van Schaack. Peter, jurist; born in
the rank of major-general; and when the Kinderhook, N. Y., March, 1747; was
War of 1812-15 broke out was chief of educated at King's College (now Colum-
the New York State militia. In 1819 bia University), and had the reputation
he was elected a regent of the State Uni- of being an accomplished classical
versity, and afterwards its chancellor, scholar. While in college he married
In 1820 he was president of the State Elizabeth Cruger; and, choosing the law
agricultural board, a member of the con- as a profession, entered the office of Mr.
stitutional convention in 1821, and of Sylvester, in Albany, concluding his
Congress from 1823 to 1829. At his ex- studies with William Smith, Sr., in New
pense, and under his direction, a geologi- York. Soon rising to eminence in his
cal survey of New York was made in profession, he was appointed, at the age

STEPHKN VAN RENSSELAER.

VAN SCHAICK— VAN TWILLEB

of twenty-six years, sole reviser of the 1779 he was sent by Washington to de-
colonial statutes. When the Revolution- stroy the settlement of the Onondaga
ary War broke out he was one of the Indians, for the performance of which
New York committee of correspondence ; service Congress gave him its thanks,
but when the question, Shall the Ameri- He was made brigadier-general by brevet,
can colonies take up arms against Great Oct. 10, 1783. Van Schaick was a rigid
Britain? had to be answered by every disciplinarian, and his regiment one of
American citizen, his voice was in the neg- the best in the service. He died in
ative, and during the war he was a con- Albany, N. Y., July 4, 1787.
scientious loyalist, but maintained an at- Van Twiller, Wotjteb or Walter,
titude of strict neutrality. He did not colonial governor; was a resident of
escape persecution, for suspicion was Nieukirk, Holland, about 1580; was
everywhere keen-scented. The committee chosen to succeed Peter Minuits as gov-
on conspiracies at Albany summoned ernor of New Netherland in 1633. He
him before them (June, 1777), and re- was one of the clerks in the West India
quired him to take the oath of allegiance Company's warehouse at Amsterdam, and
to the Continental Congress. He refused, had married a niece of Killian Van
and was ordered to Boston within ten Rensselaer, the wealthiest of the newly
days. From that time he was constantly created patroons. Van Rensselaer had
restrained; and when he asked the privi- employed him to ship cattle to his domain
lege of taking his wife, who was dying on Hudson River, and it was probably
with consumption, to New York, it was his interest to have this agent in New
refused. She died, and he was banished Netherland; so, through his influence, the
from his native country in October, 1778, incompetent Van Twiller was appointed
when he went to England, and remained director-general of the colony. He was
there untilthe summer of 1785, when he inexperienced in the art of government,
returned home, and was received with slow in speech, incompetent to decide,
open arms by men of all parties. While narrow-minded, and irresolute. He was
in England he had associated with the called by a satirist " Walter the Doubt-
most distinguished men of the realm, who er." Washington Irving, in his broad
regarded him as one of the brightest caricature of him, says: "His habits were
Americans among them, for his scholar- as regular as his person. He daily took
ship, legal attainments, and rare social his four stated meals, appropriating ex-
qualities were remarkable. These made actly an hour to each; he smoked and
his mansion at Kinderhook the resort of doubted eight hours, and he slept the re-
some of the most eminent men of the maining twelve of the four-and-twenty."
land, and his society was sought con- He knew the details of the counting-room
tinually. He died in Kinderhook, N. Y., routine, but nothing of men or the af-
Sept. 17, 1832. fairs of State. He ever came into col-

Van Schaick, Gozen, military officer; lision with abler men in the colony,
born in Albany, N. Y., in January, 1737; In the company's armed ship Sout-
served in the French and Indian War, berg, with 104 soldiers, he sailed for Man-
taking part in the expeditions against hattan. With him also came Everardus
Ticonderoga, Crown Point, Fort Fronte- Bogardus, the first clergyman sent to New
nac, and Niagara (1756-59), and was Netherland, and Adam Roelandsen, school-
major in Colonel Johnson's regiment in master. The chief business of Van Twil-
1759. On the breaking-out -of the Revo- ler's administration appears to have been
lutionary War, he was made colonel of to maintain and extend the commercial
the 2d New York Regiment, and late operations of his principals, the West In-
in 1776 was in command of a battalion dia Company. He repaired Fort Amster-
sent to the vicinity of Cherry Valley to dam, erected a guard-house and barracks,
protect the inhabitants against Brant and built expensive windmills; but the
and his followers, in which work he was latter were so near the fort that their
vigilant and active. In the battle of wings frequently missed the wind. Build-
Monmouth he was a brigadier-general ings were erected for officers and other
under Lord Stirling. In the spring of employes, and several in various parts

VAN WAET— VANDERBILT

of the province. Of this extravagance United States Senator from North Caro-

complaint was made, and his shortcom- lina in 1879-94. He died in Washington,

ings were severely denounced by Dominie D. C, April 14, 1894.

Bogardus, who, in a letter to him, called Vancouver, George, navigator; born in

him a "child of the devil," and threaten- England about 1758; accompanied Cap-

cd him with " such a shake from the pul- tain Cook in his last two voyages. In

pit " on the following Sunday " as^would 1790 he was made master in the royal

make him shudder." His administration navy, and was sent out in command of

was so much complained of in Holland the Discovery to ascertain whether in

that he was recalled in 1637. He left the North America, between lat. 30° and 60"

colony in a sorry condition, but with N., there was any interior sea or water

an ample private estate. Van Rensselaer communication between the known gulfs

seems to have had confidence in Van Twil- of the Atlantic and the Pacific oceans. He

ler, for he made him executor of his sailed from England in April, 1791, and

last will and testament. In a controversy, in the spring of 1792 crossed from the

Van Twiller took sides against the West Sandwich Islands to the American coast,

India Company, and vilified the adminis- when Nootka was surrendered by the

tration of Stuyvesant. The company were Spaniards, in accordance with previous ar-

indignant, and spoke of Van Twiller as rangements. He did not find the sought-

an ungrateful man who had "sucked for waters, and returned to London, late

his wealth from the breasts of the com- in 1795, with shattered health. His name

pany which he now abuses." He died was given to a large island on the western

in Amsterdam, Holland, after 1646. coast of North America. He devoted him-

Van Wart, Isaac, patriot; born in self to the arrangement of his manuscripts

Greenburg, N. Y., in 1760; engaged in for publication, and the narrative of his

farming in Westchester county, N. Y. voyages, published in 3 volumes after his

During the Revolutionary War he was an death, was edited by his brother. He died

ardent sympathizer with the patriot cause, near London, May 10, 1798.

and on Sept. 23, 1780, with John Paulding Vancouver Island, an island in the

and David Williams, captured Maj. John North Pacific Ocean, near the mainland

Andre {q. v.) when that officer was re- of the State of Washington and British

turning from the American lines. For this Columbia, from which it is separated by

act each of the three captors received the the Gulf of Georgia. It is about 300 miles

thanks of Congress, a pension of $200 per long, and was named after Capt. Geo.

annum for life, and a silver medal. He Vancouver, an English navigator, who was

died in Mount Pleasant, N. Y., May 23, sent on a voyage of discovery to seek any

1828. A monument was erected to his navigable communication between the

memory by the citizens of Westchester North Pacific and North Atlantic oceans,

county in 1829. He sailed in April, 1791, and returned

Vance, Zebulon Baird, legislator; born Sept. 24, 1795. He compiled an account
near Asheville, N. C, May 13, 1830; re- of his survey of the northwest coast of
ceived a collegiate education; admitted to America, and died in 1798. Settlements,
the bar in 1852; elected to Congress in made here by the English in 1781, were
1858 and re-elected in 1859; strongly op- seized by the Spaniards in 1789, but re-
posed the secession of his native State, but stored. By treaty with the United States,
afterwards entered the Confederate army in 1846, the island was secured to Great
as colonel ; and was elected governor of Britain. It has become of importance
North Carolina in 1862. While in office since the discovery of gold in the neigh-
he purchased a Clyde steamship, which boring mainland, in 1858, and the colo-
succcssfully ran the blockade several times, nization of British Columbia. The island
landing clothing, arms, and general sup- was united with British Columbia in
plies. In 1863 he advocated peace nego- August, 1866; and on May 24, 1868,
tiations with the national government, Victoria, founded in 1857, was declared
and urged Jefferson Davis to seek a ces- the capital.

sation of hostilities. He was re-elected Vanderbilt, Cornelius, financier; born

governor in 1864 and 1876; and was near Stapleton, Staten Island, N. Y., May

VANDERBILT

27, 1794; at the age of sixteen years he turned his capital and his energies in that

bought a small boat, with which he car- direction. He obtained control of one rail-

ried passengers and " truck " between road after another ; and at the time of his

Staten Island and New York. At eighteen death his various roads covered lines more

he owned two boats, and was captain of than 2,000 miles in extent, and, under one

a third. Prosperity constantly attended management, represented an aggregate

him. He married at nineteen, and when capital of $150,000,000, of which he and

he was twenty-three he was worth $9,000 members of his family owned fully one-

half. His entire property at his death, in
New York City, Jan. 4, 1877, was esti-
mated in value at nearly $100,000,000,
nearly all of which he bequeathed to his son
William H., that the great railroad enter-
prise might go on as a unit and increase.
In 1873 Mr. Vanderbilt founded the Van-
derbilt University in Nashville, Tenn., with
$500,000, afterwards increased to $700,000.

and out of debt. Then he settled in New
York, where he bought vessels of various
kinds; and in 1817 assisted in building
the first steamboat that plied between
New York and New Brunswick, of which
he was captain, with a salary of $1,000
a year. He commanded a finer boat in
181&, his wife at the same time keeping
a hotel at New Brunswick. He soon had
full control of that steam-
boat line, and in 1827 he
made $40,000 a year
profit. He started steam-
boats in various waters — ■
the Hudson, the Delaware,
Long Island Sound, etc.,
everywhere seeking to
have a monopoly of the
business and profits. His
wealth greatly increased.
He engaged in establishing
steamboat and other con-
nection between New York
and California. After 1848
he fought opposition vig-
orously and triumphed.
In 1856 he received a large
subsidy for withdrawing
his transit line; and in
1861 he presented to the
government of the United
States the Vanderbilt, a
steam - vessel that cost
$800,000, which was used
in cruising after Confeder-
ate privateers. During his
steamship carer he owned
twenty - one steamships,
eleven of which he built;
and, with steamboats, his
entire fleet numbered six-
ty-six. For many years
he was popularly called
" Commodore."

When he abandoned the
water in 1864 his accumulations were esti- Vanderbilt, Cornelius, capitalist;
mated at $40,000,000. As early as 1844 he born in New Dorp, Staten Island, N. Y.,
had become interested in railroads; now he Nov. 27, 1843; eldest son of William

CORNKUl'S VAKDERIS1LT.

VANDERBILT— VANDERLYN

Henry Vanderbilt; received an academic Methodist Episcopal Church, South, until
education and became a clerk in the Shoe the elder Cornelius Vanderbilt gave it
and Leather Bank, and later in the bank- $500,000, when its name was changed
ing firm of Kissam Brothers; began his to that of the donor. Later Mr. Van-
study of finance and railroad management derbilt increased his donation to $1,000,-
in 1865, and became treasurer of the Har- 000, and at various times his son, William
lem Railroad in 1867. When his father Henry, made gifts amounting to $450,-
died, on Dec. 8, 1885, he became head of 000. The university has departments of
the Vanderbilt family and managed the theology, medicine, law, dentistry, en-
Vanderbilt system of railroads till 1895. gineering, and pharmacy. In 1903 it re-
He was stricken with paralysis in July, ported: Professors and instructors, 100;
1896, and never entirely recovered. He students, 695 ; volumes in the library, 30,-
made numerous gifts to education and 000; productive funds, $1,250,000; grounds
charity, including $850,000 to the Church and buildings valued at $750,000; pro-
of St. Bartholomew; $1,500,000 to Yale ductive funds, $1,400,000; number of
University, part of which was given to graduates, over 3,600; president, J. H.
erect Vanderbilt Hall, a dormitory built Kirkland, LL.D., Ph.D.
as a memorial to his son William H., who Vanderheyden, Diek, land-owner;
died there while a student; $100,000 to born in Albany, N. Y., about 1680; was
the Church of St. John the Divine; $50,- an inn-keeper and engaged in land speeu-
000 to St. Luke's Hospital; and a like lation. Jn 1720 he secured a grant of
sum to the Episcopal Domestic and For- 490 acres at an annual fee of four fat
eign Missionary Society. He died in New fowls and five schepels of wheat. Later
York City, Sept. 12, 1899. the grant was called Vanderheyden's Fer-

Vanderbilt, William Henet, capital- r y, till 1789, when it was named Troy.

ist; born in New Brunswick, N. J., May i n 1725 he built upon this site the Van-

8, 1821; son of Cornelius Vanderbilt; derheyden mansion, one of the best

educated at Columbia Grammar School; samples of Dutch architecture at that

settled in New Dorp, Staten Island, and period in New York" State, which was

became the manager of the Staten Island constructed with bricks imported from

Railroad. When his father engaged in Holland. He died in Albany, N. Y., in

railroad financiering at the age of seven- October, 1738.

ty (1864) William took charge as vice- Vanderlyn, John, painter; born in
president of the Harlem and Hudson River Kingston, N. Y., Oct. 15, 1776- received
companies, and later of the New York Cen- instructions in painting from Gilbert
tral. He received about $90,000,000 un- Stuart at the age of sixteen years, and
der the will of his father in 1877. His in 1796, through the aid of Aaron Burr,
gifts to various objects include $200,000 went to Paris, and studied there five years,
to the endowment of Vanderbilt Univer- He returned, but went to Europe again,
sity and $100,000 for a theological de- where he resided from 1803 to 1815. There
partment there; $500,000 for new build- he painted a large picture of Marius Seat-
ings for the College of Physicians and e d amid the Ruins of Carthage, for which
Surgeons; $100,000 to the trainmen and he was awarded the gold medal at the
laborers of the New York Central Rail- Louvre in 1808, and was the recipient of
road: $50,000 to the Church of St. high commendation from Napoleon. On
Bartholomew; and $103,000 to bring from his return to the United States he paint-
Egypt and erect in Central Park the ed portraits of distinguished citizens, and
obelisk which Khedive Ismail gave to the introduced the panoramic method of ex-
United States. He died in New York hibiting pictures. In 1832 he received a
City, Dec. 8, 1885. commission to paint a full-length portrait

Vanderbilt University, an educational of Washington for the House of Rep-
institution in Nashville, Tenn.; an out- resentatives ; and in 1839 he painted for
growth of a movement in the Methodist one of the panels of the rotunda of
Episcopal Church, South, for higher edu- the Capitol The Landing of Columhus.
cation in that denomination. It was He died in Kingston, N. Y., Sept. 24,
known as the Central University of the 1852.

VANE—VABICK

Vane, Sib Henry, colonial governor; exclusive direction of the navy. He was
born in Hadlow, Kent, England, in 1612; then considered one of the foremost men
was a son of Sir
Henry, Secretary
of State under
Kings James and
Charles I. In early
life he refused to
take the oath of
supremacy, became
a Puritan and a re-
publican; arrived
at Boston in 1835
(Oct. 3), and, was
almost immediate-
ly chosen governor.
His was a stormy
administration, for
it was agitated by
the Hutchinson
controversy (see
Hut chin son,
Anne). Vane was
enlightened and
tolerant.- He ab-
horred bigotry in
every form, warm-
ly defended the in-
violability of the
rights of conscience
and the exemption
of religion from all
control by the civil
authorities, and
had no sympathy
with Uie attacks of
the clergy upon
Mr s . Hutchinson.
Winthrop, whom

he had superseded as governor of Massa- in the nation, and Milton wrote a fine
chusetts, led a strong opposition to him, sonnet in his praise. He and Cromwell
and the next year he was defeated as a were brought in conflict by the forcible
candidate for re-election, but became a dissolution of the Long Parliament by the
member of the General Court. latter. Vane was leader of the Rebellion

Late in the summer of 1637 he sailed Parliament in 1659. When Charles II.
for England, was elected to Parliament, ascended the throne, Vane, considered one
became one of the treasurers of the navy, of the worst enemies of his beheaded
and in 1640 was knighted. In the Long father, was committed to the Tower in
Parliament he was a member, and a 1662, and was executed June 14. Sir
strong opponent of royalty. He was the Henry was chiefly instrumental in pro-
principal mover of the solemn league and curing the first charter for Rhode Island,
covenant, and in 1648 was a leader of the Varick, Richard, military officer; born
minority in Parliament which favored the in Hackensack, N\ J., March 25, 1753; was
rejection of terms of settlement offered a lawyer in the city of New York when the
by the King. In 1649 he was a member Revolutionary War began, and entered
of the council of state, and had almost the service as captain in McDougall's regi-
x.— c 33

SIR HENRY VANE.

VARNUM— VARUNA

ment. Soon afterwards he became Gen- Varnum, Joseph Bradley, lawyer;
eral Schuyler's military secretary, and re- born in Washington, D. C, June 9, 1818;
mained so until that officer was super- graduated at Yale College in 1838; ad-
seded by Gates in the summer of 1777, mitted to the bar and followed his pro-
continuing with the army, with the rank fession in Baltimore for several years;
of colonel, until the capture of Burgoyne. removed to New York City and there ob-
Varick was inspector - general at West tained a large practice; member of the
Point until after Arnold's treason, when New York legislature in 1849-51 and
he became a member of Washington's mili- speaker in the latter year. His publi-
tary family, acting as his recording secre- cations include The Beat of Government
tary until near the close of the Revolution, of the United States, and The Washington
When the British evacuated the city of Sketch-Book. He died in Astoria, N. Y.,
New York, Nov. 25, 1783, Colonel Varick Dec. 31, 1874.

was made recorder there, and held the Varnum, Joseph Beadley, legislator;
; office until 1789, when he became attorney- born in Dracut, Mass., Jan. 29, 1750;
general of the State. Afterwards he was brother of James M. Varnum; was an
elected mayor of New York, and held that active patriot during the Revolution, both
office until 1801. He and Samuel Jones in the council and in the field; member
were appointed (1786) to revise the laws of Congress in 1795-1811; speaker of the
of the State of New York, and in 1718 he tenth and the eleventh Congresses; and
was speaker of the Assembly. He was one United States Senator in 1811-17. He had
of the founders of the American Bible Soci- been made major-general of militia at an
ety. He died in Jersey City, July 30, 1831. early day, and at the time of his death,
Varmrm, James Mitchell, military of- in Dracut, Mass., Sept. 21, 1821, was the
ficer; born in Dracut, Mass., Dec. 17, 1748; oldest officer of that rank in Massachu-
graduated at Rhode Island College (now setts, and also senior member of the
Brown University) in 1769, and became United States Senate,
a lawyer in East Greenwich, R. I. In 1784 Varuna, The. In the naval battle on
he was commander of the Kentish Guards, the Mississippi, below New Orleans, the
from the ranks of which came General chief efforts of the Confederate gunboats
Greene and about thirty other officers of seemed to be directed against the Gayu-
ihe Revolution. He was made colonel of ga, Captain Bailey, and the Varuna, Cap-
the 1st Rhode Island Regiment in Janu- tain Boggs. The Cayuga had compelled
ary, 1775, and soon afterwards entered the three of the Confederate gunboats to sur-
Continental army, becoming brigadier-gan- render to her, and was fighting desperately,
eral in February, 1777. He was at Red when the Varuna rushed into the thickest
Bank (Port Mercer), in command of all of the battle to rescue her. Then the
the troops on the Jersey side of the Del- Varuna became the chief object of the
aware, when the British took Philadel- wrath of the Confederates. " Immediately
phia; and it was under his direction that after passing the forts," reported Captain
Major Thayer made his gallant defence Boggs, "I found myself amid a nest o<
of Fort Mifflin (q. v.). General Var- rebel steamers." As he penetrated this
num was at Valley Forge the following "nest," he poured a broadside upon each
winter ; took part in the battle of Mon- vessel as he passed. The first that received
mouth (June 28, 1778) ; joined Sulli- his fire appeared to be crowded with
van in his expedition to Rhode Island, troops. Her boiler was exploded by o
serving under the immediate orders of shot, and she drifted ashore. Soon after
Lafayette, and resigned in 1779, when he wards the Varuna drove three other vesself
was chosen major-general of militia, which ashore in flames, and all of them blew
office he held until his death. In the Con- up. Very soon afterwards she was fiercely
tinental Congress ( 1780-82 and 1786-87) he attacked by the ram Governor Moore, corn-
was very active, and an eloquent speaker, manded by Captain Kennon, formerly of
Appointed judge of the Supreme Court in the United States navy. It raked along
the Northwestern Territory, he removed to the Varuna's port-gangway, doing consid-
Marietta, 0., in June, 1788, and held the erable damage; but Boggs soon drove
office until his death there, Jan. 10, 1789. her out of action, when another ram its

VASCO— VASSAR

beak under water, struck the Varuna at
the same point. The shots of the latter
glanced harmlessly from the armor of her
assailant. The ram backed off a short
distance, and, darting forward, gave the
Varuna another blow in the same place,
which crushed in her side. The ram be-
came entangled, and was drawn nearly
to the side of the Varuna, when Boggs
gave her five 8-inch shells abaft her armor
from his port-guns, and drove her ashore
in flames. Finding his own vessel sink-
ing, he ran her into the bank, let go her
anchor, and tied her bow fast to the
trees. All that time her guns were at
work crippling the Moore, and did not
cease until the water was over the gun-
trucks. Then he got his wounded and
crew safely on shore. The Moore was
soon afterwards set on fire by Kennon,
who abandoned her, leaving his wounded
to perish in the flames. This was one of
the most daring exploits of the war, and
received great applause.

Vasco da Gama, navigator; born in
Sines, Portugal, presumably about 1469;
was appointed by Emanuel of Portugal
commander of an expedition to find an
ocean route to the East Indies. He sailed
from Lisbon in July, 1497, and reached
Calicut in the following November, after
having sailed around the Cape of Good
Hope; returned to Lisbon in 1499; made
a second voyage to India in 1502-3; and
was appointed viceroy there in the year
1524. He died in Cochin, India, Dec. 24,
1524.

Vasquez de Allyon, Luke, colonist;
born in Spain; removed to Santo Do-
mingo, and acquired extensive mines there.
Cruelty had almost exterminated the
natives, and Vasquez sailed northward in
two ships, in 1520, in search of men on
some island, to work his mines. Entering
St. Helen's Sound, on the coast of South
Carolina, by accident, he saw with delight
the shores swarming with wonder-struck
natives, who believed his vessels to be sea-
monsters. When the Spaniards landed,
the natives fled to the woods. Two of
them were caught, carried on board of the
ships, feasted, dressed in gay Spanish
costume, and sent back. The sachem was
so pleased that he sent fifty of his subjects
to the vessels with fruits, and furnished
guides to the Spaniards in thair long ex-

cursions through the woods. When Vas-
quez was ready to leave, he invited a
large number of native men to a feast on
board his ships. They were lured below,
made stupidly drunk, and were carried
away to be made slaves. Many of them
died from starvation, for they refused to
eat, and one of the ships foundered, and
all on board perished. The remainder
were made slaves in the mines. Vasquez
was rewarded as a discoverer of new lands
(see Ameeica, Discovebebs of), and
made governor of "Chicora, as the natives
called the region of South Carolina. With
three ships he proceeded to take possession
of the territory and plant a colony. On
Beaufort Island, Port Royal Sound, they
began to build a town. The natives seemed
friendly, and very soon the sachem invited
the Spaniards to a great feast near the
mouth of the Combahee River. About 200
of them went. It lasted three days. When
all the Spaniards were asleep, the Indians
fell upon and murdered the whole of them.
Then they attacked the builders on Beau-
fort. Some of the Spaniards escaped to
their ships, and among them was Vasquez,
mortally wounded. The treachery taught
the Indians by the Spaniards was repeated
in full measure.

Vassar, Matthew, philanthropist; born
in Tuddenham, England, April 29, 1792;
came to the United States with his father
in 1796, when the family settled on a
small farm near Poughkeepsie, N. Y., and
established a brewery of ale in a small
way. In 1812 Matthew began the busi-
ness at Poughkeepsie, and by this and
other enterprises he accumulated a large
fortune. In declining life, as he was
childless, he contemplated the establish-
ment of some public institution. At the
suggestion of his niece (Miss Booth), a
successful teacher of girls, he resolved to
establish a college for young women, and
in February, 1861, at a meeting of a
board of trustees which he had chosen, he
delivered to them $408,000 for the found-
ing of such an institution, now known
as Vassar College (q. v.). A spacious
building was erected, and in September,
1865, it was opened with a full faculty
and over 300 students. Other gifts to the
college and bequests in his will inoreased
the amount to over $800,000. He died in
Poughkeepsie, N. Y., June 23. lsaa

VASSAR COLLEGE— VATTDREUIL

Vassar College, the first institution
for imparting a full collegiate education
to women established in the world; found-
ed by Matthew Vassar in Poughkeepsie,
N. ¥., in 1861. The college edifice was
erected during the Civil War, and a few
weeks after its close a faculty was chosen
(June, 1865). The institution was opened
for the reception of students in September
following, when nearly 350 young women
entered. In 1864 Mr. Vassar purchased
and presented to the college a collection
of oil and water-color pictures for its art-
gallery, at a cost of $20,000, including

college edifice stands in the midst of 200
acres of fine land, on which is a lake used
for boating and skating purposes, which
is fed by springs of pure water, from which
the college is supplied. From the start
Vassar College has been successful in
every particular, and is pronounced by
educators at home and abroad as a model
institution. It has the honor of being
the pioneer in the work of the higher edu-
cation of women. In 1903 it reported
eighty professors and instructors, 930 stu-
dents, 2,170 graduates, 50,000 volumes in
the library, grounds and buildings valued

VASSAR COLLEGE FROM THE LAKB.

an art library of about 8,000 volumes. Mr.
Vassar bequeathed to the college $50,000
as a lecture fund, $50,000 as an auxiliary
fund, and $50,000 as a library, art, and
cabinet fund, the income of each to be
applied to the purpose for which it was
intended — namely, the first-named for em-
ploying lecturers, the second for aiding
meritorious students unable to pay the
whole expense of a collegiate course, and
the third for the enlargement of the
library, art-gallery, and cabinets. He also
bequeathed $125,000 as a repair fund, to
meet necessary expenses in repairs of and
additions to the college buildings. The

at $1,399,862 ; productive funds, $994,054 ;
president, James M. Taylor, D.D.

Vaudreuil, Loins Philippe de Rigatjd,
Marquis de, naval officer; born near
Castelnaudary, Prance, in 1640; had been
tried as a soldier when, in 1689, he was
named governor of Montreal, under Pron-
tenac. He served in an expedition against
the Iroquois, and also in defence of
Quebec against the armament under
Phipps, in 1690. Active and brave in
military life, he was made governor of
Canada in 1703, and remained so until
his death, Oct. 11, 1725. During his ad-
ministration he gave the English colonies

VATJGHA2T— VEDDER

infinite trouble by inciting the Indians to tol and Smithsonian Institution, Wash-
make perpetual forays on the frontier, ington, D. C. Later he was associated
His son, Pierre Francois, who inherited with Frederick Law Olmsted, and they pre-
his title and was the last French govern- sented the designs for laying out Central
or of Canada, was born in Quebec in 1698, Park, New York City, and Prospect Park,
and died in France, 1764. He, too, was a Brooklyn, N. Y., that were accepted. He
soldier in the French army; became gov- designed many parks in Chicago and Buf-
ernor of Three Rivers in 1733, and of falo, the State reservation, at Niagara
Louisiana in 1743; was made governor of Falls, the plans for Riverside and Morning-
Canada in 1755, but was regarded with side parks, New York City, and parks in
contempt by Montcalm, whose friends, other cities. Mr. Vaux was landscape
after the surrender of Montreal and the architect of the Department of Public
return of Vaudreuil to France, made Parks of New York City, member of the
charges which caused the ex-governor's im- Consolidated Commission of Greater New
prisonment in the Bastile. He was ex- York, and landscape architect of the State
onerated from all blame and released, but reservation at Niagara. He died in Ben-
was stripped of nearly all his possessions, sonhurst, L. I., Nov. 19, 1895.

Vaughan, Sib John, military officer; Vaux, Roberts, jurist; born in Phila-

born in England inJ7-38; came to Anier- delphia, Pa., Jan. 25, 1786; received a

ica as colonel of the -4oth Regiment, and private school education ; admitted to the

served on the staff of Sir Henry Clinton bar in 1808; and became judge of the

as brigadier-general and major-general, county court of Philadelphia in 1835.

In January, 1777, he was made major- Most of his life was devoted to charity,

general in the British army. In the bat- education, and the reform of the penal

tie of Long Island he led the grenadiers, code. He was one of the originators of the

and was wounded at the landing on New public school system of Pennsylvania; a

York Island afterwards. He participated founder of the deaf and dumb asylum,

in the capture of forts Clinton and Mont- the Philadelphia Savings Funds, and

gomery, in the Hudson Highlands, and, other societies. Among his works are

proceeding up the river in a squadron of Memoirs of the Life of Anthony Benezet;

light vessels, he burned Kingston and de- Notices of the Original and Successive

vastated other places on the shores. In Efforts to Improve the Discipline of the

May, 1779, he captured Stony and Ver- Prison at Philadelphia, etc. He died in

planck's points on the Hudson, and re- Philadelphia, Pa., Jan. 7, 1836.

turned to England in the fall, becoming Veazey, Wheelock Graves, lawyer;

commander-in-chief of the Leeward Isl- born in Brentwood, N. H., Dec. 5, 1835;

ands. With Rodney, he took Eustatia in graduated at Dartmouth College in 1859;

1781. He was a representative of Ber- admitted to the bar in 1860, and began

wick, in Parliament, from 1774 until his practice in Springfield, Vt. ; served in the

death in Martinique, June '30, 1795. Civil War in 1861-63; promoted colonel

Vaughan, William, military officer; of the 16th Vermont Volunteers in

born in Portsmouth, N. H., Sept. 12, 1703; October, 1862; resumed law practice in

graduated at Harvard University in 1722 ; August, 1863 ; reporter of the Supreme

became interested in the Newfoundland Court of Vermont in 1864-72; judge of

fisheries and settled in Damariscotta ; was the State Supreme Court in 1879-89;

lieutenant-colonel of militia in the Louis- member of the inter-State commerce com-

burg expedition in 1745; and, feeling mission in 1889-97; aided in the founding

slighted in the distribution of awards, he of the Grand Army of the Republic in

went to London, England, to present his Vermont, and was commander-in-chief

claims, where he died, Dec. 11, 1746. of the Grand Army of the Republic in

Vaux, Calvebt, landscape architect; 1890. He died in Washington, D. C,

born in London, England, Dec. 20, 1824; March 22, 1898.

came to the United States in 1848 with Vedder, Elihu, artist; born in New

Andrew J. Downing, of whom he became a York, Feb. 26, 1836; educated at Brinker-

partner. They were associated in laying hoff School, Brooklyn, N. Y. ; studied with

out the grounds that surrounded the Capi- Tompkins H. Mattison in Sherburne, N. Y.,

VELASQUEZ— VENEZUELA QUESTION

and with Francois Edouard Picot, in States in a war with Great Britain. This

Paris; and later in Italy, returning to condition of affairs was caused by the sud-

the United States in 1861. He opened a den renewal by Great Britain of an old

studio in New York; was elected an asso- claim to territory adjoining British

date of the National Academy in 1863; Guiana, but held by Venezuela. This ter-

and removed to Rome in 1867. Among his ritory contains about 500 square miles and

best known works are the five decorated is inhabited by over 100,000 people. It

panels and the mosaic Minerva in the Con- also contains rich gold-mines. The ter-

gressional Library at Washington, D. C. ritory had been a subject of dispute ever

Velasquez, Diego de, colonist; born in since 1814, when Holland ceded her South

Cuellar, Segovia, Spain, in 1465 ; served in American possessions to Great Britain. In

the conquest of Granada; went to His- 1841, Robert SchSmburgk, acting for

paniola with Columbus in 1493; and was Great Britain, erected a boundary-line,

prominent in the wars against the Ind- claiming for Great Britain the entire At-

ians. In 1511, on being commissioned to lantic coast as far as the Orinoco. Venez-

conquer Cuba, he left Hispaniola with 300 uela protested and forcibly removed this

soldiers and landed near the eastern ex- line. For fifty years after Great Britain

tremity of the island. The unarmed na- made various claims. In 1887 diplomatic

tives were easily conquered, and he found relations between. Great Britain and Venez-

but little resistance except from Cacique uela were broke|| dgjftecause of the dispute.

Hatuey, fugitive from Hispaniola, whom In the United States the action of Great

he captured and burned at the stake. He Britain was closely watched, it being be-

founded Bayamo, Trinidad, Porto Principe, lieved that her attempt to extend her

Matanzas, Santo Espiritu, and Santiago, boundary-line was in violation of the

where he established his government and Monroe doctrine. On Feb. 20, 1895, the

assumed command. In 1517 he went with United States offered to arbitrate the dis-

Cordova on his slave-seeking expedition, pute, but Great Britain refused. Late in

which resulted in the discovery of 1895 information reached the United

Yucatan. Encouraged by the results of States that Great Britain intended to land

this expedition he sent out another in 1518 troops on the disputed territory. Then

under Hernando Cortez, who arrived at President Cleveland issued the message

Vera Cruz and took command. On hear- already referred to, for the text of which

ing that Cortez had sent commissioners see Cleveland, Groveb. In his message

to Spain to obtain the title to the newly the President asked Congress for leave to

discovered country, Velasquez immediately appoint a commission to visit Venezuela

despatched a force under Panfilo de Nar- and sift the claims of both parties. This

vaez to bring back Cortez as a prisoner. Congress at once granted, voting $100,000

In this attempt Narvaez was defeated by for the purpose.

Cortez, and so the effort of Velasquez to Under this authority President Cleve-

secure the Mexican conquest failed. He land appointed the following commission:

died in Havana in 1522 or 1523. Judge David J. Brewer, chairman; Rich-

Venable, William Henry, educator; aid H. Alvey; Andrew D. White; Freder-

born in Warren county, O., April 29, 1836 ; ick R. Coudert, and Daniel C. Gilman.

was trained for teaching, and has been so Upon their report both Great Britain and

engaged since 1860. He is the author of Venezuela agreed to submit the dispute

A History of the United States; Foot- to arbitration, and under this agreement

prints of the Pioneers; Beginnings of Lit- the following arbitrators were selected:

erary Culture in the Ohio Valley; John Chief - Justice Fuller, Associate Justice

Hancock, Educator; Life and Writings of Brewer, Lord Chief - Justice Russell, of

Gen. William Haines Lytle; Tales from Klllowen, Sir Richard Henn Collins, and

Ohio History ; etc. Professor Martens. Ex-President Harri-

Venezuela Question. On Dec. 17, 1895, son, Gen. B. F. Tracy, M. Mallet-Prevost,

President Cleveland sent to Congress a and the Marquis of Rojas were counsel

special message on this question, which for Venezuela, and Attorney-General Sir

for a time caused great excitement and Richard Webster and Sir Robert Reed foi

seemed to threaten to involve the United Great Britain.

VENEZUELA QUESTION— VERA ^KUZ

The arbitration tribunal met in Paris on peace, the rivers Amakuru and Barima
June 15, 1899, and on Oct. 3 following ren- shall be open to merchant shipping of all
dered the following award unanimously: nations, on condition that the dues levied

by Venezuela and British Guiana, on shipa

The undersigned, by these presents, give traversing the parts of those rivers wvned
and publish our decision, determining and by them respectively, shall be imposed in
judging, touching and concerning the ques- accordance with the same tariff on Vene-
tions that have been submitted to us by zuelan and British vessels.
said arbitration; and, in conformity with In December, 1902, Great Britain and
said arbitration, we decide, declare, and Germany attempted to collect claims
pronounce definitely that the line of fron- against Venezuela. Puerto Cabello was
tier of the colony of British Guiana and the bombarded; Italy joined the other pow-
United states of Venezuela is as follows: ers; the Venezuelan ports were block-
Starting on the coast at Point Playa, aded. President Roosevelt was asked by
the frontier shall follow a straight line the powers to arbitrate the controversy,
to the confluence of the Barima and the but declined. The Permanent Court of
Maruima, thence following the thalweg Arbitration at The Hague on Feb. 22,
of the latter to the source of the Corentin, 1904, decided against Venezuela, the
otherwise called the Cutari, River. United States to carry out the award.

Thence it shall proceed to the confluence From 1895 to 1905 there was constant
of the Haiowa and the Amakuru; thence friction between Venezuela and the Unit-
following the thalweg of the Amakuru to ed States, and with France, England, and
its source in the Plain of Imataka; thence Germany.

in a southwesterly direction along the Vera Cruz, Capture of. In January,
highest ridge of the Imataka Mountains 1847, Gen. Winfield Scott reached the
to the highest point of the Imataka Chain, mouth of the Rio Grande, taking chief
opposite the source of the Barima and the command, but the tardiness of government
principal chain of the Imataka Mountains ; in furnishing materials for attacking Vera
thence in a southeast direction to the Cruz delayed the movement several weeks,
source of the Acarabisi. For this expedition General Scott as-

Following the thalweg of the Acarabisi signed 12,000 men, and appointed the
to the Cuyuni, the northern bank of which island of Lobos, about 125 miles north-
it shall follow in a westerly direction to west of Vera Cruz, as the place of ren-
the confluence of the Cuyuni and the Va- dezvous. When the troops were gathered,
namu; thence along the thalweg of the they sailed for Vera Cruz, and landed near
Vanamu to its westernmost source ; thence that city March 9, 1847. Upon an island
in a straight line to the summit of Mount opposite was a very strong fortress, called
Roraima; thence to the source of the the Castle of San Juan de Ulloa, which
Cotinga. the Mexicans regarded as invulnerable.

From this point the frontier shall foJ- This and Vera Cruz were considered the
low the thalweg of the Cotinga to its " key of the country." This fortress and
confluence with the Takutu; thence along the city were completely invested by the
the thalweg of the Takutu to its source; Americans four days after the landing,
thence in a straight line to the most west- and on March 22 General Scott and Com-
ern point of the Akarai Mountains, the modore Conner were ready for the bom-
highest ridge of which it shall follow bardment. Then Scott summoned the city
to the source of the Corentin, whence it and fortress to surrender. The demand
will follow the course of the river. was refused, when shells from seven mor-

It is stipulated that the frontier hereby tars on land (soon increased to nine)
delimited reserves and in no way preju- were hurled upon the city. The engineer-
dices questions actually existing or that ing works for the siege had been skilfully
may hereafter arise between Great Brit- prepared by Gen. Joseph G. Tottes
ain and the republic of Brazil, or between (q. v.). The entire siege continaed fifteen
the republic of Brazil and Venezuela. In days, during which time the Americans
fixing the above delimitation, the arbitra- fired 3,000 ten-inch shells, 200 howitzer-
tors consider and decide that, in time of shells, l v 000 Paixham shot, and 2,500

VERGENNES

VERA CR0Z DURING THE MEXICAN WAB.

round-shot, the whole weight of metal
being about 500,000 pounds. The shells did
terrible damage within the city, and many
women and children became victims. On
the morning of March 26 the commander
of the post made overtures for surrender,
and on the 29th that event took place,
when about 5,000 Mexicans marched out to
a plain a mile from the city, where they
laid down their arms, gave up their flags,
and retired to the interior on parole. The
city and fortress of San Juan de Ulloa,
with 500 pieces of artillery and a large
quantity of munitions of war passed into
the possession of the Americans. The lat-
ter, during the whole siege, had lost only
eighty men killed and wounded; the
Mexicans lost 1,000 killed and many more
wounded. Scott tried to induce the gov-
ernor to send the women and children
and foreign residents out of the city be-
fore he began the bombardment, but that
magistrate refused. See Mexico, Wab
with.

Vergennes, Charles Gravter, Count
de, statesman; born in Dijon, France, Dec.
28, 1717. In 1740 he was sent to Lisbon
in a diplomatic capacity; in 1750 was
minister at the court of the elector of
Treves; and from 1755 to 1768 was French
ambassador to Turkey. When Louis XVI.
succeeded to the throne (1774), Vergennes
was minister in Sweden. The King re-
called him, and made him minister for
foreign affairs in July. He was the min-
ister with whom the American diploma-

tists had intercourse during the entire
Revolutionary War.

When he was informed of the proclama-
tion of King George and that it had been
determined by the British ministry to
burn the town of Boston and desolate the
country, he exclaimed, prophetically : " The
cabinet of the King of England may wish
to make North America a desert, but there
all its power will be stranded; if ever the
English troops quit the borders of the
sea, it will be easy to prevent their .re-
turn." Vergennes could not persuade him-
self that the British ministry could refuse
conciliation on the reasonable terms offer-
ed by the Americans. The King's procla-
mation changed his mind. " That procla-
mation against the Americans," he said,
"changes my views altogether; it cuts off

CHARLES ORAVIER VERGENNES,

the possibility of retreat; America or the
ministry themselves must succumb." He
died in Versailles, Feb. 13, 1787.

VERMONT

Vermont, Stato: of, first settled by
white people in 1724, by the erection of
Fort Dummer near the (present) site of

STATE SEAL OF VERMONT.

Brattleboro, then supposed to be in Massa-
chusetts. The portion of country between
the Connecticut River and Lake Cham-

plain was known as " New Hampshire
Grants" (see New Hampshire). At the
middle of January (15-17), 1777, the peo-
ple of the " Grants " assembled in conven-
tion at Windsor, and declared the
" Grants " an independent State, with the
title of Vermont. The territory was yet
claimed by New York. At the same time
the convention adopted a petition to the
Continental Congress, setting forth rea-
sons for their position of independence,
and asking for admission into the confed-
eracy of free and independent States and
seats for delegates in the Congress. This
petition, presented to Congress April 8,
1777, was dismissed by resolutions on
June 30, in one of which it was declared
" That the independent government at-
tempted to be established by the people
styling themselves inhabitants of the New
Hampshire Grants can derive no counte-
nance or justification from the act of Con-
gress declaring the United Colonies to be
independent of the crown of Great Britain,
nor from any other act or resolution of
Congress." The Vermonters had adopted

OLD-FASHIONED SDGAK OAUP, TERMONT.
41

VEB1YE0NT, STATE OE

a constitution modelled on that of Penn-
sylvania, and on July 8 a convention at
Windsor adopted it. Under this frame of

'mtmt

TRKES TAPPED FOR JIAPLb: SUGAR, VERMONT

government Vermont successfully main-
tained its independence and sovereignty
until 1791.
In .Inly, 1780, the mysterious move-

ments of Governor Chittenden, Ethan and
Ira Allen, and other leaders in Vermont,
excited grave suspicions of their loyalty,
because of their secret correspond-
ence with the British. In June
the CongresB had appointed a com-
mittee to visit Vermont, and had
declared their disapprobation of
the proceedings of the people in
setting up an independent govern
ment before a decision of Congrest
should be made concerning their
right to separate. The governor
of New York suspected a com-
bination against his State, and in-
timated, in a letter to a member
of Congress, that New York might
be compelled to use all her re-
sources for the defence of that
State. He also called the attention
of Washington to the subject; and
he especially condemned the con-
duct of Ethan Allen, whose motives
he suspected. General Schuyler,
who had been ordered by Wash-
ington to arrest Allen, wrote to
Governor Clinton at the close of
October, saying, " The conduct of
some of the people to the east-
ward is alarmingly mysterious.
A flag, under pretext of settling a
cartel with Vermont, has been on
the Grants. Allen has disbanded
his militia, and the enemy, in
number upwards of 1,600, are
rapidly advancing towards us.
. . . Entreat General Washington
for more Continental troops; and
let me beg of your excellency to
hasten up here." There was gen-
eral alarm concerning the per-
plexing movements of the Ver-
monters, which, in the light of
subsequent history, was only a
piece of coquetry for their benefit.
The shrewd diplomats of Vermont
were working for a twofold ob-
ject — namely, to keep back the
British from a threatened inva-
sion by a show of friendly feeling,
and to so alarm the Congress as
to induce them to admit Vermont
into the Union.

After the ratification of the Articles of
Confederation, in 1781, Congress offered
to admit It, with a considerable curtail-

■13

VERMONT— VERNON

ment of its boundaries. The people re-
fused to come in on such terms, and for
ten years they remained outside of the
Union. Finally, on Jan. 10, 1791, a con-
vention at Bennington adopted the na-

UNITED STATES SENATORS— Continued.

Name.

Dudley Chace

Samuel Prentiss. .
Benjamin Swift...
Samuel S. Phelps.

tional Constitution, and Vermont, hav- Samuel c. Crafts. .
ing agreed to pay to the State of New ZSfa &

iiiwrence Brainerd....

Jacob Collamer

George F. Edmunds...

l.uke P. Poland

Justin S. Morrill

Jonathan floss

Reilfield Proctor

William P. nillngham.

No. of Congress.

18th t0 22d
22d " 27th
23d " 26th
26th " 32d

27 th
28th to 33d

33d
32d to 39th

33d
31th to 39th
39th " 62d

39th

40th lo 56th

56th

52d to

66th "

1826 to 1831
1831 " 1842

1833
1839
1842
1843
1863
1851
1854
1858
18B6

1839
1851
1843

1853
1854
1866
1855
1865
1891

1865

1867 to 1898

1899 " 1900
1891 "

1900 "

York $30,000 for territory claimed by that Solomon Foot
State, was, by resolution of Congress pass-
ed on Feb. 18, admitted into the Union
on March 4, to have two representatives
in Congress until an apportionment of
representatives should be made.

In the War of 1812-15 the governor re-
fused to call out the militia, and forbade Vernon, Edwakd, naval officer; born in
troops to leave the State; but Vermont Westminster, England, Nov. 12, 1684;
volunteers took an active part in the bat- served under Admiral Hopson in the ex-
tle at Plattsburg in 1814. During the pedition which destroyed the French and
troubles in Canada (1837-38), sympa- Spanish fleets off Vigo on Oct. 12, 1702,
thizing Vermonters to the number of fully and was at the naval battle between the
GOO, went over to the help of the insur- French and English off Malaga in 1704.
gents, but were soon disarmed. During In 1708 he attained the rank of rear-ad-
the Civil War Vermont furnished to the miral, and remained in active service until

National army 35,256 troops. Population
in 1890, 332,422; in 1900, 346,641.

STATE GOVERNORS.

Assumes office.

Thomas Chittenden . . 1777

Moses Robinson 1789

Thomas Chittenden . . 1790

Paul Brigham 1797

Isaac Tichenor "

Israel Smith 1807

Isaac Tichenor 1808

Jonas Galusha. 1809

Martin Chittenden... 1813

Jonas Galusha 1815

Richard Skinner 1820

C. P. Van Ness 1823

Ezra Butler. 1826

Samuel C. Crafts 1828

William A. Palmer. . . 1831

S. H. Jenison 1835

Charles Paine 1841

John Mattocks 1843

William Slade 1844

Horace Eaton 1846

Carlos Coolidge 1848

Charles K. Williams. . 1850
Erastns Fairbanks. . . 1852

John S Robinson 1853

Stephen Royce. ...... 1854

1727, when he was elected to Parliament.
He loudly condemned the acts of the min-
istry, and, in the course of remarks,
while arraigning them for their weakness,
Ryland FletcherTT.T 1856 declared that Porto Bello could be taken

HilandHall 1858 w ith six ships. For this remark he was

Erastus Fairbanks... 1860 . ., . .. r . ... . . , m .

Frederick Holbrook.. 1861 extolled throughout the kingdom. There

J Gregory Smith 1863 wag a loud clamor against the ministry,

Paul Dillingham 1865 , , ., ., ,, , -,-, , ,/

John B. Page 1867 and to silence it they sent Vernon to. the

Peter T. Washburn... 1869 West Indies, with the commission of vice-
admiral of the blue. With six men-of-war
1872 he captured Porto Bello on the day after
^rac'e Fairbanks::::!^ the attack (Nov. 23, 1739), the English

Redfield Proctor 1878 losing only seven men. For this exploit

Jo°hnl! , Bafsto a ":::: \m a' commemorative medal was struck, bear-
Samuel E. Pingree... 1884 ing an effigy of the admiral on one disk,
wmiam e P . diSSSSS ml and a town and six ships on the other.

With twenty - nine ships - of - the - line

and eighty small vessels, bearing 15,-

sailors and 12,00? land troops,

G. W. Hendee 1870

John W. Stewart
Julius Converse.

Carroll S. Page 1890

Levi K. Fuller 1892

Urban A. Woodbury.. 1894

Josiah Grout 1896 000

Sff.NdU:iS Vernon sailed from Jamaica (January,

attack Carthagena, but was

I John G. McCullough. 190J
UNITED STATES SENATORS.

Name.

Stephen R. Bradley.
Moses Robinson.

Isaac Tichenor.

Elijah Paine

Nathaniel Chipman.
Stephen R. Bradley.

Israel Smith

Jonathan Robinson..

Dudley Chace.

Isaac Tichenor.

James Fisk

William A. Palmer..
Horatio Seymour..

No. of Congress.

2d to 4th

2d " 4th

4th " 5th

4th " 7th

5th " 8th

7th " 13th

8th " 10th

10th " 14th

13th " 15th

14th " 17th

15th
15th to 19th
17th " 23d

1741) to

repulsed with heavy loss. Twenty
Term. ' thousand men perished, chiefly by a ma-
1791 to 179H lignant fever. The admiral was after-
1796 « 1797 wards in Parliament several years, and
1795 " 1801 during the invasion of the Young Pre-
1801 " 1813 tender in 1745 lie waa emp lo y ed to guard
1803 " 1807 the coasts of Kent and Suffolk; but soon
iris " ill? afterwards, on account of a quarrel with

1813

1815 » 1821 the admiralty, his name was struck from
1817 " 1818 t ne jjgt f rdmirals. Lawrence Washing-
ton, a brother of General Washington,

1818
1821

1825
183:1

VERONA— VERRAZZANO

bearing a captain's commission, joined
Vernon's expedition in 1741, and because
of his admiration for the admiral he
named his estate Mount Vernon. Admiral
Vernon died in England, Oct. 29, 1757.

Verona, Congress op, 1822. The rep-
resentatives of the great powers of Eu-
rope proposed intervention in the revolt
of the Spanish-American colonies. This
led to the annunciation of the Monboe
Doctrine (q. v.) in 1823.

Verplanck, Gtjlian Crommelin, au-
thor; born in New York City, Aug. 7,
1786; graduated at Columbia College in
1801 ; admitted to the bar and practised
in New York City; member of the State
legislature in 1820; member of Congress
in 1825-33; of the State Senate in 1838-
41. He pub'ished Addresses on Subjects
of American History, Art, and Literature,
etc. He died in New York City, March
18, 1870.

VERRAZZANO, GIOVANNI DA

Verrazzano, Giovanni da, navigator;
born near Florence, Italy, in 1470; went
to France as a navigator as early as 1508.
He became a bold corsair, and a terror
to the merchant-ships of Spain and Portu-
gal, seizing many vessels. In 1522 he
captured the treasure-ship sent by Cortez
to Charks V. with the spoils of Mexico,
valued at $1,500,000. Verrazzano, accord-

of the North American coast from lat
34° to 50°, at the Gulf of St. Lawrence.
He describes the people at various points,
and his topographical descriptions seem
to indicate that he entered the bays of
Delaware, New York, and Narraganset,
and the harbor of Boston. In the Strozzi
library at Florence is preserved a cosmo-
graphic description of the coasts and all

ing to a letter from the navigator to the countries which he visited, from which
Francis I., dated July 8, 1524, and pub- it is evident he was in search of a north-
lished in the collection of voyages by west passage to India. The region of

Kamusio in 1556, sailed from France late

GIOVANNr DA VERRAZZANO.

in 1523 in the ship Dauphine, under a com-
mission from the King, and touched Amer-

America which he visited he called New
France. The authenticity of his letter
to Francis I. has been questioned by Amer-
ican writers, who suppose that it was
forged by one of Lis countrymen anxious
to secure for Italy the glory due to Cabot
for the discovery of the North American
Continent. It is possible that Verrazzano
the corsair was not Verrazzano the navi-
gator. Some writers say that the latter
sailed again for America in 1525, and was
never heard of afterwards; while it is
known that Verrazzano the corsair was
executed in Puerto del Pico, Spain, in
1527.

Verrazzano's Voyage, 1524. — Giovanni
da Verrazzano, who commanded the first
French expedition to America sent out
under royal auspices, was, like Colum-
bus, who sailed in the service of Spain,
an Italian. He was born in Florence,
and was about ten years old when Co-
lumbus discovered America. It has been
stated, but on doubtful authority, that he
commanded one of the ships in Aubert's
expedition to America in 1508. In 1521 he

ica first, at the mouth of the Cape Fear appears in history as a French corsair,
River, in March, 1524. In that letter preying upon the commerce between
he gives an account of his explorations Spain and America; and it was probably

VERRAZZANO, GIOVANNI DA

in this occupation that he gained the no- connivance of the King, as the basis of a
tice and favor of Francis I. Late in 1523 claim to American territory. Mr. Henry
he started on his voyage across the Atlan- C. Murphy has been the ablest objector
tic, in the Dauphine, his object being, as to the genuineness of Verrazzano's letter
he tells us himself in the cosmographical and voyage. See his book on The Voyage
appendix to his letter, to reach Cathay of Verrazzano, which affected Mr. Bancroft
(China) by a westward route. Of this so deeply that he has left out all mention
voyage the famous letter here published of Verrazzano in the revised edition of
is the record. It was in March, 1524, that his History of the United States. The en-
he discovered the American coast, prob- tire controversy is reviewed most ably
ably not far from the site of Wilmington, by Justin Winsor, in the fourth volume
in North Carolina. It will be interesting of the new Narrative and Critical Eis-
for the student to follow him in his tory of America, and he shows the utter
course northward, remembering that he insufficiency of Murphy's objections. This
was the first European who explored this review should be carefully read by the
part of the coast. "A newe land," he ex- student. See also De Costa's Verrazzano
claims in his letter, " never before seen the Explorer, containing an exhaustive
of any man, either auncient or moderne." bibliography of the subject, Prof. Geo.
Among the places which he describes, New W. Greene's essay on Verrazzano in
York Harbor, Block Island (which he the North American Review for October,
named Louisa, in honor of the King's 1837, etc.

mother), Newport, and other places have The fourth volume of the Narrative and
been identified. He continued along the Critical History of America bears the sub-
Maine coast and as far as Nova Scotia and title of French Explorations and Settle-
Newfoundland, which fishermen from Brit- ments in North America, to whieh sub-
tany had found twenty years before (the ject almost the entire volume is devoted,
name of Cape Breton is a trace of them), It is an inexhaustible mine of informa-
thence returning to France. He reached tion, to whieh the more careful student
Dieppe early in July, and it is from Dieppe, should constantly go in connection with
July 8, 1524, that his letter to the King almost all of the lectures on America
is dated. It is the earliest description and France. There is a chapter devoted
known to exist of the shores of the United to Jacques Cartier, the next important
States. Frenchman in America, and very much

There are two copies of Verrazzano's let- about Champlain. Verrazzano, Cartier,
ter, both of them, however, Italian trans- and Champlain are also all most interest-
lations, the original letter not being in ingly treated, by Parkman, in his Pioneers
existence. One was printed by Eamusio of France in the New World. Champlain's
in 1556, and this was translated into Eng- own writings, which have been carefully
lish by Hakluyt for his Divers Voyages, edited by Bev. Edmund F. Slafter, should
which appeared in 1582. The other was be consulted,
found many vears later in the Strozzi Li-
brary at Florence, and was first publish- captain john de verrazzano to his
ed in 1841 by the New York Historical M0ST serene majesty, the king of
Society, with a translation by Dr. J. G. France, writes:

Cogswell. This is the translation given Since the tempests which we encoun-

here. The cosmographical appendix eon- tered on the northern coasts, I have not

tained in the second version, and eon- written to your most Serene and Chris-

sidered by Dr. Asher and other antiquari- tian Majesty concerning the four ships

ans a document of great importance, was sent out by your orders on the ocean to

not contained in the copy printed by Ba- discover new lands, because I thought you

musio. must have been before apprized of all that

Verrazzano's voyage and letter have been had happened to us — that we had been

the occasion of much controversy. There compelled by the impetuous violence of

are those who believe that he never came the winds to put into Britany in distress

to America at all, but that the letter was with only the two ships Normandy and

ingeniously prepared in France, with the Dolphin; and that after having repaired

VEHBAZZANO, GIOVANNI DA

these ships, we made a cruise in them, visions. That your Majesty may know all
well armed, along the coast of Spain, as that we learned, while on shore, of their
your Majesty must have heard, and also manners and customs of life, I will relate
of our new plan of continuing our begun what we saw as briefly as possible. They
voyage with the Dolphin alone; from this go entirely naked, except that about the
voyage being now returned, I proceed to loins they wear skins of small animals
give your Majesty an account of our dis- like martens fastened by a girdle of plaited
coveries. grass, to which they tie, all round the

On the 17th of last January we set body, the tails of other animals hanging
sail from a desolate rock near the isl- down to the knees; all other parts of the
and of Madeira, belonging to his most body and the head are naked. Some wear
Serene Majesty, the King of Portugal, garlands similar to birds' feathers",
with fifty men, having provisions sufficient The complexion of these people is black,
for eight months, arms and other warlike not much different from that of the
munition and naval stores. Sailing west- Ethiopians; their hair is black and thick,
ward with a light and pleasant easterly and not very long; it is worn tied back
breeze, in twenty-five days we ran eight upon the head in the form of a little tail,
hundred leagues. On the 24th of Pebru- In person they are of good proportions,
ary we encountered as violent a hurricane of middle stature, a little above our own,
as any ship ever weathered, from which broad across the breast, strong in the
we escaped unhurt by the divine assistance arms, and well formed in the legs and
and goodness, to the praise of the glorious other parts of the body; the only exception
and fortunate name of our good ship, that to their good looks is that they have
had been able to support the violent toss- broad faces, but not all, however, as we
ing of the waves. Pursuing our voyage saw many that had sharp ones, with large
towards the West, a little northwardly, in black eyes and a fixed expression. They
twenty-four days more, having run four are not very strong in body, but acute
hundred leagues, we reached a new coun- in mind, active and swift of foot, as far
try, which had never before been seen by as we could judge by observation. In
any one, either in ancient or modern times, these last two particulars they resemble
At first it appeared to be very low, but on the people of the east, especially those the
approaching it to within a quarter of a most remote. We could not learn a great
league from the shore we perceived, by the many particulars of their usages on ac-
great fires near the. coast, that it was in- count of our short stay among them, and
habited. We perceived that it stretched to the distance of our ship from the shore,
the south, and coasted along in that di- We found not far from this people an-
rection in search of some port, in which we other whose mode of life we judged to be
might come to anchor, and examine into similar. The whole shore is covered with
the nature of the country, but for fifty fine sand, about fifteen feet thick, rising in
leagues we could find none in which we the form of little hills about fifty paces
could lie securely. Seeing the coast still broad. Ascending farther, we found sev-
stretch to the south, we resolved to change eral arms of the sea which make in
our course and stand to the northward, through inlets, washing the shores on both
and as we still had the same difficulty, we sides as the coast runs. An outstretched
drew in with the land and sent a boat on country appears at a little distance ris-
shore. Many people who were seen com- ing somwhat above the sandy shore in
ing to the sea-side fled at our approach, but beautiful fields and broad plains, covered
occasionally stopping, they looked back with immense forests of trees, more or less
upon us with astonishment, and some were dense, too various in colours, and too de-
at length induced, by various friendly lightful and charming in appearance to
signs, to come to us. These showed the be described. I do not believe that they
greatest delight on beholding us, wonder- are like the Hercynian forest or the rough
ing at our dress, countenances, and com- wilds of Scythia, and the northern regions
plexion. They then showed us by signs full of vines and common trees, but adorn-
where we could more conveniently secure ed with palms, laurels, cypresses, and
our boat, and offered us some of their pro- other varieties unknown in Europe, that

VERBAZZANO, GIOVANNI DA

send forth the sweetest fragrance to a as it was an open roadstead. Many of the

great distance, but which we could not natives came to the beach, indicating by

examine more closely for the reasons be- various friendly signs that we might trust

fore given, and not on account of any ourselves on shore. One of their nobis

difficulty in traversing the woods, which, deeds of friendship deserves to be mada

on the contrary, are easily penetrated. known to your Majesty. A young sailor

As the " East " stretches around this was attempting to swim ashore through
country, I think it cannot he devoid of the the surf to carry them some knick-knacks,
6ame medicinal and aromatic drugs, and as little bells, looking-glasses, and other
various riches of gold and the like, as is like trifles; when he came near three or
denoted by the colour of the ground. It four of them he tossed the things to them,
abounds also in animals, as deer, stags, and turned about to get back to the boat,
hares, and many other similar, and with a but he was thrown over by the waves, and
great variety of birds for every kind of so dashed by them that he lay as it were
pleasant and delightful sport. It is plenti- dead upon the beach. When these people
fully supplied with lakes and ponds of saw him in this situation, they ran and
running water, and being in the latitude took him up by the head, legs and arms,
of 34, the air is salubrious, pure and tem- and carried him to a distance from the
perate, and free from the extremes of surf; the young man, finding himself borne
both heat and cold. There are no violent off in this way, uttered very loud shrieks
winds in these regions, the most prevalent in fear and dismay, while they answered
are the north-west and west. In summer, as they could in their language, showing
the season in which we were there, the him that he had no cause for fear. After-
sky is clear, with but little rain: if fogs wards they laid him down at the foot of a
and mists are at any time driven in by little hill, when they took off his shirt and
the south wind, they are instantaneously trowsers, and examined him, expressing
dissipated, and at once it becomes serene the greatest astonishment at the whiteness
and bright again. The sea is calm, not of his skin. Our sailors in the boat, seeing
boisterous, and its waves are gentle. Al- a great fire made up, and their companion
though the whole coast is low and without placed very near it, full of fear, as is
harbours, it is not dangerous for navi- usual in all cases of novelty, imagined that
gation, being free from rocks and bold, so the natives were about to roast him for
that within four or five fathoms from the food. But as soon as he had recovered his
shore there is twenty-four feet of water at strength after a short stay with them,
all times of tide, and this depth constant- showing by signs that he wished to return
ly increases in a uniform proportion. The aboard, they hugged him with great affec-
holding ground is so good that no ship can tion, and accompanied him to the shore ;
part her cable, however violent the wind, then leaving him, that he might feel more
as' we proved by experience; for while rid- secure, they withdrew to a little hill,
ing at anchor on the coast, we were over- from which they watched him until he was
taken by a gale in the beginning of March, safe in the boat. This young man re-
when the winds are high, as is usual in all marked that these people were black like
countries, we found our anchor broken the others, that they had shining skins,
before it started from its hold or moved middle stature, and sharper faces, and very
at all. delicate bodies and limbs, and that they

We set sail from this place, continuing were inferior in strength, but quick in

to coast along the shore, which we found their minds; this is all that he observed

stretching out to the west (east?); the of them.

inhabitants being numerous, we saw ev- Departing hence, and always following

erywhere a multitude of fires. While at the shore, which stretched to the north,

anchor on this coast, there being no har- we came, in the space of fifty leagues, to

bour to enter, we sent the boat on shore another land, which appeared very beau-

with twenty-five men to obtain water, tiful and full of the largest forests. We

but it was not possible to land without approached it, and going ashore with

endangering the boat, on account of the twenty men, we went back from the coast

immense high snrf thrown up by the sea, about two leagues, and found *>tii '3w>

VERBA.ZZANO, GIOVANNI DA

people had fled and hid themselves in the growing naturally, which entwine about
woods for fear. By searching around we the trees, and run up upon them as they
discovered in the grass a very old woman do in the plains of Lombardy. These
and a young girl of about eighteen or vines would doubtless produce excellent
twenty, who had concealed themselves for wine if they were properly cultivated^
the same reason; the old woman carried and attended to, as we have often seen
two infants on her shoulders, and behind the grapes which they produce very sweet
her neck a little boy of eight years of age; and pleasant, and not unlike our own.
when we came up to them they began to They must be held in estimation by them,
shriek and make signs to the men who as they carefully remove the shrubbery
had fled to the woods. We gave them a from around them, wherever they grow,
part of our provisions, which they ac- to allow the fruit to ripen better. We
cepted with delight, but the girl would found also wild roses, violets, lilies, and
not touch any; everything we offered to many sorts of plants and fragrant flowers
her being thrown down in great anger, different from our own. We cannot de-
We took the little boy from the old scribe their habitations, as they are in
woman to carry with us to France, and the interior of the country, but from va-
would have taken the girl also, who was rious indications we conclude they must
very beautiful and very tall, but it was be formed of trees and shrubs. We saw
impossible because of the loud shrieks she also many grounds for conjecturing that
uttered as we attempted to lead her away ; they often sleep in the open air, without
having to pass some woods, and being far any covering but the sky. Of their
from the ship, we determined to leave her other usages we know nothing; we be-
and take the boy only. We found them lieve, however, that all the people we
fairer than the others, and wearing a were among live in the same way.
covering made of certain plants, which After having remained here three days,
hung down from the branches of the trees, riding at anchor on the coast, as we
tying them together with threads of wild could find no harbour we determined to
hemp; their heads are without covering depart, and coast along the shore to the
and of the same shape as the others. Their north-east, keeping sail on the vessel only
food is a kind of pulse which there by day, and coming to anchor by night,
abounds, different in colour and size from After proceeding one hundred leagues, we
ours, and of a very delicate flavour. Be- found a very pleasant situation among
sides they take birds and fish for food, some steep hills, through which a very
using snares and bows made of hard wood, large river, deep at its mouth, forced
with reeds for arrows, in the ends of which its way to the sea ; from the sea to the
they put the bones of fish and other ani- estuary of the river, any ship heavily
mals. The animals in these regions are laden might pass, with the help of the
wilder than in Europe from being con- tide, which rises eight feet. But as we
tinually molested by the hunters. We were riding at anchor in a good berth,
saw many of their boats made of one tree we would not venture up in our vessel,
twenty feet long and four feet broad, without a knowledge of the mouth; there-
without the aid of stone or iron or fore we took the boat, and entering the
other kind of metal. In the whole river, we found the country on its banks
country for the space of two hundred well peopled, the inhabitants not differ-
leagues, which we visited, we saw no stone ing much from the others, being dressed
of any sort. To hollow out their boats out with the feathers of birds of various
they burn out as much of a log as is colours. They came towards us with evi-
requisite, and also from the prow and dent delight, raising loud shouts of ad-
stern to make them float well on the sea. miration, and showing ua where we could
The land, in situation, fertility and most securely land with our boat. We
beauty, is like the other, abounding also passed up this river, about half a league,
in forests filled with various kinds of when we found it formed a most beau-
trees, but not of such fragrance, as it is tiful lake three leagues in circuit, upon
more northern and colder. which they were rowing thirty or more of
We saw in this country many vines their small boats, from one shore to tka

VERBAZZANO, GIOVANNI x»A

ether, filled with multitudes who came
t} see Us. All of a sudden, as is wont to
'..appen to navigators, a violent contrary
wind blew in from the sea a and forced
us to return to our ship, greatly re-
gretting to leave this region which seem-
ed so commodious and delightful, and
which we supposed must also contain
great riches, as the hills showed many
indications of minerals. Weighing an-
chor, we sailed fifty leagues toward the
east, as the coast stretched in that di-
rection, and always in sight of it; at
length we discovered an island of a tri-
angular form, about ten leagues from
the mainland, in size about equal to the
island of Rhodes, having many hills cov-
ered with trees, and well peopled, judg-
ing from the great number of fires which
we saw all around its shores; we gave it
the name of your Majesty's illustrious
mother.

We did not land there, as the weather
was unfavourable, but proceeded to another
place, fifteen leagues distant from the isl-
and, where we found a very excellent har-
bour. Before entering it, we saw about
twenty small boats full of people, who
came about our ship, uttering many cries
of astonishment, but they would not ap-
proach nearer than within fifty paces;
stopping, they looked at the structure of
our ship, our persons and dress; after-
wards they all raised a loud shout to-
gether, signifying that they were pleased.
By imitating their signs, we inspired them
in some measure with confidence, so that
they came near enough for us to toss to
them some little bells and glasses, and many
toys, which they took and looked at, laugh-
ing, and then came on board without fear.
Among them were two kings more beauti-
ful in form and stature than can possibly
be described; one was about forty years
old, the other about twenty-four, and they
were dressed in the following manner:
The oldest had a deer's skin around his
body, artificially wroixght in damask fig-
ures, his head was without covering, his
hair was tied back in various knots;
around his neck he wore a large chain
ornamented with many stones of different
colours. The young man was similar in
his general appearance. This is the finest-
looking tribe, and the handsomest in their
costumes, that we have found in our voy-

age. They exceed us in size, and they arc
of a very fair complexion ( ? ) ; some of
them incline more to a white (bronze?),
and others to a tawny colour; their faces
are sharp, their hair long and black, upon
the adorning of which they bestow great
pains; their eyes are black and sharp,
their expression mild and pleasant, great-
ly resembling the antique. I say nothing
to your Majesty of the other parts of
the body, which are all in good propor-
tion, and such as belong to well-formed
men. Their women are of the same form
and beauty, very graceful, of fine coun-
tenances and pleasing appearance in man-
ners and modesty; they wear no clothing
except a deer skin, ornamented like those
worn by the men; some wear very rich
lynx skins upon their arms and various
ornaments upon their heads, composed of
braids of hair; which also hang down upon
their breasts on each side. Others wear
different ornaments, such as the women
of Egypt and Syria use. The older and
the married people, both men and women,
wear many ornaments in their ears, hang-
ing down in the oriental manner. We
saw upon them several pieces of wrought
copper, which is more esteemed by them
than gold, as this is not valued on account
of its colour, but is considered by them
as the most ordinary of the metals — yel-
low being the colour especially disliked
by them; azure and red are those in high-
est estimation with them. Of those
things which we gave them, they prized
most highly the bells, azure crystals, and
other toys to hang in their ears and about
their necks; they do not value or care to
have silk or gold stuffs, or other kinds
of cloth, nor implements of steel or iron.
When we showed them our arms, they
expressed no admiration, and only asked
how they were made; the same was the
case of the looking-glasses, which they re-
turned to us, smiling, as soon as they had
looked at them. They are very generous,
giving away whatever they have. We
formed a great friendship with them,
and one day we entered into the port with
our ship, having before rode at the dis-
tance of a league from the shore, as the
weather was adverse. They came off to
the ship with a number of their little
boats, with their faces painted in divers
colours, showing us real signs of joy,

x.— n

VERBAZZANO, GIOVANNI DA

bringing us of their provisions, and sig-
nifying to us where we could best ride
in safety with our ship, and keeping with
us until we had cast anchor. We re-
mained among them fifteen days, to pro-
vide ourselves with many things of which
we were in want, during which time they
came every day to see our ship, bringing
with them their wives, of whom they were
very careful ; for, although they came on
board themselves, and remained a long
while, they made their wives stay in the
boats, nor could we ever get them on board
by any entreaties or any presents we could
make them. One of the two kings often
came with his queen and many attendants,
to see us for his amusement; but he al-
ways stopped at the distance of about two
hundred paces, and sent a boat to inform
us of his intended visit, saying they would
come and see our ship — this was done
for safety, and as soon as they had an an-
swer from us they came off, and remained'
awhile to look around; but on hearing
the annoying cries of the sailors, the king
sent the queen, with her attendants, in
a very light boat, to wait, near an island
a quarter of a league distant from us,
while he remained a long time on board,
talking with us by signs, and expressing
his fanciful notions about every thing in
the ship, and asking the use of all. After
imitating our modes of salutation, and
tasting our food, he courteously took
leave of us. Sometimes, when our men
stayed two or three days on a small island,
near the ship, for their various necessi-
ties, as sailors are wont to do, he came
with seven or eight of his attendants to
inquire about our movements, often asking
us if we intended to remain there long,
and offering us everything at his com-
mand, and then he would shoot with
his bow, and run up and down with his
people, making great sport for us. We
often went five or six leagues into the
interior, and found the country as pleas-
ant as is possible to conceive, adapted to
cultivation of every kind, whether of corn,
wine or oil; there are open plains twenty-
five or thirty leagues in extent, entirely
free from trees or other hindrances, and
of so great fertility that whatever is
sown there will yield an excellent crop.
On entering the woods we observed that
they might all be traversed by an army

ever so numerous; the trees of which
they were composed were oaks, cypresses,
and others, unknown in Europe. We
found, also, apples, plums, filberts, and
many other fruits, but all of a different
kind from ours. The animals, which are
in great numbers, as stags, deer, lynxes,
and many other species, are taken by
snares, and by bows, the latter being their
chief implement ; their arrows are wrought
with great beauty, and for the heads of
them they use emery, jasper, hard marble,
and other sharp stones, in the place of iron.
They also use the same kind of sharp
stones in cutting down trees, and with
them they construct their boats of single
logs, hollowed out with admirable skill,
and sufficiently commodious to contain ten
or twelve persons; their oars are short,
and broad at the end, and are managed in
rowing by force of the arms alone, with
perfect security, and as nimbly as they
choose. We saw their dwellings, which
are of a circular form, of about -ten or
twelve paces in circumference, made of
logs split in halves, without any regularity
of architecture, and covered with roofs of
straw, nicely put on, which protect them
from wind and rain. There is no doubt
that they would build stately edifices if
they had workmen as skilful as ours, for
the whole sea-coast abounds in shining
stones, crystals, and alabaster, and for
the same reason it has ports and retreats
for animals. They change their habita-
tions from place to place as circumstances
of situation and season may require; this
is easily done, as they have only to take
with them their mats, and they have oth-
er houses prepared at once. The father
and the whole family dwell together in
one house in great numbers; in some we
saw twenty-five or thirty persons. Their
food is pulse, as with the other tribes,
which is here better than elsewhere, and
more carefully cultivated ; in the time of
sowing they are governed by the moon,
the sprouting of grain, and many other
ancient usages. They live by hunting and
fishing, and they are long-lived. If they
fall sick, they cure themselves without
medicine, by the heat of the fire, and
their death at last comes from extreme old
age. We judge them to be very affec-
tionate and charitable towards their rela-
tives — making loud lamentations in their

VERRAZZANO, GIOVANNI 6A

adversity, and in their misery calling to age, and the country presented no variety,
mind all their good fortune. At their The shore stretched to the east, and fifty
departure out of life, their relations mu- leagues beyond more to the north, where
dually join in weeping, mingled with sing- we found a more elevated country, full of
ing, for a long while. This is all that we very thick woods of fir-trees, cypresses
eould learn of them. This region is sit- and the like, indicative of a cold climate,
uated in the parallel of Rome, being 41° The people were entirely different from the
40' of north latitude, but much colder others we had seen, whom we had found
from accidental circumstances, and not by kind and gentle, but these were so rude-
nature, as I shall hereafter explain to and barbarous that we were unable by any
your Majesty, and confine myself at pres- signs we could make, to hold communica-
ent to the description of its local sit- tion with them. They clothe themselves
uation. It looks towards the south, on in the skins of bears, lynxes, seals, and
which side the harbour is half a league other animals. Their food, as far as we
broad; afterwards, upon entering it, the could judge by several visits to their
extent between the coast and north is dwellings, is obtained by hunting and fish-
twelve leagues, and then enlarging itself ing, and certain fruits, which are a sort
it forms a very large bay, twenty leagues of root of spontaneous growth. They have
in circumference, in which are five small no pulse, and we saw no signs of cultiva-
islands, of great fertility and beauty, cov- tion; the land appears sterile and unfit
ered with large and lofty trees. Among for growing of fruit or grain of any kind,
these islands any fleet, however large, If we wished at any time to traffick with
might ride safely, without fear of tern- them, they came to the sea shore and stood
pests or other dangers. Turning towards upon the rocks, from which they lowered
the south, at the entrance to the harbour, down by a cord to our boats beneath what-
on both sides, there are very pleasant ever they had to barter, continually crying
hills, and many streams of clear water, out to us, not to come nearer, and instant-
which flow down to the sea. In the ly demanding from us that which was to
midst of the entrance, there is a rock of be given in exchange; they took from
free-stone, formed by nature, and suit- us only knives, fish hooks and sharpened
able for the construction of any kind of steel. No regard was paid to our courte-
machine or bulwark for the defence of sies; when we had nothing left to ex-
the harbour.* change with them, the men at our depart-

Having supplied ourselves with every ure made the most brutal signs of dis-

thing necessary, on the fifth of May we de- dain and contempt possible. Against their

parted from the port, and sailed one hun- will we penetrated two or three leagues into

dred and fifty leagues, keeping so close to the interior with twenty-five men; when we

the coast as never to lose it from our came to the shore, they shot at us with

sight; the nature of the country ap- their arrows, raising the most horrible

peared much the same as before, but cries, and afterwards fleeing to the woods,

the mountains were a little higher, In this region we found nothing extraor-

and all in appearance rich in minerals, dinary except vast forests and some metal-

We did not stop to land, as the weather liferous hills, as we infer from seeing that

was very favourable for pursuing our voy- many of the people wore copper ear-rings.

Departing from thence, we kept along the

* The above description applies to Nar- coast, steering north-east, and found the

raganset Bay and the harbor of Newport In country more pleasant and open, free from

Rhode Island, although mistaken by Dr. Mil- „,„„j„ „„j j;ii„„ + ,•„ «,„ sJL-L- mo oom

ler, in his discourse before this society, as w ° ods > and distant in the interior we saw

published In the first volume of the former lofty mountains, but none which extended

series of Collections, for the bay and harbor to the shore. Within fifty leagues we dis-

of New York. The latter are briefly described covered thirty-two islands, all near the

in a preceding paragraph of this translation . , , ' ., , , !

with sufficient clearness to admit of their mam Iand > sma11 and of pleasant appear-

belng easily recognized. The island " of ance, but high and so disposed as to af-

a triangular form, resembling the island of f or< i excellent harbours and channels, as

Rhodes," which Verrazzano mentions as 50 . ., Adriatic -.i.,!. „„„- THvria

leagues to the east of New York, Is doubt- we see in the Adriatic gulpn, near lllyria

less Block Island. Ed. ano - IJalmatia. We had no intercourse with

VERRAZZANO, GIOVANNI DA

the people, but we judge that they were correspond to a celestial degree, we find
similar in nature and usages to those we the whole circumference of 300 deg., as
were last among. After sailing between just given, to be 18,759 miles, which,
east and north the distance of one hundred divided by 360, makes the length of a
and fifty leagues more, and finding our degree of longitude in the parallel of 34
provisions and naval stores nearly ex- degrees to be 52 miles, and that is the
hausted, we took in wood and water and true measure. Upon this basis, 1,200
determined to return to France, having leagues, or 4,800 miles meridional distance
discovered 502 — that is, 700 (sic) leagues on the parallel of 34, give 92 degree;, and
of unknown lands. so many therefore have we sailed farther

As to the religious faith of all these to the west than was known to the an-
tribes, not understanding their language, cients. During our voyage we had no
we could not discover either by sign or lunar eclipses or like celestial phenomenas,
gestures any thing certain. It seemed we therefore determined our progress from
to us that they had no religion nor laws, the difference of longitude, which we as-
nor any knowledge of a First Cause or certained by various instruments, by tak-
Mover, that they worshipped neither the ing the sun's altitude from day to day,
heavens, stars, sun, moon, nor other and by calculating geometrically the dis-
planets; nor could we learn if they were tance run by the ship from one horizon
given to any kind of idolatry, or offered to another; all these observations, as
any sacrifices or supplications, or if they also the ebb and flow of the sea in all
have temples or houses of prayer in their places, were noted in a little book, which
villages; — our conclusion was, that they may prove serviceable to navigators; they
have no religious belief whatever, but live are communicated to your Majesty in the
in this respect entirely free. All which hope of promoting science,
proceeds from ignorance, as they are very My intention in this voyage was to
easy to be persuaded, and imitated us reach Cathay, on the extrema coast of
with earnestness and fervour in all which Asia, expecting, however, to find in the
they saw us do as Christians in our acts newly discovered land some such an ob-

of worship. stacle, as they have proved to be, yet I

did not doubt that I should penetrate by

It remains for me to lay before your some passage to the eastern ocean. It
Majesty a cosmographical exposition of was the opinion of the ancients, that our
our voyage. Taking our departure, as I oriental Indian ocean is one and without
before observed, from the above mentioned any interposing land; Aristotle supports
desert rocks, which lie on the extreme it by arguments founded on various prob-
verge of the west, as known to the abilities; but it is contrary to that of the
ancients, in the meridian of the Fortunate moderns and shown to be erroneous by
Islands, and in the latitude of 32 degrees experience; the country which has been
north from the equator, and steering a discovered, and which was unknown to
westward ' course, we had run, when we the ancients, is another world compared
first made land, a distance of 1,200 leagues with that before known, being mani-
or 4,800 miles, reckoning, according to festly larger than our Europe, "together
nautical usage, four miles to a league, with Africa and perhaps Asia, if we
This distance calculated geometrically, rightly estimate its extent, as shall now
upon the usual ratio of the diameter to be briefly explained to your Majesty,
the circumference of the circle, gives 92 The Spaniards have sailed south beyond
degrees; for if we take 114 degrees as the equator on a meridian 20 degrees west
the chord of an arc of a great circle, we of the Fortunate Islands to the latitude
have by the same ratio 95 deg. as the of 54, and there still found land; turn-
chord of an arc on the parallel of 34 de- ing about they steered northward on the
grees, being that on which we first made same meridian and along the coast to
land, and 300 degrees as the circumference the eighth degree of latitude near the
of the whole circle, passing through this equator, and thence along the coast more
plane. Allowing then, as actual obser- to the west and northwest, to the lati>
vations show, that 62% terrestrial miles tude of 21°, without finding a terminw

VERRAZZANO— VESEY

tion to the continent; they estimated the Majesty the great extent of that new
distance run as 89 degrees, which, added land, or new world, of which I have been
to the 20 first run west of the Canaries, speaking. The continent of Asia and
make 109 degrees and so far west; they Africa, we know for certain, is joined to
sailed from the meridian of these islands, Europe at the north in Norway and
but this may vary somewhat from truth; Kussia, which disproves the idea of the
we did not make this voyage, and therefore ancients that all this part had been navi-
cannot speak from experience; we cal- gated from the Cimbric Chersonesus,
culated it geometrically from the obser- eastward as far as the Caspian Sea.
vations furnished by many navigators, They also maintained that the whole con-
who have made the voyage and affirm tinent was surrounded by two seas situ-
the distance to be 1,600 leagues, due al- ate to the east and west of it, which
lowance being made for the deviations seas in fact do not surround either of
of the ship from a straight course, by rea- the two continents, for as we have seen
son of contrary winds. I hope that we above, the land of the southern hemis-
shall now obtain certain information on phere at the latitude of 54 extends
these points, by new voyages to be made eastwardly an unknown distance, and
on the same coasts. But to return to that of the northern passing the 66th
ourselves; in the voyage which we have parallel turns to the east, and has no
made by order of your Majesty, in ad- termination as high as the 70th. In a
dition to the 92 degrees we run towards short time, I hope, we shall have more
the west from our point of departure, be- certain knowledge of these things, by
fore we reached land in the latitude of the aid of your Majesty; whom I pray Al-
34, we have to count 300 leagues which mighty God to prosper in lasting glory,
we ran north-east-wardly, and 400 nearly that we may see the most important
east along the coast before we reached results of this our cosmography in the
the 50th parallel of north latitude, the fulfilment of the holy words of the
point where we turned our course from Gospel.

the shore towards home. Beyond this On board the ship Dolphin, in the port
point the Portuguese had already sailed of Dieppe in Normandy, 8th July, 1524.
as far north as the Arctic circle, with- John de Verrazzano.

out coming to the termination of the Versailles, Treaty of. See Treaties,
land. Thus adding the degrees of south 1783 (Anglo- American).
latitude explored, which are 54, to those Vesey, Denmark, conspiiator; born of
of the north, which are 66, the sum is negro parents about 1767; was brought
120, and therefore more than are em- as a slave to Charleston, S. C, when
braced in the latitude of Africa and Eu- fourteen years old. For twenty years
rope, for the north point of Norway, he was a sailor, acquiring a pro-
which is the extremity of Europe, is in ficiency in several languages. In 1800
71 north, and the Cape of Good Hope, he became free and settled as a carpen-
which is the southern extremity of Af- ter in Charleston, S. C, where he was
rica, is in 35 south, and their sum very popular among the negroes, many
is only 106, and if the breath of this of whom he quietly convinced that they
newly discovered country corresponds to had a right to fight for their liberty. To-
its extent of sea coast, it doubtless ex- gether with Peter Poyas, another negro,
ceeds Asia in size. In this way we find he perfected a schen/e for an insurrection
that the land forms a much larger por- of the slaves in ajjd around Charleston,
tion of our globe than the ancients sup- Several thousand negroes had quietly or-
posed, who maintained, contrary to mathe- ganized military companies and were fur-
matical reasoning, that it was less than nished with daggers and pikes. On a
the water, whereas actual experience fixed date they were to arrive in Charles-
proves the reverse, so that we judge in ton, as was the custom of many on Sun-
respect to extent of surface the land days, and upon a signal were to act in
covers as much space as the water; and concert and seize the forts and the city.
I hope more clearly and more satisfac- This plot was divulged by a negro, who
torily to point out and explain to your had been urged to join it, on May 25,

VESPUCITJS— VETO

1822. The principal conspirators were
immediately apprehended, but so success-
fully pretended to know nothing of the
affair that they were freed. On June 16
another attempt was made to put the
plot into execution, but it was soon
suppressed and the leaders arrested. They
were tried on June 19. Five were first
hanged, and later twenty-nine others met
the same fate, but all excepting one main-
tained complete secrecy to the end. On
July 2, the day on which Vesey was exe-
cuted, another attempt at insurrection was
made, but the State troops held the slaves
in check. So determined, however, were
they to strike a blow for liberty that it
was found necessary for the federal gov-
ernment to send soldiers to Charleston to
maintain order.

Vespucius, Ameeicus. See Americtjs
Vesptjcitjs.

Vest, George Graham, Senator; born
in Frankfort, Ky., Dec. 6, 1830 ; graduated
at Centre College in 1848; studied law and
removed to Missouri, where he began prac-
tice. He was a Presidential elector on
the Democratic ticket in 1860; member of
the State legislature in 1860-61; member
of the Confederate Congress in 1863-66;
removed to Kansas City, Mo., in 1877;
and has been a United States Senator
since 1879. In 1900 he was chairman of
the committee on public health and na-
tional quarantine, and a member of the
committees on commerce, finance, public
buildings, transportation and sale of meat
products, and industrial expositions. He
died in Sweet Springs, Mo., Aug. 9, 1904.

Vetch, Samuel, colonial governor ; born
in Edinburgh, Scotland, Dec. 9, 1668; edu-
cated at Utrecht College, Holland; was

a member of the council to the " colony
of Caledonia " at Darien, Isthmus of Pan-
ama, in 1698, but soon after left the col-
ony and went to Albany, N. Y., where
he engaged in trade with the Indians.
He was a commissioner from Massachu-
setts to Quebec in 1705 to negotiate a
treaty between New England and Can-
ada, but in this he failed. In 1708 he
went to England at the instance of the
New York colony, and represented to
Queen Anne the desirability of seizing
Canada. The Queen was favorably im-
pressed with the suggestion, and through
Vetch ordered the governors of the sev-
eral colonies to do all they could to aid
the project. The enterprise, however, was
abandoned, as the squadron promised in
England did not appear. Later Vetch per-
suaded the citizens of Boston to equip
an expedition against Port Royal, Nova
Scotia. This force, under the command
of Vetch and Sir Francis Nicholson, capt-
ured Port Royal, Oct. 2, 1710, and the
former remained there several years as
governor. In 1719 he returned to Eng-
land. He died in London, April 30, 1732.

Veterans, Sons of. See Sons of
Veterans, United States Army.

Veto. The President of the United
States may treat a bill passed by Congress
in any of five ways: (1) Sign it; (2) sign
it with a protest; (3) if presented more
than ten days before the close of the
session, and he takes no action, at the ex-
piration of ten days it becomes a law with-
out his signature; (4) if presented within
ten days of the close of the session, and
he fails to return it, it does not become a
law; this is termed a "pocket veto";
( 5 ) veto it, giving his reasons to Congress.

BILLS

VETOED BY THE PRESIDENTS.

President.

No.

Date.

Subject of Bill.

Remarks.

Washington, 2

2
3
4
5
6
7
8
9
10
11
12
13
14
15
18
17

Apr. 5, 1792

Feb. 28, 1797

" 21, 1811

" 28, "

Apr. 3, 1812

Nov. 10, "

Jan. 30, 1815

Mch. 3, 1817

May 4, 1822

" 27, 1830

" 31, "

Dec. 6, "

" 6, "

July 10, 1832

Deo. 6, "

" 6, "

" 4, 1833

Apportionment of Representation.

Roduction of the Army.

Incorporating Church at Alexandria.

Relief

Trials In District Courts.

Madison, 6

Incorporation of National Bank.

Internal Improvements.

Internal Improvements, Cumberland Road.

Internal Improvements. Maysvlllo Road, Ky.

Internal Improvements. Turnpike Slock.

Internal Improvements. Mghl-hnuses and3cncons.

F.xtension of Charter of United States Bank.

Monroe, 1

Jackson, 12

Pocketed.
Pocketed.

Pocketed.

VETO

BILLS VETOED BY THE PRESIDENTS— Continued.

Date.

Subject of BUI.

Jackson, 12

Tiler 9

Polk, 3

Pierce, 9

Buchanan, 7

Lincoln, 3

Grant, 43.

18
19
20
21
22
23
24
25
26
27
28
29

31
32
33
34
35
36
37
38
89
40
41
42
43
44
45
46
47
48
49
50
51
52
53
64
55
56
57
58
59
60
61
62
63
64
65

71
72
73

75
76

79
80
81
82
83
84
85

89
90

Dec. 1, 1834
Men. 3, 1835
June 9, 1836
Men. 3, 1837
Aug. 16, 1841
Sept. 9, "
June 29, 1842
Aug. 9, "
Dec. 14, "
" 14, "
" 18, "
June 11, 1844

Feb. 20, 1845

Aug. 3, 1846

" 8, "

Dec. 15, 1847

Hay 3, 1854

Aug. 4, "

Feb. 17, 1855

Mch. 3, "

May 19. 1856

" 19,' "

" 22, "

Aug. 11, "

" 14, "

Jan. 7, 1859

Feb. 24, "

" 1, 1860

" 6, "

Apr. 17, "

June 22, "

Jan. 25, 1861

June 23, 1862

July 2, "

Jan. 5, 1865

Feb. 19, 1866

Mch. 27, "

May 15, "

June 15, "

July 15, "

" 28, "

Jan.

" 29,

" 29

Mch. 2,

July 19, "

" 19 "

Mch. 25', 1868

June 20, "

" 25, "

July 20, "

" 25 "

Feb. 13' 1869

" 22, "

Jan. 11, 1870

, 1867

July

1870

Jan.

1871

Feb.

Apr.

1872

22,

May

1*,

June

Jan.

1873

22,'

29,

Feb.

Internal Improvements, Wabash River

Compromise Claims against the Two Sicilies.

Regulations for Congressional Sessions.

Funds Receivable from United States Revenue. .

Incorporating Fiscal Bank.

Incorporating Fiscal Corporation.

First Whig Tariff.

Second W big Tariff. .

Proceeds of Public Land Sales

Testimony in Contested Elections .,

Payment of Cherokee Certificates

River and Harbor.

Revenue- cutters and Steamers for Defence

River and Harbor.

French Spoliation Claims.

Internal Improvements

Land (jrant for Indigent Insane.

Internal Improvements.

French Spoliation Claims.

Subsidy for Ocean Mails.

Internal Improvements, Mississippi

Internal Improvements, St. Clair Flats, Mich

Internal Improvements, St. Mary's River, Mich

Internal Improvements, Des Moines River, Mich. . .

Internal Improvements, Patapsco River, Md

Overland Mails

Land Grants for Agricultural-Colleges.

Internal Improvements, St. Clair Flats, Mich

Internal Improvements, Mississippi River.

Relief of A. Edwards & Co.

Homestead.

Relief of Hockaday & Legget.

Bank Notes in District of Columbia.

Medical Offices in the Army.

Correcting Clerical Errors

Freedmen's Bureau.

Civil Rights

Admission of Colorado. —-

Public Lands (Montana Iron Company).

Continuation of Freedmen's Bureau

Survey District of Montana.

Suffrage in District of Columbia

Admission of Colorado.

Admission of Nebraska

Tenure of Office

Reconstruction

Supplemental Reconstruction

Joint Resolution Reconstruction

Amending Judiciary.. , .'

Admission of Arkansas (reconstructed)

Admission of Southern States .^

f Exclusion of Electoral Votes of Unreconstructed
[ States '■

Discontinuance of Freedmen's Bureau

Trustees of Colored Schools in 'District of Columbia.

Tariff on Copper

Relief, Private

Southern Union Troops.

Relief.

Relief. .

Relief.

Pension, Private.

Pension.

Pension, Mary Ann Montgomery.....

Pension.

Relief.

New Trial in Court of Claims.

Relief of East Tennessee University.

Relief.

Pocketed.
Pocketed

Pocketed.
Pocketed.
Pocketed,

i Passed over the
veto, thejirst.

Pocketed.

Passed over veto.
Passed over veto.
Passed over veto.
Passed over veto.
Passed over veto.
Pocketed.

Pocketed.
Pocketed.

Pocketed. -
Passed over veto.

Passed over veto.
Passed over veto.

Passed
Passed
Passed
Passed
Passed
Passed
Passed
Passed
Passed

over veto,
over veto,
over veto,
over veto,
over veto,
over veto,
over veto,
over veto,
over veto.

Passed over veto.
Passed over veto.

Passed over veto.

i Passed one
House over
veto.

'Passed one
House over
veto.

Passed over veto

VETO

BILLS VETOED BY THE PRESIDENTS— Continued.

(! rant, 48

Hayes, 12

Arthur, 4

Cleveland 301

91
92
93
94
95

99
100
101
102
103
104
105
106
107
108
109
110

112
113
114
115
116
117
118
119
120
121
122
123
124
125
126
127
128
129
130
131

134

135
136

{£}

139

1 168)

167

158

(Ml!)

227

J228|

(33°j

232

238

231

235
236
237

Date.

1876

Apr. 10, 1874
" 22, "

May 12, "

Jan 30, 1876

Feb. 12, "
" 3, -

Meh. 27,
" 31,

Apr. 18,

Mny 26,

June 9,
" 30,

July U,

Subject of Bill.

" a,

" 20,

Aug. 4,

" 15,

" 16,

Jan. 15

1877

" 23,

" 26,

■1

" 26,

Feb. 14,

" 14,

" 28,

1878

Mob. 6,

" 1,

1879

Apr. 29,

May 12,

" 29,

June 23,

" 27,

May 4,

1880

June 15,

Men. 3,

1881

Apr. 4,

1882

July 1,

Aug. 1,

July 2,

1884

Mch. 10,

1886

" 11,

Apr. 26,

" 30,

May 8,

" 17,

( "

" )

j to

(June 19,

" 1

" 19,

f "

" )

■i to

(July 6,

" 6,'

" 6,

" ?,

" »

" <

" 10,

" 30,

Relief.

Inflation of Currency.

Relief.

Pension.

Custody of Indian Trust Funds.

Relief.

Relief of G. B. Tyler and E. H. Luckett. ,

Reduction of President's Salary.

Recording in the District of Columbia.

Relief.

Internal Improvements.

Relief of Nelson Tiffany.

Pension.

Post-office Statutes

Relief.

Paving Pennsylvania Avenue.

Sale of Indian Lands

Relief.

Homestead Entries.

District of Columbia's Police.

Diplomatic Congratulations.

Relief.

Advertising of Executive Department

Relief.

Standard Silver Dollar

Special Term of Courts in Mississippi.

Restriction of Chinese Immigration.

Army Appropriation.

Interference at Elections.

Civil Appropriations.

Payment of Marshals.

Relief.

Payment of Marshals.

Refunding the National Debt.

Chinese Immigration.

Carriage of Passengers at Sea.

River and Harbor Bill ,

Relief of Fitz-John Porter.,

Relief.

Settlers' Titles to Des Moines Public Lands.

Bodies for Dissection.
Omaha a Port of Entry.

Pensions.

Springfield a Port of Entry.

Pensions, Private.

Public Building at Sioux City, la

Publlo Building at Zanesville, O.

Pensions and Reliefs, Private.

Publlo Building at Duluth, Minn.

Pensions and Reliefs, Private.

Right of Way to Railroad In North Montana,
Pension, Private.

Public Building In Dayton, O

Public Building In Asheville, N. C.
Bridge across Lake Champlaln.
Publio Building at Springfield, Mass.

Passed over veto.

(Passed In the
< House over
I veto.

Passed over veto.

1 Passed over the
veto in the
House, 168-
78; vote In
the Senate,
27-27.

Passed over the
; veto In the
Senate.

' Passed over the
j veto In the
Senate.

Passed ov«f
veto.

•VETO

BILLS VETOED BY THE PRESIDENTS— Continued.

Subject of B1U.

Cleveland, 301

Harrison, 19

(238)

(26°)
262
(263)
J tot
(272)

273

J278J

l292j

293

294
(296)
J tot
(297)

298
(299)
1 tot
(307)

308

3 £l
31l)
312
313

314
316)
to t
344)

346
346

347

l36lj
362
(363)

(373)

374

f 6 l

1385)
386
387

(3881

1424)
425

(432J

SJuly 31, 1886 I
Feb. 11, 1887)
" 16, "

1 : It; " j

" 26, «

« 26, "

!Apr. 4, 18881
May 3°, « j
" 7, "
" 9, "
f" % " )

1 " 18, " J

" 18, "

" 18, " )

to J

" 26, " }

434
435
436
437
438

439

440
441
442
443
444
445
446

447

448
449

28,

" 29,

June 5,

" 6,

J to

(July 26,

" 26,

Aug. 3,

" '.

" 9.

" 10,

" 14,

f " 1*,

i to

1 " 27,

" 27,

I " 27,

! to

(Sept 13,

" 24,

" 24

Oct. ioJ

Feb. 14,

• 21,

23,
to
26,

Men. 2, "

Apr. 26, 1890
" 29, "
June 4, "
" 12, "

" 17, "

« 20, "

July 9, "

Sept. 30, "

Oct. 1, "

« ! ..

" 1, "

Dec. 24, "
Jan. 26, 1891

Feb. 26, "

Men. 2, "
July 19, 1892

(Oct. 10, « \

(Feb. 14, 1889)
" 21, "

J " % " 1
1 " 26, » j

Pensions and Belief" Private.

Texas Seed B11L

Pensions.

Public Building at Lynn, Mass. [

Pensions, Private.

Public Building at Portsmouth, 0., and Lafayette,
Ind.

Pensions and Reliefs.

Sale of Indian Land.

Public Building at Allentovra, Pa.

Pensions.

Use of Castle Island, Boston Harbor.

Pensions.

Public Building at Youngstown, O.

Pensions.

Public Building at Columbus, Ga.
Public Building at Bar Harbor, Me.
Government Land Purchase, Council Bluffs, la.

Pensions and Beliefs, Private.

Right of Way for Railroad through Indian Lands.

Relief.

Land Grant to Tacoma, Wash.

Pensions, Private.

Additional Copies of United States Map for 1886.

Pensions and Reliefs.

Public Building, Sioux City, la.

Pensions and Reliefs, Private.

Land Grant to Kansas.

Sale of Military Reservation in Kansas.

Pensions and Reliefs, Private.

Quieting Settlers' Titles on the Des Moines P.iver.

Pensions and Reliefs, Private.

Refunding the Direct Tax

City of Ogden Increased Indebtedness.

Public Building, Dallas, Tex.

Public Building, Hudson, N. Y.

Public Building, Tuscaloosa, Ala.
[To change boundary of Uncompahgre Reserva-
1 tion.

j Bonds Issued by Maricopa county, Arizona, for cer.
1 tain Railroad.
1 Indian Payment.

Relief ol Capt. Charles B. Stivers.

Relief of the Portland Company

Relief of Charles B. Chouteau.

Pool Selling in the District of Columbia .

Public Building, Bar Harbor, Me.

Bonds, Oklahoma City, Oklahoma Territory.
( Act to Establish the Record and Pension of the War
( Department, etc.

Relief of George W. Lawrence.

An Act to Establish Circuit Court of Appeal, etc.

r Passed over the
J veto, in the
( Senate.

VEUILLOT

BILLS VETOED BY THE PRESIDENTS— Coatimted.

PreBldeot.

No.

Date.

Subject of BUI.

R*markB.

("Senate fails to

150

July 29,

1892

J pass it over

I the veto, Jan.

L 17 189a

Harrison, 19

151

Aug. 3,

(An Act to Provide for Bringing Suit against the

\ United States.

( An Act to prescribe the number of District Attor- )

( Passed over the

152

Feb. 27,

1893

1 neys and Marshals in the Judicial Districts at.

\ veto, Men, 2,

( 1893.

153

Jan. 17,

1894

An Act for Relief.
(An Act to Authorize the New York and New Jersey

161

" 20,

J Bridge Compauies to Construct a Bridge Across
( the Hudson.

155

Men. 29,

( An Act Directing the Coinage of the Silver Bullion

J in the Treasury, etc.

156

Aug. 7,

An Act for Kelief.

157

" 11.

An Act for Relief.

458

Jan. 1,

f An Act Authorizing entry oi Certain Lands and

1895

\ Granting Rigbt of Way for Pipe Lines.

(An Act Granting Right of Way through the San

159-

Feb. 1,

J Carlos Indian Reservation, Arizona, to a Railroad
( Company.

160

" 5,

An Act lor Kelief.

161

" 12,

An Act for Relief.

162

" 19,

An Act to Remove Charge of Desertion.

163

" 20,

An Act for Relief.
r An Act Granting Right of Way for a Railroad

101

" 23,

J through Indian Reservations in Indian, Oklaho-
( ma, and New Mexico Territories.

165

" 23,

] An Act to Incorporate the Society of American
\ Florists.

166

" 23,

An Act Granting Pension.

167

" 27,

((

An Act Grunting Pension.

168

" 27,

An Act Granting Relief.

169

" 28,

(An Act Granting Right of Way for a Railroad

[ through Indian Territory.

170

" 28,

( An Act Granting Right of Way for a Railroad
( through Indian andOklahoma Territories.

Cleveland,

171

•' 28,

(An Act Leasing Lands for Educational Purposes in
( Arizona. -^

2d Term, 44

172

Apr. 21,

An Act Granting Relief.

173

" 21

An Act Granting Pension.

171

" 25,

An Act Granting Pension.

175

May 19,

((

An Act Granting Pension.

176

" 20,

An Act Granting Pension

177

" 21,

An Act Granting Pension,

178

" 23,

(An Act to Amend Part of the Revised Statutes of

\ the Untied States.
An Act Granting Relief.

179

" 26,

180

" 29,

(An Act Making Appropriation for Certain Public

I Works, Rivers and Harbors.

181

" 29,

An Act Granting Pension.

182

" 29,

An Act for Payment of a Claim.

183

" 30,

An Act Granting Pension.

181

" 30,

An Act Granting Pension.

185

June 1,

An Act Granting Pension.

186

" 8,

(An Act Making Appropriation for Supplying De-
\ floiencies, etc.

(An Act to Lease Fort Omaha Military Reservation
( to the State of Nebraska,

187

" 10

il/j

188

Jan. 14,

1897

( An Act Concerning the Kastern Judicial District of
j Texas.

189

Feb. 22,

An Act Granting Pension.

190

" 22,

An Act Granting Pension.

191

« 22,

An Act Granting Pension.

192

Mnh. 1,

An Act to Restore Pension.

193

" *,

An Ant Granting Pension.

191

** %

An Act to Amend Immigration Laws.

195
196

Doc. 30,

lS'.M

Pocket- v^to.

Pocket veto.

Veuillot, Desire, explorer; born in plored the Mississippi River as far as the
Cahors, France, in 1653; was inspector- Missouri. In 1665 he was forced to re-
general of the establishment of the West nounce the land grants he had obtained in
Indian Company in the Antilles, Louisiana, upper Mississippi. He wrote A Desorip-
and Alabama, during which time he ex- Hon of the Louisiana Coast, with an Ae>

VICE-PRESIDENTS OS* THE UNITED STATES— VICKSBURU

count of a Journey down the Mississippi;
Historical Notice of the Mississippi Com-
pany and of the Settlement founded in
Louisiana. He died in London, England,
in 1732.

Vice-Presidents of the United States.
They preside in the Senate, and on the
death, resignation, or disability of the
President, succeed him. Five Vice-Presi-
dents have in this way become Presidents:
John Tyler, succeeding William Henry
Harrison, who died April 4, 1841 ; Millard
Fillmore, succeeding Zachary Taylor, who
died July 9, 1850; Andrew Johnson, suc-
ceeding Abraham Lincoln, who died April
15, 1865; Chester A. Arthur, succeeding
James A. Garfield, who died Oct. 19, 1881;
and Theodore Roosevelt, succeeding Will-
iam McKinley, who died Sept. 14, 1901.

Vicksburg, Siege of, a noteworthy
military operation that began at the close
of 1862 and ended early in July follow-
ing. The Confederates had blockaded the
Mississippi River by planting heavy bat-
teries on bluffs at Vicksburg and Port
Hudson. These formed connections be-
tween the Confederates on each side of
that stream, and it was important to
break those connections. To this end Gen-
eral Grant concentrated his forces near

the Tallahatchee River, in northern Mis-
sissippi, where Generals Hovey and Wash-
burne had been operating with troops
which they had led from Helena, Ark.
Grant had gathered a large quantity of
supplies at Holley Springs, which, through
carelessness or treachery, had fallen (Dec.
20, 1802) into the hands of Gen. Earl
Van Dorn, and he was compelled to fall
back to Grand Junction to save his army.
Taking advantage of this movement, a
large Confederate force under Lieut.-Gen.
J. C. Pemberton had been gathered at
Vicksburg for the protection of that post.
On the day when Grant's supplies were
seized Gen. W. T. Sherman left Memphis
with transports bearing guns to besiege
Vicksburg. At Friar's Point they were
joined by troops from Hatteras, and were
met by Commodore Porter, whose fleet of
gunboats was at the mouth of the Yazoo
River, just above Vicksburg.' The two
commanders arranged a plan for attack-
ing the city in the rear, and proceeded to
attempt to execute it. The troops and
boats went up the Yazoo to capture some
batteries that blockaded the way, but were
unsuccessful, and abandoned the project.
Early in January Gen. J. A. McClernand
arrived and, ranking Sherman, took the

VICKSBURG DURING THE CTVIL WAR.

VICKSBURG, SIEGE OF

.^*-^

GENERAL PEMBERTON S HEADQUARTERS AT VIQKSBDRG.

chief command, and went up the Arkansas
River to attack Confederate posts. Mean-
while General Grant had arranged his
army into four corps, and with it de-
scended the river from Memphis to prose-
cute the siege of Vicksburg with vigor.
He was soon convinced that it could not
be taken by direct assault. He tried to
perfect the canal begun by Williams, but
failed. Then he sent a land and naval
force up the Yazoo to gain the rear of
Vicksburg, but was repulsed. Finally
Grant sent a strong land force down the
west side of the Mississippi, and Porter
ran by the batteries at Vicksburg in the
night (April 16, 1863) with nearly his
whole fleet.

Then Grant prepared for vigorous opera-
tions in the rear of Vicksburg, on the line
of the Black River. On April 27 Porter
ran by the Confederate batteries at Grand
Gulf, when Grant's army crossed a little
below, gained a victory at Port Gibson,
and calling Sherman down the west side
of the Mississippi and across it to join
him (May 8), the whole force pushed
forward and captured Jackson, the capital
of Mississippi. Then the victorious army
turned westward towards Vicksburg, and,
after two successful battles, swept on and

closely invested the strongly fortified city
in the rear (May 19), receiving their
supplies from a base on the Yazoo estab-
lished by Porter. For a fortnight the army
had subsisted off the country through
which it passed. After a brief rest Grant
began the siege of Vicksburg. Sherman
had taken possession of the Walnut Hills,
near Chickasaw Bayou, cutting off a Con-
federate force at Haines's Bluff; while
McClernand, advancing to the left, took
position at Mount Albans, so as to cover
the roads leading out of that city. Porter,
with his fleet of gunboats, was lying in
the Mississippi, above Vicksburg, and was
preparing the way for a successful siege,
which Grant began with Sherman on the
right, McPherson in the centre, and Mc-
Clernand on the left.

Grant was holding a line about 20 miles
in extent — from the Yazoo to the Missis-
sippi at Warrenton. He prepared to
storm the batteries on the day after the
arrival of his troops before them. It was
begun by Sherman's corps in the after-
noon of May 19, Blair's division taking
the lead. There had been artillery firing
all the morning; now there was close
work. The Nationals, after a severe strug-
gle, were repulsed. Grant engaged Com-

VICKSBtXRG, SIEGE Op

modore Porter to assist in another assault
on the 22d. All night of the 21st and 22d
Porter kept iiix mortars playing upon the
city and the works, and sent three gun-
boats to shell the water-batteries. It was
a fearful night for Vicksburg, but the
next day was more fearful still. At 10
a.m. on the 22d Grant's whole line moved
to the attack. As before, Blair led the
van, and very soon there T ,vas a general
battle. At two different points the right
was repulsed. -Finally McClernand, on
the left, sent word that he held two capt-
ured forts. Then another charge upon the
works by a part of Sherman's troops oc-
curred, but without success. The centre,
under McPherson, met with no better suc-
cess, and, with heavy losses, McClernand
could not hold all that he had won.
Porter had joined in the fray; but this
second assault was unsuccessful. The
Nationals had lost about 3,000 men.

Then Grant determined on a regular
siege. His effective force then did not
exceed 20,000 men. The beleaguered gar-

rison had only about 15,000 effective men
out of 30,000 within the lines, with short
rations for only a month. Grant was soon
reinforced by troops of Generals Lanman,
A. J. Smith, and Kimball, which were
assigned to the command of General Wash-
burne. Then came General Herron from
Missouri (June 11) with his division, and
then a part of the 9th Corps, under Gen-
eral Parke. With these troops, his force
numbered nearly 70,000 men, and, with
Porter's fleet, Vicksburg was completely
enclosed. Porter kept up a continual bom-
bardment and cannonade for forty days,"
during which time he fired 7,000 mortar-
shells, and the gunboats 4,500 shells.
Grant drew his lines closer and closer.
He kept up a bombardment day and night.
The inhabitants had taken shelter in caves
dug in the clay hills on which the city
stands. In these families lived day and
night, and in these children were born.
Famine attacked the inhabitants, and
mule-meat made a savory dish. The only
hope of the Confederates for deliverance

70BTER*S FLEET SHELLING THE BATTERIES AT VICKSBURG.

VICKSBURG, SIEGE OF

for a general as-

pared

sault.

Pemberton lost hope. For
forty-five days he had been
engaged in a brave struggle,
and saw nothing but sub-
mission in the end, and on
the morning of July 3 he
raised a white flag. That
afternoon Grant and Pem-
berton met and arranged
terms of surrender, and at
10 a.m. the next day the
vanquished brigades of the
Confederates began to marel.
out of the lines at Vicksburg
as prisoners of war. At the
same time there was a great
National victory at Gettys-
btjbq (q. v.) ; and July 4,
1863, was the turning-point
in the Civil War. In the
battles from Port Gibson to
Vicksburg Grant lost 9,855
men, of whom 1,223 were
killed. In these engage-
ments he had made 37,000
prisoners; and the Confed-
erates had lost, besides, 10,-
000 killed and wounded,
with a vast number of
stragglers. Two days before
the surrender a Vicksburg
newspaper, printed on wall-
was in the arrival of Johnston from Jack- paper, ridiculed a reported assurance of
son with a force competent to drive the Grant that he should dine in that city on
Nationals away. As June wore on, Grant July 4, saying, " Ulysses must first get
pressed the siege with
vigor. Johnston tried to
help Pemberton, but could
not. . Grant proceeded to
mine under some of the
Confederate works to blow
them up. One of these,
known as Fort Hill Bastion,
was in front of McPherson,
and on the afternoon of
June 25 it was exploded
with terrible effect, making
a great breach, at which a
fierce struggle ensued. Three
days later there was an-
other explosion, when, an-
other struggle took place.
Other mines were ready
to be fired, and Grant pre-

MAP OP THE 8IEGE OP VT0KSBT7RG.

OAVE LIFE IN YICKSBURU.

VICTOR— VIENNA

BLOWINO DP FOET HILL BASTION.

Imto the city before he dines in it." The In August, 1861, he was commissioned

same paper eulogized the " luxury of mule- a brigadier-general of volunteers, and ac-

meat and fricasseed kitten." companied the expedition to Port Eoyal.

Victor, Okvtixe James, author; born In the siege of Fort Pulaski he was in

in Sandusky, O., Oct. 23, 1827; graduated command of the investing forces; and he

at the Theological Institute, Norwalk, O., led the advance in the capture of Nor-

in 1847; edited the Cosmopolitan Art folk, of which place he was made military

Journal in 1856-61 ; The Biographical Li- governor in August, and remained so un-

brary; American Battles Beries; American til his resignation in October, 1863. After

Tales series, etc. His publications in- this he was a civil engineer in New

elude History of the Southern Rebellion; York City, becoming a park commis-

Bistory of American Conspiracies ; Lives sioner of the same city in 1883, and a

of John Paul Jones, Israel Putnam, An- Democratic member of. Congress in 1884

thony Wayne, Ethan Allen, Winfield Scott ; He wrote a Hand-took for Active Service;

and Garibaldi for the Oreat Americans Reports on the Central Park; Topograph

series; and Incidents and Anecdotes of ical Survey of New Jersey; A Topograph

the war. ical Atlas of the City of New York, etc

Viele, Egbert Ltjdovick:tjb, military He died in New York City, April 22, 1902
engineer; born in Waterford, N. Y., June Vienna, Skibmish near. At the mid

17, 1825; graduated at West Point in die of June, 1861, the Confederates wer«

1847; served through a portion of the hovering along the line of the railway be-

war against Mexico. He resigned in 1853, tween Alexandria and Leesburg, Va., and

and was appointed State engineer of New on the 16*h they fired upon a railway

Jersey. In 1857 he was engineer-in-chief train at Jie little village of Vienna, 15

of the Central Park (N. Y.) commission, miles fiom Alexandria. Ohio troops un-

and, in 1860, of "k'rospect Park, Brooklyn, der Gen. Alexander McD. McCook were

VIEQUE— VILLARD

ordered to picket and guard this road, quito and Llave, Pueblo and Florida,

They left their encampment near Alex- Porto Real Abajo, Porto Real Arriba,

andria on June 17, accompanied by Brig.- Punta Arenas, Porto Ferro, and Porto

Gen. Robert C. Schenck, and proceeded Diablo. According to the census taken by

cautiously in cars towards Vienna. De- the United States War Department in

tachments were left at different points, 1899, the total population of the district

and when they approached that village was 6,642.

only four companies (less than 300 men) Vigilance Committee. See Galifob-
were on the train. A detachment of 600 nia; San Francisco.
South Carolinians, a company of artil- Vignaud, Jean Heney, diplomatist;
lery, and two companies of cavalry, sent born in New Orleans, Nov. 27, 1830; re-
out by Beauregard, were waiting in am- ceived a fair education; captain of the
bush. These had just torn up the track 6th Louisiana Regiment in 1861-62; secre-
and destroyed a water-tank, when they tary of the Confederate diplomatic corn-
heard the whistling of the coming train, mission in Paris, in 1863; connected with
In a deep cut at a curve of the rail- the Alabama claims commission at Ge-
way they planted two cannon so as to neva in 1872; appointed first secretary of
sweep the road, and masked them. When the American legation in Paris in 1882.
the train was fairly exposed the cannon He is the author of Critical and Biblio-
opened fire and swept the cut with grape graphical Notices of All Voyages Which
and canister. These went over the heads Preceded and Prepared the Discovery of
of the sitting soldiers. The troops leaped the Route to India by Diaz and of Ameri-
from the train, fell back along the rail- ca by Columbus.

way, rallied in a grove near by, and main- Vigne, Chables de LA, soldier; born

tained their position so firmly that the in France, presumably in 1530; was a

Confederates, believing them to be the ad- member of Ribaut's expedition to Florida

vance of a heavier force, retired and has- in 1562; and aided in constructing Fort

tened to Fairfax Court-house. The Union Caroline in 1564. Later he proved a faith-

1 force lost five killed, six wounded, and ful supporter of the governor against the

thirteen missing. The loss of the Confed- movement to destroy the colony. When

erates is unknown. When the latter ascer- the fort was captured by Menendez de

tained how small was the force they had Aviles on the night of Sept. 20, 1565, he

assailed they returned and took possession was one of the first of its defenders to be

of Vienna and Falls Church Village. killed. He was the author of a narrative

Vieque, an island 13 miles east of concerning the French colony in Florida,

Porto Rico; 21 miles long and 6 miles which was later published under the title

wide. Its land is very fertile and adapted of Copy of a Letter Coming from Florida

to the cultivation of almost all the fruits in Henry Ternaux-Compans's Collection

and vegetables that grow in the West of Narratives on Florida.

Indies. Cattle are raised and sugar cul- Vikings. See Northmen, The.

tivated. The town, Isabel Segunda, is on Vilas, William Freeman, statesman;

the north, and the port is unsafe in times born in Chelsea, Vt., July 9, 1840; gradu-

of northerly wind, like all the anchorages ated at the Vermont State University in

on that side; the few ports on the south 1858; admitted to the bar; served in the

are better, the best being Punta Arenas. Civil War in 1861-63; resumed the prac-

Not long ago there were two importing tice of law; elected to the Vermont legis-

and exporting houses on the island of lature in 1884; Postmaster-General of the

Vieque, but on account of the long period Tjnited States in 1885-88; Secretary of

of drought and the high duties on foreign- the Interior in 1888-89; and United States

imported goods trade has decreased to Senator from Wisconsin in 1891-97. In

local consumption only. All supplies are the latter year he became a regent of the

brought from San Juan, the majority Wisconsin State University,

being of American origin. The climate is Villard, Henry, financier; born in

fine and may be considered healthy; there Spire, Germany, April 11, 1835; received

have never been any contagious diseases, a collegiate education; came to the Unit-

The district contains Culebra Island, Mos- ed States in 1853; settled in Chicago and

VILLERAYE— VILLEBE'S PLANTATION

became a newspaper correspondent; and Canada. He later became naval secre-
went to the Colorado gold region in 1859 tary of Louisiana. In 1769 he led a re-
us a writer for the Cincinnati Commer- bellion against the Spanish authorities,
tial. During the Civil War he was a and was captured and killed in Louisiana
Washington correspondent for Western in the same year.

and Eastern papers. In 1873 he purchased His son, Jacques, born near New Or-
the Oregon and California Railroad and leans, La., April 28, 1761, was major-
the Oregon steamship companies for Ger- general of volunteers under Gen. Andrew
man stockholders, and two years later Jackson in 1814-15 ; and governor of Lou-
became receiver, with C. S. Greeley, of the isiana in 1818 - 22. He died in New
Kansas Pacific Railroad. He then organ- Orleans, La., in 1831.
ized the Oregon and Transcontinental His grandson, Gabriel, born in Louisi-
Company, which gained control of the ana, March 15, 1785, was major of mili-
Northern Pacific and of the Oregon Rail- tia. During the invasion of the British
way and Pacific companies. He was pres- he was sent to watch the Bayou Bienvenu.
ident of the Northern Pacific in 1881-84, He was captured when the enemy landed
and chairman of the board of directors of at Fisherman's Village, but escaped to
the same company in 1889-93. He bought New Orleans, where he gave information
the Edison Lamp Company, of Newark, of their approach to General Jackson. He
N. J., and the Edison Machine Works, of died in New Orleans, La., July 6, 1852.
Schenectady, N. Y., in 1890, and from Villere's Plantation, Battle at. The
these formed the Edison General Electric British army for the invasion of Louisiana
Company, of which he was president for in 1814 were landed on the shore of Lake
two years. He was the author of The Borgne, after the fleet had destroyed the
Pike's Peak Gold Regions, and was a American flotilla on that sheet of water,
liberal promoter of educational, religious, and pushed on in barges towards the
and charitable institutions. He died in Mississippi through the Bienvenu Bayou
Dobbs Ferry, N. Y., Nov. 11, 1900. and Villerg's Canal. They encamped on
Villeraye, Chaeles Stanislas, Vis- Villere's plantation, about 9 miles from
count de, adventurer; born in Provence, New Orleans and in sight of the Missis-
France, presumably about 1820; went to sippi. As they approached that spot Lieu-
California in 1849; joined Count de tenant-Colonel Thornton, of the Tritish
Raousset-Boulbon in the Restauroda en- army, pushed forward with a detachment,
terprise established in Mexico* in 1852, surrounded the mansion of General Vil-
for the purpose of mining gold in a grant lerg, the commander of the 1st Division
given by the Mexican government. Vil- of Louisiana militia, and made him a
leraye was commissioned to equip an ex- prisoner. He soon escaped to New Or-
pedition in San Francisco, where he was leans. Early on Dec. 15 Jackson had
later joined by Raousset. They reached been informed of the capture of the Amer-
Guaymas in June, 1852, with 270 armed ican flotilla on Lake Borgne. He at once
men, but their entrance into the country proceeded to fortify and strengthen every
was prevented by General Blanco. They approach to the city. He sent messengers
then marched to Hermosillo, which they to Generals Coffee, Carroll, and Thomas,
attacked, thus arousing the whole coun- urging them to hasten to New Orleans
try against them, and were compelled with the Tennesseeans, and directed Gen-
to surrender to Blanco. Soon afterwards eral Winchester, at Mobile, to be on the
Villeraye, Raousset, and a few others re- alert. On the 18th he had a grand re-
turned to San Francisco. The trouble view of all the troops at his command,
was renewed when Raousset forwarded and there was much enthusiasm among
recruits to Algodones, near Guaymas, in the soldiers and the citizens.
1854. While leading a movement against The call upon the Tennessee generals
the latter place on July 13, 1854, Vil- was quickly responded to. Coffee came
leraye was killed. first, and encamped 5 miles above New
Villere, Jacques Philippe Rot de, Orleans. Carroll arrived on Dec. 22; at
military officer; born in France; was an the same time Major Hinds appeared with
officer of a regiment which was sent to a troop of horse. Meanwhile the invaders
x. — * M

VILLEBJi'S PLANTATION", BATTI/E AT

were making ready to march on New Or-
leans, believing their presence at VillerS's
was unknown in the city. It was a mis-
take. Jackson was fully informed of their
movements, and in the afternoon of the
23d issued orders for a march to meet the
invaders; and Commodore Patterson was
directed to proceed down the Mississippi
with such vessels as might be in readiness
to flank the British at VillerS's. At 7 P.M.
the armed schooner Carolina, Captain
Henley, the only vessel ready, dropped
down the river in the darkness and an-

moved along the fiver bank. The left,
commanded by Coffee, was composed of his
brigade of mounted riflemen, Hinds's
dragoons, and Beale's riflemen. They
skirted a cypress swamp in the rear to cut
off the communication of the invaders
from Lake Borgne. The alarm and con-
fusion in the British camp caused by the
attack of the Carolina had scarcely been
checked when the crack of musketry in
the direction of their outposts startled
them. General Keane, the commander of
the British, now began to believe the tales-

AMERICANS
BRITISH M

MAP OF OPERATIONS, DECEMBER 23, 1814.

chored within musket-shot of the centre of prisoners concerning the great number

of the British camp. She immediately

opened fire from her batteries, and in the

course of ten minutes killed or wounded

100 men. The British extinguished their

camp-fires, and poured ■upon the Carolina

a shower of rockets and bullets, but with

little effect. In less than half an hour

the schooner drove the invaders from their

camp in great confusion.

Meantime Jackson was pressing for-
ward to the attack, piloted by Colonel De time the artillerists and marines advanced
la Bonde and General Villerfi. The right along the levee roads, when a desperate
of Jackson's troops was composed of reg- attempt was made to seize their cannon,
ulars, Plauche's and D'Aquin's brigades, Very soon the engagement became gen-
McRea's artillery, and some marines and eral. Meanwhile Coffee had approached.

of the defenders of New Orleans—" 12,009
strong" — and told the dashing Thornton
to do as he pleased. He started with a
detachment to support the pickets, and
directed another detachment, 500 strong,
to keep open the communication with Lake
Borgne. Thornton was soon met by a
column led by Jackson in person, 1,500 in
number, with two field-pieces, and perfect-
ly covered by the darkness. At the same

VILMOT— VINCENT

dismounted his men, and moved in silence; mission was established here in- 1702, and
while Beale, with his riflemen, stole soon afterwards a fort. With the surren-
around to the extreme left of the invaders der of Canada, Vincennes passed into the
on Villere's plantation, and by a sudden possession of the British, and on Feb.
movement penetrated almost to the heart 26, 1779, it was captured from them by
of the British camp, killing several and General Clark. On the organization of
making others prisoners. At the same the Territory of Indiana in 1800 the town
time a number of Beale's men were capt- became the seat of government, and re-
ured, and Thornton fell heavily on Coffee's mained so till 1814, when a change was
brigade. For a while the battle raged made to Corydon. On Sept. 6, 1814, it
fearfully, not in regular order, but in de- was incorporated as a borough, and on
tachments, and often in duels. In the Feb. 13, 1856, was chartered as a city,
darkness friends fought each other by mis- See Clark, George Rogers.
take. The Tennesseeans used long knives Vincennes, Jean Baptiste Bissot, Si-
and tomahawks with effect. A length the etjrde, explorer; born in Quebec, Canada,
British line fell back and took shelter be- in January, 1688; a reputed nephew or
hind the levee, more willing to endure brother-in-law of Louis Joliet; was much
danger from the shots of the Carolina employed among the Indians in the West,
than bullets from the rifles of the Tennes- who greatly respected him. He went to
seeans. Jackson could not follow up his the Miami country in 1704, where he re-
victory with safety in the darkness, in- mained until his death. In an expedition
tensified by a thick fog, so he led his against the Chickasaws in that year (1736)
troops back a short distance. he lost his life. He is supposed to have

The conflict ceased at about 9.30 P.M., lived on the site of Vincennes at that

and all was becoming quiet, when, at 11 time, and is regarded as the founder of

o'clock, firing was heard below Villere's. the city of Vincennes.
Some Louisiana militia, under Gen. David Vincent, Frank, traveller; born in

Morgan, encamped at the English Turn Brooklyn, N. Y., April 2, 1848; was en-

of the Mississippi, had advanced and en- gaged in travel and explorations in all

countered British pickets at Jumonville's parts of the world for fifteen years. He

plantation. The loss of the Americans presented a valuable collection of Siamese

in this engagement was twenty-four kill- and Cambodian antiquities, arts, and in-

ed, 115 wounded, and seventy-four made dustrial objects to the Metropolitan

prisoners. The British lost about 400 Museum of Art, New York City; and is

men. The number of Americans engaged a member of many geographical, ethno-

in the battle was about 1,800 ; that of the logical, and archaeological societies.
British, including reinforcements that Vincent, John Hetl, clergyman; born

came up during the engagement, was in Tuscaloosa, Ala., Feb. 23, 1832; began

2,500. The Carolina gave the Americans to preach when eighteen years old; joined

a great advantage. See Jackson, An- the New Jersey Conference in 1853; or-

drew; New Orleans. dained deacon in 1855; elder in 1857, when

Vilmot, Charles Stanislas, author; he was transferred to Bock River Con-
born in St. Nazaire, France, in 1749; ference; held pastorates in Galena, Chi-
served in Count Rochambeau's army in cago, and other cities in 1857-65; estab-
1780-82; remained in the United States lished the Northwest Sunday-School Quar-
till 1786. He was the author of Observa- terly in 1865; corresponding secretary of
Uons on the Administrative Services of the Sunday-school union in 1868-84; one
the United States of Worth America; of the founders and chancellor of the
Journal of the Campaign, with Notes Dur- Chautauqua Assembly and of the Chau-
ing the War for American Independence; tauqua Literary and Scientific Circle. He
and Notes and Sketches of the United was elected a bishop of the Methodist
States of North America. He died in Episcopal Church in 1888. He wrote The
Nantes. France, in 1794. Chautauqua Movement ; The Church at

Vincennes, a city and county seat of Home; The Modern Sunday-School, etc.
Knox county, Ind., on the Wabash River, Vincent, Philip, clergyman; born in
58 mileB south of Terre Haute. A French Comsbrough, Yorkshire, England, Nov. 20,
a?

VltfCEtfO?— VtffliAtfD

1600; educated at the University of Cam-
bridge; ordained in 1625; later came to
the United States and settled in Massa-
chusetts. He wrote The True Relation of
the Late Battle fought in New England
between the English and the Pequot Sav-
ages. He died in England after 1638.

Vincent, Thomas McCtjbdt, military
officer; born in Cadiz, O., Nov. 15, 1832;

graduated at the United States Military
Academy in 1853; assistant Professor of
Chemistry there in 1859-61; served
through the Civil War as captain and
major; promoted colonel and received the
brevet of brigadier-general; retired in
1896. He is the author of The Military
Power of the United States During the
War of the Rebellion.

VHTLAND

Vinland, a name given to a portion of second version which is reproduced, al-
North America discovered by the Scandi- most in its entirety.

tiavian navigators, because of the abun- The Vinland voyages belong to about
dance of grapes found there. See Nobth- the year 1000. These. Icelandic chronicles
men in America. belong therefore to a date three centuries

The famous Saga of Erie the Red, which later. They were doubtless based upon
gives the original accounts of the North- earlier writings which had come down
men's voyages to Vinland, exists in two from the times of Leif and Thorfinn, sub-
different versions, that known as the ject to the various influences which af-
Bauks-bdk, written by Hauk Erlendsson fected similar writings' at that period the
between 1305 and 1334, and that made world over. An interesting and valuable
about 1387 by the priest 'J0n Th6rdharson, confirmation of the simple fact of the visit
contained in the compilation known as the of the Northmen to " Vinland " is given

us by Adam of Bremen, who visit-
ed Denmark between 1047 and 1073,
when the voyages would have been
within the memory of living men
and natural subjects of conversa-
tion. In speaking of the Scandi-
navian countries, in his book, Adam
describes the colonies in Iceland
and Greenland, and says that there
is another country or island be-
yond, which is called Vinland, on
account of the wild grapes that
grow there. He makes the assertion
that corn also grows in Vinland
without cultivation; and, thinking
this may seem strange to Euro-
pean readers, he adds that his state-
ment is based upon " trustworthy
reports of the Danes."

The great work of Professor
Charles Christian Rafn, of Copen-
hagen, Antiquitates Americance,
published in 1837, first brought
these Icelandic sagas prominently
before modern scholars, r Professor
Flateyar-I61c, or " Flat Island Book." J6n Eafn's work was most elaborate and thor-
used parts of the original saga, and added ough, and very little in the way of new
a considerable amount of material con- material has been given us since his time,
cerning the Vinland voyages derived from although his theories and the general sub-
other sources, to us unknown. It is this ject of the Northmen's voyages and the

MAP OF TQB NORTH ATLANTIC, BT THK ICELANDER SIGURD
STEPHANIES, IN 1570.

VmLAND

ROCK AT DIGHTON, MASS., BEARING A SUPPOSED VIKING INSCRIPTION.

whereabouts of Vinland have been dis-
cussed in numberless volumes during the
fifty years since he wrote. Perhaps the
most valuable work is that by Arthur Mid-
dleton Reeves. The title of Mr. Reeves's
work is The Finding of Wineland the
Good: The History of the Icelandic Dis-
covery of America (London, 1890). This
work contains phototype plates of the
original Icelandic vellums, English trans-
lations of the two sagas, and very thor-
ough historical accounts and critical dis-
cussions. The translation used here is
that of Mr. Reeves. De Costa's Pre-Co-
lumbian Discovery of America by the
"Northmen and Slafter's Voyages of the
Northmen to America are earlier works
of high authority, going over the same
ground and also containing translations of
the sagas. Dr. Slafter's book has an add-
ed value from its critical accounts of all
the important works on the subject which

had appeared up to that time (1W7).
A completer bibliography, now accessible,
is that by Justin Winsor, appended to his
chapter on " Pre-Columbian Explorations "
in the Narrative and Critical History of
America, vol. i.

The best popular account of the Norse-
man and their voyages is that by Mr.
Fiske, in his Discovery of America, vol.
i., chap. ii. Mr. Fiske is refreshingly
sound and sane in his treatment of the
whole subject, which with so many writ-
ers has been a field for the wildest spec-
ulations. He shows the absurdity of the
earlier writers who used to associate the
Old Mill at Newport and the inscriptions
on the Dighton rock with the Northmen,
and the slight grounds on which, at the
present time, enthusiasts like Professor
Horsford have attempted to determine de-
tails so exactly as to claim that Leif
"Erikson settled on the banks of Cbarjes

VINLAND

River. "On the whole," concludes Mr.
Fiske, " we may say with some confidence
that the place described by our chroniclers
as Vinland was situated somewhere be-
tween Point Judith and Cape Breton; pos-
sibly we may narrow our limits, and say
that it was somewhere between Cape Cod
and Cape Ann. But the latter conclusion
is much less secure than the former. In
such a case as this, the more we narrow
our limits, the greater our liability to
error."

It should be said that many scholarly
investigators hold that all the conditions
of the descriptions of Vinland in the
sagas are met by the shores of Labrador
and Newfoundland, although the weight
of opinion is in favor of the New England
coast. The accounts themselves make
any exacter determination impossible ; and
no genuine Norse remains have ever been
discovered in New England.

The claim that Columbus knew of these
discoveries of the Northmen is quite im-
probable. He simply set out to find a
western route to Asia. The course of his
voyage was not such as he would have
taken had he had in mind the Vinland of
the Northmen; and he made no mention
of Vinland in favor of his expedition at
the Spanish Court. Had he known of it,
he certainly would have mentioned it ; for,
as Colonel Higginson so well says (see
his Larger History of the United States),
for the purpose of his argument, " an
ounce of Vinland would have been worth a
pound of cosmography."

The Voyages to Vinland. — From the
saga of Eric the Red. Translated by
Arthur Middleton Reeves.

After that sixteen winters had elapsed,
from the time when Eric the Red went to
colonize Greenland, Leif, Eric's son, sailed

-,*-.- '

■

*V"

4N0IEXT VIKING SHIP

VINLAND

out from Greenland to Norway. He ar-
rived in Drontheim in the autumn, when
King Olaf Tryggvason was come down
from the North, out of Halagoland. Leif
put into Nidaros with his ship, and set
out at onee to visit the king. King Olaf

composed the Sea - Boiler's Song, which
contains this stave:

" Mine adventure to the Meek One,
Monk-heart-searcher, I commit now ;
He, who heaven's halls doth govern,
Hold the hawk's-seat ever o'er me I"

VIKINGS 1 WAR-SHIP, ENGRAVED ON A ROCK IN NORWAT.

expounded the faith to him, as he did to
other heathen men who came to visit
him. It proved easy for the king to per-
suade Leif, and he was accordingly bap-
tized, together with all of his shipmates.
Leif remained throughout the winter with
the king, by whom he was well enter-
tained.

Heriulf was a son of Bard Heriulfsson.
He was a kinsman of Ingolf, the first
colonist. Ingolf allotted land to Heriulf
between Vag and Beykianess, and he
dwelt at first at Drepstokk. Heriulf's
wife's name was Thorgerd, and their son,
whose name was Biarni, was a most prom-
ising man. He formed an inclination for
voyaging while he was still young, and
he prospered both in property and public
esteem. It was his custom to pass his
winters alternately abroad and with his
father. Biarni soon became the owner of
a trading-ship; and during the last win-
ter that he spent in Norway [his father]
fleriulf determined to accompany Erie on
his voyage to Greenland, and made his
preparations to give up his farm. Upon
the ship with Heriulf was a Christian
man from the Hebrides, he it was who

Heriulf settled at Heriulfsness, and was
a most distinguished man. Eric the Bed
dwelt at Brattahlid, where he was held
in the highest esteem, and all men paid
kim homage. These were Eric's children:
Leif, Thorvald, and Thorstein, and a
daughter whose nanie was Freydis; she
was wedded to a man named Thorvard,
and they dwelt at Gardar, where the
episcopal seat now is. She was a very
haughty woman, while Thorvard was a
man of little force of character, and Frey-
dis had been wedded to him chiefly because
of his wealth. At that time the people
of Greenland were heathen.

Biarni arrived with his ship at Eyrar
[in Iceland] in the summer of the same
year, in the spring of which his father
had sailed away. Biarni was much sur-
prised when he heard this news, and
would not discharge his cargo. His ship-
mates inquired of him what he intended
to do, and he replied that it was his pur-
pose to keep to his custom, and make his
home for the winter with his father;
" And 1 will take the ship to Greenland,
if you will bear me company." They all
replied that they would abide by his de-

VINLA1TD

cisicn. Then said Biarni, " Our voyage Biarni, — a course, forsooth, which won
must be regarded as foolhardy, seeing him blame among his shipmates. He bade
that no one of us has ever been in the them hoist sail, which they did, and turn-
Greenland Sea." Nevertheless, they put ing the prow from the land, they sailed
out to sea when they were equipped for out upon the high seas, with south-westerly
the voyage, and sailed for three days, gales, for three " doegr," when they saw
until the land was hidden by the water, the third land; this land was high and
and then the fair wind died out, and mountainous, with ice mountains upon it.
north winds arose, and fogs, and they They asked Biarni then whether he would
knew not whither they were drifting, and land there, and he replied that he was not
thus it lasted for many " doegr." Then disposed to do so, " because this land
they saw the sun again, and were able to does not appear to me to offer any attrac-
determine the quarters of the heavens; tions." Nor did they lower their sail,
they hoisted sail, and sailed that " doegr " but held their course off the land, and
through before they saw land. They dis- saw that it was an island. They left this
cussed among themselves what land it land astern, and held out to sea with the
could be, and Biarni said that he did not same fair wind. The wind waxed amain,
believe that it could be Greenland. They and Biarni directed them to reef, and not
asked whether he wished to sail to this to sail at a speed unbefitting their ship
land or not. " It is my counsel " [said and rigging. They sailed now for four
he] " to sail close to the land." They did " doegr," when they saw the fourth land,
so, and soon saw that the land was level, Again they asked Biarni whether he
and covered with woods, and that there thought this could be Greenland or not.
were small hillocks upon it. They left Biarni answers, " This is likest Greenland,
the land on their larboard, and let the according to that which has been reported
sheet turn toward the land. They sailed to me concerning it, and here we will steer
for two " doegr " before they saw another to the land." They directed their course
land. They asked whether Biarni thought thither, and landed in the evening, below
this was Greenland yet. He replied that a cape upon which there was a boat, and

there, upon this cape,
dwelt Heriulf, Biarni's
father, whence the cape
took its name, and was
afterwards called Heri-
ulfsness. Biarni now
went to his father, gave
up his voyaging, and re-
mained with his father
while Heriulf lived, and
continued to live there
after his father.

Next to this is now to
be told how Biarni Heri-
ulfsson came out from
he did not think this any more like Green- Greenland on a visit to Earl Eric, by whom
land than the former, " because in Green- he was well received. Biarni gave an ac-
land there are said to be many great ice count of his travels [upon the occasion]
mountains." They soon approached this when he saw the lands, and the people
land, and saw that it was a flat and thought that he had been lacking in enter-
wooded country. The fair wind failed prise, since he had no report to give con-
them then, and the crew took counsel to- cerning these countries; and the fact
gether, and concluded that it would be brought him reproach. Biarni was ap-
wise to land there, but Biarni would not pointed one of the Earl's men, and went
consent to this. They alleged that they out to Greenland the following summer,
were in need of both wood and water. There was now much talk about voyages
" Ye have no lack of either of these," says of discovery. Leif, the son of Eric the

<@i-

OLD NORSE KUINS IN GREENLAND.

VINLAND

Red, of Brattahlid, visited Biarni Heri- off the land. There they went ashore and
ulfsson and bought a ship of him, and col- looked about them, the weather being fine,
lected a crew, until they formed altogether and they observed that there was dew upon
a company of thirty-five men. Leif invited the grass, and it so happened that they
his father, Eric, to become the leader of touched the dew with their hands, and
the expedition, but Eric declined, saying touched their hands to their mouths, and
that he was then stricken in years, and it seemed to them that they had never be-
adding that he was less able to endure the fore tasted anything so sweet as this.
exposure of sea life than he had been. They went aboard their ship again and
Leif replied that he would nevertheless be sailed into a certain sound, which lay be-
the one who would be most apt to bring tween the island and a cape, which jutted
good luck, and Eric yielded to Leif's so- out from the land on the north, and they
lieitation, and rode from home when they stood in westering past the cape. At ebb-
were ready to sail. When he was but a tide there were broad reaches of shallow
short distance from the ship, the horse water there, and they ran their ship
which Eric was riding stumbled, and he aground there, and it was a long distance
was thrown from his back and wounded from the ship to the ocean ; yet were they
his foot, whereupon he exclaimed, " It is so anxious to go ashore that they could
not designed for me to discover more lands not wait until the tide should rise under
than the one in which we are now living, their ship, but hastened to the land, where
nor can we now continue longer together." a certain river flows out from the lake.
Eric returned home to Brattahlid, and As soon as the tide rose beneath their
Leif pursued his way to the ship with his ship, however, they took the boat and
companions, thirty-five men. One of the rowed to the ship, which they conveyed up
company was a German, named Tyrker. the river, and so into the lake, where they
They put the ship in order; and, when cast anchor and carried their hammocks
they were ready, they sailed out to sea, ashore from the ship, and built themselves
and found first that land which Biarni and booths there. They afterward deter-
his shipmates found last. They sailed up mined to establish themselves there for
to the land, and cast anchor, and launched the winter, and they accordingly built a
a boat, and went ashore, and saw no large house. There was no lack of salmon
grass there. Great ice mountains lay in- there either in the river or in the lake,
land back from the sea, and it was as a and larger salmon than they had ever
[tableland of] flat rock all the way from seen before. The country thereabouts
the sea to the ice mountains; and the seemed to be possessed of such good quali-
country seemed to them to be entirely de- ties that cattle would need no fodder
void of good qualities. Then said Leif, " It there during the winters. There was no
has not come to pass with us in regard to frost there in the winters, and the grass
this land as with Biarni, that we have not withered but little. The days and nights
gone upon it. To this country I will now there were of more equal length than in
give a name, and call it Helluland." Greenland or Iceland. On the shortest
They returned to the ship, put out to sea, day of winter the sun was up between
and found a second land. They sailed " eyktarstad " and " dagmalastad." When
again to the land, and came to anchor, they had completed their house, Leif said
and launched the boat, and went ashore, to his companions, "I propose now to
This was a level wooded land; and there divide our company into two groups, and
were broad stretches of white sand where to set about an exploration of the country,
they went, and the land was level by the One-half of our party shall remain at
sea. Then said Leif, "This land shall home at the house, while the other half
have a name after its nature ; and we will shall investigate the land ; and they must
call it Markland." They returned to the not go beyond a point from which they
ship forthwith, and sailed away upon the can return home the same evening, and
main with north-east winds, and were out are not to separate [from each other],
two "dcegr" before they sighted land. Thus they did for a time. Leif, himself,
They sailed toward this land, and came by turns joined the exploring party, or re-
to an island which lay to the northward mained behind at the house. Leif was a

VINLAND

A SCAND1NAVA1N CROMLECH.

large and powerful man, and of a most
imposing bearing, — a man of sagacity, and
a very just man in all things.

It was discovered one evening that one
of their company was missing; and this
proved to be Tyrker, the German. Leif
was sorely troubled by this, for Tyrker
had .ived with Leif and his father for a
long time, and had been very devoted to
Leif when he was a child. Leif severely
reprimanded his companions, and pre-
pared to go in search of him, taking twelve
men with him. They had proceeded but a
short distance from the house, when they
were, met by Tyrker, whom they received
most cordially. Leif observed at once that
his foster-father was in lively spirits.
Tyrker had a prominent forehead, restless
eyes, small features, was diminutive in
stature, and rather a sorry-looking in-
dividual withal, but was, nevertheless, a
most capable handicraftsman. Leif ad-
dressed him, and asked, " Wherefore art
thou so belated, foster-father mine, and
astray from the others?" In the begin-

ning Tyrker spoke for some time in Ger-
man, rolling his eyes and grinning, and
they could not understand him; but after
a time he addressed them in the Northern
tongue: " I did not go much further [than
you], and yet I have something of novelty
to relate. I have found vines and grapes."
" Is this indeed true, foster-father ?" said
Leif. " Of a certainty it is true," quoth
he, " for I was born where there is no lack
of either grapes or vines." They slept tho
night through, and on the morrow Leif
said to his shipmates, " We will now
divide our labors, and each day will either
gather grapes or cut vines and fell trees,
so as to obtain a cargo of these for my
ship." They acted upon this advice, and
it is said that their after-boat was filled
with grapes. A cargo sufficient for the
ship was cut, and when the spring came
they made their ship ready, and sailed
away; and from its products Leif gave
the land a name, and called it Wineland.
They sailed out to sea, and had fair winds
until they sighted Greenland, and the fella

pt ■•■V vf*L

('if. ">•* ;■ > *»i4ff;.

OLD STONE RELICS OP NORSE WARFARE.
74

VINLAND

i>elo\v the glaciers. Then one of the men
spoke up and said, " Why do you steer
the ship so much into the wind?" Leif
answers : " I have my mind upon my
steering, but on other matters as well.
Do ye not see anything out of the com-
mon?" They replied that they saw noth-
ing strange. "I do not know," says Leif,
"whether it is a ship or a skerry that I
see," Now they saw it, and said that it
must be "a skerry; but he was so much
keener of sight than they that he was
able to discern men upon the skerry. " I
think it best to tack," says Leif, " so that
we may draw near to them, that we may
be able to render them assistance if they
should stand in need of it; and, if they
should not be peaceably disposed, we shall
still have better command of the situation
than they." They approached the skerry,
and, lowering their sail, cast anchor, and

Now Thorvald, with the advice of his
brother, Leif, prepared .to make this voy-
age with thirty men. They put their ship
in order, and sailed out to sea; and there
is no account of their voyage before their
arrival at Leifs-booths in Wineland. They
laid up their ship there, and remained
there quietly during the winter, supply-
ing themselves with food by fishing. In
the spring, however, Thorvald said that
they should put their ship in order, and
that a few men should take the after-
boat, and proceed along the western coast,
and explore [the region] thereabouts dur-
ing the summer. They found it a fair,
well-wooded country. It was but a short
distance from the woods to the sea, and
[there were] white sands, as well as great
numbers of islands and shallows. They
found neither dwelling of man nor lair of
beast; but in one of the westerly islands

launched a second small boat, which they they found a wooden building for the shel-

had brought with them. Tyrker inquired
■ who was the leader of the party. He re-
plied that his name was Thori, and that
he was a Norseman ; " but what is thy
name?" Leif gave his name. "Art thou
a son of Eric the Red of Brattahlid?" says
be. Leif responded that he was : " It is
now my wish," says Leif, " to take you all
into my ship, and likewise so much of your
possessions as the ship will hold." This
offer was accepted, and [with their ship]
thus. laden they held away to Ericsfirth,
and sailed until they arrived at Brat-
tahlid. Having discharged the cargo,
Leif invited Thori, with his wife, Gudrid,
and three others, to make their home
with him, and procured quarters for the
other members of the crew, both for his
own and Thori's men. Leif rescued fifteen
persons from the skerry. He was after-
wards called Leif the Lucky. Leif had now
goodly store both of property and honor.
There was serious illness that winter in
Thori's party, and Thori and a great num-
ber of his people died. Eric the Eed also
died that winter. There was now much
talk about Leif's Wineland journey; and
his brother, Thorvald, held that the coun-
try had not been sufficiently explored.
Thereupon Leif said to Thorvald, " If it
be thy will, brother, thou mayest go to

ter of grain. They found no other trace
of human handiwork; and they turned
back, and arrived at Leifs-booths in the
autumn. The following summer Thorvald
set out toward the east with the ship,
and along the northern coast. They were
met by a high wind off a certain promon-
tory, and were driven ashore there, and
damaged the keel of their ship, and were
compelled to remain there for a long
time and repair the injury to their ves-
sel. Then said Thorvald to his compan-
ions, " I propose that we raise the keel
upon this cape, and call it Keelness " ;
and so they did. Then they sailed away
to the eastward off the land and into
the mouth of the adjoining firth and to a
headland, which projected into the sea
there, and which was entirely covered
with woods. They found an anchorage
for their ship, and put out the gangway
to the land; and Thorvald and all of his
companions went ashore. " It is a fair re-
gion here," said he; "and here I should
like to make my home." They then re-
turned to the ship, and discovered on the
sands, in beyond the headland, three
mounds: they went up to these, and saw
that they were three skin canoes with
three men under each. They thereupon
divided their party, and succeeded in

Wineland with my ship ; but I wish the seizing all of the men but one, who escaped
ship first to fetch the wood which Thori with his canoe. They killed the eight men,
had upon the skerry." And so it was done, and then ascended the headland again,

VINLAND

and looked about them, and discovered departure and rejoined their companions,
within the firth certain hillocks, which and they told each other of the experiences
they concluded must be habitations. They which had befallen them. They remained
were then so overpowered with sleep that there during the winter, and gathered
they could not keep awake, and all fell grapes and wood with which to freight
into a [heavy] slumber from which they the ship. In the following spring they re-
were awakened by the sound of a cry ut- turned to Greenland, and arrived with
tered above them; and the words of the their ship in Ericsfirth, where they were
cry were these : " Awake, Thorvald, thou able to recount great tidings to Leif .
and all thy company, if thou wouldst save In the mean time it had come to pass
thy Jife; and board thy ship with all thy in Greenland that Thorstein of Ericsfirth
men, and sail with all speed from the had maTricd, and had taken to wife Gu-
land!" A countless number of skin ca- drid, Thorbrion's daughter, [she] who had
noes then advanced toward them from been the spouse of Thori Eastman, as has
the inner part of the firth, where- been already related. Now Thorstein Erics-
upon Thorvald exclaimed, " We must son, being minded to make the voyage to
put out the war-boards on both sides of Wineland after the body of his brother,
the ship, and defend ourselves to the best Thorvald, equipped the same ship, and se-
of our ability, but offer little attack." lected a crew of twenty-five men of good
This they did; and the Skrellings, after size and strength, and taking with him
they had shot at them for a time, fled his wife, Gudrid, when all was in readi-
precipitately, each as best he^could. Thor- ness, they sailed out into the open ocean,
vald then inquired of his men whether and out of sight of land. They were
any of them had been wounded, and they driven hither and thither over the sea all
informed him that no one of them had that summer, and lost all reckoning; and
received a wound. " I have been wound- at the end of the first week of winter they
ed in my arm-pit," says he. " An arrow made the land at Lysufirth in Greenland,
flew in between the gunwale and the shield, in the Western settlement. Thorstein set
below my arm. Here is the shaft, and out in search of quarters for his crew, and
it will bring me to my end. I counsel you succeeded in procuring homes for all of
now to retrace your way with the utmost his shipmates; but he and his wife were
speed. But me ye shall convey to that unprovided for, and remained together
headland which seemed to me to offer upon the ship for two or more days. At
so pleasant a dwelling-place: thus it may this time Christianity was still in its
be fulfilled that the truth sprang to my infancy in Greenland. [Here follows the
lips when I expressed the wish to abide account of Thorstein's sickness and death
there for a time. Ye shall bury me there, in the winter.] . . . When he had thus
and place a cross at my head, and another spoken, Thorstein sank back again ; and

his body was laid out for burial, and
borne to the ship. Thorstein, the
master, faithfully performed all his
promises to Gudrid. He sold his
lands and live stock in the spring,
and accompanied Gudrid to the ship,
with all his possessions. He put the
ship in order, procured a crew, and
then sailed for Ericsfirth. The bodies
of the' dead were now buried at the
church; and Gudrid then went home
at my feet, and call it Crossness forever to Leif at Brattahlid, while Thorstein the
after." At that time Christianity had ob- Swarthy made a home for himself on
tained in Greenland: Eric the Red died, Ericsfirth, and remained there as long as
however, before [the introduction of] he lived, and was looked upon as a very
Christianity. superior man.

Thorvald died; and, when they had car- That same summer a ship came from
ried out his injunctions, they took their Norway to Greenland. The skipper's nnme

70 •»

kf\ x:

=3/

vA &.\yf\h t:

OLD NOESB INSCRIPTION.

FINLAND

was Thorfinn Karlsefni. He was a son of Skrellings put down their bundles then,
Thord Horsehead, and a grandson of and loosed them, and offered their wares
Snorri, the son of Thord of Hofdi. Thor- [for barter], and were especially anxious
finn Karlsefni, who was a very wealthy to exchange these for weapons; but Karl-
man, passed the winter at Brattahlid with sefni forbade his men to sell their weapons,
Leif Ericsson. He very soon set his heart and, taking counsel with himself, he bade

upon Gudrid, and sought her hand in mar-
riage. She referred him to Leif for her
answer, and was subsequently betrothed
to him; and their marriage was celebrated
that same winter. A renewed discussion

the women carry out milk to the Skrel-
lings, which they no sooner saw than they
wanted to buy it, and nothing else. Now
the outcome of the Skrellings' trading was
that they carried their wares away in

arose concerning a Wineland voyage; and their stomachs, while they left their packs

the folk urged Karlsefni to make the vent-
ure, Gudrid joining with the others. He
determined to undertake the voyage, and
assembled a company of sixty men and
Ave women, and entered into an agreement
with his shipmates that they should each
share equally in all the spoils of the en-
terprise. They took with them all kinds
of cattle, as it was their intention to set-
tle the country, if they could. Karlsefni
asked Leif for the house in Wineland; and
he replied that he would lend it, but not
give it. They sailed out to sea with the
ship, and arrived safe and sound at Leifs-
booths, and carried their hammocks ashore
there. They were soon provided with an
abundant and goodly supply of food ; for
a whale of good size and quality was
driven ashore there, and they secured it,
and flensed it, and had then no lack of
provisions. The cattle were turned out
upon the land, and the males soon became
very restless and vicious : they had
brought a bull with them. Karlsefni
caused trees to be felled and to be hewed
into timbers wherewith to load his ship,
and the wood was placed upon a cliff to
dry. They gathered somewhat of all of
the valuable products of the land — grapes,
and alLkinds of game and fish, and other
good things. In the summer succeeding
the first -winter Skrellings 'were discovered,

and peltries behind with Karlsefni and
his companions, and, having accomplished
this [exchange], they went away. Now it
is to be told that Karlsefni caused a strong
wooden palisade to be constructed and set
up around the house. It was at this time
that Gudrid, Karlsefni's wife, gave birth
to a male child, and the boy was called
Snorri. In the early part of the second
winter the Skrellings came to them again,
and these were now much more numerous
than before, and brought with them the
same wares as at first. Then said Karl-
sefni to the women, " Do ye carry out
now the same food which proved so profit-
able before, and nought else." When they
saw this, they cast their packs in over the
palisade. Gudrid was sitting within, in
the doorway, beside the cradle of her in-
fant son, Snorri, when a shadow fell upon
the door, and a woman in a black nam-
kirtle entered. She was short in stature,
and wore a fillet about her head; her hair
was of a light chestnut color, and she was
pale of hue, and so big-eyed that never
before had eyes so large been seen in a
human skull. She went up to where Gu-
drid was seated, and said, " What is thy
name?" "My name is Gudrid, but what
is thy name 1" " My name is Gudrid,"
says she. The housewife Gudrid motioned
her with her hand to a seat beside her;

A great troop of men came forth from out but it so happened that at that very in-
the woods. The cattle were hard by, and
the^ bull began to bellow and roar with a
great noise, whereat the Skrellings were
frightened, and ran away with their packs,
wherein ;were gray furs, sables, and all
kinds a$ peltries. They fled towards
Karlsefni's dwelling, and sought to ef-
fect an entrance into the house; but
Karlsefni caused the doors to be defended
[against) 1 them]. Neither [people] could
understand the other's language. The

stant Gudrid heard a great crash, where-
upon the woman vanished, and at the same
moment one of the Skrellings, who had
tried to seize their weapons, was killed by
one of Karlsefni's followers. At this the
Skrellings fled precipitately, leaving their
garments and wares behind them; and not
a soul, save Gudrid alone, beheld this
woman. " Now we must needs take coun-
sel together," says Karlsefni ; " for that
I believe they will visit us a third time

VINLAUD

in great numbers, and attack us. Let us which they might succeed in obtaining
now adopt this plan. Ten of our number there. To this they agreed, and she de-
shall go out upon the cape, and show parted thence to visit her brother, Leif,
themselves there; while the remainder of and ask him to give her the house which
our company shall go into the woods and he had caused to be erected in Wineland;
hew a clearing for our cattle, when the but he made her the same answer [as that
troop approaches from the forest. We will which he had given Karlsefni], saying
also take our bull, and let him go in ad- that he would lend the house, but not give
vance of us." The lie of the land was it. It was stipulated between Karlsefni
such that the proposed meeting-place had and Freydis that each should have on
the lake upon the one side and the forest ship-board thirty able-bodied men, be-
upon the other. Karlsefni's advice was sides the women; but Freydis immediately
now carried into execution. The Skrel- violated this compact by concealing five
lings advanced to the spot which Karl- men more [than this number], and this the
sefni had selected for the encounter; and brothers did not discover before they ar-
a battle was fought there, in which great rived in Wineland. They now put out to
numbers of the band of the Skrellings sea, having agreed beforehand that they
were slain. There was one man among would sail in company, if possible, and, al-
the Skrellings, of large size and fine bear- though they were not far apart from each
ing, whom Karlsefni concluded must be other, the brothers arrived somewhat in
their chief. One of the Skrellings picked advance, and carried their belongings up
up an axe; and, having looked at it for to Leif's house. Now, when Freydis ar-
a time, he brandished it about one of his rived, her ship was discharged and the
companions, and hewed at him, and on baggage carried up to the house, where-
the instant the man fell dead. Thereupon upon Freydis exclaimed, "Why did you
the big man seized the axe ; and, after carry your baggage in here V " Since we
examining it for a moment, he hurled it believed," said they, " that all promises
as far as he could out into the sea. Then made to us would be kept." " It was to
they fled helter skelter into the woods, me that Leif loaned the house," says she,
and thus their intercourse came to an end. " and not to you." Whereupon Helgi ex-
Karlsefni and his party remained there claimed, " We brothers cannot hope to
throughout the winter; but in the spring rival thee in wrong dealing." They there-
Karlsefni announces that he is not minded upon carried their baggage forth, and built
to remain there longer, but will return a hut, above the sea, on the bank of the
to Greenland. They now made ready for ' a ke, and put all in order about it; while
the voyage, and carried away with them Freydis caused wood to be felled, with
much booty in vines and grapes and pel- which to load her ship. The winter now
tries. They sailed out upon the high seas, set in, and the brothers suggested that
and brought their ship safely to Ericsfirth, they should amuse themselves by playing
where they remained during the winter. games. This they did for a time, until
There was now much talk anew about the folk began to disagree, when dis-
a Wineland voyage, for this was reckon- sensions arose between them, and the
ed both a profitable and an honorable en- games came to an end, and the visits be-
terprise. The same summer that Karl- tween the houses ceased; and thus it con-
sefni arrived from Wineland a ship from tinued far into the winter. One morning
Norway arrived in Greenland. This ship early Freydis arose from her bed and dress-
was commanded by two brothers, Helgi ed herself, but did not put on her shoes
and Finnbogi, who passed the winter in and stockings. A heavy dew had fallen,
Greenland. They were descended from an and she took her husband's cloak, and
Icelandic family of the East-firths. It is wrapped it about her, and then walked
now to be added that Freydis, Eric's to the brothers' house, and up to the door,
daughter, set out from her home at Gar- which had been only partly closed bj one
dar, and waited upon the brothers, Helgi of the men, who had gone out a short
and Finnbogi, and invited them to sail time before. She pushed the door open,
with their vessel to Wineland, and to share and stood silently in the doorway for a
with her equally all of the good things time. Finnbogi, who wag lying on the in-

VINLAND

nermost side of the room, was awake, and
said, "What dost thou wish here, Frey-
dis I" She answers, " I wish thee to rise
and go out with me, for I would speak
with thee." He did so; and they walked
to a tree, which lay close hy the wall of
the house, and seated themselves upon it.
" How art thou pleased here ?" says she.
He answers, " I am well pleased with the
fruitfulness of the land; but I am ill con-
tent w^th the breach which has come be-
tween us, for, methinks, there has been
no cause for it." " It is even as thou
sayest," says she, " and so it seems to me ;
but my errand to thee is that I wish to
exchange ships with you brothers, for that
ye have a larger ship than I, and I wish
to depart from here." " To this I must
accede," says he, "if it is thy pleasure."

was bound; and, as they came out, Frey-
dis caused each one to be slain. In this
wise all of the men were put to death, and
only the women were left ; and these no one
would kill. At this Freydis exclaimed,
"Hand me an axe." This was done; and
she fell upon the five women, and left
them dead. They returned home after this
dreadful deed; and it was very evident
that Freydis was well content with her
work. She addressed her companions, say-
ing, " If it be ordained for us to come
again to Greenland, I shall contrive the
death of any man who shall speak of these
events. We must give it out that we left
them living here when we came away."
Early in the spring they equipped the ship
which had belonged to the brothers, and
freighted it with all of the products of

NORSE-BOAT UNEARTHBD AT SANDEFJOKD.

Therewith they parted; and she returned the land which they could obtain, and
home and Finnbogi to his bed. She climb- which the ship would carry. Then they
ed up into bed, and awakened Thorvard put out to sea, and after a prosperous
with her cold feet; and he asked her why voyage arrived with their ship in Erics-
she was so cold and wet. She answered with firth early in the summer. Karlsefni was
great passion: "I have been to the broth- there, with his ship all ready to sail, and
ers," says she, " to try to buy their ship, was awaiting a fair wind ; and people say
for I wished to have a larger vessel; but that a ship richer laden than that which
they received my overtures so ill that they he commanded never left Greenland,
struck me and handled me very roughly; Freydis now went to her home, since
what time thou, poor wretch, wilt neither it had remained unharmed during her
avenge my shame nor thy own; and I find, absence. She bestowed liberal gifts upon
perforce, that I am no longer in Green- all of her companions, for she was anx-
land. Moreover I shall part from thee un- ious to screen her guilt. She now estab-
less thou wreakest vengeance for this." lished herself at her home; but her com-
And now he could stand her taunts no panions were not all so close-mouthed
longer, and ordered the men to rise at concerning their misdeeds and wicked-
once and take their weapons ; and this they ness that rumors did not get abroad at
did. And they then proceeded directly to last. These finally reached her brother,
the house of the brothers, and entered it Leif, and he thought it a most shameful
while the folk were asleep, and seized and story. He thereupon took three of the
bound them, and led each one out when he men, who had been of Freydis' party,

VINLAND— VINTON

and forced them all at the same time mother of Bishop Brand. Hallfrid was the
to a confession of the affair, and their name of the daughter of Snorri, Karl-
stories entirely agreed. "I have no. sefni's son: she was the mother of
heart," says Lief, "to punish my sis- Runolf, Bishop Thorlak's father. Biorn
ter, Freydis, as she deserves, but this I was the name of [another] son of Karl-
predict of them, that there is little pros- sefni and Gudrid; he was the father of
perity in store for their offspring." Thorunn, the mother of Bishop Biorn.
Hence it came to pass that no one from Many men are descended from Karlsefni,
that time forward thought them worthy and he has been blessed with a numerous
of aught but evil. It now remains to and famous posterity; and of all men
take up the story from the time when Karlsefni has given the most exact ac-
Karlsefni made his ship ready, and sail- counts of all these voyages, of which
ed out to sea. He had a successful voy- something has now been recounted,
age, and arrived in Norway safe and Vinton, Francis Latjbens, military
sound. He remained there ^during the officer; born in Fort Preble, Me., June
winter, and sold his wares ; and both he 1, 1835 ; son of Maj. John Rogers Vinton ;
and his wife were received with great graduated at West Point in 1856; entered
favor by the most distinguished suen the 1st Cavalry, but resigned in Septem-
of Norway. The following spring he put ber and devoted himself to the science of
his ship in order for the voyage to Ice- metallurgy, becoming in 1857 a pupil of
land; and when all his preparations had the Imperial School of Mines in Paris,
been made, and his ship was lying at where he graduated with distinction. At
the wharf, awaiting favorable winds, the beginning of the Civil War he was
there came to him a Southerner, a na- made captain in the 16th United States
live of Bremen in the Saxonland, who Infantry, and colonel of the 43d New
wished to buy his " house-neat." " I do York Volunteers, with which he served
not wish to sell it," says he. " I will through the Peninsular campaign ; was
give thee half a ' miirk ' in gold for it," wounded in the battle of Fredericksburg.
says the Southerner. This Karlsefni In March, 1863, he was promoted briga-
thought a good offer, and accordingly dier-general of volunteers, resigned in May
closed the bargain. The Southerner went following because of his wound; and be-
his way with the " house - neat," and came Professor of Mining Engineering in
Karlsefni knew not what wood it was, but Columbia College in 1864, fronl which he
it was " mosur," come from Wineland. retired in 1877. He died in Leadville, Col.,

Karlsefni sailed away, and arrived Oct. 6, 1879.

with his ship in the north of Iceland, Vinton; Frederic, librarian; born in

in Skagaflrth. His vessel was beached Boston, Mass., Oct. 7, 1817; graduated at

there during the winter, and in the spring Amherst College in 1837 ; studied theol-

he bought Glaumboeiar-land, and made ogy; became first assistant in the Boston

his home there, and dwelt there as long Public Library in 1856. He assisted in pre-

as he lived, and was a man of the paring the Index to the Catalogue of Books

greatest prominence. From him and his in Bates Hall; was first assistant in 1865-

wife, Gudrid, a numerous and goodly 73 in the Congressional Library, where he

lineage is descended. After Karlsefni's prepared six annual supplements to the

death Gudrid, together with her son Alphabetical Catalogue of the Library of

Snorri, who was born in Wineland, took Congress and the Index of Subjects; and

charge of the farmstead; and, when was librarian of Princeton University

Snorri was married, Gudrid went abroad, from 1873 till his death, Jan. 1, 1890.

and made a pilgrimage to the South, Vinton, John Adams, clergyman; born

after which she returned again to the in Boston, ,Mass., Feb. 5, 1801 ; graduated

home of her son Snorri, who had caused at Dartmouth College in 1828, and at

a church to be built at Glaumbcer. Andover Theological Seminary in 1831;

Gudrid then took the veil and became ordained in the Congregational Church

an anchorite, and lived there the rest of in 1832, and held pastorates in Maine,

her days. Snorri had a son, named Thor- Vermont, and Massachusetts; was agent

geir, who was the father of Ingveld, the of the American Society for Improving

VIOMENIL VIRGINIA

the Condition of the Jews; chaplain of
the Massachusetts State almshouse in
1859-60; and later devoted himself to
genealogical researches. He contributed
many articles to periodicals, and was
author of Deborah Sampson, the Female
Soldier of the Revolution, etc. He died
in Winchester, Mass, Nov 13, 1877.

Viomenil, Antoine Charles dtj
Houx, Baron de, military officer; born^n
Fauconcourt, Vosges, France, Nov. 30,
1728. He attained the rank of major-gen-
eral in the French army; and in 1780
was appointed second in command of
Count de Rochambeau's troops which were
sent to assist the American colonists; was

promoted lieutenant-general in 1781, and
given the grand cross of St Louis for ser-
vices at the siege of Yorktown. After
the war he was governor of La Rochelle,
in 1783-89. He died in Paris, Nov. 9, 1782.
His brother, Charles Joseph Hya-

CINTHE DU HOUX, MABQUIS DE VlOMENIL ;

born in the castle of Ruppes, Vosges,
Aug. 22, 1734; attained the rank of major-
general in the French army; accompanied
Count de Rochambeau to the United
States as commander of the French ar-
tillery, and took a prominent part in the
siege of Yorktown, for which he was grant-
ed a pension of 5,000 francs. He died in
Paris, March 5, 1827.

VIRGINIA, COLONY OF

/
Virginia, Colony of, the name given other company to settle between lat. 41 c
to an undefined territory in America (of and 45" N. The space of about 200 miles
which Roanoke Island, discovered in 1584, between the two territories was a broad
was a part) in compliment to the un- boundary-line, upon which neither party
married Queen, or because of its virgin was to plant a settlement. In December,
soil. It was afterwards defined as ex- 1606, the London Company sent three
tending from lat. 34° to 45° N, and was ships, under Capt. Christopher Newport,
divided into north and south Virginia, with 105 colonists, to make a settlement
The northern part was afterwards called on Roanoke Island (g. v.). They took
New England ( q. v.). The spirit of ad-
venture and desire for colonization were
prevalent in England at the beginning of
the seventeenth century, and circumstances
there were favorable to such undertakings,
for there was plenty of material for colo-
nies, such as it was. Soon after the acces-
sion of James I., war between England and
France ceased, and there were many rest-
less soldiers out of employment — so rest-
less that social order was in danger. There
was also a class of ruined and desperate
spendthrifts, ready to do anything to re-
trieve their fortunes. Such were the men
who stood ready to go to America when
Ferdinando Gorges, Bartholomew Gosnold,
Chief-Justice Popham, Richard Hakluyt,
Capt. John Smith, and others devised a
new scheme for settling Virginia.

The timid King, glad to perceive a new
field open for the restless spirits of his
realm, granted a liberal patent to a com-
pany of " noblemen, gentlemen, and mer-
chants," chiefly of London, to plant settle-
ments in America, between lat. 34° and 38°

N., and westward 100 miles from the sea. the coast of North Carolina a tempest
A similar charter was granted to an- drove them farther north into Chesapeake
x.—f 81

FIRST SETTLEMENTS ON THE CHESAPEAKE AND
DELAWARE.

the long southern route, by way of the
West Indies, and when they approached

VIRGINIA, COLONY OF

EARLY SETTLERS.

Bay, where they found good anchorage.
The principal passengers were Gosnold,
Edward M. Wingfield, Captain Smith, and
Rev. Robert Hunt. The capes at the en-
trance to Chesapeake Bay Newport named
Charles and Henry, in compliment to the
King's two sons.

Landing and resting at a pleasant point
of land between the mouths of the York
and James rivers, he named it Point
Comfort, and, sailing up the latter stream
50 miles, the colonists landed on the left
bank, May 13, 1607, and there founded
a settlement and built a village, which
they named Jamestown, in compliment to
the King. They gave the name of James
to the river. On the voyage, Captain
Smith, the most notable man among x them
ieee Smith, John), had excited the jeal-
osy and suspicion of his fellow-passen-
gers, and he was placed in confinement on
suspicion that he intended to usurp the
government of the colony. It was not
known who had been appointed rulers, for
the silly King had placed the names of the
colonial council in a sealed box, to be
opened on their arrival. It was found

that Smith was one of the council, and he
was released. Wingfield was chosen presi-
dent. Smith and others ascended the
river in small boats to the falls at Rich-
mond, and visited the Indian emperor
Powhatan {q. v.), who resided a mile
below.

Early in June Newport returned to
England for supplies and more emigrants.
The supplies which they brought had beep
spoiled in the long voyage, and the Ind-
ians around them appeared hostile. The
marshes sent up poisonous vapors, and
before the end of summer Gosnold and
fully one-half of the adventurers died of
fever and famine. President Wingfielf'
lived on the choicest stores, and was
preparing to escape to the West Indies
in a pinnace left by Newport, when his
treachery was discovered, and a man equal-
ly notorious, named Radcliffe, was put
in his place. He, too, was soon dismissed,
when Captain Smith was happily chosen
to rule the colony. He soon restored
order, won the respect of the Indians,
compelled them to bring food to James-
town until wild-fowl became plentiful in

VIRGINIA, COLONY OF

the autumn, and the harvest of maize or
Indian corn was gatherec by the bar-
barians. Smith and a few companions ex-
plored the Chickahominy River, where he
was captured and condemned to die, but
was saved by the King's daughter. See
Pocahontas.

Everything was in disorder on his return
from the forest, and only forty men of the
colony were living, who were on the point
of escaping to the West Indies. Newport
returned with supplies and 120 emigrants
early in 1608. They were no better than
the first. There were several unskilful
goldsmiths, and most of the colonists be-
came gold-seekers and neglected the soil.
There " was no talk, no hope, no work, but
dig- gold, work [earth supposed to be]
gold, refine gold, and load gold." Some
glittering earth had been mistaken for
gold, and Newport had loaded his ship
^with the worthless soil. Smith implored
the settlers to plough _and sow. They re-
fused, and, leaving Jamestown in disgust,
he explored Chesapeake Bay and. its trib-
utary streams in an open boat. In the
course of three months he travelled 1,000
miles and made a rude map of the coun-
try. Newport arrived at Jamestown soon
after Smith's return in
September, with seventy
more emigrants, among
them two women, the
first Europeans of their
sex seen in Virginia
proper. See Dare, Vtjb-
quhia.

These emigrants were
no better than the first,
and Smith entreated the
company to send over
farmers and mechanics ;
but at the end of two
years, when the settle-
ment numbered 200
strong men, there were
only forty acres of land
under cultivation. In
1609 the company ob-
tained a new charter,
which made the settlers
vassals of the council
of Virginia and extended
the territory to the head
of Chesapeake Bay.
Lord De la Wai" - (Dela-

ware) was appointed governor of Virginia;
Sir Thomas Gates, deputy-governor; Sir
George Somers, admiral; Christopher
Newport, vice-admiral, and Sir Thomas
Dale, high-marshal, all for life. Nine
vessels, with 500 emigrants, including
twenty women and children, sailed for
Jamestown in June, 1609. Gates and Som-
ers embarked with Newport, and the three
were to govern Virginia until the arrival
of Lord Delaware. A hurricane dispersed
the fleet, and the vessel containing these
joint rulers or commissioners was Wrecked
on one of the Bermuda Islands. Sevei
vessels reached Jamestown. The new-com-
ers were, if possible, more profligate than
the first — dissolute scions of wealthy fam-
ilies, who " left their country for their
country's good."

Smith continued to administer the gov-
ernment until an accident compelled him
to return to England in the fall of 1609.
Then the colonists gave themselves up to
every irregularity; the Indians withheld
supplies; famine ensued, and the winter
and spring of 1610 were long remembered
as the starving time. The Indians pre-
pared to exterminate the English, but they
were spared by a timely warning from

OOIONIAL SEAL OF VIRGINIA.

VIRGINIA, COLONY OF

Pocahontas. Six months after Smith left, era Continent. A seal for the colony was
the settlement of 500 souls was reduced adopted by the company. It was made of
to sixty. The three commissioners reached beeswax, covered with very thin paper,
Jamestown in June, 1610, and Gates de- and stamped on both sides with appro-
termined to leave for Newfoundland with priate devices. On one side were the royal

arms of Great
Britain, and on
the other an
effigy of the
reigning mon-
arch, with the
sentence in Latin
"Seal of the
Province of Vir-
ginia." Kneeling
before the mon-
arch was an Ind-
ian presenting a
bundle of tobac-
co, the chief
product of the
country. In the
seal was a figure
r e p r e s enting
Queen Anne.
The original from
which the en-
the famished settlers, and distribute them graving on preceding page was copied was
among the settlers there. In four pinnaces somewhat defaced. It was sent to the col-
they departed, and were met at Point Com- ony almost immediately after the begin-
fort by Lord Delaware, with provisions ning of Queen Anne's reign, with instruc-
and emigrants. Failing health compelled tions from the secretary of the privy
him to return to England in March, 1611, council to break up the seal of her pred-
and he was succeeded by a deputy, Sir eeessor, William III., and send the frag-

CULTIVATION OF TOBACCO IN COLONIAL VIRCil.MA.

Thomas Dale, who arrived with 300 set-
tlers and some cattle. Sir Thomas Gates
came with 350 more colonists in Septem-

ments to England.

The same year 1,200 colonists arrived,
among whom were ninety " respectable

ber following, and superseded Dale. These young women," to become the wives of

were a far better class than any who had planters, who were purchased at a profit

arrived, and there were then 1,000 Eng- to the company and were paid for in

lishmen in Virginia. New settlements tobacco, then become a profitable agri-

were planted at Dutch Gap and at Ber- cultural product. Within two years 150

muda Hundred at the mouth of the Appo- respectable young women were sent to

mattox. In 1616 Deputy-Governor Gates Virginia for the same purpose. Homes and

was succeeded by Samuel Argall, but his families appeared, and so the foundation

course was so bad that Lord Delaware of the commonwealth of Virginia was laid,

sailed from England to resume the gov- Already the Indians had been made

ernment of Virginia, but died on the pas- friendly by the marriage of Pocahontas

sage, at the mouth of the bay that bears to an Englishman. The tribe of gold-

his name.

George Veardley was appointed governor

seekers had disappeared, and the future of
Virginia appeared bright. The King in-

in 1617, and he summoned two delegates Juved the colony by sending" over 100 con-
from each of seven corporations or bor- victs from English prisons, in 1619, to be
oughs to assemble at Jamestown, July 30. sold as servants to the planters, and this
These delegates formed a representative system was pursued for 100 years, in de-
assembly, the first ever held on the West- fiance of the protests of the settlers. The

VIRGINIA, COLONY OF

same year the colonists bought twenty
negro slaves of a Dutch trader, and so
Blavery was introduced (see Slavery). On
July 24, 1621, the London Company
granted the colonists a written constitu-
tion for their government, which provided
for the appointment of a governor and
council by the company, and a representa-
tive assembly, to consist of two burgesses
or representatives from each borough, to
be chosen by the people and clothed with
full legislative power in connection with
the council. This body formed the Gen-
eral Assembly. Sir Francis Wyatt was
appointed governor, and brought the con-
stitution with him.

The first laws of the commonwealth
were thirty-five in number, concisely ex-
pressed, repealed all former laws, and
clearly showed the condition of the col-
ony. The first acts related to the Church.
They provided that in every plantation
there should be a room or house " for the
worship of God, sequestered and set apart
for that purpose, and not to be for any
temporal use whatsoever " ; also a place

of burial " sequestered and paled in."
Absence from public worship " without
allowable excuse " incurred the forfeiture
of a pound of tobacco, or 50 lbs. if the
absence were persisted in for a month.
Divine public service was to be in con-
formity to the canons of the Church of
England. In addition to the Church fes-
tivals, March 22 (O. S.) was to be annu-
ally observed in commemoration of the
escape of the colony from destruction by
the Indians. No minister was allowed to
be absent from his parish more than two
months in a year, under pain of forfeiting
one-half of his salary, or the whole of it,
and his spiritual charge, if absent four
months. He who disparaged a minister
without proof was to be fined 500 lbs.
of tobacco, and to beg the minister's par-
don publicly before the congregation. The
minister's salary was to be paid out of the
first-gathered and best tobacco and corn;
and no man was to dispose of his tobacco
before paying his church-dues, under pain
of forfeiting double. Drunkenness and
swearing were made punishable offences.

VIRGINIA MOUNTAINEERS IN COLONIAL TIMES.

VIRGINIA, COLONY OF

The levy and expenditure were to be
made by the Assembly only; the governor
might not draw the inhabitants from their
private employments to do his work; the
whole council had to consent to the levy
of men for the public service; older set-
tlers, who came before Sir Thomas Gates
(1611), "and their posterity" were to be
exempt from personal military service; the
burgesses were not to be molested in going
to, coming from, or during the sessions of
the Assembly; every private planter's
lands were to be surveyed and their bounds
recorded; monthly courts were to be held
by special commissioners at Elizabeth
City, at the mouth of the James, and at
Charles City, for the accommodation of
more distant plantations; the price of

go to work in the fields without being
armed, nor to leave his house exposed to
attack; no powder was to be spent un-
necessarily, and each plantation was to
be furnished with arms. Persons of
" quality " who were delinquent might not
undergo corjoral punishment like "com-
mon " pecp!e, but might be imprisoned
and fined. Any person wounded in the
military service was to be cured at the
public charge, and if permanently lamed
was to have a maintenance according to
his "quality"; and 10 lbs. of tobacco
were to be levied on each male colo-
nist to pay the expenses of the war. This
war was that with the Indians after the
massacre in 1622, and much of the legis-
lation had reference to it, such as an

BERKELEY, VIRGINIA, NEAR HARRISON'S LANDING.

corn was to be unrestricted; in every par-
ish was to be a public granary, to which
each planter was to bring yearly a bushel
of corn to be disposed of for public use by
a vote of the freemen, and if not disposed
of to be returned to the owner; every set-
tler was to be compelled to cultivate corn
enough for his family; all trade in corn
with the Indians was prohibited; every
freeman was to fence in a garden of a
quarter of an acre for the planting of
grape-vines, roots, herbs, and mulberry-
trees; inspectors, or "censors," of to-
bacco were to be appointed; ships were
to break bulk only at James City ; weights
and measures were to be sealed; everv
house was to be palisaded for defence
against the Indians, and no man was to

order for the inhabitants, at the beginning
of July, 1624, to fall upon the adjoining
savages " as they did last year."

In 1624, of the 9,000 persons who had
been sent to Virginia, only a little move
than 2,000 remained. The same year the
London Company was dissolved by a writ
of quo warranto, and Virginia became a
royal province. George Yeardly was ap-
pointed governor, with twelve councillors.
He died in 1627, and was succeeded by Sir
John Harvey, a haughty and unpopu'ar
ruler. Harvey was deposed by the Vir-
ginians in 1635, but was reinstated by
Charles T., and ruled until 1639. Sir Will
iam Berkeley became governor in 1641, at
the beginning of the civil war in Eng-
land, and being a thorough loyalist, soon

VIRGINIA, C0X01TY OF

came in contact with the republican Par- ginia. That was Washington's first ap-

liament. The colonists, also, remained pearance in public service. He performed

loyal, and invited the son of the behead- the duty with so much skill and prudence

ed King to come and reign over them, that he was placed at the head of a mili-

Cromwell sent commissioners and a fleet tary force the next year, and fought the

to Virginia. A compromise with the French at and near Fort Necessity. Dur-

loyalists was effected. Berkeley gave way ing the French and Indian War that en-

to Richard Bennett, one of the commis- sued, Virginia bore her share; and when

sioners, who became governor. But when England began to press her taxation

Charles II. was restored, Berkeley, who schemes in relation to the colonies, the

had not left Virginia, was reinstated; the Virginia House of Burgesses took a patri-

laws of the colony were revived; restric- otic stand in opposition, under the leader-

tive revenue laws were enforced ; the ship of Patrick Henry ( q. v.). From

Church of England — disestablished in Vir- that time until the breaking out of the

ginia — was re-established, and severe legis- Revolutionary War the Virginians were

lative acts against Non-conformists were conspicuous in maintaining the rights of

passed. Berkeley proclaimed Charles II. the colonies.

"King -of England, Scotland, Ireland, and On March 20, 1775, a convention of del-
Virginia," and ruled with vigor. Under gates from the several counties and
Berkeley, the colonists had become dis- corporations of Virginia met for the first
contented, and in 1676 they broke out into time. They assembled in St. John's Church
open rebellion, led by a wealthy and enter- in Richmond. Among the conspicuous
prising young lawyer named Nathaniel members of the convention were Washing-
Bacon (q. v.). ton and Patrick Henry. Peyton Randolph
Charles II. had given a patent for Vir- was chosen president and John Tazewell
ginia (1673) to two of his rapacious cour- clerk. A large portion of the members
tiers (Arlington and Culpeper), and in yearned for reconciliation with Great Brit-
1677 the latter superseded Berkeley as ain, while others saw no ground for hope
governor. He arrived in Virginia in 1680, that the mother-country would be just.
and his rapacity and profligacy soon so Among the latter was Patrick Henry. His
disgusted the people that they were on judgment was too sound to be misled by
the verge of rebellion, when the King, of- mere appearances of justice, in which
fended at him, revoked his grant and his others trusted. The convention expressed
commission. He was succeeded by an its unqualified approbation of the proceed-
equally unpopular governor, Lord Howard ings of the Continental Congress, and
of Effingham, and the people were again warmly thanked their delegates for the
stirred to revolt; but the death of the part they had taken in it. They thanked
King and other events in England made the Assembly of the island of Jamaica
them wait for hoped-for relief. The Stu- for a sympathizing document, and then
arts were driven from the throne forever proceeded to consider resolutions that the
in 1688, and there was a change for the colony should be instantly put in a state
better in the colonies. In 1699 Williams- of defence by an immediate organization
burg was founded and made the capital of the militia.

of Virginia, where the General Assembly This meant resistance, and the resolu-

met in 1700. The code was revised for tions alarmed the more timid, who op-

the fifth time in 1705, when by it slaves posed the measure as rash and almost

were declared real estate, and this law impious. Deceived by a show of justice

continued until 1776. Hostilities with the on the part of Great Britain, they urged

French broke out in 1754, they having delay, for it was evident that the mimer-

built a line of military posts along the ous friends of the colonists in England,

western slope of the Alleghany Moun- together with the manufacturing interest,

tains, in the rear of Virginia, and at the would soon bring about an accommoda-

head-waters of the Ohio. To one of these tion. This show of timidity and tempor-

posts young George Washington was sent izing roused the fire of patriotism in the

on a diplomatic mission towards the close bosom of Henry, and he made an impas-

of 1753, by Dinwiddie, governor of Vir- sioned speech, which electrified all hear-

VIRGINIA, COLONY OF

era and has become in our history an ad- tainder, with those of Randolph, Jeffersdn,
mired specimen of oratory. The resolu- the two Adamses, and Hancock,
tions to prepare for defence were passed, Governor Dunmore soon called a meet-
ing of the Virginia
Assembly to con-
sider a conciliatory
proposition made
by Lord North.
They rejected it,
and in his anger
he fulminated
proclamations
against Henry and
the committees of
vigilance which
were formed in
every county in
Virginia. He
declared that,
should one of his
officers be molested
in the performance
of his duty, he
would raise the
royal standard,
proclaim freedom
to the slaves, and
arm them against
their masters. He
sent his family
(May 4) on board
the British man-of-
and Patrick Henry, Richard Henry Lee, war Fowey, in the York River, fortified
Robert C. Nicholas, Benjamin Harrison, his " palace," and secretly placed powder
Lemuel Riddick, George Washington, Adam under the magazine at Williamsburg,
Stephen, Andrew Lewis, William Chris- with the evident intention of blowing it
tian, Edmund Pendleton, Thomas Jeffer- up should occasion seem to require it.
son, and Isaac Lane were appointed a The discovery of this " gunpowder plot "
eommitee to prepare a plan accordingly, greatly irritated the people. A rumor
Their plan for embodying the militia was came (June 7) that armed marines
adopted, and Virginia prepared herself were on their way from the Fowey to
for the conflict. Provision was made for assist Dunmore to enforce the laws,
the enrolment of a company of volunteers The people flew to arms, and the gov-
in each county. The convention reappoint- ernor, alarmed, took refuge on the mail-
ed the Virginia delegates to seats in the of-war. He was the first of the royal
second Continental Congress, adding governors who abdicated government at
Thomas Jefferson, " in case of the non- the beginning of the Revolution. From the
attendance of Peyton Randolph." Henry Fowey Dunmore sent messages, addresses,
had said, prophetically, in his speech, and letters to the burgesses in session at
" The next gale that comes from the North Williamsburg, and received communica-
will bring to our ears the clash of arms!" tions from them in return. When all bills
This prophecy was speedily fulfilled by passed were ready for the governor's sig-
the clash of arms at Lexington. His bold nature, he was invited to his capitol to
proceedings and utterances in this conven- sign them. He declined, and demanded
tion caused his name to he presented to that they should present the papers at his
the British government in a bill of at- residence on shipboard. Instead of this,

ST. JOHN'S CHURCH.

VIRGINIA, STATE OF

the burgesses delegated their powers to a
permanent committee and adjourned. So
ended royal rule in Virginia.

In May, 1776, a convention of 130 dele-
gates assembled at Williamsburg. After
having finished current business, the con-
vention resolved itself into a committee
of the whole on the state of the colony.
On May 15, resolutions which had been
drafted by Edmund Pendleton were unani-
mously agreed to, 112 members being pres-
ent. The preamble enumerated their chief
grievances, and said, " We have no alterna-
tive left but an abject submission or a

total separation." Then they decreed that
their " delegates in Congress be instructed
to propose to that body to declare the
united colonies free and independent
States, absolved from all allegiance or de-
pendence upon the crown or Parliament of
Great Britain; and that they give the
assent of this colony to such declaration,
and to measures for forming foreign alli-
ances and a confederation of the colonics;
provided that the power of forming gov-
ernment for, and the regulation of the
internal concerns of each colony be left
to the respective colonial legislatures."

VIRGINIA, STATE OF

Virginia, State of. The State consti- as matter of right, and they and the
tution was framed in June, 1776. While States respectively act with more energy
the foremost citizen of Virginia was lead- than they have hitherto done, our cause is
ing the army fighting for independence, lost. ... I see one head gradually chang-
and was the most earnest advocate for a ing into thirteen. I see one army branch-
national bond of all the States, the repre- ing into thirteen, which, instead of looking
sentatives of her people, in her legislat- up to Congress as the supreme control-
ure, always opposed the measures that ling power of the United States, are con-
would make the States one union. Her leg- sidering themselves as dependent on their
islature separately ratified (June 2, 1779)
the treaty with France, and asserted in
its fullest degree the absolute sovereignty
of the separate States, and when Con-
gress received petitions concerning lands
in the Ohio country, the Virginia Assem-
bly remonstrated against any action in
the premises by that body, because it
would " be a dangerous precedent, which
might hereafter subvert the sovereignty
and government of any one or more of the
United States, and establish in Congress
a power which, in process of time, must
degenerate into an intolerable despotism."
Patrick Henry, too, vehemently condemned
the phraseology of the preamble to the
national Constitution — " We, the people "
— arguing that it should have been " We,
the States." So, also, did George Mason.
So jealous of their " sovereignty " were

the -States in general that Congress, at several States." Towards the end of June
the beginning of 1780, finding itself utter- General Greene wrote: "The Congress
ly helpless, threw everything upon the have lost their influence. I have for a
States. Washington deeply deplored this long time seen the necessity of some new
state of things. " Certain I am," he wrote plan of civil government. Unless there is
to Joseph Jones, a delegate from Virginia, some control over the States by the Con-
in May, " unless Congress is vested with gress, we shall soon be like a broken band."
powers by the several States competent to The marauding expedition of Arnold up
the great purposes of war, or assume them the James River, early in 1781, was fol-

GEORGE MASuN.

VIRGINIA, STATE OF

lowed by a more formidable invasion in (May 20), General Phillips died (May
the latter part of March. General Phil- 13) at Petersburg. On May 24 Cornwallis
lips, of Burgoyne's army, who had been crossed the James and pushed on towards
exchanged for Lincoln, joined Arnold at Richmond. He seized all the fine horses
Portsmouth, with 2,000 troops from New he could find, with which he mounted
York, and took the chief command. They about 600 cavalry, whom he sent after
went up the James and Appomattox Lafayette, then not far distant from Rich-
rivers, took Petersburg ( April 25 ) , and mond, with 3,000 men, waiting for the ai-
destroyed 4,000 hogsheads of tobacco, rival of Wayne, who was approaching with
which had been collected there for ship- Pennsylvania troops. The marquis fell

slowly back, and at a ford on the
North Anne he met Wayne with
800 men. Cornwallis had pur-
sued him as far as Hanover
Court - house, from which place
the earl sent Lieutenant-Colonel
Simcoe, with his loyalist corps,
the " Queen's Rangers," to capt-
ure or destrjy stores in charge
of Steuben at the junction of
the Ravenna and Fluvanna riv-
ers. In this he failed.

Tarleton had been detached,
at the same time, to capture
Governor Jefferson and the mem-
bers of the Virginia legislature
at Charlottesville, whither they
had fled from Richmond. Only
seven "" il\em were made cap-
ment to France on account of the Con- tives. Jefferson narrowly escaped by flee-
gress. There were virtually no troops in ing from his house (at Monticello) on
Virginia to oppose this invasion, for all horseback, accompanied by a single ser-
tliat were really fit for service nad been vant, and hiding in the mountains. He had
sent to the army of Greene, in the left his dwelling only ten minutes be-
Carolinas. Steuben had about 500 half- fore one of Tarleton's officers entered it.
starved and naked troops, whom he was At Jefferson's plantation, near the Point
training for recruits. These were mostly of Forks, Cornwallis committed the most
without arms, and retreated before Phil- wanton destruction of property, cutting
lips to Richmond. Lafayette, who had the throats of young horses not fit for
halted at Annapolis, now hurried forward, service, slaughtering the cattle, and burn-
and, by a forced march of 200 miles, ing the barns with remains of previous
reached Richmond twelve hours before crops, laying waste growing ones, burning
rhillips and Arnold appeared on the oppo- all the fences on the plantation, and carry-
site side of the river. Joined by Steuben, ing away about thirty slaves. Lafayette
the marquis here checked the invaders, now turned upon the earl, when the latter,
who retired to City Point, at the junction supposing the forces of the marquis to be
of the James and Appomattox. After much greater than they were, retreated
collecting an immense plunder in tobacco in haste down the Virginia peninsula to
and slaves, besides destroying ships, mills, Williamsburg, blackening his pathway
and every species of property that fell in with fire. It is estimated that during the
his way, Phillips embarked his army and invasion — from Arnold's advent -in Janu-
dropped some distance down the river. ary until Cornwallis reached Williamsburg

When, soon afterwards, Cornwallis ap- late in June — property to the amount of
proached Virginia from the south, he $15,000,000 was destroyed and 30,000
ordered Phillips to meet him at Peters- slaves were carried away. The British, in
burg. Before the arrival of the earl their retreat, had been closely followed by

MONTICELLO.

VIRGINIA, STATE OF

Lafayette, Wayne, and Steuben, and were During the War of 1812-15 its coasts

not allowed a minute's rest until they were ravished by British marauders,

reached Williamsburg, where they were In 1831 an insurrection occurred in

protected by their shipping.

Southampton county, led by a negro

The convention to consider the Articles named Nat Turner, which alarmed the
of Confederation, or to form a new con- whole State, but it was speedily sub-
stitution, having met on the invitation of dued. In 1859 an attempt was made
Virginia, courtesy assigned to the dele- by John Beown (q. v.) to free the slaves
gates to that State the task of giving a of Virginia. Early in 1861 the question of
start to the proceedings. Accordingly, secession divided the people. The Con-
Governor Bandolph, after a speech on the federate leaders of Virginia found it hard
defects of the confederation, on May 29, work to " carry out " the State, for there
1787, offered fifteen resolutions suggest- was a strong Union sentiment among the
ing amendments to the federal system, people, especially in the western or moun-
They proposed a national legislature, to tain districts. They finally procured the
consist of two branches, the members of authorization of a convention, which as-
the first, or most numerous branch, to be sembled in Richmond, Feb. 13, 1861, with
chosen by the people, and to be appor- John Janney as chairman. It had a
tioned to the States in the proportion of stormy session from February until April,
free population or taxes; those of the sec- for the Unionists were in the majority,
ond branch to be chosen by the first, out Even as late as April 4 the convention re-
of candidates to be nominated by the State fused, by a vote of 89 against 45, to pass
legislatures. A separate national execu- an ordinance of secession. But the pressure
tive was proposed, to be chosen by the of the Confederates had then become so
national legislat-
ure; a national
judiciary and a
council of revision,
to consist of the
executive and a
part of the judi-
ciary, with a quali-
fied negative on
every act of legis-
lation, State as well
as national. These
were the principal
features of the
" Virginia plan," as
it was called. It
was referred to a
committee, together
with a sketch of a
plan by Charles
Cutes worth Pinck-
ney, which, in its
form and -arrange-
ment, furnished the
outline of the con-
stitution as adopted.

For many years
the State of Vir-
ginia maintained a
predominating
influence in the af-
fairs of the nation.

A VIRGINIA LANDSCAPE.

VIRGINIA, STATE OF

nard that one weak Unionist after another
gave way, converted by sophistry or
threats. Commissioners were sent to
President Lincoln, to ascertain his deter-

8TATE SEAT. OF VIRGINIA.

mination about seceding States, who were
told explicitly that he should defend the
life of the republic to the best of his
ability. Their report added fuel to the
flame of passion then raging in Richmond.
In the convention, the only question re-
maining on the evening of April 15 was,
Shall Virginia secede at once, or wait
for the co-operation of the border slave-
labor States? In the midst of the ex-
citement pending that question, the con-
vention adjourned until the next morn-
ing.

The following day the convention as-
sembled in secret session. For three days
threats and persuasion had been brought
to bear upon the faithful Union members,
who were chiefly from the mountain dis-
tricts of western Virginia, where slavery
had a very light hold upon the people. On
the adjournment, on the 15th, there was a
clear majority of 153 in the convention
against secession. Many of the Unionists
gave way on the 16th. It was calculated
that if ten Union members of the con-
vention should be absent, there would be
a majority for secession. That number of
the weaker ones were waited upon on the
evening of the 16th, and informed that
they had the choice of doing one of three
things — namely, to vote for a secession
ordinance, to absent themselves, or be

hanged.* Resistance would be useless, and
the ten members did not appear in the con-
vention. Other Unionists who remained in
the convention were awed by their violent
proceedings, and on Monday, April 17, an
ordinance was passed by a vote of 85
against 55 entitled, " An ordinance to re-
peal the ratification of the Constitution
of the United States of America by the
State of Virginia, and to reserve all the
rights and powers granted under said
Constitution." ^

At the same time the convention passed
an ordinance requiring the governor to
call out as many volunteers as might be
necessary to repel an invasion of the
State. It was ordained that the secession
ordinance should go into effect only when
it should be ratified by the votes of a
majority of the people. The day for the
casting of such vote was fixed for May 23.
Meanwhile the whole military force of
Virginia had been placed under the con-
trol of the Confederate States of America.
Nearly the whole State was under the
control of the military authority. At the
time appointed for the vote, Senator
James M. Mason, author cf the fugitive
slave law, addressed a letter to the people,
declaring that the ordinance of secession
absolved them from all allegiance to the
United States; that they were bound to
support the " sacred pledge " made to the
" Confederate States " by the treaty of an-
nexation, etc.

The Virginia convention had appointed
ex-President John Tyler, W. Ballard Pres-
ton, S. M. D. Moore, James P. Hol-
combe, James C. Bruce, and Levi E.
Harvie, commissioners to treat with
Alexander H. Stephens, Vice-President of
the Confederate States of America, for
the annexation of Virginia to the Southern
Confederacy. Mr. Stephens was clothed
with full power to make a treaty to
that effect. It was then planned to seize
the national capital; and at several
places on his way towards Richmond,
where he harangued the people, he raised
the cry of " On to Washington!" (q. v.).
Troops were pressing towards that goal
from the South. He was received in
Richmond, by the authorities of every

* Statement by a member of the con-
vention, cited In the Annual Cyclopaedia,
1Sfi1. p. 735.

>.)■!

VIRGINIA, STATE OF

kind, with as8urances that his mission
would be successful. The leaders were
eager for the consummation of the treaty
before the people should vote on the
ordinance of secession ; and on Stephens's
arrival he and the Virginia commis-
sioners entered upon their prescribed
duties. On April 2-t they agreed to
and signed a " convention between the
commonwealth of Virginia and the Con-
federate States of America," which pro-
vided that, until the union of Virginia
with the latter should be perfected, " the
whole military force and military opera-
tions, offensive and defensive, of said
commonwealth in the impending con-
flict with the United States, should be
under the chief control and direction of
the President of the Confederate States."
On the following day the convention
passed an ordinance ratifying the treaty,
and adopting and ratifying the " pro-
visional constitution of the Confederate
States of America." On the same day
John Tyler telegraphed to Governor

Pickens, of South Carolina : " We are
fellow-citizens once more. By an ordi-
nance passed this day Virginia has adopt-
ed the provisional government of the
Confederate States." They also pro-
ceeded to appoint delegates to the Con-
federate Congress ; authorized the banks
of the State to suspend specie payment;
made provision for the establishment of
a navy for Virginia, and for enlistments
for the State army, and adopted other
preparations for war. They also invited
the Confederate States government to
make Richmond its headquarters. The
proclamation of the annexation was im-
mediately put forth by John Letcher, the
governor of Virginia. All this was done
almost a month before the people of
Virginia were allowed to vote on seces-
sion.

The vote for secession was 125,950, and
against secession 20,373. This did not in-
clude the vote of northwestern Virginia,
where, in convention, ten days before the
voting, they had planted the seeds of a

AN OLD PARISH CHURCH IN VIRGINIA.

VIRGINIA, STATE OF

AGRICULTURAL SCENE IN V1RGTNTA

new commonwealth (see West Virginia).
The State authorities immediately after-
wards took possession of national property
within the limits of Virginia, and on April
25 action was taken for the annexation of
the State to the Southern Confederacy, and
surrendering the control of its military
to the latter power. On May 7 the State
was admitted to representation in the
Confederate Congress, and large forces
of Confederate troops were concentrated
within its limits for the purpose of at-
tempting to seize the national capital.
From that time until the close of the Civil

War Virginia suffered intensely from iti
ravages.

The Confederates assembled at Manas
sas Junction attempted to take a posi-
tion near the capital. Early in May the
family of Col. Eobert E. Lee had left Ar-
lington House, opposite Georgetown, with
its most valuable contents, and joined
him at Richmond. Under his guidance
the Confederates were preparing to for-
tify Arlington Heights, where heavy siege
guns would command the cities of Wash-
ington and Georgetown. This movement
was discovered in time to defeat its ob-

VIRGINIA, STATE OF

ject. Already Confederate pickets were
on Arlington Heights, and at the Vir-
ginia end of the Long Bridge across the
Potomac. Orders were immediately given
for National troops to occupy the shores
of the Potomac River, opposite Wash-
ington, and the city of Alexandria, 9
miles below. Towards midnight, May 23,
13,000 troops in Washington, under the
command of General Mansfield, were put
in motion for the passage of the Potomac
at three points — one column to cross the
Aqueduct Bridge at Georgetown; another
at the Long Bridge, at Washington, and
a third to proceed in vessels to Alexan-
dria. Gen. Irvin McDowell led the col-
umn across the Aqueduct Bridge, in the
light of a full moon, and took possession
of Arlington Heights. At the same time
the second column was crossing the Long
Bridge, 2 miles below, and soon joined
McDowell's column on Arlington Heights
and began casting up fortifications. The

New York Fire Zouave Regiment, com-
manded by Col. Ephraim Elmore Ells-
wobth (q. v.), embarked in vessels and
sailed for Alexandria, while another body
of troops marched for the same desti-
nation by way of the Long Bridge. The
two divisions reached Alexandria about
the same time. The United States frigate
Pawnee was lying in the river off Alex-
andria, and her commander had been in
negotiation for the surrender of the city.
Ignorant of this fact, Ellsworth marched
to the centre of the town and took formal
possession of it in the name of his gov-
ernment, the Virginia troops having fled.
The Orange and Alexandria Railway sta-
tion was seized with much rolling-stock,
and very soon Alexandria was in the quiet
possession of the National forces.

Governor Letcher had concentrated
troops at Grafton, on the Baltimore and
Ohio Railway, under Colonel Porterfield.
A camp oif Ohio volunteers had assem-

SIGNATURES OP THE COMMISSIONERS OP VIRGINIA AND THE SOUTHERN CONFEDERACY.

VIRGINIA, STATE OP

OLD VIltGINIA MANSION.

bled opposite Wheeling. General McClel-
lan was assigned to the Department of
the Ohio, which included western Vir-
ginia and Indiana. A regiment of loyal
Virginians had been formed at Wheeling,
and B. F. Kelley, a native of New Hamp-
shire, and once a resident of Wheeling,
was invited to be its leader. It ren-
dezvoused at the camp of the volunteers.
Having visited Indianapolis and assured
the assembled troops there that they
would soon be called upon to fight for
their country, McClellan issued an 'ad-
dress (May 26) to the Union citizens
of western Virginia; and then, in obe-
dience to orders, he proceeded with volun-
teers — Kelley's regiment and other Vir-
ginians — to attempt to drive the Con-
federate forces out of that region and
advance on Harper's Ferry. He assured
the people that the Ohio and Indiana
troops under him should respect their
rights. To his soldiers he said, " Your

mission is to cross the frontier, to pro
teet the majesty of the law, and secure
our brethren from the grasp of armed
traitors." Immediately afterwards Kel-
ley and his regiment crossed over to
Wheeling and marched on Grafton. Por-
terfield fled in alarm, with about 1,500
followers (one-third cavalry), and took
post at Philippi, about 16 miles distant.
The Ohio and Indiana troops followed
JKelley, and were nearly all near Grafton
on June 2. There the whole Union force
was divided into two columns — one under
Kelley, the other under Col. E. Dumont,
of Indiana. These marched upon Phi-
lippi by different routes, over rugged hills.
Kelley and Porterfield had a severe skir-
mish at Philippi. The Confederates, at-
tacked by the other column, were already
flying in confusion. The Union troops
captured Porterfield's official papers,
baggage, and arms. Colonel Kelley was
severely wounded, and Colonel Dumont

VIRGINIA, STATE OP

assumed the command of the combined
columns. They retired to Grafton, where
for a while the headquarters of the Na-
tional troops in northwestern Virginia
were established. So the Civil War was
begun in western Virginia.

After the dispersion of Garnett's forces
in western Virginia, events seemed to
prophesy that the war was ended in that
region. General Cox had been successful
in driving ex-Governor Wise and his fol-
lowers out of the Kanawha region. He
had crossed the Ohio at the mouth of the
Guyandotte River, captured Barboursville,
and pushed on to the Kanawha Valley.
Wise was there, below Charlcstown. His
outpost below was driven to his camp by
1,500 Ohio troops under Colonel Lowe.
The fugitives gave such an account of
Cox's numbers that the general and all

the Confederates fled (July 20), and did
not halt until they reached Lewisburg,
the capital of Greenbrier county. The
news of Garnett's disaster and Wise's in-
competence so dispirited his troops that
la^ge numbers left him. He was rein-
forced and outranked by John B. Floyd
(formerly United States Secretary of
War), who took the chief command. Mc-
Clellan regarded the war as over in west-
ern Virginia. " We have completely an-
nihilated the enemy in western Virginia,"
he said in an address to his troops.
" Our loss is about thirteen killed, and
not more than forty wounded; while
the enemy's loss is not far from 200
killed, and the number of prisoners
we have taken will amount to at least
1,000. We have captured seven of the
enemy's guns." Rosecrans succeeded Mc-

X. — o

TROOPS ON THE MARCH IN VIRGINIA.

VIRGINIA, STATE OF

Clellan in the chief command in that alyzed the Confederate power rn western
region, the former having been called to Virginia. He left his troops (about 2,000
the command of the Army of the Poto- in number) with Col. Edward Johnson,
mac. But the Confederates were not will- of Georgia, and returned to that State,
ing to surrender to the Nationals the gran- Reynolds had left his troops in charge of
aries that would be needful to supply the Gen. Robert H. Milroy, consisting of a
troops in eastern Virginia without a single brigade, to hold the mountain pass-
struggle, and General Lee was placed in es. He scouted the hills vigorously, skir-
the chief command of the Confederate mishing here and there, and finally, on
forces there, superseding the incompetents. Dec. 12, moved to attack Johnson. He was
After Lee was recalled to Richmond, at first unsuccessful, the Confederates be-
in 1861, Floyd and Rosecrans were com- came the aggressors, and, after losing near-
petitors for the possession of the Kana- ly 200 men, he retired. The Confederate
wha Valley. The former, late in October, loss was about the same. Late in Decem-
took post at a place where his cannon ber Milroy sent some troops under Major
commanded the road over which supplies Webster to look up a Confederate force
for the latter passed, and it was resolved at Huntersville. It was successful, after
to dislodge or capture him. General a weary march of 50 miles over ground
Schenck was sent to gain Floyd's rear, covered with snow. The Confederates were
but he was hindered by a sudden flood dispersed, a large amount of stores burn-
in New River, though the Confederates ed, and their soldiers, disheartened, al-
were struck (Nov. 12) in front by Ken- most entirely disappeared from that re-
_ tuckians under Major Leeper. Floyd fled gion.
precipitately, strewing the way with tents, When McClellan's army went to the Vir-
tent-poles, working utensils, and ammuni- ginia peninsula (April, 1862), there were
tion in order to lighten his wagons. Gen- three distinct Union armies in the vicin-
eral Benham, pursuing, struck Floyd's ity of the Blue Ridge, acting indepen-
rear-guard of 400 cavalry in the flight; dently, but in co-operation with the Army
but the pursuit was ended after a 30-mile of the Potomac. One was in the Mountain
race, and the fugitives escaped. Floyd Department, under General Fremont;
soon afterwards took leave of his army, a second in the Department of the Shen-
Meanwhile General Reynolds was moving andoah, under General Banks; and a
vigorously. Lee had left Gen. H. R. Jack- third in the newly created Department of
son, of Georgia, with about 3,000 men, the Rappahannock, under General McDow-
on Greenbrier River, at the foot of Cheat ell. Fremont was at Franklin, in Pendle-
Mountain, and a small force at Hunters- ton county, early in April, with 15,000
ville, to watch Reynolds. He was near a men; Banks was at Strasburg, in the
noted tavern on the Staunton pike called Shenandoah Valley, with about 16.000
"Travellers' Rest." Reynolds moved about men; and McDowell was at Frederieks-
5,000 men of Ohio, Indiana, Michigan, and burg, on the Rappahannock, with 30.000
Virginia against Jackson at the begin- men. When Washington was relieved by
ning of October, 1861. On the morning the departure of Johnson for the penin-
of the 2d they attacked Jackson, and sula, McDowell was ordered forward to
were repulsed, after an engagement of co-operate with McClellan, and Shields's
seven hours, with a loss of ten men killed division was added to his force, making it
and thirty-two wounded. Jackson lost in about 40,000.

picket-firing and in the trenches about Arrangements had been made for the

200 men. Reynolds fell back to Elkwa- service of auxiliary or co-operating troops

ter. Meanwhile General Kelley, who was in western Virginia, before the Army of

guarding the Baltimore and Ohio Rail- the Potomac started for Richmond in May,

road, had struck (Oct. 26) the Confeder- 1864. In that region Confederal cavalry!

ates under McDonald at Romney, and, guerilla bands, and bushwhackers had been

after a severe contest of two hours, rout- mischievously active for some time. Mose-

ed them, capturing three cannon and a by was an active marauder there, and, as

large number of prisoners. The blow early as January (1864), Gen. Fitzhtjgh

given Jackson at "Travellers' Rest" par- Led (q. v.), with his mounted men, had

VIRGINIA, STATE Of

made a fruitless raid on the Baltimore
and Ohio Railway west of Cumberland.
A little later Gen. Jubal A. Early, in com-
mand of the Confederates in the Shenan-
doah Valley, sent a foraging expedition
under Rosser in the same direction, who
was more successful, capturing 1,200 cat-
tle and 500 sheep at one place, and a
company of Union soldiers at another.
General Averill struck him near Romney

portion of his own men and horses. Gen-
eral Sigel was put at the head of a large
force in the Shenandoah Valley (April,
1804), who gave the command of the
Kanawha Valley to General Crook. On
his way up the valley from Staunton with
8,000 men, Sigel was met at New Market
by an equal force under Breckinridge.
After much manoeuvring and skirmishing,
Breckinridge charged on Sigel, near New

.AFTER APPOMATTOX.

and drove him entirely out of the new Market, and, after a sharp fight, drove
commonwealth ( see West Virginia ), with him down the valley to the shelter of
the loss of his prisoners and a large pro- Cedar Creek, near Strasburg, with a loss

VIRGINIA, STATE OF

of 700 men, six guns, 1,000 small-arms, strength that when Hunter attacked it

and a portion of his train. Sigel was im- (June 18) he was unable to take it. Mak-

mediately superseded by General Hun- ing a circuitous march, the Nationals

ter, who was instructed to move swiftly entered the Kanawha Valley, where they

l> ~ :=^ — "-■ »- l^- _=^.

STATE CAPITOL AND CITY HALL, RICHMOND, VA.

on Staunton, destroy the railway between
that place and Charlottesville, and then
move on Lynchburg. Crook, meanwhile,
had met General McCausland and fought
and defeated him at Dublin Station, on
the Virginia and Tennessee Railway, and
destroyed a few miles of that road. Crook
lost 700 men, killed and wounded. Aver-
ill had, meanwhile, been unsuccessful in
*,hat region. Hunter advanced on Staun-
ton, and, at Piedmont, not far from that
place, he fought with Generals Jones and
McCausland (see Piedmont, Battle of).
At Staunton, Crook and Averill joined
Hunter, when the National forces concen-
trated there, about 20,000 strong, moved
towards Lynchburg by way of Lexington.
That city was the focal point of a vast
and fertile region, from which Lee drew
supplies. Lee had given to Lynchburg such

expected to find 1.500,000 rations left by
Crook and Averill under a guard. A
guerilla band had swept away the ra-
tions and men, and the National army
suffered dreadfully for want of food am 1
forage.

May 9, 18G5, President Johnson recog
nized Francis H. Pierpont as governor oi
the State. He exercised jurisdiction from
Alexandria until the installation of mil-
itary government in 1867. •

A new constitution was ratified on July
6, 1869, by a majority of 197,044 votes out
of a total of 215,422. The constitution
was in accordance with the Fourteenth
Amendment of the national Constitution.
State officers and representatives in Con-
gress were chosen at the same time ; and in
January, 1870, Virginia was admitted to
representation in the Congress. On June
on

VIRGINIA, STATE OF

0, 1902, a new constitution was adopted
by the constitutional convention, by a
vote of 90 to 10. Population in 1890,
1,655,980; in 1900, 1,854,184. See United
States — Virginia, in vol. ix.

GOVERNORS UNDER THE COLONIAL GOVERN-
MENT.

PRESIDENTS OP THE COUNCIL.
Name. Term.

Edward Muria Wlugfleld 1(507

John Ratclitte 1607 to 1608

Capl. John Smith 1008 '■ 1610

t.eurge Percy ; 1610 " 1611

GOVERNORS.

Lord Delaware 1611

Sir Thomas Dale 1611

Sir Thomas Gates 1611 to 16H

1616
1617
1019
1021
1626
1627
1629

Sir Thomas Dale ,...'.. 10U

George Yeardley 1616

Samuel Argall 1617

Sir George Yeardley 1619

Sir Francis Wyatt 1621

Sir George Yeardley 1626

Francis West 1627

John Potts. 1629

John Harvey 1629 to 1636

John West 1635 " 1036

John Harvey 1036 " 1039

Sir Francis Wyatt 1039 " 1641

Sir William Berkeley 1641 " 1652

Richard Bennett 1652 " 1055

Edward Digges 1655 " 1656

Samuel Matthews 1056 " 1660

Sir William Berkeley 1600 " 1661

CoL Francis Moryson 1661 " 1663

Sir William Berkeley 1663 " 1677

Sir Herhert Jeffreys 1677 " 1678

Sir Henry Chichcley 1678 " 1680

Lord Culpeper 1680 "1684

Lord Howard of Effingham 1684 " 1688

Nathaniel Bacon 1688 " 1690

Francis Nicholson 1690 " 1692

Sir Edmund Andros 1692 "1698

Francis Nicholson 1698 "1705

Edward Nott 1705 "1706

Edmund Jennings 1706 " 1710

Alexander Spotswood 1710 " 1722

Hugh Drysdale 1722 " 1726

William Gouch 1726 " 1749

Thomas Lee and ) I7iq " nso

Lewis Burwell ( 114B ""

Robert Dinwiddle 1752 " 1758

Francis Fauquier 1758 "1768

Lord Bontetonrt 1768 " 1770

William Nelson 1770 " 1772

Lord Dunmore 1772 " 1776

Provisional convention . .

from July 17, 1775, to June 12, 1776

GOVERNORS UNDER THE CONTINENTAL CON-
GRESS AND THE CONSTITUTION.
Name. Term.

Patrick Henry 1776 to 1779

Thomas Jefferson 1779 "1781

Thomas Nelson 1781

Benjamin Harrison 1781 to 1784

Patrick Henry 1784 " 1786

Edmund Randolph.'. 1786 " 1788

Beverly Randolph 1788 " 1791

Henry Lee 1791 " 1794

Robert Brooke 1794 " 1796

James Wood 1796 " 1799

James Monroe 1799 " 1802

John Page 1802 " 1805

WilllamJI. Cabell 1805 " 1808

John Tyler 1808 "1811

.fumes Monroe 1811

George W. Smith 1811 to 1812

Name, Tern.

James Barbour 1812 to 1814

Wilson C. Nicholas 1814 " 1816

James P. Preston 1816 " 1819

Thomas U. Randolph 1819 "1822

James Pleasants. , 1822 "1826

John Tyler i 8 25 " 1826

William B. Giles 1826 " 1829

John Floyd 1829 " 1830

Littleton W Tazewell 1833 " 1836

Wyndham Robertson 1836 " 1837

David Campholt 1837 "1840

fhomas W. Gilmer 1S40 " 1841

John Rutherford 1841 "1842

John M. Gregory 1842" 1843

James Alclluwell 1843 " 1846

William Smith 1846 " 1849

John B. Floyd 1849 «< 1851

John Johnson 1861 " 1852

Joseph Johnson 1852 " 1856

Henry A. Wise „. 1866 " 1860

John Letcher i860 " 1864

William Smith. 1864 " 1865

Francis A. Pierpont , 1866 " 1867

Henry A. Wells 1867 " 1869

Gilbert C. Walker 1869 " 1874

James L. Kemper 1874 " 1878

F. W. M. Holliday 1878 " 1882

W. E. Cameron 1882 "• 1886

Fitz-Hugb l.ee 1886 " 1890

Philip W. McKinney. 1890 " 1894

Charles T. O'Ferrall 1894 " 1898

J. Hoge Tyler 1898 " 1902

A. J. Montague 1902 " 1906

Llaude A. bwansun 1906 " 1910

UNITED STATES SENATORS.

Name.

Richard Henry Lee

Williahi Grayson

John Walker

James M onroe

John Taylor.

Henry .Tazewell

Stevens Thomson Mason. .

Wilson Cary Nicholas

Andrew Moore

William B. Giles

John Taylor

Abraham B. Venable. .

Richard Brent

James Barbour

Armistead T. Mason

John W. Eppes

James Pleasants

John Taylor

Littleton W. Tazewell....

John Randolph

John Tyler

William C. Rives

Benjamin W. Leigh

Richard E. Parker

William C. Rives

William H. Roane

William S. Archer

Isaac S. Pennybacker

James M. Mason

Robert M. T. Hunter

John S. Carlile

Waiteman T. Willey.. ... . .

John J. Bowden

39th and 40th

John W. Johnston

John F. Lewis

Robprt E Withers

William Wnhone

H. H. Rlddleherger

John W. Daniel

John S. -Barbour

Eppa Hunton

Thomas S. Martin

No. of Congress.

1st to
1st
1st
1st to
2d "
3d "
4th "
6th "
8th
8th

4lh
3d
5 th
8th
8th
11th
14th

8th
8th
11th to 13th
13th " 19th
14th
16th
16th to 17th
17th " 18th
22d
20th
24th
23d
24th
25th
29th
27 th
30th
30th
37 th
37th
37th

37 th

38 th

18th

19th

20th

22d

23d

24th

24 th

25th

27th

29th

30th

Term.

1789 to 1792

1789 " 1790
1790

1790 to 1796
1792 " 1794

1794 " 1799

1795 " 1803
1800 " 1804
1804 " 1809

1814 " 1815
1803

1803 to 1804
1809 " 1814

1815 " 1826

1816 " 1817

1817 " 1819
1819 " 1822
1822 " 1824

1824 " 1832

1825 " 1827
1827 " 1836

1833 " 1834

1834 " 1836
1836 " 1837

1836 " 1845

1837 " 1841
1841 " 1847
1845 " 1847
1847 " 1861
1847 " 1861

1861
1861 to 1863
1868 " 1864

Congresses vacant.

41st

to 44th

44 th

" 47th

47th

" 60th

48th

" 51st

50th

61st

" 62d

52d

" 54th

64th

ji __

1870 to 1883
1870 " 1875
1875 " 1881
1881 " 1887
1883 " 1889

1887 "

1889 " 1892
1892 " 1896
1895 "

101

VIRGINIA RESOLTJTIOWS OP 1798— VOTTTEY

Virginia Resolutions of 1798. See tem to the Society of Arts, London, March

Kentucky and Virginia Resolutions. 14, 1866, and published a book in 1867.

Virginius, The. Troubles with the Vogdes, Israel, military officer; born

Spanish authorities in Cuba and menaces in Willistown, Pa., Aug. 4, 1816; gradu-

of war with Spain existed since filibuster- ated at West Point in 1837, where he

ing movements from the United States remained two years assistant Professor

to that island began, in 1850. An insur- of Mathematics. He entered the artillery,

rection had broken out in Cuba, and as- and served in the Seminole War. In May,

sumed formidable proportions, carrying on 1861, he was made major. He gallantly

civil war for several years. When the defended Fort Pickens (q. v.) from Feb-

Cuban junta in New York City began ruary to October, 1861, when he was made

to fit out vessels to carry men and war prisoner in the night attack on Santa Rosa

materials to the insurgent camps, the Island. He was active in the operations

United States government, determined to on Folly and Morris islands against forts

observe the strictest neutrality and im- Wagner and Sumter, and commanded the

partiality, took measures to suppress the defences of Norfolk and Portsmouth in

hostile movements; but irritations on the 1864-65. In April, 1865, he was brevetted

part of the Spanish authorities continued, brigadier-general, United States army, and

and, finally, late in 1873, war between in 1881 was retired. He died in New

Spain and the United States seemed in- York, Dee. 7, 1889.

evitable. The steamship . Virginius, flying Volk, Stephen Arnold Douglas,
the United States flag, suspected of carry- artist; born in Pittsfield, Mass., Feb. 23,
ing men and supplies to the insurgent 1856; studied in Italy in 1871-73; was the
Cubans, was captured by a Spanish cruiser pupil of Ger6me in Paris in 1873-75; and
off the coast of Cuba, taken into port, and was elected to the Society of American
many of her passengers, her captain, and Artists in 1880. His works include The
some of the crew were publicly shot by Puritan Maiden; The Puritan Captives;
the local military authorities. The af- Accused of Witchcraft, etc.
fair produced intense excitement in the Volney, Constantin Francois Chasse-
United States. There was, for a while, bceuf Boisgirais, Comte de, author; born
a hot war-spirit all over the Union; but in Craon, France, Feb. 3, 1757. When war
wise men in control of the governments with France seemed to be inevitable, in
of the United States and Spain calmly 1798, suspicions of the designs of French-
considered the international questions in- men in the country were keenly awakened,
volved, and settled the matter by diplo- Talleyrand, who had resided awhile in the
macy. There were rights to be acknowl- United States, was suspected of having
edged by both parties. The Virginius was acted as a spy for the French government,
surrendered to the United States authori- and other exiled Frenchmen were suspected
ties, and ample reparation for the out- of being on the same errand. It was known
rage was offered, excepting the impos- that Frenchmen were busy in Kentucky
sible restoration of the lives taken by and in Georgia fomenting discontents, and
the Spaniards. While the vessel was on it was strongly suspected that M. de Vol-
its way to New York, under an escort, ney, who had explored the Western coun-
it sprang aleak off Cape Fear, at the try, ostensibly with only scientific views,
close of December (1873), and went to was acting in the capacity of a spy for
the bottom of the sea. See Cuba; Spain, the French government, with a view to
War with. finally annexing the country west of the

Visible Speech, a system of communi- Alleghany Mountains to Louisiana, which
cation devised by Alexander Melville Bell, France was about to obtain by a secret
who called it a " universal self-interpret- treaty with Spain. These suspicions led to
ing physiological alphabet." It pomprises the enactment of the Alien and Sedition
thirty symbols representing the forms of Laws (q. v.). The passage of the alien
the mouth when uttering sounds. About law alarmed Volney and other Frenchmen,
fifty symbols, the inventor asserts, would and two or three ship-loads left the Unit-
be required to represent the sounds of all ed States for France. He died in Paris,
known languages. He expounded his sys- France, April 25, 1820.

103

VOLUNTEER REERESHICEirr SAL003T3— VOLUNTEERS OE AMERICA

Volunteer Refreshment Saloons, share. The citizens of Philadelphia so

Working in harmony with the organiza- generously supplied these committees with

tions of the United States Sanitaby means that during the war almost 1,200,-

Commission and Christian Commission 000 Union soldiers received a bountiful

(qq. v.), were houses of refreshment and meal at their saloons. In the Union Sa-

temporary hospital accommodations fur- loon 750,000 soldiers were fed ; 40,000 were

nished by the citizens of Philadelphia. That aocommodated with a night's lodging;

city lay in the channel of the great stream 15,000 refugees and freedmen were cared

of volunteers from New England after the for, and employment found for them; and

call of the President (April 15, 1861) for in the hospital attached the wounds of al-

75,000 men. The soldiers, crossing New most 20,000 soldiers were dressed. The

Jersey, and the Delaware River at Cam- refreshment-tables and the sick-room were

den, were landed at the foot of Washing- attended by women. At all hours of the

ton Avenue, Philadelphia, where, wearied night, when a little signal-gun was fired,

and hungry, they often vainly sought for these self-sacrificing women would repair

sufficient refreshments in the bakeries and to their post of duty,

groceries in the neighborhood before enter- Volunteers of America, The, a philan-

ing the cars for Washington. One morning thropic and religious organization, in-

the wife of a mechanic living near, com- augurated in March, 1896, by Commander

miserating the situation of some of the and Mrs. Ballington Booth in response to

soldiers who had just arrived, went with numerous requests on the part of Ameri-

her coffee-pot and a cup and distributed can citizens. It is organized in military

its contents among them. That generous style, having as its model the United

hint was the germ of a wonderful system States army, but in conjunction with mili-

of beneficent relief to the passing soldiers tary discipline and methods of work it

which was immediately developed in that possesses a thoroughly democratic form of

city. Some benevolent women living in government, having as its ideal the Con-

the vicinity of this landing-place of the stitution of the United States of America,

volunteers imitated their patriotic sister, Its adherence to American principles has

and a few of them formed themselves into been further signalized by the movement

a committee for the regular distribution having been incorporated in November,

of coffee on the arrival of soldiers. 1896. The object of the volunteers is to

Gentlemen in the neighborhood interest- reach with the gospel of the Bible the
ed themselves in procuring other supplies, millions of this and other countries which
and for a few days these were dispensed have hitherto been unreached by any exist-
under the shade of trees in front of a ing religious organization. The fact is
cooper-shop at the corner of Otsego Street recognized that these untouched m?sses
and Washington Avenue. Then the cooper- pervade every section of society, and while
shop (belonging to William Cooper) was those of the lowliest walks of life — the
used. The citizens of Philadelphia be- poor, the vicious, the criminal, the drunk-
came deeply interested in the benevolent ard, and others — will always be the ob-
work, and provided ample means to carry ject of the tenderest solicitude of the
it on. Whole regiments were supplied, volunteers, the teeming thousands of the
The cooper-shop was too small to accom- middle class, and the sinful and godless
modate the daily increasing number of in even aristocratic circles, will also be
soldiers, and another place of refreshment confronted with the eternal truths of
was opened on the corner of Washington divine revelation and the gospel of full
Avenue and Swanson Street, in a building salvation.

formerly used as a boat-house and rigger's The volunteers are represented in nearly

loft. Two volunteer refreshment-saloon 150 cities and towns in this country. Dur-

committees were formed, and known re- ing the nine months between Jan. 1 and

spectively as the Cooper-shop and the Sept. 30, 1900, 1,113,683 persons were

Union. They worked in harmony and ac- present at the 30,000 Sunday and week-

complished wonderful results all through night services held in volunteer halls. Re-

the period of the war. In these labors ports further show that 1,733,637 individ-

the women of Philadelphia bore a large uals were attracted to the 11,532 open-

103

VON HOLST— VRIES

air services conducted. This is an annual
aggregate attendance of nearly four mill-
ion persons. In addition to the many
thousands who are fed during Thanks-
giving, Christmas, and other holiday oc-
casions, homes have been established in a
number of the larger cities for housing the
poor.

The prison branch of th» work has now
organized leagues in thirteen of the lead-
ing State-prisons, including nearly 7,000
members, and is in touch with over 17,000
men within the prison walls, and 75 per
cent, of the 4,500 men who have come out
under its influence are living reformed
lives.

The volunteers seek to co-operate with
all the existing evangelical churches and
religious organizations. To this end the
commander-in-chief was ordained a " pres-
byter of the Church of God in general."
The sacrament of the holy communion is
administered in the volunteer meetings by
properly qualified and ordained staff offi-
cers at least once a month. The sacrament
of baptism is also recognized, but its
observance is left perfectly optional with
every individual volunteer. „

Von Hoist, Hermann Edttard. See
Holst, Hermann Eduard von.

Voorhees, Daniel Wolsey, legislator;
born in Liberty, O., Sept. 26, 1827; grad-
uated at Indiana (now de Pauw) Uni-
versity in 1849; admitted to the bar and
began practice in Covington, Ind., in 1851;
was United States district attorney for
Indiana in 1859-61 ; member of Congress
in 1861-66 and 1869-73; and United States
Senator from Indiana in 1877-97. During
his services in the Senate he was a mem-
ber of the committees on elections, appro-

priations, finance, immigration, library,
and international expositions. Because of
his tall, erect figure he was named " The
Tall Sycamore of the Wabash." He died
in Washington, D. C, April 10, 1897.

Voorhees, Philip Falkerson, naval
officer; born in New Brunswick, N. J., in
1792; entered the navy as midshipman in
1809; was promoted commander in 1828,
and captain in 1838. He took part in the
war of 1812-15; participating in the capt-
ure of the Macedonia by the United
States and the Epervier by the Peacock;
served on the frigate Congress in 1842-
45 ; during which time he assisted in rescu-
ing the stranded British steamer Gorgon
in the La Platte River; and also captured
an armed Argentina squadron and an
allied cruiser. The latter action occa-
sioned a series of charges on which he was
court-martialled in 1845; but was restored
to his fuH rank in the navy, and given
command of the East India squadron,
where he remained till 1851; and was
placed on the retired list in 1855. He
died in Annapolis, Md., Feb. 26, 1862.

Vose, Joseph, military officer; born in
Milton, Mass., Nov. 26, 1738; led the ex-
pedition which destroyed the light-house
and hay on islands in Boston Harbor, May
27, 1775. In November he was made lieu-
tenant-colonel of Greaton's regiment, and
accompanied it to Canada in the spring
of 1776. In 1777 he joined the main army
in New Jersey, and his last military ser-
vice was under Lafayette at Yorktown.
He died in Milton, Mass., May 22, 1816.

Voyages. See United States of Amer-
ica [Pre-Columbian History) .

Vries, David Pi'eterssen de. See De
Vries, David Pieterssen.

Waddell, Hugh, military officer; born Wade, Benjamin Franklin, statesman;
in Lisburn, Ireland, in 17S4; settled in born near Springfield, Mass., Oct. 27, 1800;
North Carolina in 1753; was made lieu- removed to Ashtabula, O., in 1821; ad-
teDant in the regiment of Col. James mitted to the bar in 1827; elected pros-
Innes and took part" in the Virginia ecuting attorney in 1835 ; State Senator in
campaign in 1758; built Fort Dobbs, 1837; and was United States Senator in
which he commanded in 1756-57. During
the expedition to Fort Duquesne in 1758
he commanded the North Carolina troops;
promoted colonel in 1759. When the
English war - vessel Diligence, which
brought over the stamped paper, endeav-
ored to land a detachment of troops at
Brunswick in 1765, he seized the ship's
boat, and compelled William Houston, the
stamp officer, to sign a pledge in public,
promising that he would " never receive
any stamped paper which might arrive
from England, nor officiate in any way in
the distribution of stamps in the province
of North Carolina." In 1771 he con-
ducted the campaign against the regu-
lators. He died in Castle Haynes, N. C,
April 9, 1773.

Waddell, James Iredell, naval officer;
born in Pittsboro, N. C, in 1824; gradu-
ated at the United States Naval Acad-
emy; resigned from the navy in 1861,
and entered the Confederate service in the
following year; commanded the ram Lou-
isiana at New Orleans till the engagement
with Farragut's fleet, when he destroyed
that vessel by blowing her up ; later was
ordered to England, where in 1864 he took
command of the Shenandoah, with which

he cruised in the Pacific Ocean, destroy- 1851-69. He was a conspicuous anti-
ing vessels till Aug. 2, 1865, when he slavery leader, opposed the Kansas-
learned that Lee had surrendered more Nebraska bill; favored the homestead bill
than three months before. Returning to and the confiscation of property in slaves.
England he surrendered his vessel to the He was acting Vice-President.of the United
United States consul at Liverpool, and he States under President Johnson; and one
and his crew were liberated. The Shen- of the commissioners to Santo Domingo in
andoah, under Captain Waddell, was the 1871. He died in Jefferson, O., March 2,
only vessel that ever carried the Confeder- 1878.

ate flag around the world. He died in Wade, James F., military officer; born
Annapolis, Md., March 15, 1886. in Ohio, April 14, 1843; was commission-

105

m ' iffl

pg^* Jill

i^fea^ '^(BE&atetS

^1 ~li&-'~%mSsm

^Bh^^w

RHp

illf^

BENJAMIN FRANKLIN WADE.

WADSWOBTH— WACHTBB

ed first lieutenant 6th United States Cav- by Horatio Seymour. In December h«
airy, May 14, 1861 ; promoted captain and commanded a division under Burnside in
major in 1866; lieutenant - colonel 10th the battle of Fredericksburg; also in the
Cavalry in 1879; colonel 5th Cavalry on battles of Chancellorsville and Gettys-
April 21, 1887; and brigadier-general, May burg in 1863. Early in 1864 he was sent
26, 1897. In the volunteer service he was on special service to the Mississippi Val-
commissioned colonel, Sept. 19, 1864; brev- ley; and at the opening of the campaign
ctted brigadier-general, Feb. 13, 1865; and ■against Richmond he led a division of the
mustered out of the service, April 15, 1866. 5th Corps, and was mortally wounded in
On May 4, 1898, he was commissioned a the battle of the Wilderness, dying near
major-general of volunteers for the war Chancellorsville, Va., May 8, 1864.
against Spain, and was honorably dis- Wadsworth, Peleg, military officer;
charged from this service, June 12, 1899. born in Duxbury, Mass., May 6, 1748;
General Wade was chairman of the Ameri- graduated at Harvard College in 1769. As
can commission to arrange and supervise captain of minute-men, he joined the army
the evacuation of Cuba (Jan. 1, 1899), gathering around Boston in the spring of
and subsequently ,was appointed command- 1775; became aide to General Ward; and
er of the Military Department of Dakota, afterwards adjutant-general for Massa-

Wadsworth, James, military officer; chusetts. He was in the battle of Long
born in Durham, Conn., July 6, 1730; Island: and in 1777 was made brigadier-
graduated at Yale College in 1748; was general of militia, serving, in 1779, as
a member of the committee of safety at second in command in the Penobscot expe-
the outbreak of the Revolutionary War; dition, where he was taken prisoner. In
became brigadier-general of Connecticut February, 1781, he was captured and con-
militia in 1776, and major-general in 1777, fined in the fort at Castine, whence he
when he was assigned to the defence of escaped in June. After the war he en-
the coast towns of_ his State. Later he gaged in business in Portland and in sur-
presided over the New Haven county veying, and in 1792 he was elected a State
court of common pleas, and was a mem- Senator. From 1792 to 1806 he was a
ber of the Continental Congress in 1783- member of Congress. He died in Hiram,
86. He died in Durham, Conn., Sept. 22, Me., Nov. 18, 1829.
1817. Wadsworth., William, military officer;

Wadsworth, James Samuel, military born in Durham, Conn., in 1732; was an
officer; born in Geneseo, N. Y., Oct. 30, early settler, with his brother James, in
1807; educated at Harvard and Yale col- western New York; and when the War of
leges; studied law with Daniel Webster; 1812-15 broke out he was a brigadier-gen-
and was admitted to the bar in 1833, but eral of New York militia. He served in
never practised, having sufficient employ- that war from June 15 to Nov. 12, 1812,
ment in the management of a large patri- and was distinguished in the assault on
monial estate. He was a member of the Queenston Heights (Oct. 13, 1812), where
peace convention in 1861, and was one of he was in command when the Ameri-
the first to offer his services to the govern- cans surrendered, giving up his sword in
ment when the Civil War broke out. When person to General Sheaffe. He died in
communication between Washington and Geneseo, N. Y., in February, 1833.
Philadelphia was cut off in April, 1861, Wagner, Arthur Lockwood, military
tic chartered a vessel and filled it with officer; born in Ottawa, 111., March 16,
supplies, with which he sailed for Annapo- 1853 ; graduated at the United States Mil-
lis with timely relief for Union soldiers itary Academy in 1875; promoted captain,
there. In June he was volunteer aide on April 2, 1892; major, Nov. 17, 1896; lieu-
General McDowell's staff, and was noted tenant-colonel and assistant adjutant-gen-
for bravery in the battle of Bull Run. In eral, Feb. 26, 1898 ; was instructor of
August he was made brigadier-general of the art of war in the United States in-
volunteers, and in March, 1862, military fantry and cavalry school at Fort Leav-
governor of the District of Columbia. In onworth, Kan., in 1886-97; served on the
that year he was Republican candidate for staff of General Miles during the war with
governor of New York, but was defeated Spain; detached for duty on the staff of

106

WAGNER— WAINWRTCKHT

Major-General Lawton until the fall of - Destruction of Spanish Destroyers.—

Santiago ; ordered to the Philippines in The following is Commander Wainwright'a

December, 1899, where he was adjutant- report on the destruction of the dreaded

general of the 1st Division of the 8th Spanish torpedo-boat destroyers Furor

Army Corps, on the staff of Major-Gen- and Pluton during the naval battle off

eral Bates till April, 1900; was then ap- Santiago:
pointed adjutant-general for the Southern

Department of Luzon. His publications United States Steamship Gloucester,
include The Campaign of Koniggratz ; Off Santiago de Cuba,
Organization and Tactics; The Service of July 6, 1898.
Security and Information; A Catechism of Sir, — I have the honor to report that
Outpost Duty; The Military Necessities at the battle of Santiago, on July 3, the
of the United States and the Best Pro- officers and crew of the Gloucester were
visions for Meeting Them (a prize es- uninjured, and the vessel was not injured
say.) in hull or machinery, the battery only re-
Wagner, Fort, a defensive work erected quiring some slight overhauling. It is now
by the Confederates on the north end of in excellent condition.
Morris Island, S. C, about 2,600 yards I enclose herewith a copy of the report
from Fort Sumter. It was first assaulted of the executive officer, made in compliance
by the Federals on July 11, 1863. Seven with paragraph 525, page 110, Naval Reg-
days afterwards a more determined assault ulations, which report I /believe to be
was made after a bombardment by bat- correct in all particulars. I also enclose
teries and fleet, which failed with a loss copies of the reports of the several offi-
to the Federals of 1,500 men. From this cers, which may prove valuable for future
time it was under an almost continuous reference.

fire until Sept. 7, 1863, when it was evacu- It was the plain duty of the Gloucester
ated, the Federals having advanced their to look after the destroyers, and she was
parallels, nearly to the fort. Although held back, gaining steam, until they ap-
122,300 founds of metal had been hurled peared at the entrance. The Indiana
at the fort during the last two days of the poured in a hot fire from all her secondary
siege at short range from breaching guns, battery upon the destroyers, but Captain
none of them less than 100-pounders, the Taylor's signal, " Gunboats, close in,"
bomb-proofs were found intact, showing gave security that we would not be fired
the power of resistance in sand. upon by our own ships. Until the leading
Wagner, Samuel, lawyer; born in destroyer was injured our course was con-
Philadelphia, Pa., Dec. 28, 1842; received verging, necessarily, but as soon as she
a collegiate education ; was admitted to the slackened her speed we headed directly for
bar in 1866 ; was a founder of the Pennsyl- both vessels, firing both port and star-
vania Museum and School of Industrial board batteries as the occasion offered.
Art; and became president of the Wagner All the officers and nearly all the men
Institute of Science in 1885. deserved my highest praise during the
Wainwright, Richard, naval officer; action. The escape of the Gloucester wa?
born in Washington, D. C, Dec. 17, 1849; due mainly to the accuracy and rapidity
graduated at the United States Naval of the fire. The efficiency of this fire, a.:
Academy in 1868; promoted lieutenant- well as that of the ship generally, wa:
commander, Sept. 16, 1884, and command- largely due to the intelligent and unremit-
er, March 3, 1899; was executive officer on ting efforts of the executive officer, Lieut,
the battle-ship Maine when she was de- Harry P. Huse. The result is more to his
stroyed in Havana Harbor in February, credit when it is remembered that a large
1898; served in the war against Spain as portion of the officers and men were un-
commander of the Gloucester; partici- trained when the Gloucester was commis-
pated in the destruction of Cervera's fleet, sioned. Throughout the action he was on
in July, 1898; was superintendent of the the bridge, and carried out my orders with
United States Naval Academy in 1900-02; great coolness.

commanded the Newark in 1903. See That we were able to close in with the

Santiago, Naval Battle of. destroyers— and until we did so they were

107

WAINWRIGHT— WAKE ISLAND

not seriously injured — was largely due to The admiral, Ms officers and men, were

the skill and constant attention of pass- treated with all consideration and care

ed assistant Engineer George W. McEl- possible. They were fed and clothed as far

roy. The blowers were put on, and the as our limited means would permit,
speed increased to 17 knots without caus- Very Respectfully,

ing a tube to leak or a brass to heat. Richard Wainwbight.

Lieut. Thomas C. Wood, Lieut. George H. Lieutenant-Commander, U. S. N.

Norman, Jr., and Ensign John T. Edson Tc the Commander-in-Chief, United States
not only controlled the fire of the guns Naval Forces, North Atlantic Station.
in their divisions and prevented waste of Waite, Davis Hansom, lawyer; born in

ammunition, but they also did some ex- Jamestown, N. Y., April 9, 1825; received

cellent shooting themselves. an academic education ; was a merchant

Acting assistant Surgeon J. P. Brans- in Wisconsin in 1850-57; member of the

ford took charge of one of the guns, and Wisconsin legislature in the latter year;

fired it himself occasionally. Acting as- settled in Kansas in 1876 and there prac-

sistant Paymaster Alexander Brown had tised law and carried on a ranch till 1879.

charge of the two Colt guns, firing one He then removed to Leadville, Col., where

himself, and they did excellent work. As- he followed his profession till 1881, when

sistant Engineer A. M. Proctor carried my he became editor of the' Union Era, in

orders from the bridge, and occasionally Aspen, Col. In 1892 he was a member of

fired a gun when I found it was not being the St. Louis conference which formed the

served quite satisfactorily. All were cool People's party; and in 1893-94 governor of

and active at a time when they could have Colorado. He died at Aspen, Col., Nov.

had but little hope of escaping uninjured. 27, 1901.

Lieutenants Wood and Norman, Ensign Waite, Morrison Remick, jurist; born

Edson and assistant Engineer Proctor in Lyme, Conn., Nov. 29, 1816; graduated

were in charge of the boats engaged in at Yale College in 1837; settled in Mau-

saving life. They all risked their lives mee City, 0., and was chosen a member

repeatedly in boarding and remaining of the Ohio legislature in 1849. In 1850

near the two destroyers and the two he made his residence at Toledo, and be-

armored cruisers when their guns were came very prominent at the bar in Ohio,

being discharged by the heat and their He declined an election to Congress and a

magazines and boilers were exploding, seat on the bench of the Superior Court

They also showed great skill in landing of Ohio. He was one of the counsel for the

and taking off the prisoners through the United States "at the Geneva tribunal of

surf. arbitration, was president of the Ohio

Of the men mentioned in the several re- constitutional convention in 1873, and
ports, I would call special attention to on March 4, 1874, he was appointed chief-
John Bond, chief boatswain's mate. He justice of the United States Supreme
would have been recommended to the de- Court. He died in Washington, D. C,
partment for promotion prior to his gal- March 23, 1888.

'ant conduct during the action of July 3. Wake Island, an island in the North

i. would also recommend to your attention Pacific Ocean, about midway between

Robert P. Jennings, chief machinist, men- Hawaii and Hong-Kong. On July 4, 1898,

tioned in the report of Mr. McElroy. Gen. Francis V. Greene, with a few offi-

l believe it would have a good effect cers, while en route to Manila, went

to recognize the skill of the men and the ashore on the Island, made observations,

danger incurred by the engineer's force, found no traces of inhabitants, planted a

I would also recommend that the acting record of possession, and raised the flag

appointments of those men mentioned by of the United States. On General Greene's

the officers in their reports may be made report the United States government de-

permanent. termined to take formal possession of the

The wounded and exhausted prisoners island, which was not known to have

were well and skilfully tended by assistant been inhabited for more than sixty years.

Surgeon Bransford, assisted by Ensign Instructions were, accordingly, given to

Edson, who is also a surgeon. Commander Taussig, of the Bennington.

108

WAKE ISLAND— WALBACH

and on Jan. 17, 1899, that officer and his vessels are generally running fast before
crew made a landing and erected a flag- the wind. " At 5 p.m.," he says, " the look-
staff. When this was in place the sailors out on the foretop-gallant yard saw low
were formed in two ranks, facing sea- land on the starboard bow. I went aloft
ward, and, having called all to witness and saw from the topsail yard a very low
that the island was not in the possession island, rather higher in the centre than
of any other nation, Commander Taussig at the ends, and covered with low bui.hes.
ordered the American flag to be raised It was dark before we approached it suffi-
by Ensign Wettengell. Upon reaching ciently near to make observations, but
the truck the flag was saluted by twenty- I am confident it would not be seen more
one guns from the Bennington. After than 5 miles off deck by daylight, and in
the salute the flag was nailed to the mast- a dark night never in time to avoid i£."
head with battens, and a brass plate with The famous Wilkes expedition west-
the following inscription was screwed to ward from San Francisco to New York
the base of the flag-staff: " United States hove to off Wake Island on the night
of America. William McKinley, Presi- of Dec. 19, 1841, and in the morning after
dent ; John D. Long, Secretary of the breakfast a number of boats were sent
Navy; Coiamander Edward D. Taussig, ashore to make a survey. They reported
U. S. N., commanding the United States a coral island, not more than 8 feet high,
steamship Bennington, this 17th day of and apparently at times submerged. The

January, 1899, took possession of the atoll
known as Wake Island, for the United
States of America."
Wake Island is supposed to be the Des-

fish in the lagoon included some fine
mullet. The birds were few in number,
and very tame, ana " Mr. Peale found
here the short-tailed albatross, and pro-

ierta — that is, the " desert," and La Mira, cured an egg from its nest." There were

1 take care " — of the charts of the Span
ish galleon taken by Anson in 1743. It
was discovered in 1796 by the
William Henry, and is found on
chart that accompanies Perouse's voy-

low shrubs upon the is^nd, but no fresb
water, and neither pandanus nor cocoa-
Prince nut trees. The outlying reef was very
the small.

The chief importance of the island to

ages, published in 1797. It is often seen the United States is its convenient lo-
and reported as a reef or an island under cation for a station for the new cable

various names — Wake, Week, Halcyon,
Helsion, and Wilson being the most fre-
quent. It Is not to be confounded with
Weeks Island, or with another Wake Isl-
and on the western coast of Patagonia.

from San Francisco to the Philippine
Islands. See Submarine Cables.

Wakefield Estate, in Virginia, the
birthplace of George Washington; about
half a mile from the junction of Pope's

Wake Island is nearly or quite awash Creek with the Potomac, in Westmoreland

in heavy gales ; very low and steep to county. The house was destroyed before the

seaward; from 9 to 20 miles in circum- Revolution, but upon its site George W.

ference, according to wind and tide. The P. Custis placed a slab of freestone, June,

larger portion of it is a lagoon. The 1815, with the simple inscription: "Here,

vegetation is very scanty, and there is the 11th of February (0. S.), 1732, George

no frssh water. The only food to be Washington was born."
found consists of a few birds and plenty "Walbach, John Baptiste de Babth,

of fish. The island has been examined by Baron de, military officer; born in Miin-

Wilkes, of the United States exploring ster, Germany, Oct. 3, 1766; was in the

expedition; by English, of the United French military service; came to America

States navy; by Sproule, of the Maria; by in 1796; studied law with Alexander Ham

Cargill, by Wood, by the missionary ship ilton ; and entered the United States army

Morning Star, and by many others. It as lieutenant of cavalry in 1799. In June,

was described by Captain Sproule, in 1848, 1813, he was made assistant adjutant-

as a very dangerous spot lying immediate- general, with the rank of major, and did

ly in the track of vessels from Peru, good service on the northern frontier in

Central America, and the Sandwich Isl- the War of 1812-15. He died in Balti'

anda, and in a part of the ocean where more, Md., June 10, 1857.

109

WAl-COT— WAtDROKf

Walcot, Charles Meton, playwright ; staff of the German army to succeed Count

born in London, England, in 1815; re- von Moltke in 1888; field-marshal in 1895;

ceived a collegiate education; became an and commander of the allied armies in

architect, but later turned his attention China in 1900. The countess is credited

to the stage; came to the United States with possessing a powerful influence in the

and appeared first in Charleston, S. C, German Court, and with having brought

in 1839; became popular; moved to Phila- about the marriage of Emperor William

delphia in 1866. His original plays in- II. with the Princess Augusta Victoria,

elude Washington, or Valley Forge; The Waldo, Aujigence, surgeon; born in

Custom of the Country; The Haunted Pomfret, Conn., Feb. 27, 1750. At the

Man; and Hiawatjia. He died in Phila- outbreak of the Revolutionary War he was

delphia, Pa., May 10, 1868. made a surgeon's mate in the army, but

Waldenses (also called Valdenses, Val- on account of feeble health was soon dis-
lenses, and Vaudois), a sect inhabiting charged. In December, 1776, he was ap-
the Cottian Alps, derive their name, ac- pointed chief surgeon of the ship Oliver
cording to some authors, from Peter de Cromwell; in April, 1777, joined the regi-
Waldo, of Lyons (1170). They were ment of Col. Jedediah Huntington, and
known, however, as early as 1100, their was its surgeon during the campaigns in
confession of faith published 1120. Their New Jersey and Pennsylvania. He won
doctrine condemned by the council of distinction at Monmouth and Valley Forge
Lateran, 1179. They had a translation of through his service in inoculating the
the Bible, and allied themselves to the troops against emall-pox. He died in
Albigenses, whose persecution led to the Windham county, Conn., Jan. 29, 1794.
establishment of the holy office or in- Waldo, Daniel, clergyman; born in
quisition. The Waldenses settled in the Windham, Conn., Sept. 10, 1762; gradu-
valleys of Piedmont about 1375, but were ated at Yale College in 1788; was a soldier
frequently dreadfully persecuted, notably in the Revolutionary army; suffered the
1545—46, 1560, 1655—56, when Oliver Crom- horrors of imprisonment in a sugar-house
well, by threats, obtained some degree of in New York, and was pastor and mis-
toleration for them; again in 1663-64 and sionary from 1792. At the age of ninety-
1686. They were permitted to have a three he was chaplain of the national
chuTch at Turin, December, 1853. In House of Representatives, when his voice
March, 1868, it was stated that there and step were as vigorous as a man of
were in Italy twenty-eight ordained Wal- sixty. He died in Syracuse, N. Y., July
densian ministers and thirty other teach- 30, 1864.

ers. Early in 1893 a delegation was sent Waldo, Samuel Putnam, author; born

to the United States to investigate the in Connecticut in 1780; applied himself

advantages of forming a settlement in to literature, and published Narrative of a

some favorable locality. It resulted in Tour of Observation made During the Sum-

their purchasing several thousand acres mer of 1817, by James Monroe, President

of land in Burke county, N. C, and estab- of the United States, with Sketch of His

lishing a colony the same year, calling the Life; Memoirs of Gen. Andrew Jackson;

place Waldese. Life and Character of Stephen Decatur;

Waldersee, Mary Esther, Countess and Biographical Sketches of Com. Nicho-
Von, born in New York City, Oct. 3, 1837 ; las Biddle, Paul Jones, Edwardi Preble,
daughter of David Lee; spent her early and Alexander Murray. He died in Hart-
years in Paris with her sister, Josephine, ford, Conn., in March, 1826.
the wife of Baron August von Waechter, Waldron, Richard, military officer;
ambassador from Wiirtemberg to Prance, born in Warwickshire, England, Sept. 2,
There Mary became the wife of Prince 1615; came to Boston in 1635, and settled
Frederick of Schleswig-Holstein-Sonder- at Dover, N. H., in 1645. He represented
burg-Augustenburg-NoSr, who had been that district from 1654 to 1676, and was
exiled. The prince died July 2, 1865, soon seven years speaker. He was councillor
after his marriage. In 1871 his widow and chief-justice, ai.d in 1681 was presi-
married Albert, Count von Waldersee, dent. Being chief military leader in that
who was appointed chief of the general region, he took an active part in Kins

110

WALDSEEMtlXLER— WALKER

Philip's War. Inviting Indians to Dover leans, La., where he established a law

to treat with them, he seized several hun- practice and engaged in journalism; was

dred of them, and hanged or sold into editor at different times of the Louisiana

slavery 200. They fearfully retaliated Democracy, the Delta, the Times, the

thirteen years afterwards. Two appar- Picayune, and the Herald. His publica-

ently friendly Indians obtained a night's tions include Jackson and New Orleans;

lodging at Waldron's house at Dover. At Life of Andrew Jackson; History of the

midnight they arose, opened the door, and Battle of Shiloh; Duelling in Louisiana;

admitted a party of Indians lying in wait. The Story of the Plague, a History of the

They seized Waldron, who, though seventy- Yellow Fever Epidemic of 1852, etc. He

four years of age, made stout resistance, died in Fort Scott, Ark., Jan. 24, 1893.

They bound him in an arm-chair at the Walker, Amasa, political economist;

head of a table in the hall, when they born in Woodstock, Conn., May 4, 1799;

taunted him, recalled his treachery, and educated in North Brookfield, Mass.;

tortured him to death, June 28, 1689. Professor of Political Economy at Oberlin

Waldseemuller, Martin, cosmogra- College in 1842-49, and at Amherst Col-

pher; born in Pribourg, Germany, about lege in 1861-66; held various political of-

1470; published an Introduction to Cos- flees in Massachusetts in 1848-62, when

mography, with the Four Voyages of he was elected to Congress. He wrote

Americus Vespucius (1507), in which he The Nature and Uses of Money and Mixed

proposed the name of " America " to the Currency, and Science and Wealth. He

region discovered by Columbus and Ca- died in North Brookfield, Mass., Oct. 29,

bot. He died about 1530. 1875.

Wales, James Albert, cartoonist; born Walker, Benjamin, military officer;
in Clyde, O., Aug. 30, 1852; settled in born in England in 1753; was a captain
Cleveland, where he made cartoons for in the 2d New York Regiment at the
the Ledger during the Presidential cam- beginning of the Revolutionary War; be-
paign of 1872. In the following year ne came aide to Baron Steuben, and then
removed to New York, where lie became to Washington (1781-82); and after the
connected with Frank Leslie's Illustrated war was secretary to Governor Clinton.
Newspaper, and afterwards with Puck, for He became a broker in New York City,
both of which he drew some notable car- and naval officer there during Washing-
toons, especially on the political move- ton's administration. From 1801 to 1803
ments of the day; was one of the founders he was a member of Congress. In 1797
of the Judge and for several years its he became agent for estates in western
principal cartoonist. He died in New New York, and was long identified with
York City, Dec. 6, .1886. the growth of Utica, where he died, Jan.

Walhonding Canal. See Canals. 13, 1818.

Walke, Henry, naval officer; born in Walker, Charles L., historian; born in

Princess Anne county, Va., Dec. 24, 1808 ; Otsego county, N. Y., in 1814 ; taught

entered the navy in 1827; served in the school in 1830; removed to Grand Rapids,

war against Mexico; and a bold and Mich., in 1836, when he became secretary

efficient commander in the naval warfare of the territorial convention; was elected
on the rivers in the valley of the Mis-- to the State legislature in 1840; removed

sissippi during the Civil War. He was to Springfield, Mass., in 1841, where he

particularly distinguished in the attacks was admitted to the bar; and settled in

on Fort Donelson, Island Number Ten, Detroit, Mich., in 1851. He became Pro-

and in operations against Vicksburg. He fessor of Law in the University of Michi-

was promoted commodore in 1866; rear- gan in 1857, and a judge of the Wayne

admiral in 1870; and was retired in 1871. circuit court in 1867. He made a special

He died in Brooklyn, N. Y., March 8, study of history and wrote Life of Cadil-

1896. lac; Michigan from 1796-1805; The Civil

Walker, Alexander, journalist; born Administration of General Hull; and The

in Fredericksburg, Va., Oct. 13, 1819; Northwest Territory During the Bevolu-

graduated at the law department of the tion. He died in Flint, Mich., Feb. 11,

University of Virginia; settled in New Or- 1896.

Ill

WALKER

Walker, Charles Manning, journalist ;
born in Athens, 0., Dee. 25, 1834; grad-
uated at the University of Ohio in 1854;
clerk in the United States Treasury De-
partment in 1801-63, and fifth auditor
there in 1862-69; head clerk of the Post-
Dffice Department in 1883-85; subsequent-
ly became associate editor of the Indian-
apolis Journal. He is the author of His-
tory of Athens County, 0.; First Settle-
ment of Ohio at Marietta; Life of Oliver
P. Morton; Life of Alvin P. Hovey, etc.

Walker, Fort. See Port Royal.

Walker, Francis Amasa, military offi-
cer; born in Boston, Mass., July 2, 1840;
graduated at Amherst in 1860; engaged
in the military service in the spring of

1861, in the 15th Massachusetts Volun-
teers. In September he was assistant ad-
jutant-general of Couch's brigade and ad-
jutant-general of his division in August,

1862. In December he became colonel on
the staff of the 2d Army Corps, serving 'n
the Army of the Potomac. He was wound-
ed at Chancellorsville; was made prisoner
fit Ream's Station, Va., and confined in
Libby prison ; and when exchanged in 1865
was compelled to resign on account of
shattered health. He was in charge of
the bureau of statistics in Washington,
D. C. ; superintendent of the census of
1870 and 1880; chief of the bureau of
awards at the Centennial Exposition ; Pro-
fessor of Political Economy and History in
the Sheffield Scientific School in 1873-81 ;
and then became president of the Massa-
chusetts Institute of Technology. He died
in Boston, Mass., Jan. 5, 1897.

Walker, Henderson, colonial governor ;
born in North Carolina in 1660; became a
judge of the Supreme Court and presi-
dent of the council ; was governor of North
Carolina in 1699-1704. Referring to his
administration George Bancroft writes:
" While England was engaged in world-
wide wars, here the inhabitants multi-
plied and spread in the enjoyment of
peace and liberty." He died near Eden-
ton, N. C„ April 14, 1704. His tombstone
is marked with the epitaph " North Caro-
lina, during his administration, enjoyed
tranquillity."

Walker, Sir Hovenden, military offi-
cer ; born in Somersetshire, England, about
1660; became a captain in the navy in
1692, and rear-admiral of the white in

1710. The next year he was knighted
by Queen Anne. He made an attempt to
capture Quebec in 1711, commanding the
naval armament sent for that purpose
(see Quebec). Returning to England, his
ship, the Edgar, blew up at Spithead, when
nearly all the crew perished. This acci-
dent and the disastrous expedition to
Quebec drew upon him almost unqualified
censure, and he was dismissed from the
service. He afterwards settled upon a
plantation in South Carolina; but return-
ed to Great Britain, and " died of a
broken heart " in Dublin, Ireland, in Janu-
ary, 1726.

Walker, J ies Bradford Richmond,
clergyman; bo j in Taunton, Mass., April
15, 1821; graduated at Brown University
in 1841 and at Andover Theological Semi-
nary in 1S46; was ordained pastor in the
Congregational Church in Bucksport, Me.,
in 1847; held charges in Holyoke, Mass.,
in 1855-64; and in Hartford, Conn., in
1864-67. He then turned his attention to
literature. His publications include Me-
morial of the Walkers of the Old Plym-
outh Colony, and The Genealogy of John
Richmond.

JOHN GRIMES WALKKIt.

118

Walker, John Grimes, naval officer;
born in Hillsboro, N. H., March 20, 1835;
graduated at the United States Naval

WALKER

Academy in 1856. In the Civil War he vania in 1819, In 1826 he settled in
took part in the capture of New Orleans, Natchez, Miss.; was United States Sen-
in operations against Vicksburg, almost ator from 1837 to 1845, being a Demo-
all the battles on the Mississippi River in cratic leader in that body; warmly sup-
1862 and 1803; and commanded the gun- ported the financial measures of Presi-
boat Shaiemut in the capture of Wilming- dent Van Buren; and had great influence
ton, N. C. He was secretary of the light- over President Tyler, counselling the vig-
house board in 1873-78; chief of the orous steps which led to the annexation
bureau of navigation in 1881-89; was of Texas. During the administration of
promoted commodore in 1889 and rear-ad- President Polk he was Secretary of the
rairal in 1894; was then assigned to com- Treasury, and in 1857-58 was governor
mand the Pacific Station; and was retired of Kansas Territory. He resigned, being
in 1897. He was president of the naval " unwilling," he said, " to aid in forcing
retiring board in 1895; chairman of the slavery on that Territory by fraud and
commission for the location of a deep- forgery." In 1863-64 he was financial
water harbor on the coast of southern Cali- agent of the United States in Europe, ef-
fornia in 1896-97; president of the Niea- fecting the sale of $250,000,000 of five-
ragua Canal commission in 1897-99, of twenty bonds, and defeating the second au-
the Isthmian Canal commission since thorized Confederate loan of $175,000,000.
1899, and of the new Isthmian Canal com- He was an efficient advocate of the Pacific
mission since 1904. Railroad and of free-trade. His celebrated

Walker, Joseph Bttrbeen, agricult- report in favor of f ree-tra - 1 e was reprint-

urist; born in Concord, N. H., June 12, ed by order of the British House of Com-

1822 ; graduated at Yale College in 1844 ; mons. He died in Wasl ington, D. C, Nov.

admitted to the bar in 1847, but later 11, 1869.

abandoned law and devoted himself to Walker, Thomas, patriot; born in

agriculture and literature. His publica- Gloucester county, Va., Jan. 25, 1715;

tions include Land Drainage; Forests of educated at William and Mary College;

New Hampshire ; Ezekiel Webster Di- studied medicine and practised in Freder-

mond; History of Town Meeting-house ; ieksburg, Va. In 1750 he travelled west

Prospective Agriculture in New Hamp- and was probably the first white man to

shire; Rodgers, the Ranger, etc. pass the present boundaries of Kentucky.

Walker, Joseph Reddefoed, guide; He was commissary-general under Wash-
born in Knoxville, Tenn., in 1798; settled ington in General Braddock's army, and
in Jackson county, Mo., in 1818. His career was present at the latter's defeat. In
as a guide on the frontier began in 1822. 1775 he was elected to the Virginia House
He led Captain Bonneville's expedition to of Burgesses, where he served on the see-
the Rocky Mountains in 1832; guided an- ond committee of safety; in 1777 was ap-
other expedition from Great Salt Lake to pointed with his son, Col. John Walker,
California in 1833; discovered the Yo- to visit the Indians in Pittsburg, Pa., for
Semite Valley, Yosemite Lake, and Walker the purpose of gaining their friendship
River in the latter year; arid Walker's for the Americans; and in 1778 was made
Pass in 1834. He died in Ignacio Valley, president of the commission to settle the
Cal., Oct. 27, 1876. boundary between Virginia and North

Walker, Lerot Pope, jurist; born near Carolina. Walker Mountains in south-

Huntsville, Ala., July 8, 1817; was western Virginia were named after him.

speaker of the Alabama House of Repre- He died in Albemarle county, Va., Nov. 9,

sentatives in 1847-50 ', judge of the State 1794.

circuit court in 1850-53; Confederate His son, John, legislator; born in Albe-

•Secretary of War in 1861-62; and later a marie county, Va., Feb. 13, 1744, was an

brigadier-general. After the war he re- aide to Washington during the Revolu-

sumed practice in Huntsville, Ala., where tionary War, and was by him recommended

he died, Aug. 22, 1884. to Patrick Henry on Feb. 24, 1777, for

Walker, Robert James, financier ; born " ability, honor, and prudence." He sue-
in Northumberland, Pa., July 23, 1801 ; ceeded William Grayson in the United
graduated at the University of Pennsyl- States Senate, where he served in May-

X.— H 113

WALKER—WALKING PURCHASE

December, 1790. He died in Orange
county, Va., Dec. 2, 1809. .

Walker, Timothy, jurist; born in Wil-
mington, Mass., Dec. 1, 1806; graduated
at Harvard College in 1826; admitted to
the bar in 1831, and began practice in
Cincinnati, 0.; Professor of Law in Cin-
cinnati College in 1835-44; established the
Western Law Journal in 1843, and was
its editor for several years. He was the
author of An Introduction to American
Law; On the History and General Char-
acter of the State of Ohio; John Quincy
Adams; The Reform Spirit of the Day;
Daniel Webster, etc. He died in Cincin-
nati, 0., Jan. 15, 1856.

Walker, William, filibuster; born in
Nashville, Tenn., May 8, 1824; was an
editor in New Orleans for a while; went
to California in 1850; and in 1853 organ-
ized an expedition to invade a Mexican
territory. Me dng war on the govern-
ment of Hondu.-as, he was captured, con-
demned by a court-martial, and shot at
Truxillo, Honduras, Sept. 12, 1860. See
Nicaragua.

Walker, William H. T., military
officer; born in Georgia in October, 1816;
graduated at the United States Military
Academy in 1837 ; was assigned to Florida,
where he was thrice wounded during the
battle of Okeechobee, Dec. 25, 1837; pro-
moted captain in 1845 ; took part in all
of the important battles of the Mexican
War, winning distinction at Contreras,
Churubusco, and Molino del Rey; was
brevetted lieutenant-colonel; and was in-
structor of military tactics and comman-
dant of cadets at the United States Mili-
tary Academy in 1854-56. He joined the
Confederate army in 1861 ; was made
major-general, and served chiefly in the
West. He was killed in the battle of
Decatur, Ga., July 26, 1864.

Walker's Expedition. See Walkeb,
Willtam.

Walking Purchase, The. In 1682 Will-
iam Penn purchased of the Indians a tract
of land in the present Bucks and North-
ampton counties, bounded on the east by
the Delaware River, and in the interior
at a point as far as a man could walk in
three days. Penn and the Indians start-
ed on the walk, beginning at the mouth
of Neshaminy Creek. At the end of a
walk of a day and a half Penn con-

eluded that it was as much land as he
wanted, and a deed was given for the
lands to that point — about 40 miles
from the starting-place — in 1686. This
agreement was confirmed by the Delawares
in 1718, the year when Penn died. White
settlers, however, went over this boundary
to the Lehigh Hills. The Indians became
uneasy, and, to put an end to disputes,
a treaty was concluded in 1737, by which
the limits of the tract were defined as
in the deed of 1682 — not beyond the Le-
high Hills, or about 40 miles from the
place of the beginning of the " walk."
It was then proposed that a " walk " of
a " day and a half," as agreed upon by
Penn, should be again undertaken.

Thomas and Richard Penn, sons of Will-
iam Penn, were then proprietors, and, con-
trary to the spirit of their father, they de-
vised a plan to cheat the Indians out of
a large tract of most valuable land at the
forks of the Delaware and the Minisink
country beyond. They advertised for the
most expert walkers in the province. Three
were selected — Edward Marshall, James
Yeates, and Solomon Jennings — and the
covetous proprietors caused them to violate
the spirit of the agreement by almost run-
ning much of the way and being fed by
persons who accompanied them on horse-
back, the walkers eating as they moved
on. They started from the present
Wrightsville on the morning of Sept 19,
1737, going northerly along the old Dur-
ham Road to Durham Creek; then wester
ly to the Lehigh, which they crossed neat
Bethlehem; then northwesterly, passing
through Bethlehem into Allen county; and
halted at sunset near an Indian town. The
next morning they passed the Blue Moun-
tains at the Lehigh Water-gap, and at
noon completed the " walk," at a distance
of about 70 miles from the starting-point,
instead of 40 miles in Penn's time, and
as the Indians expected. Then, by run-
ning a line northeasterly, instead of more
directly from that point to the Delaware,
it embraced the coveted region of the
forks of the Delaware and the Minisink
lands. The Indians protested against the
intended fraud on the first day of the
walk. The result exasperated them. The
greedy proprietors had obtained about
1,200 square miles of territory, when they
were not entitled to more than 800. Thia

WALX-IN-THE-WATER— WALLACE

transaction alienated the Delawares, and Treasury. On the porch of that building
it was one of the chief causes that im- George Washington was inaugurated the
pelled them to join the French against first President of the republic,
the English in 1755. Wallace, David Duncan, educator

Walk-in-the- Water, or, My-ee-Rah, born in Columbia, S. C, May 23, 1874
chief of the Wyandotte tribe of Huron graduated at Wofford College in 1894
Indians. He tried to persuade Gen. Will- elected Professor of History and Econom
iam Hull to accept his services in the War ics at Wofford College in 1899. He is
of 1812, but that officer, unwilling to use the author of Constitutional History of
savages, declined his offer. Though he South Carolina, 1725 to 1775; Arrival of
was later compelled through circumstances the Tea, and the Origin of the Extra-
to join the English, he influenced a num- Legal Organs of Revolution in South Caro-
ber of tribes to remain neutral. Sub- Una, etc.; and editor of HcCrady's South
sequently with his associates he abso- Carolina Under the Proprietary Govern-
lutely refused to aid the English and de- ment.

serted at Chatham, Canada. He then Wallace, Sir James, naval officer ; com-
offered to ally himself to Gen. William H. manded the British fleet at Newport, E. I.,
Harrison, but his services were again in 1775, where he had a laconic corre-
declined and he returned to the Detroit spondence with Capt. Abraham Whip-
River. He died about 1817. ple (q. v.). He bore General Vaughan's

Wall, James Walter, legislator ; born marauding land force up the Hudson River
in Trenton, N. J., May 26, 1820; gradu- in October, 1777; and in 1779 was capt-
ated at Princeton College in 1838; ad- ured by D'Estaing. In Rodney's battle
mitted to the bar in 1841 ; settled in Bur- with De Grasse, on April 12, 1782, he
lington, N. J., in 1847; was alleged to commanded the Warrior. In 1794 he was
have interfered with the liberty of the made rear-admiral; in 1795 vice-admiral;
press during the early part of the Civil and in 1801 admiral of the blue. He was
War and to have made an offer of 20,000 governor of Newfoundland from 1793
rifles to the "Knights of the Golden Cir- to 1795. He died in London, March 6,
cle," to be used against the United States; 1803.

appointed to fill an unexpired term in the Wallace, John William, lawyer; born
United States Senajte, and served from Jan. in Philadelphia, Pa., Feb. 17, 1815; gradu-
21 till March 3, 1863; settled in Eliza- ated at the University of Pennsylvania
beth, N. J., in 1869. He died in Elizabeth, in 1833 and later was admitted to the bar;
N. J., June 9, 1872. . reporter of the United States Supreme

Wall Street, a noted thoroughfare in Court in 1863-76; and president of the
the part of New York City extending from Pennsylvania Historical Society in 1860-
Broadway at Trinity Church to the East 84. His publications include Reporters,
River, about half a mile long. This title, Chronologically Arranged, i&ith Occasional
however, designates a region extending Remarks upon their Respective Merits;
about a quarter of a mile on either side of Cases Argued and Abridged in the United
the greater part of Wall Street proper. States Supreme Court (23 volumes 1864-
The locality is famous the world over for 76) ; An Old Philadelphian, Col. William
its financial institutions, which include a Bradford of 1776, etc. He died in Phil-
large number of banking houses, the Unit- adelphia, Pa., Jan. 13, 1884
ed States Sub-Treasury, the Custom-house, Wallace, Joseph, lawyer; born in Car-
the Stock Exchange, etc. The name is de- roll county, Ky., Sept. 30, 1834; received
rived from a wall of palisades which was a collegiate education; admitted to the
built in Dutch colonial days as a defence bar in 1858 and engaged in practice in
against the Indians. The location of great Springfield, 111. He is the author of
financial houses here is due to the fact Biography of Col. Edward D. Baker; His-
that the principal early government build- tory of Illinois and Louisiana Under the
ings were erected on the street. After the French Rule; and (joint author) Spring-
adoption of the Constitution of the United field City Code.

States the First Congress met here in a Wallace, Lewis, military officer and
building on the site of tha present Sub- author; born in Brookville, Ind., April 10,

116

WALLACE, LEWIS

1827; son of Gov. David Wallace; stud-
ied law, and began practice in Craw-
fordsville, Ind. He served as lieutenant
of Indiana volunteers in the war with
Mexico, and afterwards resumed his pro-
fession. He served one term in the State
Senate; and when the Civil War broke
out he was appointed adjutant-general
of Indiana. Soon afterwards he was made
colonel of the 11th (Zouave) Indiana Vol-
unteers, with which he performed signal

LEWIS WALLACE.

service in western Virginia (see Rom-
ney, Skiemtsh at). When he fell back
to Cumberland, after his dash on Rom-
ney, the Confederates took heart and
advanced, 4.000 strong — infantry, cav-
alry, and artillery — under Colonel McDon-
ald. They pushed on to New Creek and
destroyed the bridge of the Baltimore and
Ohio Railway there. They pressed on,
destroyed all communication between Cum-
berland and Grafton, and completely iso-
lated Wallace. He had neither cannon nor
cavalry, and for twenty-one days his men
had only twenty-one rounds of cartridges
apiece. He prepared to retreat to Bedford,
Pa., if attacked. He could not hold Cum-
berland, and sent his sick and baggage
in that direction.

Then he boldly led his regiment out
upon the same road, halted, changed front,
and prepared for battle, believing that
if the Confederates should entpr Cumber-
lard thev would scatter in search of plun-

dci ; and in that case he would rush into
the town and defeat them in detail. In-
formed of Wallace's bold stand, the Con-
federates halted within 5 miles of Cumber-
land, and at night hastened to Romney.
Wallace retired to Cumberland and ap-
pealed to MeClellan, Morris, and Patter-
son for reinforcements, but none could
be spared, for there was danger and weak-
ness at all points. The governor of Penn
sylvania sent him ammunition and for-
warded two regiments of the Pennsylvania
Reserves to the borders of that State to
assist the Indianians if they should be
attacked. That gallant regiment success-
fully guarded the railway for about 100
miles, for the Confederates felt a whole-
some fear of these Zouaves, who were often
engaged in little skirmishes. Wallace had
impressed thirteen horses into his ser-
vice and mounted thirteen picked men
of his regiment. While these were on a
scout on June 26 they attacked forty-one
mounted Confederates, killing eight of
them, chasing the remainder 2 miles, and
capturing seventeen of their horses. On
their way back they were attacked by
seventy-five mounted men. They had a ter-
rible hand-to-hand fight that ceased only
when night came on. The Zouaves had only
one man killed, and the rest made their
way back to camp in the darkness. For
his eminent services in that region for
thrpp months Colonel Wallace was re-
warded with the commission of brig-
adier - general. For his bravery and
vigilance in s-uardine the Baltimore
and Ohio Railway, the sreat line of
communication with the West. Wallace
was heartily commended by McClellhn and
others.

As brigadier-general of volunteers he led
a division in the siege and capture of
Fort Donelson. For his services on that
occasion he was promoted to major-gen-
eral. In the battle of Shiloh he was con-
snieuous for srallantry. In command at
Baltimore. Md., in the summer of 1884,
he arallantly held in check a large Con-
federate force, under Gen era 1 Early, en-
deavoring to strike Washington, until the
arrival of troops that secured the latter
place from capture (see Monocacy. Bat-
tle op.) After the war he resumed his pro-
fession. In 1878 he was governor ot
New Mexico, and in 1881-85 was Uuiten

WALLACE— WALLOONS

States minister to Turkey. He wrote relations; opposed the Civil War, and

Ben-Bur; The Boyhood of Christ; The spoke openly against the national govern-

Prince of India; etc. He died in Craw- ment; was arrested with others in Sep-

fordsville, Ind.. Feb. 15, 1905. tember, 1861, and imprisoned for ovet

Wallace, William Harvey Lamb, mili- fourteen months. On his release he re-

tary officer; born in Urbana, 0., July 8, sumed law practice in Baltimore. Hia

1821; served in the war with Mexico, in publications include Glimpses of Spain;

Hardin's regiment; and was State's attor- Discourse on the Life and Character o\

ney for the ninth circuit of Illinois, in George Peaoody ; etc. He died in 1894.

1853. In May, 1861, he became colonel of Walloons, a people which inhabited the

the 11th Illinois Volunteers. He command- southern Belgic provinces and adjoining

ed a brigade in McClernand's division at parts of France, and numbered, at the

the capture of Fort Donelson, and was time of their dispersion by persecution

made brigadier-general of volunteers. On (1580), over 2,000,000. They were of a

the first day of the battle of Shiloh ( q. mixed Gallic and Teutonic blood, and most

v.) he was mortally wounded, and died of them spoke the old French dialect,

in Savannah, Tenn., April 10, 1862. When the northern provinces of the Neth-

Wallen, Henry Davies, military offi- erlands formed their political union at

cer; born in Savannah, Ga., April 19, 1819; Utrecht (1579), the southern provinces,

graduated at the United States Military whose people were chiefly Roman Catholics,

Academy in 1840; served in the Seminole declined to join the confederation. Many

War in Florida in 1840-42; was wounded of the inhabitants were Protestants, and

at the battle of Palo Alto in the Mexican against these the Spanish government at

War; promoted major, Nov. 25, 1861; once began the most relentless persecution,

served through the Civil War; was in- Thousands of them fled to Holland, where

spector-general of the Department of New strangers of every race and creed were

Mexico in 1862-64; commanded a regiment welcomed and protected; and from these

at Fort Schuyler, N. Y., till May, 1865; the Dutch gained a knowledge of many

brevetted brigadier-general and promoted branches of manufacture. They were skil-

lieutenant-colonel in 1865; promoted colo- ful and industrious.

nel in 1873; and was retired in the follow- Having heard of the fertility of the

ing year. He died in New York City, Western Continent, some of them wished

Dee. 2, 1886. - to emigrate thither, and a proposition

Walley, John, military officer; born in was made to the Virginia Company to

London, England, about 1644. He led have them favor a settlement there. Ne-

the first expedition against the French gotiations to that end failed. Hearing of

and Indians in Canada, Feb. 12, 1689; was this, the directors of the Dutch West

lieutenant to Sir William Phipps on a India Company made them satisfactory

similar expedition in August, 1690; offers, and arrangements were soon made

landed near Quebec with 1,200 men, and for the emigration of several families to

after a daring but ineffectual attack re- NewNetherland. In the spring of 1623 the

embarked; was one of the founders of ship New Netherland, of 260 tons burden,

Bristol, Conn. His diary of the expedi- Capt. Cornelius Jacobus May, sailed

tion against Canada was published in the from the Texel with thirty families,

History of Massachusetts by Thomas chiefly Walloons, for Manhattan. These

Hutchinson. He died in Boston, Mass., landed on a morning in May, and were

Jan. 11, 1712. welcomed by Indians and traders. They

Wallis, Severn Teackle, lawyer; born were feasted under a tent made of sails

in Baltimore, Md., Sept. 8, 1816; gradu- .stretched between several trees, when

ated ai St. Mary's College, Baltimore, in their Christian teacher gave public thanks

1832; admitted to the bar in 1837; to God for their safety, and implored

snecial United States agent to Spain in blessings on their future career. May,

1849 to investigate the title to public who was to remain as governor of the

lands in east Florida; elected to the colony, then read his commission and as-

Maryland House of Delegates in 1861 ; be- sumed the functions of his office. .The

came chairman of the committee on federal emigrants soon dispersed and formed sep-

117

WALSH— WALWORTH

arate settlements. Some of the Walloons to consult upon measures for the defence

settled on Long Island, on the borders of of the liberties of their country. Mr.

a cove at the site of the present navy- Walton was one of the committee who

yard, which soon became known as the prepared a petition to the King; also

"Waalbogt" (corrupted to Wallabout), patriotic resolutions adopted on that oc-

or Walloon's Cove. There, in June, 1625, casion. From February, 1776, to Octo-

Sarah Rapelje was born — the first ascer- ber, 1781, he was a delegate in Congress

tained offspring of European parentage from Georgia, and warmly favored the

in New Netherland. See New Yobk, resolution for independence. As colonel

Colony of. of militia, he assisted in defending Sa-

Walsh, Robert, author; born in Balti- vannah in December, 1778, where he was

more, Md., in 1784; received a collegiate dangerously wounded, made prisoner, and

education; admitted to the bar and began kept so until September, 1779. In 1779

practice in Philadelphia, Pa., but later and 1789 he was chosen governor of Geor-

abandoned law and engaged in journal- gia; in 1783 was appointed chief-justice

ism; founded the National Gazette in of the State; and in 1795-96 was United

1819, and was connected with it till 1836; States Senator. He died in Augusta, Ga.,

editor of the American Review in 1827- Feb. 2, 1804.

37; United States consul at Paris, France, Walworth, Eixen Hardin (Mrs.), au-

in 1845-51. He was the author of Essay thor; born in Jacksonville, 111.; received

on the Future State of Europe; Appeal an academic education; one of the three

from the Judgment of Great Britain Re- founders of the National Society of the

specting the United States; The Select Daughters of the American Revolution;

Speeches of George Canning; The Select director-general of the Woman's National

Speeches of Windham and William Hus- War Relief Association of 1898; served

kisson, etc. He died in Paris, Franco, at the field hospital of Fort Monroe, where

Feb. 7, 1859. she met with nurses, supplies, etc., the

Walthall, Edward Cart, legislator; first wounded brought from Santiago,
born in Richmond, Va., April 4, 1831; ad- Her publications include Battles of Sara-
mitted to the bar in 1852 and began prac- toga; Parliamentary Rules; and the
tice in Coffeeville, Miss.; elected attorney essays, Battle of Buena Vista; Preserva-
of the tenth Mississippi judicial district tion of "National Archives; Colonial Worn-
in 1856 and 1859; joined the Confederate en ; and Field Work for Amateurs.
army as lieutenant in the 15th Mississippi Walworth, John, pioneer; born in
Infantry in 1861; promoted brigadier- Groton, Conn., in 1765; removed to Paines-
general in December, 1862, and major- ville, O., in 1800; became associate judge
general in 1864; distinguished himself in of the Superior Court of Ohio in 1803;
the battle of Missionary Ridge and in the and filled four offices in 1806 — viz., in-
action at Nashville, where he covered the spector of the port of Cuyahoga, collector
retreat of Gen. John B. Hood and pre- of the district of Erie, postmaster at
vented the capture of his army by Gen. Cleveland, where he had settled in 1805,
George H. Thomas. He resumed law prac- and associate judge of Geauga county,
tice in Grenada, Miss., in 1871 ; was United During his term as postmaster, Cleveland
States Senator in 1885-98, with exception had a population of scarcely fifty persons,
of the period from January, 1894, to and the total receipts of the village at
March, 1895. He died in Washington, the end of the first quarter were only
0. C, April 21, 1898. $2.83. He died in Cleveland, O., Sept. 10,

Walton, George, signer of the Declara- 1812.
tion of Independence; born in Frederick Walworth, Reuben Hyde, jurist; born
i-ounty, Va., in 1740; was early appren- in Bozrah, Conn., Oct. 26, 1788; admitted
ticed to a carpenter, who would not al- to the bar in 1809 and began practice in
tow him a candle to read by; but he Plattsburg, N. Y. During the British in-
found a substitute in pine knots. He was vasion of Plattsburg, in September, 1814,
admitted to the bar in Georgia in 1774, he was aide to Gen. Benjamin Mooers, by
and was one of four persons who called whom he was assigned to view the naval
a meeting at Savannah (July 27, 1774) fight from the shore and to report the re-

118

WAMPANOAG— WANTON

suits. He held a seat in Congress in afterwards as currency among the inte

1821-23; was judge of the fourth judicial rior tribes. The settlers at Plymouth

district of New York in 1823-28; and first learned the use and value of warn-

chancellor of New York State in 1828-48. pum from the Dutch at Manhattan, and

In the latter year the court ef chancery found it profitable in trade with the

was abolished by the adoption of the new Eastern Indians; for the shells of which

constitution. He published Rules and it was made were not common north of

Orders of the New York Court of Chan- Cape Cod. It soon became a circulat-

cery, and Hyde Genealogy (2 volumes), ing medium, first in the Indian traffic,

He died in Saratoga Springs, N. Y., Nov. and then among the colonists generally.

27, 1867. Three of the black beads, or six of the

His son, Mansfield Tract, born in Al- white, passed for a penny. They were
bany, N. Y., Dec. 3, 1830, graduated at strung in known parcels for convenience
Union College in 1849 and at the Harvard of reckoning — a penny, threepence, a
Law School in 1852; was admitted to the shilling, and five shillings in white; two-
bar in 1855, but soon abandoned law and pence, sixpence, two - and - sixpence, and
devoted himself to literature. He was the ten shillings in black. A fathom of
author of Life of Chancellor Livingston white wampum was worth ten shillings,
and many novels. He was shot and killed or two dollars and a half; a fathom
by his son, who claimed that he com- of black, twice as much. Wampum
mitted the act to save his mother's life, was also used in the form of belts in
in New York City, June 3, 1873. The making treaties, they being pledges of
trial of the son is famous in American fidelity.

law history. He was acquitted on the Wanamaker, John, merchant; born in
plea of insanity and was placed in an Philadelphia, Pa., July 11, 1838; re-
asylum, ceived a public school education; was er-

Wampanoag-, or Pokanoket, Indians; rand-boy in a book-store in 1852; retail

one of the most powerful of the Massa- salesman of clothing in 1856-61 ; then

chusetts tribes of the Algonquian nation, founded, in conjunction with Nathan

Massasoit was their sachem when the Brown, the clothing house of Wanamaker

English came to the New England shores. & Brown, in Philadelphia, Pa., and the de-

Their domain extended over nearly the partment store under the same firm name

whole of southern Massachusetts, from in 1869; and later established a depart-

Cape Cod to Narraganset Bay, and at ment store on the up-town premises of

one time the tribe numbered 30,000. Just the firm of A. T. Stewart & Co., in New

before the landing of the Pilgrims a ter- York. He was United States Postmaster-

rible disease had reduced them to less General in 1889-93. Mr. Wanamaker

than 1,000. While Massasoit lived the founded and became superintendent of the

Wampanoags were friendly to the Eng- Bethany Presbyterian Sunday-school in

lish; but a growing discontent ripened Philadelphia in 1858, which has since

into war in 1675, led by King Philip, a son grown to be the largest one in the United

of Massasoit, which involved many of the States.

New England Indians. The result was Wanton, Joseph, governor; born in

the destruction of the tribe. King Philip's Newport, R. I., in 1705 ; graduated at

son, while yet a boy, with others, was Harvard College in 1751 and engaged in

sent to the West Indies and sold as a mercantile business; was elected governor

slave. in 1769. He was appointed by the Eng-

Wampum, an Indian currency, con- lish government to investigate the burn-

sisting of cylindrical white, blue, and ing of the ship Gaspee by the Whigs in

black beads, half an inch long, made 1773, and was also made superintendent

from certain parts of sea-shells. The of the British soldiers during their occu-

shores of Long Island Sound abounded pation of Newport. These and other

in these shells, and the Pequods and Nar- causes made him an object of suspicion,

ragansets grew " rich and potent " by and in 1775 the Assembly stripped him of

their abundance of wampum, which was all power and placed the executive pre-

mnch in demand, first for ornament, and rogative in the hands of Deputy-Gtov.

119

WAR—WAR DEPARTMENT

Nicholas Cooke. Governor Wanton died
in Newport, R. I., July 19, 1780.

War, Articles of. See Articles of
War.

War, Board of. On June 13, 1776, the
Congress appointed John Adams, Roger
Sherman, Benjamin Harrison, James
Wilson, and John Rutledge commissioners
constituting a board of war and ord-
nance, and appointed Richard Peters their
secretary. This was the germ of the War
Department of the government. It had
a general supervision of all military af-
fairs; kept exact records of all trans-
actions, with the names of officers and
soldiers; and had charge of all prisoners
of war and of all correspondence on the
subject of the army. The secretary and
clerks were required to take an oath of
secrecy before entering upon their du-
ties. The salary of the secretary was
fixed at $800 a year ; of the clerks, $266.66.
A seal was adopted. Owing to the extent

SEAL OF THK UOAKD OF WAR.

of the field of war, subordinate boards
were authorized in 1778. In November,
1777, a new board was organized, con-
sisting of three persons not members of
Congress, to sit in the place where that
body should be in session, each member
to be paid a salary of $4,000 a year. In
1778 another organization of the board
occurred. It then consisted of two mem-
bers of Congress and three who were not
members, any three to constitute a
quorum. Then the salary of the secretary
of the board was increased to $2,000. On
the new organization of the government
in 1781, the Congress resolved to create a

Secretary of War, and General Lincoln
was chosen. His salary was $5,000 a
year. He held the office until the close
of the war. After that military affairs
were managed by a board of war until
the organization of the government under
the national Constitution, when they
were placed under the supreme control of
a Secretary of War. See Board of Ord-
nance and Fortification; Board of
Strategy.

War Department, one of the executive
branches of the United States government,
the chief of which is popularly known as
the Secretary of War, who performs such
duties as the President may enjoin on him
concerning the military service.

He is charged by law with the super-
vision of all estimates of appropriations
for the expenses of the department, of
all purchases of army supplies, of all ex-
penditures for the support and transpor-
tation of the army, and of such expendi-
tures of a civil nature as may be placed by
Congress under hrs direction. He also has
supervision of the United States Military
Academy at West Point, of the board of
ordnance and fortification, of the various
battle-field commissions, and of the publi-
cation of the Official Records of the War
of the Rebellion. He has charge of all
matters relating to national defence and
sea - coast fortifications, army ordnance,
river and harbor improvements, the pre-
vention of obstruction to navigation, and
the establishment of harbor lines, and ap-
proves all plans and locations of bridges
authorized by Congress to be constructed
over the navigable waters of the United
States. He also has charge of the estab-
lishment or abandonment of military
posts, and of all matters relating to leases,
revocable licenses, and all other privileges
upon lands under the control of the War
Department.

The functions of the department are
exercised by means of a number of
bureaus, the chief of which are those under
the supervision of the adjutant-general,
inspector-general, quartermaster-general,
commissary-general of subsistence, sur-
geon-genera), paymaster-general, chief of
engineers, chief of ordnance, judge-advo-
cate-general, chief signal officer, and the
chief of the record and pension office. See
Cabinet, President's.
20

WAR OF 1812

War of 1812, the popular name of the with new levies, the regular force to con-
second war between the United States and sist of twenty regiments of foot, foui
Great Britain. Blessed with prosperity of artillery, two of dragoons, and one
and dreading war, the people of the Unit- of riflemen, which, with engineers and
ed States submitted to many acts of artificers, would make a force of 36,-
tyrannyfrom Great Britain and France 700 men. Little reliance could be placed
rather than become involved in armed on the militia, who would not be com-
conflicts with them. Consequently, the pelled, by law, to go beyond the bounds
government of the United States was of their respective States. The navy
only nominally independent. Socially was very weak, in comparison with that
and commercially, the United States of the enemy, the acknowledged " mis-
tacitly acknowledged their dependence on tress of the seas." It consisted of only
Europe, and especially upon England; twenty vessels, exclusive of 170 gunboats,
and the latter was rapidly acquiring a and actually carrying an aggregate of lit-
dangerous political interest and influence tie more than 500 guns.
in American affairs when the war broke The following is a list of forts in ex-
out. The war begun in 1775 was really istenee when war was declared in 1812,
only the first great step towards inde- and their location: Port Sumner, Portland,
pendcnce; the war begun in 1812 first Me. ; Port William and Mary, Portsmouth,
thoroughly accomplished the indepen- N. H.; Fort Lily, Gloucester, Cape Ann;
dence of the United States. Franklin once Fort Pickering, Salem, Mass. ; Fort Sea-
,heard a person speaking of the Revolu- wall, Marblehead, Mass.; Fort Indepen-
tion as the war of independence, and dence, Boston Harbor; Fort Wolcott, near
reproved him, saying, " Sir, you mean the Newport, R. I. ; Fort Adams, Newport
Revolution; the war of independence is Harbor; Fort Hamilton, near Newport;
yet to come. It was a war for inde- North Battery, a mile northwest of Fort
pendence, but not of independence." Wolcott; Dumplings Fort, entrance to

When it was determined, early in 1812, Narraganset Bay, R. I.; 'Tonomy Hill, a
to declare war against Great Britain, mile east of North Battery, R. L; Fort
preparations were at once made for the Trumbull, New London, Conn. ; Fort Jay,
crisis. In February the congressional Governor's Island, New York Harbor;
committee of ways and means reported works on Ellis and Bedloe's islands, New
a financial scheme, which was adopted. York Harbor; Fort Mifflin, Delaware
It was a system adapted to a state of war River, below Philadelphia; Fort McHenry, •
for three years. It eon temp' ated the sup- Baltimore; Fort Severn, Annapolis; Forts
port of war expenses wholly by loans, and Norfolk and Nelson, on Elizabeth River,
the ordinary expenses of the government, below Norfolk, Va.; forts Pinckney, Moul-
including interest on the national debt, trie, and Mechanic, for the protection of
by revenues. The estimated expense of Charleston, S. C. ; Fort Mackinaw, island
the war the first year was $11,000,000. of Mackinaw; Fort Dearborn, Chicago;
Duties on imports were doubled, a direct Fort Wayne, at the forks of the Maumee,
tax of $3,000,000 was levied, and an Ind.; Fort Detroit, Michigan; Fort Ni-
extensive system of internal duties and agara, mouth of the Niagara River; Fort
excise was devised. In March, Congress Ontario, Oswego; Fort Tompkins, Sack-
authorized a loan of $11,000,000, at an ett's Harbor, N. Y. Some of these were
annual interest not to exceed 6 per cent., unfinished.

reimbursable in twelve years. When war While the army of General Hull was

was declared, only little more than half lying in camp below Sandwich, in Canada,

the loan was taken, and the President was he was absent at Detroit two or three days,

authorized to issue treasury notes, paya- There had been some skirmishing with

ble in one year, bearing an annual inter- detachments of his army, under Colonels

est of 5'/n per cent. Measures were also Cass and McArthur, near the Tarontee;

devised for strengthening the military and the apparent supineness of the general

force. It was weak when war was de- made the younger officers and the men sus-

clared. Congress passed an act, June 26, pect him of incapacity, if not of treachery.

1812, for the consolidation of the old armv While Hull was absent at Detroit the

121

WAB OE 1812

command of the American troops in Can- who always favored measures for increas-
ada devolved on Colonel McArthur, and ing the navy, and the opposition of the
he resolved to attack Fort Maiden. He Democrats to it ceased. These naval vic-
detached some rangers to seek a convenient tories astounded the British public. The
passage of the Tarontee above the bridge, lion was bearded in his den. The claims
so as to avoid the guns of the British of Great Britain to the mastery of the
armed vessel Queen Charlotte, lying in seas were vehemently and practically dis-
the river. This was impracticable. A puted. Nor were the naval triumphs of
scouting party was sent under Major Den- the Americans confined to the national
ny to reconnoitre, who found an Indian vessels. Privateers swarmed on the oceans
ambuscade between Turkey Creek and the in the summer and autumn of 1812, and
Tarontee, in the Petit C6te settlement, were making prizes in every direction. Ac-
There Denny had a sharp skirmish with counts of their exploits filled the news-
the Indians, when a part of his line gave papers and helped to swell the tide of
way, and he was compelled to retreat in joy throughout the Union. It is esti-
confusion, pursued nearly 3 miles by the mated that during the last six months
victors. He tried to rally his men, but of 1812 more than fifty armed British
in vain. In the skirmish he lost six men vessels and 250 merchantmen, with an ag-
killed and two wounded. This was the gregate of over 3,000 prisoners and a vast
first blood shed in the War of 1812-15. amount of booty, were captured by the

The defeat of Hull weakened the con- Americans. The British newspapers raved
fidence of the government and the people and uttered opprobrious epithets. A lead-
in an easy conquest of Canada, and im- ing London journal petulantly and vulgar-
mediate steps were taken, when the ar- ly gave vent to its sentiments 'by express-
mistice of Dearborn was ended, to place ing an apprehension that England might
troops along the northern frontier suffi- be stripped of her maritime supremacy
cient to make successful invasion, or pre- " by a piece of striped bunting flying at
vent one from the other side. Vermont the mast-heads of a few fir-built frigates,
and New York joined, in co-operation with manned by a handful of bastards and cow-
the United States, in placing (September, ards." The position of the American army
1812) 3.000 regulars and 2,000 militia at the close of 1812 was as follows: The
on the borders of Lake Champlain, under Army of the Northwest, first under Hull,
Dearborn's immediate command. Another and then under General Harrison, was oc-
force of militia was stationed at different cupying a defensive position among the
points along the south bank of the St. snows of the wilderness on the banks of
Lawrence, their left resting at Sackett's the Maumee River; the Army of the Cen-
Harbor, at the eastern end of Lake On- tre, under General Smyth, was resting on
tario. A third army was placed along the defensive on the Niagara frontier ; and
the Niagara frontier, from Fort Niagara the Army of the North, under General
to Buffalo, then a small village. This lat- Bloomfield, was also resting on the de-
ter force of about 6,000 men, half regu- fensive at Plattsburg, on the western shore
lars and volunteers and half militia, were of Lake Champlain.

under the immediate command of Maj.- Admiral Cochrane, who succeeded Ad-
Gen. Stephen Van Rensselaer, a leading miral Warren in command on the Ameri-
Federalist of New York. can Station, issued a proclamation, dated

The reverses that befell the American at Bermuda, the rendezvous of the more

army during 1812 spread a gloom over southern blockading fleet, April 2, 1813.

the people, justified the warnings of the It was addressed to slaves under the

opposition who prophesied disaster, and denomination of " persons desirous to emi-

increased the activity and machinations grate from the United States." Owing

of the peace party. But before the close to the inability of nearly all the slaves

of the year the brilliant exploits of the to read, the proclamation had very little

little American navy dispelled the brood- effect. It is said that a project had been

ing gloom that hung over the people and suggested by British officers for taking

filled them with joy and confidence. These possession of the peninsula between the

justified the judgment of the Federalists, Delaware and Chesapeake bays, a.nd there

122

WAR OP 1813

training for British service an army of boats, at the beginning of a dark night,

negro slaves. The project was rejected with an impending storm hovering over

only because the British, being then slave- the lake. Before morning there was a

holders themselves, did not like to en- furious gale, with rain and sleet, and the

courage insurrection elsewhere. boats were scattered in every direction,

General Armstrong, Secretary of War, The shores of the little islands in that
planned a second invasion of Canada in region were strewn with wrecks, and
the autumn of 1813. There had been a fifteen large boats were totally lost. On
change in the military command on the the 20th a large number of the troops and
northern frontier. For some time the in- saved boats arrived at Grenadier Island,
firmities of General Dearborn, the com- near the entrance to the St. Lawrence,
mander-in-chief, had disqualified him for There they were finally all gathered. The
active service, and in June (1813) he was damage and loss of stores, etc., was ini-
superseded by Gen. James Wilkinson, who, mense. The troops remained encamped un-
like Dearborn, had been an active young til Nov. 1. The snow had fallen to the
officer in the Revolution. Leaving Flour- depth of 10 inches. Delay would be dan-
noy in command at New Orleans, Wilkin- gerous, and on Nov. 9 General Brown and
son hastened to Washington, D. C., when his division pushed forward, in the face
Armstrong assured him he would find of a tempest, to French Creek, at the
15,000 troops at his command on the present village of Clayton, on the St.
borders of Lake Ontario. On reaching Lawrence. Chauncey at the same time
Sackett's Harbor (Aug. 20), he found made an ineffectual attempt to blockade
one-third of the troops sick, no means for the British vessels in the harbor of
transportation, officers few in number, and Kingston. British marine scouts were out
both officers and men raw and undis- among the Thousand Islands. They dis-
ciplined. After some movements on the covered the Americans at French Creek,
lake, Wilkinson returned to Sackett's Har- where, on the afternoon of Nov. 1, there
bor in October, sick with lake fever, was a sharp fight between the troops and
Armstrong was there to take personal British schooners and gunboats filled with
charge of preparations for an attack upon infantry. The remainder of the troops,
Kingston or Montreal. Knowing the per- with Wilkinson, came down from Grena-
sonal enmity between Wilkinson and Wade dier Island, and on the morning of the
Hampton, Armstrong, accompanied by the 5th the whole flotilla, comprising 300
adjutant-general, had established the bateaux, preceded by gunboats, filled with
headquarters of the War Department at 7,000 troops, went down the St. Lawrence,
Sackett's Harbor to promote harmony be- pursued by British troops in a galley and
tween these two old officers, and to add gunboats, through the sinuous channels of
efficiency to the projected movements, the Thousand Islands. The same evening
Wilkinson, not liking this interference of the belligerents had a fight by moonlight
Armstrong, wished to resign; but the lat- in Alexandria Bay, and land troops from
ter would not consent, for he had no other Kingston reached Prescott, opposite Og-
officer of experience to take his place, densburg, at the same time.
After much discussion, it was determined Wilkinson disembarked his army just
to pass Kingston and make a descent upon above Ogdensburg, and marched to some
Montreal. distance below to avoid the batteries at

For weeks the bustle of preparation was Prescott. Brown, meanwhile, successfully

great, and many armed boats and trans- took the flotilla past Prescott on the night

ports had been built at the Harbor. On of the 6th, and the forces were reunited 4

Oct. 17 orders were given for the em- miles below Ogdensburg. There Wilkin-

barkation of the troops at Sackett's Har- son was informed that the Canada shores

bor, and General Hampton, then halting of the St. Lawrence were lined with posts

on the banks of the Chateaugay Kiver, was of musketry and artillery to dispute the

ordered -to move to the St. Lawrence, at passage of the flotilla. To meet this

the mouth of that stream. The troops at emergency, Col. Alexander McComb was

the harbor were packed in scows, bateaux, detached with 1,200 of the best troops of

Durham boats, and common lake sail- the army, and on the 7th landed on the

123

WAR OF 1812

Canada shore. He was followed by Lieu- can, and whose friendship has recently
tenant-Colonel Forsyth with his riflemen, been shown to be of such great importance
On the 8th a council of war was held, and, to us, we cannot do too much."
after receiving a report from Col. J. G. Towards the close of 1813, the whole of
Swift, the chief engineer, concerning the the New England States presented a unit-
strength of the army, the question " Shall ed front in opposition to the national ad-
the army proceed with all possible rapid- ministration and the war. The peaee
ity to the attack of Montreal 1" was con- faction was very active and industriously
sidered, and was answered in the affirma- sowed discontent. The newspapers and
tive. General Brown at once crossed the orators of the ultra-Federal party de-
river with his brigade. Meanwhile a large nounced the administration as hostile to
reinforcement had come down from Kings- New England, which, it was asserted, was
ton to Prescott, and were marching rap- treated as a conquered province; her great
idly forward to meet the American in- interests — commerce and navigation —
vaders. A severe engagement ensued at being sacrificed, and her sentiments of
Chrysler's Field, a few miles below Will- right and justice trampled upon. They de-
iamsburg (Nov. 11, 1813). The flotilla clared that every New England man of
was then at the head of the Long Rapids, promise in public affairs had been for
20 miles below Ogdensburg. The Ameri- twelve years proscribed by the national
cans were beaten in the fight and driven government, and that, reduced as New
from the field (see Chrysler's Field, England was by follies and oppressions
Battle of), and that night they with- to the brink of ruin, it was her first duty
drew to the boats. The following morning to consult her own interest and safety,
the flotilla passed the Long Rapids safely. The idea was broached in a Boston news-
General Wilkinson was ill, and word came paper (Daily Advertiser) that it would be
from Hampton that he would not form a desirable for New England to conclude a
junction with Wilkinson's troops at St. separate peace with Great Britain, or, at
Regis. The officers were unwilling to serve least, assume a position of neutrality,
longer under the incompetent Wilkinson, leaving it to the States that chose to
and it was determined, at a council of war, fight it out to +1 ieir hearts' content. No
to abandon the expedition against Mon- person appear.a as the avowed champion
treal. The troops went into winter quar- of such a step. It was denounced as a
ters at French Mills (afterwards Coving- treasonable suggestion, and produced con-
ton ) , on the Salmon River. siderable anxiety at Washington. These
The newt of Perry's victory on Lake discontents finally led to the Harttord
Erie (see Erie, Lake, Battle on) Convention (q. v.).

startled the British public, and strange For nearly two years the Americans
confessions of weakness were made in the waged offensive war against Great Britain
English and provincial newspapers. "We (1812-14), when they were compelled to
have been conquered on the lake," said a change to a war of defence. The entire
Halifax paper, " and so we shall be on sea-coast from the St. Croix to the St.
every other lake, if we take as little care Mary's, and of the Gulf of Mexico to New
to protect them." Others urged the neces- Orleans and beyond, was menaced by
sity of an alliance with the Indians to British squadrons and regiments. At
secure tjje possession of Canada. " We Portland, Boston, Providence, J^ew Haven,
dare assert," said a writer in one of the New York, Baltimore, Norfolk, Charles-
leading British reviews, "and recent ton, and Savannah, which were exposed to
events have gone far in establishing the attack, the people were soon busy casting
truth of the proposition, that the Canadas up fortifications for defence,
cannot be effectually and durably defend- On Jan. 0, 1814, the United States gov-
ed without the friendship of the Indians ernment received from that of Great
and command of the lakes and river St. Britain an offer to treat for peace directly
Lawrence." He urged his countrymen to at London, that city being preferred be-
consider the interests of the Indians as cause it would afford greater facilities for
their own ; " for men," he said, " whose negotiation. It was proposed, in case
very name is so formidable to an Ameri- there should be insuperable objections to

124

WAR OP 181S

London, to hold the conference at Gotten- the purchase, for $225,000, of the vessels

burg, in Sweden. This offer, with the captured on Lake Erie. At a cost of about

selection of Gottenburg, was accepted by $2,000,000 in bounties, 14,000 recruits were

President Madison, who, at the same time, obtained, of whom the New England States

complained of the rejection of Russia's furnished more than all the rest of the

mediation, which had been offered three States put together.

separate times. He nominated as com- At the beginning of August, 1814,
missioners to negotiate for peace John Armstrong, the Secretary of War, ordered
Quincy Adams and James A. Bayard, to General Izard, in command of a large
whom Henry Clay and Jonathan, Russell body of troops at Plattsburg, to march
were added as special representatives of a larger portion of them to co-operate
the war party. At the same time, Russell with the army on the Niagara frontier,
was nominated and confirmed as minister This order produced amazement and
to Sweden. indignation in the minds of Izard and
Early in 1814 the most serious business his officers, for they knew the imminent
of Congress was to provide for recruiting peril of immediate invasion, from the
the army. The enlistment of twelve- region of the St. Lawrence, of a large
months' men, it was found, stood in the body of Wellington's veterans, who had
way of more permanent engagements, and lately arrived in Canada. Both the army
the fourteen regiments of that charaeter and people were expecting an occasion
then existing were to be replaced by men for a great battle near the foot of Lake
to serve five years. Nor were any volun- Champlain very soon, and this order pro-
teers to be retained except for a like duced consternation among the inhabi-
period. Three additional rifle regiments tants. Izard wrote to the War Depart-
were to be raised; two regiments of light ment in a tone of remonstrance, Aug. 11:
dragoons were consolidated, and three " I will make the movement you direct, if
regiments of artillery were reorganized possible; but I shall do it with the appre-
into twelve battalions. Could the ranks hension of risking the force under my
be filled under this organization, there command, and with the certainty that
would be an army of 60,000 regulars. To everything in this vicinity but the lately
fill these ranks the money bounty was erected works at Plattsburg and Cumber-
raised to $124 — $50 when mustered in and land Head will, in less than three days
the remainder when discharged, the latter after my departure, be in the possession
sum, in case of death, to go to the soldier's of the enemy." Nine days afterwards
representatives. To anybody who should Izard wrote to the Secretary : " I must
bring in a recruit, $8 were allowed. In the not be responsible for the consequences
debate on this subject Daniel Webster of abandoning my present strong posi-
made his first speech in Congress, in which tion. I will obey orders, and execute
he declared that the difficulty of raising them as well as I know how." The re-
troops grew out of the unpopularity of moval of this force invited the invasion
the war, and not from political opposition of Prevost immediately afterwards, which
to it. The enormous bounties offered was checked by the American army and
proved that. And he advised giving over navy at Plattsburg, where, with great
all ideas of invasion, and also all restric- diligence, General Macomb concentrated
tive war waged against commerce by em- troops for defence immediately after Izard
bargoes and non-importation acts. " If left.

war must be continued, go to the ocean," From the beginning of the war the gov-

he said, " and then, if the contention was ernment had to depend upon loans for

seriously for maritime rights, the united funds, and in this matter the peace faction

wishes .and exertions of the nation would found an excellent chance for embarrass-

go^with the administration." Little was ing the administration. They took meas-

dene towards increasing the force of the ures to injure the public credit, and so

navy, excepting an appropriation of $500,- much did they do so that upon each loan

000 for the construction of a steam- after 1812 a ruinous bonus was paid. On

frigate or floating battery, for which a loan of $16,000,000, at the beginning of

Fulton offered a plan, and the authorizing 1813, the lender received a bonus of ahinn

125

WAB Ot 1812

$2,000,000. In March, 1814, the darkest the reach of the government and put into
period of the war, a loan of $25,000,000 the hands of the enemy,
was authorized, when the peace faction, In January, 1815, Alexander J. Dallas,
at public meetings, through the news- Secretary of the Treasury, in a report to
papers, and even from the pulpit, cast Congress, laid bare the poverty of the na-
every possible embarrassment in the way tional treasury. The year had closed with
of the government. Their opposition as- $19,000,000 unpaid debts, to meet which
sumed the character of virtual treason, there was a nominal balance in the treas-
They violently denounced the government ury of less than $2,000,000 and about
and those who dared to lend it money; $4,500,000 of uncollected taxes. For the
and by inflammatory publications and next year's services $50,000,000 would be
personal threats they intimidated many required. The total revenue, including the
capitalists who were disposed to lend. The produce of the new taxes, was estimated
result was, not half the amount of the at about $11,000,000 — $10,000,000 from
proposed loan was obtained, and that only taxes, and only $1,000,000 from duties on
by the payment of $2,852,000 on $11,400,- imports, to such a low ebb had the com-
000. Then this unpatriotic faction pointed merce of the United States been reduced,
to this event as evidence of the unwilling- Various schemes for raising money were
ness of the people to continue the war. So devised, but the prospect was particularly
disastrous were these attempts to borrow gloomy. The government was without
money that only one more of a like nature money or credit; the regular military force
was made through the remainder of the was decreasing; the war party were at
war, the deficiency being made up by variance, Great Britain refusing to treat
treasury notes. Foiled in their efforts to on admissible terms; a victorious British
utterly prevent the government from army threatening the Northern frontier;
making loans, the peace faction struck Cockburn in possession of Cumberland Isl-
another blow at the public credit, and the and, off the coast of Georgia; the Southern
complicity of Boston banks gave it in- States threatened with servile insurrec-
tensity. The banks out of New England tion; a formidable British armament pre-
were the principal lenders to the govern- paring to invade the Gulf region; and
ment, and measures were taken to drain the peace faction doing all in their power
them of their specie, and so produce an to embarrass the government. It was at
utter inability on their part to pay this juncture that the complaints of the
their subscriptions. Boston banks demand- Hartford Convention (q. v.)., and a corn-
ed specie for the notes of New York banks mission from the legislature of Massa-
and those farther south which they held, chusetts appeared before the government,
and at the same time drafts were drawn Fortunately, the news of the treaty of
on the New York banks for the balances peace and the victory at New Orleans went
due the Boston corporations, to the total over the country in February and saved
amount of about $8,000,000. A panic was the people from utter discouragement,
created, and great commercial distress The government took heart and author-
ensued, for the banks so drained were com- ized a loan of $18,400,000, the amount of
pelled to contract their discounts. This treasury notes then outstanding; and as
conspiracy against the public credit was an immediate means to go on with, a new
potent and ruinous in its effects. To make issue of treasury notes to the amount of
the blow more intensely fatal, the con- $25,000,000 (part of them in sums under
spirators made arrangements with agents $100, payable to bearer, and without in-
of the government authorities of Lower terest) was authorized. The small notes
Canada, whereby a very large amount of were intended for currency; those over
British government bills, drawn on Quebec, $100 bore an interest of 5 a / 5 per cent,
were transmitted to New York, Philadel- All acts imposing discriminating duties on
phia, and Baltimore, and offered on such foreign vessels of reciprocity nations, and
advantageous terms that capitalists were embargo, non-importation, and non-inter-
induced to purchase them. By this means course laws, were repealed; and so com-
an immense amount of gold was trans- merce was immediately revived and the
mitted to Canada, and so placed beyond revenue increased.

126

WAR Off 1812

The whole number of captured British British sloop Peacock near the mouth ot

vessels during the war, on the lakes and the Demerara River, South America
on the ocean, including those taken by Feb. 24, 1813

privateers (of which there remained forty York (now Toronto), Upper Canada,

or fifty at sea when peace was proclaimed) , captured April 27, 1813

and omitting those recaptured, was reck- Defence of Fort Meigs, 0., by General

oned at 1,750. There were captured or de- Harrison April 28-May 9, 1813

stroyed by British ships 42 American na- Gen. Green Clay is checked in attempt-

tional vessels (including 22 gunboats) , 133 ing to reinforce Fort Meigs. . .May 5, 1813
privateers, and 511 merchant-vessels — in Fort George, on the west side of

all 686, manned by 18,000 seamen. Niagara Eiver, near its mouth, is capt-

Chronology. The following is a record ured by the American troops under Gen-

of the chief battles and naval engagements eral Dearborn May 27, 1813

between the United States forces and the Frigate Chesapeake surrenders to the

combined British and Indian forces: British ship Shannon June 1, 1813

Action at Brownstown, Mich. Action at Stony Creek, Upper Canada

Aug. 5, 1812 June 6, 1813

Action at Maguaga, 14 miles below De- Affair at Beaver Dams, Upper Canada
troit Aug. 9, 1812 June 24, 1813

Surrender of Fort Dearborn and mas- Maj. George Croghan's gallant defence

saere (Chicago) Aug. 15, 1812 of Fort Stephenson Aug. 2, 1813

Surrender of Detroit by Gen. William British sloop-of-war Pelican captures the

Hull (Michigan) ) Aug. 16, 1812 brig Argus in the British channel

Frigate Constitution captures British Aug. 14, 1813

frigate Guerriere Aug. 19, 1812 Massacre at Port Mimms, Ala., by the

Defence of Fort Harrison, Indiana, Creek Indians Aug. 30, 1813

Capt. Zachary Taylor commanding Brig Enterprise captures British brig

Sept. 4, 1812 Boxer off the coast of Maine. .Sept. 5, 1813

Battle of Queenston Oct. 13, 1812 Perry's victory on Lake Erie

Sloop-of-war Wasp captures British Sept. 10, 1813

3loop Frolic Oct. 18, 1812 Detroit, Mich., reoccupied by the United

Action at St. Regis, ST. Y.. .Oct. 23, 1812 States forces Sept. 28, 1813

Frigate United States captures British Battle of the Thames, Upper Canada;

frigate Macedonian Oct. 25, 1812 Harrison defeats Proctor; death of Te-

.Affair at Black Bock, N. Y.; attempt- cumseh Oct. 5, 1813

ed invasion of Canada by the Ameri- Action at Chrysler's Field, on the north-
cans under Gen. Alexander Smyth ern shore of the St. Lawrence, about 90
Nov. 28, 1812 miles above Montreal Nov. 11, 1813

Frigate Constitution captures British Jackson's campaign against the Creek

frigate Java off the coast of Brazil Indians November, 1813

Dec. 29, 1812 Gen. George McClure, commanding a Bri-

Schooner Patriot sails from Charleston, gade on the Niagara frontier, burns the

S. G, for New York Dec. 30, 1812 village of Newark, Canada, and evacuates

[This vessel, having on board Theodosia, Fort George, opposite Fort Niagara (he

the wife of Governor Alston and only child is severely censured) Dec. 10, 1813

of Aaron Burr, is never heard of after : Fort Niagara captured by the British
wards.] Dec. 19, 1813

Action at Frenchtown, now Monroe, Buffalo and Black Rock burned by the

Mich Jan. 18, 1813 British and Indians Dec. 30, 1813

Defeat and capture of General Win- General Jackson defeats and crushes the

Jiester at the river Raisin, Mich - Creek Indians at Great Horse Shoe Bend,

Jan. 22, 1813 on the Tallapoosa March 27, 1814

British fleet, Vice-Admiral Cockburn, at- Frigate Essex, Capt. David Porter, sur-

tempts to blockade the Atlantic coast renders to the British ships Phoebe and

January et seq. 1813 Cherub in the harbor of Valparaiso, Chile

Sloop-of-war Hornet captures and sinks March 28, 1814

127

WAR, OF 1812

General Wilkinson, with about 2,000 Fleet on Lake Champlain under Cora,
troops, attacks a party of British, forti- Thomas Macdonough defeats the British
tied in a stone mill, at La Colle, Lower under Commodore Downie. .Sept. 11, 1814
Canada, near the north end of Lake British approaching Baltimore, Md., un-
Champlain, and is repulsed der General Ross; he is killed at North
March 30, 1814 Point Sept. 12, 1814

British blockade extended to the whole They find the city too well fortified, and
coast of the United States. .April 23, 1814 retire Sept. 13, 1814

Sloop-of-war Peacock captures the Brit- British fleet bombard Fort McHenry
ish brig Epervier off the coast of Florida Sept. 13, 1814

with $118,000 in specie April 29, 1814 [During this attack Francis Scott Key

British attack and destroy the fort at wrote The Star-Spangled Banner.] -
Oswego, 1ST. Y May 6, 1814 British attack on Fort Bowyer, Mobile

Action at Big Sandy Creek, N. Y. Bay, repulsed Sept. 15, 1814

May 29, 1814 Garrison at Fort Erie by asortie break

Sloop-of-war Wasp captures the British up the siege Sept. 17, 1814

sloop Reindeer in the British Channel General Drummond raises the siege of
June 28, 1814 Fort Erie Sept. 21, 1814

Fort Erie, with about 170 British sol- Wasp captures the British brig Atlanta
diers, surrenders to Gen. Winfield Scott Sept. 21, 1814

and General Ripley July 3, 1814 Gallant fight of the privateer, the General

Battle of Chippewa, Upper Canada Armstrong, with the British 74-gun ship-

July 5, 1814 of-the-line, the Plantagenet, in the harbor

Battle of Lundy's Lane, or Bridgewa- of Fayal, one of the Azores. .Sept. 26, 1814
ter, Upper Canada July 25, 1814 Gen. George Izard, on the Niagara fron-

Congress appropriates $320,000 for one tier, moves on Chippewa with a force of

or more floating batteries, designed by 6,000 men Oct. 13, 1814

Bobert Fulton; one finished. .July, 1814 General Izard, after a skirmish with

[This was the first steam vessel of war the British near Chippewa, Oct. 19, re-
built.] tires to the Niagara River, opposite Black

Expedition from Detroit against Fort Rock Oct. 21, 1814

Mackinaw fails Aug. 4, 1814 Fort Erie abandoned and blown up by

British troops land at Pensacola, Fla. the United States troops .... Nov. 5, 1814
Aug. 4, 1814 British approach New Orleans

British troops, 5,000 strong, under Gen- Dec. 22, 1814

eral Drummond, invest Fort Erie General Jackson attacks the command

Aug. 4, 1814 of General Keane on ViHerg's plantation,

Stonington, Conn., bombarded by the about 9 miles below the city, and checks
British fleet under Commodore Hardy its advance on the night of

Aug. 9-12, 1814 Dec. 23, 1814

British fleet, with 6,000 veterans from He intrenches about 7 miles below the

Wellington's army under General Ross, city Dec. 24, 1814

appears in Chesapeake Bay. .Aug. 14,1814 [His line, extending at right angles to

Midnight assault by the British on Fort the river, reached to a cypress swamp
Erie repulsed Aug. 15, 1814 about I 1 /, miles distant, and was pro-
Battle of Bladensburg, the Capitol at tected by rudely constructed breast-
Washington burned Aug. 24, 1814 works of cotton bales and earth, with

Nantucket Island stipulates with the a shallow ditch in front. At the ex-
British fleet to remain neutral treme left of this -line was stationed the
Aug. 31, 1814 brigade of General Coffee, 800 strong;

Sloop-of-war Wasp sinks the British then came Carroll's brigade, about 1,400
sloop Avon Sept. 1, 1814 men, while the right towards the river

British General Prerost crosses the was held by 1,300 men under Colonel
Canadian frontier towards Plattsburg, Ross, including all the regulars; Gen-
N. Y., with 12,000 veteran troops eral Adair was placed in the rear

Sept. 1, 1814 with about 500 men as a reserve. Along
128

WAR 0E 1812— WARD

the line were placed at intervals eigh-
teen guns, carrying from six to twenty-
three pound balls, and several guns
across^the river under Patterson. Antici-
pating an advance on the west bank of the
river as well, Jackson had placed Gen.
David B. Morgan with about 1,200 men
and two or three guns a little in advance
of his own position.]

British attack General Jackson with ar-
tillery, but are forced to retire

Dec. 28, 1814
Another attempt made.... Jan. 1, 1815

Final assault fails Jan. 8, 1815

[The British commander, Sir Edward
Pakenham, in his final assault designing
to attack on both sides of the river at
once, ordered Col. William (afterwards
Sir) Thornton to cross on the night of
Jan. 7 with 1,200 men and attack General
Morgan at early dawn. The main assault
under Pakenham • was made as early as
6 a.m., the 8th, in two columns, the right
under Ma j. -Gen. Sir Samuel Gibbs, the
left under Ma j. -Gen. John Keane, and the
reserve under Ma j. -Gen. John Lambert;
total force probably numbered about 7,000
men. General Gibbs's column in close
ranks, sixty men front, came under fire
first, which was so severe and deadly that
a few platoons only reached the edge of
the ditch and broke. In this advance Gibbs
was mortally wounded, and Pakenham, in
his attempt to rally the men, was almost
instantly killed. The left advance under
Keane fared no better, Keane being severe-
ly wounded and carried off the field, and
his column routed. By 8 A.M. the assault
was at an end. Colonel Thornton's attack
on the west side of the river was success-
ful, for he routed General Morgan's mili-
tia, which were poorly armed, and drove
them beyond Jackson's position towards
the city, and compelled Patterson to spike
his guns and retire, but owing to the
failure of the main assault, together with
the loss of the chief officers, General Lam-
bert, now chief in command, recalled Thorn-
ton from his successes, and on Jan. 9 be-
gan preparations for retreating. Of 7,000
British troops engaged in the assault,
2,036 were killed and wounded, the killed
being estimated at over 700; Americans
lost eight killed and thirteen wounded in
the main assault; total loss on both sides
of the. river, seventy-one.]

x.— I

129

Frigate President, forty-four guns, Com-
modore Decatur commanding, is captured
by the British frigates Endymion, forty
guns, the Pomone, Tenedos, and Majestic

Jan. 15, 1815

Frigate Constitution captures the Cy-

ane and the Levant, British sloops-of-war

February, 1815

Fort Bowyer, invested by the British
fleet, surrenders Feb. 12, 1815

Sloop-of-war Hornet, Capt. James Bid-
die, captures the British brig - of - war
Penguin off the Cape of Good Hope

March 23, 1815

See also Jackson, Andrew; New Or-
leans; and readily suggestive names of
persons and places that were conspicuous
in the war.

War of 1812, Society of. See Societt
of the War of 1812.

Warburton, George, author; born near
Tullamore, Ireland, presumably about
1812; joined the British army, and reached
the rank of major. He spent some time
in Canada; then returned to England,
and represented Harwich in Parliament.
His publications include Hochelaga, or
England in the New World; The Conquest
of Canada, etc. He died in 1857.

Ward, Andrew Henshaw, historian
born in Shrewsbury, Mass., May 26, 1784
graduated at Harvard College in 1808
admitted to the bar in 1811 and practised
in Shrewsbury; was engaged in the cus-
tom-house in Boston in 1829-53, with
the exception of two years; and was a
justice of peace for over fifty years.
His publications include History of the
Town of Shrewsbury; Ward Family: De-
scendants of William Ward; and Genea*
logical History of the Rice Family. Ha
died in Newtonville, Mass., Feb. 18,
1864.

Ward, Artemas, military officer; borr;
in Shrewsbury, Mass., Nov. 27, 1727;
graduated at Harvard College in 1748,
served as major in the Northern army
from 1755 to 1758, and became lieuten-
ant-colonel. Taking an active part against
the ministerial measures, he was appoint-
ed a general officer by the Massachusetts
Provincial Congress, and in May became
commander-in-chief of the forces gath-
ered at Cambridge, in which post be act-
ed until the arrival of Washington at the
beginning of July, 1775. Ward was made

■WARD

the first major-general under Washing- ceived an answer was mortally wounded in

ton; resigned in the spring of 1776 on ac- an action at Tsekie, and died in Ningpo,

count of ill -health; was then appointed Sept. 21, 1862.

chief- justice of the court of common pleas Ward, Henri Augustus, naturalist;

for Worcester county. He was president born in Kochester, N. Y., March 9, 1834;

of the council in 1777, and in 1779 was educated at Williams College and at the

chosen a delegate to Congress, but ill- Harvard Scientific School, where he became

health prevented his caking a seat in that assistant to Professor Agassiz in 1854;

body. For sixteen years he was in the was Professor of Natural Sciences at

Massachusetts legislature, and was speaker Rochester University in 1860-65 ; manager

of the Assembly in 1785. From 1791 to of gold-mines in Montana in 1866-69;

1795 he was in Congress. He died in travelled extensively in various parts of

Shrewsbury, Mass., Oct. 28, 1800. the world, making large and valuable

Ward, Durbin, lawyer; born in Augus- cabinets of mineralogy and geology, which
ta, Ky., Feb. 11, 1819; settled in Fayette have been distributed among universities,
county, Ind.; admitted to the bar in 1842; colleges, and schools throughout the Unit-
prosecuting attorney of Warren county, ed States. He was naturalist to the Unit-
0., in 1845-51; served throughout the ed States expedition to Santo Domingo in
Civil War; won distinction at the battle 1871, and a member of many geological
of Chickamauga, where he was severely and zoological societies,
wounded; promoted lieutenant - colonel, Ward, James Habman, naval officer;
Dec. 31, 1862, and brevetted brigadier- born in Hartford, Conn., in 1806; was
general in October, 1865; was United educated at Norwich Military Academy
States attorney for the southern district and Trinity College; entered the navy in
of Ohio in 1866-68; elected to the State 1823, and rose to commander in 1858.
Senate in 1870; and drew up the plan of He lectured on gunnery, and urged the
the present circuit court system of Ohio, establishment of a naval school. In May,
He died in Lebanon, O., May 22, 1886. 1861, he was placed in command of the

Ward, Frederick Townsend, military Potomac flotilla; silenced the batteries
officer; born in Salem, Mass., Nov. 29, at Aquia Creek, and in an attack upon
1831; became a sailor; went to Shanghai, a battery upon Mathias Point was mor-
China, in 1860, when the Taeping rebels tally wounded by a Minis ball, June 27,
were being victorious everywhere. He 1861. See Matthias Point.
recruited a band of men from various Ward, John Henry Hobart, military
countries and their services were accepted officer; born in New York City, June 17,
by the government. He first captured the 1823; was educated at Trinity School;
walled town of Sungkiang, in which there served in the Mexican War as sergeant-
were 10,000 rebels, in recognition of which major ; was assistant commissary-general
he was created a mandarin of the fourth of the State of New York in 1851-55; and
degree. He next dispersed the rebels commissary-general in 1855-59; went into
around Shanghai and later prevented them the Civil War as colonel of the 38th New
from taking that city. Afterwards he York Volunteers, and led his regiment at
was made admiral-general and created a both battles of Bull Pun, in all the battles
mandarin of the highest grade, married of the Peninsular campaign, and at Chan-
the daughter of a powerful native, and was tilly ; promoted brigadier-general of volun-
named Hwa. When Captain Wilkes re- teers, and commanded a brigade in the 3d
moved the Confederate commissioners Corps, at Fredericksburg, Chancellorsville,
from the Trent and war seemed probable Gettysburg, the Wilderness. Spottsyl-
between the United States and England, vania, Kelly's Ford, and Wapping Heights,
he planned the seizure of the British war- He died in Monroe, N. Y., July 24,
ships and merchant vessels in Chinese 1903.

waters. At the outbreak of the Civil War Ward, John Quincy Adams, sculptor;

he tried to close up his affairs in China born in Urbana, O., June 29, 1830; studied

in order to enlist in the National army, under and assisted Henry K. Browne, in

and made an offer of $10,000 to the Unit- 1850-57: resided in Washington, D. C, in

ed State* government, but before he re- 1850-61, where he made portrait butts

130

WARD

of many of the public men, and in New annihilated. The date of her death is un-
York City since 1861. Among his statues known.

are The Indian Hunters; 7th Regiment Ward, Nathaniel, author; born in
Citizen Soldiers; and The Pilgrims, all in Haverhill, Suffolk, England, about 1578;
Central Park, New York City; The Freed- graduated at Emmanuel College, Cam-
more, in Washington, D. C. ; Henry Ward bridge, in 1603; practised law and preach-
Beecher; Commodore Perry; and the ed ; became a member of the Massachusetts
crowning group of Victory on the naval Company in 1630, and emigrated to the
arch in New York City, erected for the colony in 1634, where he was pastor at
Dewey reception. Agawam till 1637; took part in the set-

Ward, Marcus Laurence, born in tlement of Haverhill in 1640; returned to
Newark, N. J., Nov. 9, 1812; was a dele- England in 1646, and was author of Body
gate to the National Republican con- of Liberties; The Simple Cobbler of
ventions in Chicago in 1860 and in Balti- Agawam, etc. He died in Shenfield, Essex,
more in 1864; governor of New Jersey England, in October, 1652.
in 1865-68; chairman of the national Re- Ward, Richard, colonial governor;
publican committee in 1866; member of born! in Newport, R. I., April 15, 1689;
Congress in 1873-75. He was a member of was attorney-general of Rhode Island in
the New Jersey Historical Society, im- 1712-13; deputy and clerk of the As-
proved the condition of the State^prison, sembly in 1714; recorder in 1714-30;
and was an active philanthropist. He died deputy-governor in 1740 and governor in
in Newark, N. J., April 25, 1884. 1740-43. He died in Newport, R. I., Aug.

Ward, Nancy, Cherokee Indian prophet- 21, 1763.
ess; born presumably about 1740; daugh- Ward, Samuel, patriot; born in New-
ter of an officer in the British army named port, R. I., May 27, 1725 ; was already
Ward and an Indian squaw, sister of Atta- a man of note when the Revolution oc-
culla-culla, the vice-king. She was re- curred. He had acquired a competence
garded as the inspired messenger of the in business, and had served in the Assem-
Great Spirit, and is reported to have bly of Rhode Island. . In 1761 he was
been a woman of singular beauty, with a made chief-justice, and was twice gov-
tall, straight form, raven silk hair, flash- ernor (in 1762 and from 1765 to 1767).
ing black eyes, and a strong personality; He was one of the founders of the Rhode
and had a powerful influence over the Island College (now Brown University).
Cherokees, whom she many times restrain- A firm and persistent patriot, he was re-
ed from atrocious acts against the white garded as a safe leader and had great
settlers. Her first recorded exploit was influence, and, with Stephen Hopkins, was
the rescue of Jeremiah Jack and William sent a delegate from Rhode Island to the
Rankin, two pioneers who had been capt- first Continental Congress in 1774. He
ured by a hostile band. She next rescued was also a member of the second Con-
from the stake the wife of William Bean, gress in 1775, in which he usually presided
who was the first settler beyond the Alio- when in committee of the whole. He died
ghany Mountains. Mrs. Bean was taken in Philadelphia, Pa., March 26, 1776.
prisoner near the fort at Watauga. Af- Ward, William Thomas, military offi-
ter securing her liberty Nancy sent her cer; born in Amelia county, Va., Aug. 9,
back to her husband with a strong escort. 1808; educated in St. Mary's College, near
Her greatest service, however, to the Lebanon, Ky. ; studied law and practised
whites was the constant warning of out- in Greensburg; served in the Mexican War
breaks against them, which she conveyed as major of a regiment of Kentucky volun-
through the Indian trader, John M. Lea. teers; was a member of the State legislat-
Owing to this information the whites were ure; Representative in Congress in 1851-
always prepared for the assaults of the 53; served through the Civil War as
Indians. It is said she once declared: brigadier-general of Kentucky volunteers,
"The white men are our brothers; the and commanded all troops south of Louis-
same house holds us, the same sky covers ville. He was in General Sherman's cam-
all." Had it not been for her friendship paigns, and took part in the battles pre-
the settlers would doubtless have been ceding the fall of Atlanta and in the

1S1

WARDEN— WARING

march to the sea. He was brevetted ma- Warfleld, Ethelbebt Dudley, educa-
jor-general in 1865; mustered out of the tor; born in Lexington, Ky., March 16 ;
service on Aug. 24, 1865; and resumed 1861; graduated at Princeton College in
law practice. He died in Louisville, Ky., 1882 and at Columbia Law School in
Oct. 12, 1878. 1885; president and Professor of History

Warden, David Bailie, author; born at Miami University in 1888-91; became
in Ireland in 1778; graduated at the New president and Professor of History at
York Medical College; was United States Lafayette College in the latter year;
consul at Paris in 1805-45. His publica- is chaplain-general of the Sons of the
tions include Inquiry Concerning the In- American Revolution. His publications
telleetual and Moral -Faculties and Litera- include The Kentucky Revolutions of
ture of the Negroes; Origin and Nature 1798, an Historical Study; Memoir of
of Consular Establishments; Description Joseph Cabell Breckinridge, TJ. S. N.,etc.
of the District of Columbia; Statistical, Waring, Geoboe Edwin, sanitary en-
Political, and Historical Account of the gineer; born in Poundridge, N. Y., July
United States of North America (3 vol- 4, 1833; educated in public and private
umes) ; Inquiry Into the Antiquities of schools and took a course in agriculture
North America; etc. He died in Paris, and agricultural chemistry under Pro-
France, Oct. 9, 1845. fessor Mapes in 1853. He was agricult-

Warden, Robert Bruce, author; born
in Bardstown, Ky., Jan. 18, 1824; was
admitted to the bar in 1845; became pres-
ident-judge of the Court of Common Pleas
of Cincinnati; reporter of the Supreme
Court of Ohio; and an associate judge of
that court. He wrote A Voter's Version
of the Life and Character of Stephen
Arnold Douglas; An Account of the
Private Life and Public Services of Salmon
Portland Chase, etc.

Ware, Nathaniel A., author; born
near Abbeville, S. C, Aug. 16, 1780;
taught school; studied law and practised;
removed to Natchez, Miss., where he be-
came major of militia and secretary of
the territorial government. He removed
to Philadelphia, and later to Cincin-
nati; travelled extensively, making a
study of botany, geography, and natural
science; and wrote Views of the Federal
Constitution; Notes on Political Econ-
omy, as Applicable to the United States,
etc. He died in Galveston, Tex., in
1854.

Ware, William, author; born in Hing-
liam, Mass., Aug. 3, 1797; graduated at
Harvard College in 1816 and at Harvard ural engineer of Central Park, New York
Divinity School in 1819; ordained in the City, in 1857; planned the present system
Congregational Church and held pastor- of drainage there, and was drainage en-
fites in Massachusetts and New York. He gineer of the park till the Civil War broke
was editor and proprietor of the Chris- out, when he entered the Union army as
tian Examiner in 1839-44. He wrote major of the 39th New York Volunteers,
Lectures on the Works and Oenius of and later served as colonel of the 4th Mis-
Washington Allston; a Memoir of Na- souri Cavalry, till its close. After the
thaniel Bacon, etc. He died in Cam- epidemic of yellow fever in Memphis in
bridge, Mass., Feb. 19, 1862. 1878, he changed the sewerage system of

132

GEORGE KDWTJJ WARING.

WARMOTH— WARNER

the city on an original plan, which was
adoptee 1 in many cities of the United
States. He was a member of the national
board of health for many years; was ap-
pointed assistant engineer of New Orleans
in 1894; and was commissioner of street
cleaning in New York City in 1895-98.
In 1898 he was sent to Cuba by the gov-
ernment at the head of a commission for
the purpose of selecting camp sites on the
island and making provision for sanitary
improvements in Havana and other large
cities. He spent several weeks on the isl-
and, and made a special study of condi-
tions in Havana. On his return to New
York City he was prostrated with yellow
fever, and died Oct. 29, 1898. He pub-
lished many works on drainage and sani-
tary science.

Warmoth, Henry Clay, lawyer; born
in McLeansboro, 111., May 9, 1842 ; was ad-
mitted to the bar in Lebanon, Mo., in
1861 ; entered the National army as lieu-
tenant-colonel of the 32d Missouri Infan-
try in 1862; served later on the staffs of
Gen. John A. McClernand and Gen. E. O.
C. Ord; participated in the battles of
Chickasaw Bayou, Arkansas Post, Mis-
sionary Ridge, Lookout Mountain, etc.;
was appointed military judge in the De-
partment of the Gulf, where he served till
the close of hostilities, having jurisdiction
over civil, criminal, and military cases;
was with President Johnson during his
" swing around the circle " through the
Northern and Eastern States; governor of
Louisiana in 1868-73; and collector of
customs in New Orleans in 1889-93. In
1890 he built the New Orleans, Fort
Jackson, and Grand Isle Railroad, of which
he became president.

Warner, Charles Dudley, author;
born in Plainfield, Mass., Sept. 12, 1829;
graduated at Hamilton College in 1851;
admitted to the bar in 1856; practised in
Chicago in 1856-60; engaged in journal-
ism in Hartford in 1860; became co-editor
of Harper's Magazine in 1884. He was
the author of A Book of Eloquence; The
American Newspaper; In the Wilderness;
Life of Washington Irving; Our Italy,
Southern California, etc., and the editor
of American Men of Letters; Captain John
Smith, Sometime Governor of Virginia
and Admiral of New England: A Study
of His Life and Writings; A Library of

OHAKLES DUDLEY WARNER.

the World's Best Literature, etc. He
died in Hartford, Conn., Oct. 20, 1900.

Warner, Hieam, jurist; born in Hamp-
shire county, Mass., Oct. 29, 1802; re-
ceived an academic education; removed
to Georgia in 1819, and taught school
there for three years; admitted to the bar
and began practice in Knoxville, Ga., in
1825; member of the State House of Rep-
resentatives in 1828-31 ; judge of the
Superior Court of the State in 1833 and
in 1836-40; judge of the Supreme Court
of the State in 1845-53; and was elected
to Congress in 1855. He was again ap-
pointed a judge of the Supreme Court, on
the reorganization of the judiciary of
the State, and became its chief-justice in
1872. He died in Atlanta, Ga., in 1881.

Warner, Seth, military officer; born in
Roxbury, Conn., May 17, 1743; was a
man of noble bearing, sound judgment,
energy, and pure patriotism. With his
father, Dr. Benjamin Warner, he went to
Bennington in 1765, and became, with
Ethan Allen, a principal leader in the
disputes between New York and the New
Hampshire Grants. He and Allen were
outlawed by the State of New York,
and a reward was offered for their ar-
rest. He captured Ticonderoga, May 12,
1775, and on July 27 was appointed colo-
nel of Vermont militia. He joined the
Northern army and was at the siege
33

WARNER— WARBEN

of St. John. He defeated an attempt circuit attorney in 1869; and mayor in
of General Carleton to relieve the garri- 1871; was United States district attorney
son. The next year he performed signal for western Missouri in 1882-84; member
service during the retreat of the Ameri- of Congress in 1885-89; and was the first
cans from Canada. On the retreat of the department commander of the Grand Army
Americans from Ticonderoga (July 4) of the Republic of Missouri, and command-
in 1777 he again performed good service, er-in-chief of the national encampment in
In the command of the rear-guard he 1888.

fought a severe battle at Hubbardton, Warren, Gouvernetjb Kemble, military

and was compelled to retreat. At the officer; born in Cold Spring, N. Y., Jan. 8,

battle near Bennington he and his com- 1830; graduated at West Point in 1850,

mand were essential aids in obtaining a entering the topographical engineers, and

was assistant Professor of Mathematics
at the Military Academy from 1859 to
1861. He was made colonel of the 5th

victory over the invaders, and shared in
the glory of the exploit. Warner remain-
ed in the service until 1782, when his con-
stitution gave way under the strain of
fatigue and hardship, and he returned
home. He died in Eoxbury, Conn., Dec.
26, 1784.

Warner, Willaed, military officer;
born in Granville, O., Sept. 4, 1826; grad-
uated at Marietta College in 1845; re-
moved to California in 1849; and engaged
in mercantile business in Cincinnati, O.,
in 1852. He was a delegate to the Re-
publican National Convention in 1860. He
served through the Civil War; was en-
gaged at Fort Donelson, in the siege of
Corinth, the Vicksburg campaign, the
march from Vicksburg to Chattanooga,
and in the battles of Lookout Mountain,
Missionary Ridge, and Ringgold. He was
brevetted brigadier-general of volunteers
in March, 1865, for gallantry; and mus-
tered out of the service in the following
July, when he returned to Ohio, served
in the State Senate for a year, removed to
Alabama in 1867, and engaged in cotton-
planting. He was a member of the State
legislature in 1868; United States Sena-
tor in 1868-71; collector of customs at New York Volunteers, August, 1861, and
Mobile, Ala., in 1871-72; and member of commanded a brigade in the campaign of
the Republican National conventions of 1862. In September he was promoted
1868 and 1876. In 1873 he organized the brigadier-general. He engaged in the bat-
Tecumseh Iron Company, of which he was ties of Manassas (or second Bull Run),
general manager, and became president Antietam, and Fredericksburg. After Feb.
and manager of the Nashville Iron, Steel, 4, 1863, he was chief of topographical en-
and Charcoal Company in 1887. gineers of the Army of the Potomac. He

Warner, William, lawyer; born in was engaged in the battles of Chancellors-
Wisconsin in 1840; educated at Laurence ville and Gettysburg (where he was wound-
University, Wis., and at the University of ed), and in the combats at Auburn and
Michigan; admitted to the bar; served Bristow's Station. In March, 1864, he
through the Civil War in the 33d and was placed in command of the 5th Army
44th Wisconsin regiments ; and at its close Corps, which post he held until April,
engaged in law practice in Kansas City, 1865, in the campaign against Richmond,
Mo. He became city attorney in 1867; having been made major-general of volun-

134

GOUVERNEUR KEMBLE WARREN.

WARREN

teers in May, 1863. In that campaign he
was exceedingly active and efficient, from
the battle of the ^Wilderness to the battle
of Five Forks. In March, 1865, he was
brevetted major - general, United States
army. He was the author of Explorations
in the Dakota Country; Preliminary Re-
port of Explorations in Nebraska and Da-
kota in the Tears 1855-57; and An Ac-
count of the 5th Army Corps at the Bat-
tle of Five Forks. He died in New-
port, E. I., Aug. 8, 1882. A memorial
statue of him was erected on Little Kound
Top, Gettysburg, in 1888.

Warren, John Collins, surgeon; born
in Boston, Mass., Aug. 1, 1778; graduated
at Harvard College in 1797; began prac-
tice of medicine in Boston, in 1802; was
assistant Professor of Anatomy and Sur-
gery in the Harvard Medical School in
1806-15, professor in 1815— 47; and emeri-
tus professor in 1847-56. He was one of
the founders of the Massachusetts General
Hospital and the McLean Asylum for the
Insane; president of the Massachusetts
Medical Society, of the Massachusetts
Temperance Society, and of the Boston So-
ciety of Natural History; and founder and
editor of the Boston Medical and Surgical
Journal. He successfully applied ether in
a surgical operation in the Massachusetts
General Hospital in 1846. He was one of
the editors of the Monthly Anthology and
Boston Review. He died in Boston, Mass.,
May 4, 1856.

Warren, Joseph, physician; born in
Roxbury, Mass., June 11, 1741; killed in
battle, June 17, 1775; graduated at Har-
vard College in 1759; studied medicine;
began practice in 1764 in Boston, and by
his successful treatment of small-pox pa-
tients acquired a high reputation among
the faculty. In politics he was in ad-
vance of public opinion in general, hold-
ing the doctrine that the British Par-
liament had no right to levy a tax of any
kind upon the colonies. When, in 1772,
Samuel Adams declined to deliver the an-
nual oration on the anniversary of the
Boston massacre, Dr. Warren took his
place, and exhibited great ability. He
again delivered the anniversary oration in
1775 in the midst of the danger caused
by the presence of British troops and the
exasperation of the citizens. He had been
made a member of the Boston committee

JOSEPH WAKREN.

135

of correspondence in 1772, and worked in-
cessantly and effectively for the cause of
the colonists. He was a delegate to the
Suffolk county convention, and was chair-
man of the committee appointed to ad-
dress Governor Gage on the subject of the
fortifications on Boston Neck and other
grievances. He sent him two papers, writ-
ten by himself, which were communicated
to the Continental Congress. As delegate
in the Massachusetts Provincial Congress
in 1774 he was made its president; also
the chairman of the committee of safety.

The successful result to the patriots of
the affair at Lexington and Concord was
mainly due to the energy and vigilance
of Dr. Warren. He was commissioned ma-
jor-general by the Massachusetts Congress,
June 14, 1775. Warren opposed the project
of fortifying Charlestown Heights — Bunk-
er (Breed's) Hill — because of the scarcity
of powder, and to this cause the defeat
of the provincials is chiefly chargeable.
When a majority of a council of war
and the committee of safety decided to
fortify Bunker Hill, he resolved to take
part in the enterprise. " I beg you not
to expose your person, Dr. Warren," said
Elbridge Gerry, " for your life is too valu-
able to us." " I know that I may fall,"

WARREN"

replied Warren, " but where's the man plish the dame thing by individual sover-
who does not think it glorious and delight- eignty. In his opinion a righteous reward
ful to die for his country?" Just before for labor was a similar amount of labor,
the battle began he went to the redoubt which view he illustrated by the hypoth-
on Breed's Hill with a musket in his hand, esis, " If I am a bricklayer, and need the
and was offered the command by Colonel services of a physician, an hour of my
Prescott and General Putnam, but de- work in bricklaying is the proper recom-
clined, and fought as a volunteer in the pense to be given the physician for an
ranks. He was one of the last to leave hour of his services." He carried out
the redoubt. As he moved away towards this plan in Cincinnati, O., where for two
Bunker Hill an officer of the British army years he was successful in an enterprise
who knew him called the " time store." He was the au-
called out to him thor of True Civilization, in which he ex-
by name to sur- plained his theories. He died in Boston,
render, at the Mass., April 14, 1874.
same time com- Warren, Mercy, historian; born in
manding his men Barnstable, Mass., Sept. 25, 1728; was
to cease firing.
As Warren turn-
ed, attracted by
the voice, a bul-
let penetrated his
brain and he fell
dead. The Con-
tinental Congress
voted him a mon-
ument, and re-
solved to educate
his infant son at
the public ex-
pense. The mon-
ument was never
erected by the government, but the Bunker
Hill monument was unveiled on the
famous hill, June 17, 1857. A masonic
lodge in Charlestown erected a monu-
ment in 1794 on the spot where he fell.
Tt was composed of a brick pedestal 8
feet square, rising 10 feet from the ground,
and supporting a Tuscan column of wood
18 feet in height. This was surmounted
by a gilt cross, bearing the inscription
" J. W., aged 35," entwined with masonic
emblems. Upon the pedestal was an ap-
propriate inscription., The monument stood
thus forty years, when it gave way to the
Bunker Hill monument. A beautiful model
of Warren's monument stands within the
base of the huge granite obelisk.

Warren, Jostah, reformer; born in
1799; became known through his connec- and active as that of her fiery brother 5 ,
tion with Robert Owen in the latter's but she was restrained from taking public
attempt to establish a socialistic commu- part in the politics of the day by her
nity in 1825-26 in New Harmony, Ind. sex. She was a poet of much excellence,
The failure of this experiment greatly dis- and corresponded with the leading states-
couraged him, but he sought to accom- men of the day. She excelled in dramatic

136

J3M

9RP

■ '■' ■'■ ri

^=H l^pffe :■

■BHiii

'I'll'ffiMJHfe;:.'

'ii iiiiiiiliiiiiiiiE?;

mwnm i

,,■„,, W -;. fr .,;j}-.

warren's monument.

MERCY WARRKX.

the wife of Gen. James Warren and sister
of James Otis. Her mind was as strong

WARREN— WASHBURN

composition, and produced The Group, a in 1798, and entered the navy in 1800,

political satire; The Adulator; and two He was an officer of the Chesapeake at the

tragedies of five acts each, called The Sack time of her encounter with the Leopard,

of Rome, and Ladies of Castile. The latter (see Chesapeake, The). For his capture

were written during the earlier years of of the Epervier (see Peacock, The) Con-

the Revolutionary War, and published in gress gave him the thanks of the nation

1778, and were full of patriotic sentiments, and a gold medal. In June, 1815, while

Her complete poetical works were publish- cruising in the East India waters, he capt-

ed in 1790. In 1805 Mrs. Warren com- ured the N autilus, the last prize of the war.

pleted and published a History of the Rev- He died in Washington, D. C, Oct. 12, 1851.

olutionary War (3 volumes). She died Wars of the United States. The fol-

in Plymouth, Oct. 19, 1814. lowing is a list of the most important wars

Warren, Sir Peter, naval officer; born in which the United States have engaged:

in Ireland, in , 1702 ; entered the British

navy in 1727, and was commodore in w»r» of the United state*.

1745, when he commanded an expedition Revo]ution

against Louisburg, joining the land forces Northwestern Indian )

from Massachusetts under General Pepper- - <Gel " '"' : i:l: ' : " !

ell. He took possession of Louisburg on

June 17. Afterwards he was made a

rear-admiral, and, in 1747, defeated the

French in an action off Cape Finis-

terre, capturing the greater part of

their fleet. Admiral Warren married the

eldest daughter of Stephen De Lancey, of

New York, and became the owner of a

large tract of land in the Mohawk region,

in charge of which he placed his nephew,

William Johnson, afterwards Sir William.

Sir Peter died in Ireland, July 29, 1752.

Warrington, Lewis, naval officer; born
in Williamsburg, Va., Nov. 3, 1782; grad-
uated at the College of William and Mary NezPercS Indian.

Ute Indian

Witli France*

With Tripoli*

Tecumseb Indian (Gen- 1

eral Harrison) j

Creek Indian

1812, with Great Britain..

Algerine*

Seminole Indian

Black Hawk Indian

Cherokee Disturbance or |

Removal \

Creek Indian Disturbance.

Florida Indian

Aroostook Disturbance.

With Mexico

Apache, Navajo, and Utah.

Comanche Indian

Seminole Indian

The Civil, or Rebellion...

Sioux Indian

Modoc Indian

Sioux Indian

With Spain.

April 19, 1775

Sept. 19, 1T90

July 9, 1798
June 10, 1801

Sept. 11, 1811

Aug. 13, 1813
June 19, 1812
May, 1815
Nov. 20, 1817
April 21, 1831

1836

May 5, 1836

Dec.;23, 1835

1838

April 24, 1S46
1849
1854
1856

April 21, 1861
1862
1872

June 25, 1876
1877
1879

April 21, 1898

April 11, 1783

Aug. 3, 1795

Sept. 30, 180C
June 4, 1805

Nov. 11, 1811

Aug. 9,1814
Feb. 17, 1815

June 28, 1815
Oct. 21, 1818

Sept. 31, 1832

1837

Sept. 30, 1837
Aug. 14, 1843

1839
July 4, 1848

1855

1854

1858
May 11, 1865

1862
June, 1873

1876
October, 1877

1879
Aug. 12, 1898

I.KWIS WARRINGTON.

* Naval warfare.

Warwick River, Skirmish on. On
April 16, 1862, a division of the 4th
Corps, General Smith, attacked some Con-
federates between the mills of Lee and
Wisner, on the Warwick Eiver. They were
from McClellan's army, then besieging the
Confederate lines at Yorktown. The at-
tempt to carry the intrenchments there

I failed, with a loss of 100 men. The Con-

| federates lost seventy-five.

[ Washburn, Emory, jurist; born in
Leicester, Mass., Feb. 14, 1800; graduated
at Williams College in 1817; admitted to
the bar in 1821; practised iri Leicester,
Mass., in 1821-28; settled in Worcester in
the latter year and was there prominent
in his profession for about thirty years ;
judge of the court of commcn pleas in

I 1844-48; elected governor of Massachu-
setts in 1853 and 1854; Professor of Latf

137

WASHBURNE— WASHINGTON

at Harvard University in 1856-76. He
was the author of Judicial History of
Massachusetts ; History of Leicester;
Treatise on the American Law of Real
Property; Treatise on the American Law
of Easements and Servitudes, etc. He
died in Cambridge, Mass., March 18, 1877.

Washburne, Cadwallader Colden,
military officer; born in Livermore, Me.,
April 22, 1818; brother of Elihu Benjamin
Washburne; was a land surveyor in early
life, and afterwards a lawyer; went West
in 1839, and finally settled at La Crosse,
Wis., in 1859. He was in Congress from
1856 to 1862; a delegate to the peace con-
ference in 1801, and soon after the attack
on Fort Sumter he raised the 2d Wisconsin
Cavalry, of which he became colonel, and,
in December, 1861, conducted a successful
expedition from Helena, Ark., into the
interior of Mississippi. He was exceeding-
ly active and efficient in the command of
divisions in operations around Vicksburg
in 1863, and afterwards served with dis-
tinction under Banks in Louisiana. He
was made brigadier-general of volunteers
in July, 1862, and major-general in
November. From 1867 till 1871 he was
a member of Congress, and in the latter
year was chosen governor of Wisconsin.
He died in Eureka Springs, Ark., May 14,
1882.

Washburne, Elihtj Benjamin, diplo-
matist; born in Livermore, Me., Sept. 23,
1816; was first a printer and then a
lawyer, and settled to practice in Galena,
111. He was in Congress from 1853 to
1869 continuously (excepting one term),
where he was a Republican leader and
chairman of the committee on commerce
(1857-65). He was awarded the title of
" Father of the House." He procured the
appointment of Ulysses S. Grant as brig-

adier-general, and when the latter became
President he called Washburne to a seat
in his cabinet as Secretary of State. He
soon afterwards accepted the mission to
France, which he retained throughout the
Franco-Prussian War. He edited History
of the English Settlement in Edwards
County, Illinois. He died in Chicago, 111.,
Oct. 22, 1887.

Washington, Booker Taliafebeo, edu-
cator; born of negro parents near Hale's
Ford, Va., about 1859; graduated at
Hampton Institute, Va., in 1875; and was
an instructor there till 1881, when he was
elected principal of the Tuskegee Normal
and Industrial Institute. His success in
organizing and directing that institution
has brought him into much prominence.
He has also attained a high reputation as
a speaker on educational and racial sub-
jects. His publications include Sowing
and Reaping, and Up from Slavery. In
October, 1901, on the invitation of Presi-
dent Roosevelt, he dined at the White
House, an incident which created a storm
of disapproval in the Southern States.

Washington, Bushrod, jurist; born in
Westmoreland county, Va., June 5, 1762;
a nephew of President Washington; grad-
uated at the College of William and Mary
in 1778, and studied law with James Wil-
son, in Philadelphia, becoming a success-
ful practitioner. At Yorktown he served
as a private soldier, and was a member of
the Virginia Assembly in 1787; also a
member of the Virginia convention that
ratified the national Constitution. In
December, 1798, he was appointed asso-
ciate justice of the United States Supreme
Court, which office he held until his death,
in Philadelphia, Nov. 26, 1829. He was
the first president of the American Col-
onization Society.

WASHINGTON, CITY OF

Washington, city and capital of the " The City of Magnificent Distances " ;

United States of America; originally population, 1900, 278,718; 1906 (esti-

planned for the national capital by Presi- mated), 330,000.

dent Washington, Andrew Ellicott, and Location, Area, etc. — The city is now

Major Pierre Charles L'Enfant, the City coextensive with the District of Colum-

of Versailles, France, being selected as its bia; is on the east bank of the Potomac

model ; first known as " The Federal River between the Anacostia, or East

City," subsequently named in honor of Branch, and Rock Creek on the west; is

the first President; popularly known as separated by the Potomac from Virginia

138

WASHINGTON - , CITY OF

and otherwise bounded by Maryland; and
has an area of 69*4 square miles. It is
40 miles from Baltimore, 106 above the
mouth of the Potomac, 136 from Phila-
delphia, 185 from the Atlantic Ocean, and
230 from New York. The river here is
one mile wide and is accessible to coast-

costia rivers. Hills rising ill places to
from 150 to 400 feet form a picturesque
amphitheatre and admirably set off the
majestic Capitol which occupies a site
ninety feet above the level of the Poto-
mac. The streets and avenues are from
70 to 160 feet wide. The former extend

wise ships of ordinary draught, this being north, south, east, and west, and the latter

its highest navigable'point. The city is
on the line of the Baltimore & Ohio, the
Baltimore & Potomac (Pennsylvania sys-
tem), the Philadelphia, Wilmington, &
Baltimore, the Chesapeake & Ohio, and
several branch railways, and on the
Chesapeake & Ohio Canal.

The main part of the city is connected
with the suburbs by several bridges. In
1901 Congress authorized the replacing of
the famous Long Bridge, uniting the city
with the Virginia shore, by a new struc-
ture for railway purposes exclusively, and
the construction of a new bridge for
general highway traffic a little to the
south. The new Long Bridge was com-
pleted in 1904. Georgetown, or West
Washington, is sonnected with Virginia
by the Aqueduct Bridge, separate bridges
connect the city with the Anacostia and
Twining suburbs, an iron truss bridge has
supplanted the old chain bridge at Little
Falls, and there is an iron bridge, Ben-
ning's, about a mile above the Navy-yard.

Topography. — -Washington is the result
of the first attempt in America to create
a city for a specific purpose. Francis
Pope, an eccentric Englishman, purchased
the site of the city in 1663, and under-
took to establish a modern Home, giving
that name to the place, calling the chief
branch of the river the Tiber, and the
most elevated portion the Capitoline Hill.
After, the States of Maryland and Vir-
ginia had jointly ceded a tract of land
for a Federal district, Congress provided
(1791) for the laying out of the city.
Under this authority, President Washing-
ton availed himself of his skill as a sur-
veyor and designated the boundaries of
the city and where its public squares and
buildings should be located. The actual
work of starting the city was based on
topographical plans drawn up by Mr.
Ellicott and Major L'Enfant, the latter
a French engineer.

The main portion of the city is on a
peninsula between the Potomac and Ana-

139

are in two series, one radiating from the
Capitol, the other from the White House,
and these are named after the States.
There is a liberal provision of public
squares and " circles " at the intersec-
tion of the leading thoroughfares, and
streets and avenues are bountifully
fringed with shade trees, in some places
four rows deep. Massachusetts Avenue
extends entirely across the city, and has
many fine residential sections. Pennsyl-
vania Avenue, especially between the
Capitol and the White House, is the
principal thoroughfare, 160 feet wide, and
containing the leading hotels, theatres,
and stores. With the interruptions of
the Capitol and White House grounds,
it also extends across the city. Of the
cross streets, 7th, intersecting Pennsyl-
vania Avenue between the Capitol and
Treasury Building, and containing many
retail stores, and 14th are the most im-
portant. F Street, between 7th and 15th,
is the leading shopping centre, and 9th
Street, from Pennsylvania Avenue to F
Street, is wholly devoted to business.

Public Interests. — In 1905 the city, in-
cluding the former town of Georgetown,
now known as West Washington, had 448
miles of streets, of which 270 miles were
asphalted; 448 miles of sewers; a water-
works system owned by the city that cost
$10,000,000, had a daily capacity of 76,-
000,000 gallons, and was provided with a
newly completed filtration plant; a police
force of 716 men which cost annually
about $825,000; and a fire department of
329 men, costing annually about $400,000.
On April 1, 1905, the total bonded debt
was $12,051,350, due Aug. 1, 1924, being
the balance of an issue of $15,000,000.
The annual cost of maintaining the local
government was reported at $9,878,434.
Taxable property for 1904 was assessed
as follows: jteal estate, $213,250,228;
persona], $24,612,243— total, $237,862,-
471; and the tax rate was $15 per $1,000.

One of the most needed improvements

WASHINGTON, CITY OF

ever undertaken in the city is the work stretching from the Capitol on the east
of reclaiming the great stretch of hitherto to the Potomac on the west,
useless flats, which have always been a Government. — From the time of its
blot on the magnificent panorama of the creation by Acts of Congress in 1790 and
city as well as a most serious menace to 1791 till 1871 there were three separate
health. The recovery of this land and local governments in the District of
its conversion into an attractive pleasure- Columbia, consisting of the municipality
ground give the river front in the immedi- of Washington, the town of Georgetown,
ate vicinity of the Washington monu- and the Levy Court, the last having
ment a wealth of unsurpassed beauty, jurisdiction in the District outside of the
This new portion of the city's park sys- limits of the city and town. In 1871
tern is connected with the grounds about Congress abolished these separate au-
the Monument — which extend along the thorities and provided for the entire Dis-
river for more than half a mile — and is trict the form of government in operation
provided with noteworthy avenues, foot- in the organized territories, with a
ways, speeding-courses, artificial islands, governor, secretary, board of public
a series of lakes and ponds, a large basin works, a council appointed by the Presi-
for yachts and rowboats, and stretches of dent of the" United States, and a House
noble specimens of forest growth. of Delegates and a delegate in Congress

In 1901 Congress voted funds to enable elected by the citizens. This form of gov-
a commission of experts to work out a ernment lasted about three years, and it
comprehensive scheme for beautifying the was during this period that the modern-
city. This commission, selected through izing and beautifying of the city were
the agency of the American Institute of undertaken, not, however, without a re-
Architects, consists of Daniel H. Burn- markable scandal involving the local
ham, Frederick Law Olmsted, Jr., Charles officials.

F. McKim, and Augustus St.-Gaudens. In 1874 a temporary government by
It is interesting to note here that, having three commissioners was substituted, and
given the project careful preliminary con- in 1878 Congress established the present
sideration, the commission deemed it wise form, itself making all general laws for
to take the plans laid out by Washington, the District, but vesting in three com-
Ellicott, and L'Enfant as the basis of missioners authority to make a number
their scheme. The reclamation of the of essential regulations of a purely
Potomac flats by United States Engineers municipal character. Two of the com-
at a cost of nearly $2,000,000, adds a missioners are now appointed by the
problem to the general scheme of treat- President from among citizens of the Dis-
ment that was not considered in the trict, one Republican and one Democrat,
original planning of the city. and the third one, who must be an engi-

In October, 1905, plans were perfected neer officer of the army, is detailed by the
for a new Municipal Building to cost President. All subordinate officials are
$2,500,000, and to be erected in the appointed by the commissioners. The
triangle designated by the Park Commis- civilian commissioners are appointed for
sioners for public buildings. The new a term of three years; the military com-
edifice was designed with the idea of missioner serves during the pleasure of
working it into the scheme for beautify- the President; each receives a salary of
ing Pennsylvania Avenue and the Mall. $5,000 per annum; and the military mem-
South of it will be the new Agricultural ber is relieved of all other duty while
Department Building and the new Na- serving as commissioner. At the present
tional Museum. At the above date time the District is not directly repre-
visitors were able to see a marked im- sented in Congress, and the citizens have
provement in the stretch of parking no elective privileges.

from the Capitol to the White House. Hanking and Insurance. — On Sept. 6,
When the architects, landscape gardeners, 1904, there were reported twelve national
and bridge-builders have finished this sec- banks in operation, having a combined
tion of the city, it will have one of the capital of $3,777,000; surplus, $2,840,000;
most beautiful parkways in the world, individual deposits, $21,249,505 ; outstand-

140

WASHINGTON, CITY OF

ing circulation, $2,409,667; loans and of Government establishments and insti-
discounts, $16,119,531; and assets and tutions. The principal Government items
liabilities balancing at $36,414,962. were printing and publishing to the value
Four loan and trust companies reported of $4,292,804; steel engraving and print-
combined capital, $6,200,000; surplus, ing, $2,273,859; and ordnance and ord-
$1,950,000; individual deposits, $16,335,- nance stores, $2,208,159.
207; and resources and liabilities, $24,- Churches and Charities. — There are up-
975,565. In the year ending Sept. 30, ward of 250 -church edifices and other
1904, the exchanges at the United States places of worship, the Baptist and
clearing-house here amounted to $208,- Methodist congregations leading denomi-
539,093, an increase in a year of $5,310,- nationally. The most noteworthy Baptist
053. Church is Calvary, on H and 8th streets.

The city has thirteen home fire-insur- Among the Methodist churches the Metro-

ance companies, more than 100 other politan, on C and 4% streets, the Foundry,

American and foreign ones, including all on G near 14th street, and the Mount

the principal companies in the world, and Vernon, on K and 9th streets, are the most

eight accident-insurance companies. conspicuous. The Roman Catholic

Commerce. — The old United States Cus- churches include St. Matthew's, on Rhode

torn House at Georgetown, now West Island Avenue near Connecticut Avenue,

Washington, is still maintained, and in which is usually attended by Catholic

the fiscal year ending June 30, 1905, im- members of the Diplomatic Corps; St.

ports of merchandise to the value of Aloysius's, on North Capitol and I streets ;

$357,339 were registered here. The ton- St. Dominic's, on F and 6th streets, and

nage movement of the year comprised the St. Augustine's, on 15th Street. The prin-

entrance of American sailing-vessels of cipal Protestant Episcopal churches are

3,987 registered tonnage and of foreign St. John's, fronting Lafayette Square, a

sailing-vessels of 322 tonnage. venerable structure that Presidents Mad-

Manufactures. — Although Washington ison and Monroe attended ; the Epiphany,
is not a manufacturing city in the general on G Street ; and the Ascension, on Massa-
acceptation of the term, it is deserving chusetts Avenue and 12th Street, con-
of note that in the period 1890-1900 there sidered by many the handsomest church
was an increase of 20 per cent, in the edifice in the city. Presbyterianism is
number of industrial plants; of 45.4 per represented by the First, on 4% Street
cent, in amount of aggregate capital; of near C; the Covenant, on Connecticut
21 per cent, in number of wage-earners; Avenue and 18th Street; and the New
of 19 per cent, in amount of aggregate York Avenue, on that avenue near 14th
wages; and of 21.2 per cent, in aggregate Street. Other churches deserving of men-
value of products. According to the tion are the Garfield Memorial (Chris-
United States census of 1900 there were tian), on Vermont Avenue near N Street;
in the city 3,173 manufacturing and All Souls' (Unitarian), on L and 14th
mechanical industries, which were oper- streets; Church of Our Father (Univer-
ated on a total capital of $42,081,065; em- salist), on L and 13th streets; and the
ployed 24,842 wage-earners; paid for First Congregational, on G and 10th
wages $14,692,806, and for materials used streets.

in manufacturing $19,451,085; and had a The philanthropic side of Washington

combined product valued at $47,902,109. life reflects comprehensive preparation

Included in the foregoing were eighty- and adequate sustentation. The hospitals
five plants belonging to the Federal Gov- include the Government Asylum for the
ernment, representing a capital investment Insane of the Army, Navy, and District of
of $17,652,110; employing an average of Columbia, the Providence, Garfield, Emer-
8,396 persons; paying $6,357,377 for gency, National Homoeopathic, Children's,
wages and $2,731,104 for materials; and Columbia for Women, Freedmen's, and Sib-
having a combined output valued at $9,- ley Memorial. Of homes and retreats
887,355. Twenty per cent, of the total there are the Washington, St. Joseph's,
value of the manufacturing and mechani- St. Ann's, and St. Vincent's orphan asy-
cal industries of the city was the product lums; the Louise Home for Indigent

141

WASHINGTON, CITY 01?

REMAINS OF THE CAPITOL AFTER THE FIRE, 1814.

Gentlewomen; a Home for the Aged; for colored youth), the Business, Central,
House of the Good Shepherd; Industrial Eastern, M Street, and Western high
Home and School; and a Soldiers' Home schools (the last for colored youth),
for disabled soldiers of the regular army, and twenty-five private schools, of which
the favorite summer retreat of President all excepting eight were non-sectarian.
Lincoln. For higher instruction there were 7

Schools and Colleges. — The last official colleges and universities, together re-
reports gave the school population at 63,- porting 4 fellowships, 62 scholarships,
628, of whom 48,745 were enrolled in the 1,726 students in all departments,
public schools, and 38,038 were in average 485 professors and instructors, 192,848
daily attendance. The private-school en- volumes in the libraries, $254,000 in li-
rolment was estimated at 5,000. There brary property, $271,145 in scientific ap-
were 143 buildings used for public-school paratus, furniture, etc., $4,952,607 in
purposes, and the value of all public- grounds and buildings, and $1,418,171 in
school property was reported at $5,721,- productive funds. The institutions were
000. During the last school year under the Catholic University of America (R.
. review the receipts were $812,798 from the C), opened in 1889; Columbian Univer-
Federal treasury and $812,797 from sity (Bapt), 1821, now known as the
municipal appropriations, a total of George Washington University; Gallaudet

College (non-sect.), 1864; Georgetown
University (R. C), 1789; Gonzaga Col-
lege (R. C), 1821; Howard University
(non-sect.), 1867; and St. John's Col-
lege (R. C), 1870. To the foregoing
should be added the American University
(Meth. Epis.), the establishment of
which was authorized by the General Con-
ference in 1892, and whose first building,
the College of History, was dedicated in
1897, and the Monastery and College of
the Holy Land (R. C), established by the
Franciscan Friars of the Holy Land for
aEMAras of thk pkesident's hocse after the fire, 18H. training missionaries, and dedicated in

1899. There was one college exclusively for
$1,625,595, and the expenditures were women, Trinity (R. C), 1900. Conspicu-
$1,617,809, of which $954,888 was for ous among the private secondary schools is
teaching and supervision. For secondary the Convent of the Visitation, near George-
instruction there were two public nor- town University, founded in 1799 and the
mal schools, the Armstrong and McKin- oldest house of the order in America,
ley manual training schools (the former Professional school* included three of

142

WASHINGTON, CITY OS

theology, six of law, four of medicine, Clark Mills, at intersection of Pennsyl-

four of dentistry, two of pharmacy, one vania and New Hampshire avenues and

of veterinary surgery, and eight for train- 23d Street; cost $50,000.

ing nurses, connected with the hospitals. Equestrian statue of Gen. Winfleld

The National Deaf Mute College and Scott, by H. K. Brown, at intersection of

Columbia Institution for the Deaf and Massachusetts and Rhode Island avenues;

Dumb is the only college for deaf mutes cost $20,000; and another by Launt

in the world. The public, school, depart- Thompson at the Soldiers' Home; cost

mental, and society libraries number $18,000.

ninety and contain upward of 2,715,000 Colossal bronze statue of Lincoln, by

volumes and nearly 1,000,000 pamphlets. Thomas Ball, in Lincoln Park; cost $17,-

Monuments. — There is no city in Amer- 000; another by Lot Flannery in Judici-

ica so justly entitled to the popular ary Square.

name of " Monumental City " as Wash- Bronze equestrian statue of Gen. John
ington. Surpassing all others in size and B. MePherson, by Louis T. Robisso, in
historical interest is the Washington MePherson Square; cost $48,500.
Monument on the Mall near 14th Bronze equestrian statue of Gen. Na-
Street, the corner-stone of which was laid thanael Greene, by Lot Plannery, on Stan-
July 4, 1848. The inception of the work ton Square; cost $50,000.
was due to a popular association organ- Lafayette Monument with statues of
ized to honor the first President by the Lafayette, Rochambeau, d'Estaing, de
tallest monument in the world. The sum Grasse, and Duportail, by Antoine Fal-
of $230,000 was raised by voluntary sub- quiere and Antonin Mercie, at southeast
scription and after this sum had been corner of Lafayette Square,
expended the work of construction ceased Bronze statue of Gen. John A. Rawlins,
till Congress in 1876 directed its comple- by Bailey, on Pennsylvania Avenue near
tion. Col. Thomas L. Casey, U. S. Engi- 9th Street.

neers, was placed in charge of the new Statue of Daniel Webster, by Trente-

work, and the great monument was com- noro, on Scott Circle.

pleted in 1885. The monument rests on Statue of Admiral David G. Farragut,

a foundation 104 feet square and 37 feet by Vinnie Ream, on Farragut Square,

deep; is built of Maryland marble lined Equestrian statue of Gen. George H.

with gneiss; the walls are 15 feet thick Thomas, by Ward, at' intersection of

at the base, 12 feet at the height of 152 Massachusetts and Vermont avenues and

feet, 8 feet at 162 feet, and ly 2 at the 14th Street.

top; the base of the shaft is 55 feet 5% Marble statue of Benjamin Franklin on

inches square, its top at the base of the Pennsylvania Avenue and 10th Street,

pyramid 34 feet 5% inches; extreme Bronze statue of Martin Luther in

height, 555 feet 5% inches; weight, in- Luther Place.

eluding foundation, 81,117 long tons; Bronze statue of President Garfield, by

total cost, $1,187,710. It is thus the Ward, at Maryland Avenue entrance to

highest stone structure in the world, and Capitol Park.

is only surpassed in height by the steel Heroic bronze statue of Admiral S. F.

Eiffel Tower in Paris. The top is reached Dupont, by Launt Thompson, in Dupont

by an interior stairway and elevator. Circle.

The following is a brief mention of Equestrian statue of Gen. Winfleld S.

other conspicuous monuments: Hancock on Pennsylvania Avenue and

Colossal marble monument to Washing- 7th Street.

ton, by Horatio Greenough, originally in- Naval Monument on Pennsylvania

tended for the Rotunda of the Capitol, Avenue near entrance to Capitol Grtfunds.

but subsequently erected in the East Statue of Chief-Justice Marshall, by

Park; cost $40,000. Story, on the Capitol Grounds.

Bronze equestrian statue of Andrew Bronze group, " Gallaudet Teaching

Jackson, by Clark Mills, in Lafayette Deaf Child," by Daniel C. French, on

Square; cost $50,000. grounds of National Deaf Mute College.

Another monument to Washington, by Colossal marble statues of " Peace " and

142

WASHINGTON, CITY OF

" War " on the right and left of entrance from the floor to the top of the canopy,

to Capitol. The dome, originally of wood, now of

Bronze statue " Liberty," by Crawford, iron, is crowned by a bronze statue of

surmounting dome of the Capitol. " Liberty," 19 feet 6 inches high, weighing

Statue of Frederick the Great, pre- 14,985 pounds, modelled by Crawford. The

sented to the American people by Em- height of the dome above the base line

peror William II. and unveiled with in- of the east front is 287 feet 5 inches;

ternational ceremonies Nov. 19, 1904, on from the top of the balustrade of the

esplanade of American War College. building 217 feet 11 inches; its greatest

The old Hall of Representatives, now diameter at the base is 135 feet 5 inches,

known as the National Statuary Hall, The different rooms of the Capitol are

is a magnificent room, semicircular in striking both in architectural appearance

form, 96 feet long and 57 feet high to and in artistic treatment. The total cost

the apex of the ceiling, which is painted of the Capitol was $13,000,000.

in panel in imitation of the ceiling of the Historically, the southeast corner-stone

Pantheon in Home. This hall was set of the original building was laid by Presi-

apart by Congress in 1864 for its present dent Washington on Sept. 18, 1793. The

purpose, each State was invited to send north wing was finished in 1800 and the

to it statues of two of its most eminent south wing in 1811. On Aug. 24, 1814,

men, and there is now a goodly array of the interior of both wings was destroyed

statues of the distinguished Americans of by fire, set by the British. The central

the past. Here should be noted a statue portion of the building was begun in 1818,

of " Liberty " by Causici, one of " His- and the original building was completed

tory " by Franzoni, and an eagle by Vala- in 1827 at a cost of $2,433,844. The

perti. corner-stone of the extensions was laid

Government Buildings. — The National July 4, 1851, by President Fillmore, and

Capitol is the most magnificent public these portions were first occupied for

building in the world. It fronts east and legislative purposes Jan. 4, 1859.

stands on a plateau 88 feet above the The White House, or official residence

level of the Potomac. The entire length of the President, so named because built

of the building from north to south is of stone painted white, was first occupied

751 feet 4 inches, its greatest dimension by President Adams in 1800, was burned

from east to west is 350 feet, and the area by the British in 1814, was restored in

of ground covered by it is 153,112 square 1818, and was considerably enlarged to ac-

feet. The material used in the walls of commodate increased business in 1902.

the central portion is a light yellow free- It is two stories in height, with a portico

stone painted white, that of the walls of en the north side containing the main

the two wings or extensions is white entrance. Even in its present size and

marble from the quarries at Lee, Mass., arrangement it is wholly inadequate to

and that of the columns from the quar- the public requirements, and plans have

ries at Cockeysville, Md. The Senate been prepared for extensive alterations

Chamber is 113 feet 3 inches long by 80 and further enlargement,

feet 3 inches wide and 36 feet high, and The Congressional Library, erected on

has galleries that will accommodate the square facing the east side of the

1,000 persons. The Representatives' Hall Capitol, at a cost of more than $6,000,000,

is 139 feet long by 93 feet wide and 36 three stories high, 470 feet long by 340

feet high. A grand bronze door, designed feet wide, constructed of white New

by Randolph Rogers, and cast by von Hampshire granite, and having accom-

Miiller in Munich, 17 feet high, 9 feet modations for 6,000,000 volumes, took the

wide, weight 20,000 pounds, cost $28,000, place of the original Library of Congress,

and representing the history of Columbus founded in 1800, burned in 1814, and

and the discovery of America, gives en- again partially in 1851, and \ised till the

trance to the Rotunda from the east completion of the new building in 1897.

portico. The State, War, and Navy Department

The Rotunda is 97 feet 6 inches in Building, one of the largest of the public

diameter, and 180 feet 3 inches in height edifices, is a granite structure just west

144

WASHINGTON, CITY OE

of the White House, Roman Doric in
style, 567 feet long, 342 feet wide, and
fflur stories high, with four fronts. The
State Department occupies the south por-
tion, the War Department the north wing,
and the Navy Department the east wing.
The building contains 566 rooms, and cost
$11,000,000.

The Patent Office, a bureau of the De-
partment of the Interior, gives name to a
building in the central part of the city,
built of granite, marble, and freestone,
453 feet long by 351 feet wide, embellished
with a classic pediment supported by six-

Square, 400 feet long, 200 feet wide, and
75 feet high, is conspicuous because of
a band of sculpture in terra-cotta, 3 feet
high and 1,200 feet long, on the exterior,
and on a level with the second floor, repre-
senting an army in campaign supported
by a naval force of men and boats.

The United States Treasury Building
on 15th Street, one and a quarter miles
west of the Capitol, is 468 feet long by
264 feet wide, three stories high above
basement, is built of Virginia freestone
and Dix Island granite, contains about
200 rooms, and cost $6,000,000.

The Land Office,

formerly the Post

Office, is of white

marble, 300 feet

204 feet wide, and

stories high, cost

$1,700,000, and displays

on the 8th Street front a

sculptured representation

of the telegraph and

railroad.

Other conspicuous pub-
lic bulidings are those of
the Bureau of Education,
teen enormous Doric columns forming a the Department of Agriculture, the Army
portico. The floor of the model-room is Medical Museum and Library, the *Fish
1,350 feet long. and Fisheries Commission, the United

The Pension Building, on Judiciary States' Naval Observatory, the United
X. — k 145

MAP SHOWING THE DEFENCES OP WASHINGTON.

WASHINGTON, GEORGE

States Navy - yard, and the Soldiers'
Home.

Other Attractions. — Visitors should not
fail to visit the Smithsonian Institution,
the Botanical Gardens, the Corcoran Art
Gallery, the Congressional Cemetery, the
Zoological Park, Oak Hill Cemetery, the
Arlington House opposite West Washing-
ton, Alexandria, seven miles below Wash-
ington, and Mount Vernon, the home and
burial-place of the first President and his
wife.

History. — Much of the history of the
District of Columbia and of the city of
Washington has been outlined in the pre-
ceding narrative. Chronologically, it may
be stated that Georgetown was laid out
under an act of the Assembly in 80 lots
comprising 60 acres, May 15, 1751 ; that
the Constitution of the United States
gave Congress exclusive legislation over
such a Federal District as it might ac-
quire, Sept. 17, 1787; that Maryland
ceded to Congress a tract ten miles square
for the seat of the Federal Government,
Dec. 23, 1788; that Virginia did the same,
Dec. 3, 1789; and that Congress accepted
the site for the purpose, July 16, 1790.
In the following year President Washing-
ton appointed Thomas Johnson, Daniel
Carroll (Md.), and David Stuart (Va.)
commissioners to survey the Federal Dis-
trict, and on the completion of their work
proclaimed the lines and boundaries of
the district — a square comprising 64
square miles in Maryland and 36 in Vir-
ginia. The commissioners then agreed to
call the Federal district the " Territory
of Columbia " and the Federal city the
" City of Washington," and to name the
streets of the latter alphabetically one
way and numerically the other.

Congress first met in Washington Nov.
17, 1800, and assumed jurisdiction of the
District Feb. 27, 1801. The city was in-
corporated by Congress, with a mayor ap-
pointed by the President and a council
elected by the people, May 3, 1802. After
the battle of Bladensburg, the British
entered the city and, Aug. 24, 1814, burn-

ed and destroyed the public buildings. A
new charter was granted the city, with a
mayor elected by the people, May 15,
1820; the corner-stone of the first lock in
the Chesapeake & Ohio Canal was laid
near Georgetown, May 29, 1829; the
United States Naval Observatory was
founded in 1842; and Congress retroceded
to Virginia the 36 square miles of land
received from that State, July 9, 1846.

A peace conference was held here, Feb.
4, 1861, and the first telegraph message
from a military balloon was sent by Mr.
Lowe to President Lincoln, June 18 fol-
lowing. Immediately after the battle of
Bull Bun energetic measures were taken
to place defences around the city that
should make it absolutely secure from
attack. Gen. George B. McClellan, then
freshly called to the chief command of
the forces at and near Washington,
with the assistance of Majors Barry and
Barnard, projected a series of fortifica-
tions at prominent elevated points, and
the latter two officers were detailed to con-
struct them. So vigorously was the work
prosecuted that in the course of a few
months not less than fifty-two of these
protective_ works were completed. At no
subsequent time during the war did the
Confederates ever seriously assail these
fortifications, and at no time was the
national capital really in danger.

Two Presidents of the United States
were assassinated here — -Lincoln in 1865
and Garfield in 1881. The remains of
two distinguished personages who died
abroad were brought here for final sepul-
ture — John Howard Payne, author of
" Home, Sweet Home," in 1883, and James
Smithson, founder of the Smithsonian
Institution, in 1904. The name of the
city is indissolubly attached to one of the
most important treaties in the world's
history — that between the United States
and Great Britain in 1871, and the city
was the birthplace of the principles of
international arbitration and commercial
reciprocity and of the initiative of a
second Peace Congress at The Hague.

WASHINGTON, GEORGE

Washington, George, " Father of His descended from an old and titled English
Country"; born on Pope's Creek, West- family; and was the eldest child of his
moreland co., Va., Feb. 22, 1732; was father's second wife, Mary Ball. His

146

WASHINGTON, GEORGE

father died when George was a small child,
and the task of the education and guid-
ance of the future leader through the
dangers of youthhood devolved upon his
mother. So judicious was her training
that Washington, through life, remember-
ed her affectionate care with profound
gratitude. He received a common English
education, and upon that foundation his
naturally thoughtful and right-condition-
ed mind, with the cardinal virtues of
truth, integrity, and justice, -was built the
structure of his greatness. He was al-
ways beloved by his young companions,
and was invariably chosen the leader in
their military plays.

He had a desire, at the age of fourteen
years, to become a seaman, but was dis-
suaded from embarking by his mother.
When he was seventeen years of age he
had become one of the most accurate land
surveyors in Virginia. He was appoint-
ed public surveyor at tlie age of eigh-
teen.

In pursuit of his profession, he learned
much of woodcraft and the topography
of the country; also of the habits of the

adjutant-general of the militia of a dis-
trict, with the rank of major, but soon
afterward resigned to accompany his in-
valid half-brother, Lawrence, to Barba-
does, where George had the small-pox. His
brother soon afterwards died, and by his
will George became heir to the fine estate
of Mount Vernon.

In 1753 he was sent on a delicate
mission, by the governor of Virginia, to
the commander of the French forces mak-
ing encroachments on the English domain,
and performed the duties with great credit,
for which he was thanked by the Virginia
legislature. So highly were his character
and services valued, that when, in 1775,
General Braddock came to make war on
the French, Washington was chosen his
principal aide-de-camp. After the defeat
of Braddock (see Braddock, Edward), he
directed the retreat of the vanquished
troops with great skill. At the age of
twenty-seven he married the young widow
Custis (see Washington, Martha), and
they took up their abode at Mount Vernon,
where he pursued the business of a farmer
until 1774, when he was chosen to a seat

PLAN 800WINQ FOUNDATION OP WAKEFIELD HOUSE, WESTMORELAND, VA., IN WHICH
PRESIDENT WASHINGTON WAS BORN.

Indians in the camp and on the war-path, in the Virginia legislature. He was also
These were useful lessons, of great value chosen a delegate to the first Continental
to him in after-life. At the age of nine- Congress, and was a delegate the following
teen young Washington was appointed an year, when, in June, he was appointed

147

WASHINGTON, GEORGE

commander-in-chief of the Continental
armies. For eight years Washington direct-
ed the feeble armies of the revolted colo-

ffumip lvajTu>jicdrru<rfr.

FAO-SIMILE OF THE ENTRY OF WASHINGTON'S BIRTH IN HIS MOTHER'S BIBLE.

nies in their struggle for independence.
At the return of peace he surrendered his
commission into the hands of Congress,
who gave it to him, and retired to private
life at Mount Vernon, at the close of
1783.

During all the national perplexities
after the return of peace, incident to

financial embarrassments and an imperfect
system of government, Washington was
still regarded as the public leader; and
when the conven-
tion that formed
the national Con-
stitution assembled
at Philadelphia, in
1787, he was there,
a delegate from
Virginia, and was
chosen to preside
over that body.
When, under that
Constitution, a President of the republic
was to be chosen, all eyes were turned
towards him as the fittest man for the

HOUDON'S BUST OF WASHINGTON.*

CAVE CASTLE, THE ANCIENT SEAT OF THE WASHINGTONB
IN ENGLAND.

place, and he was elected by the unanimous
voice of the people. He presided over the
affairs of the new nation eight years with
great wisdom and fidelity, and with great
skill and sagacity assisted in laying the
permanent foundations of the republic.

His administration embraced the most
critical and eventful portion of our his-

* There were several different portraits whom was Gilbert Stuart. Stuart painted

of Washington painted from life. The first
ever made was painted by Charles Wilson
Peale, and Is a three-quarter length, repre-
senting Washington In the costume of a Vir-
ginia colonel — a blue coat faced with red,
bright metal buttons, having the number *f
his regiment (22d Militia) caBt upon them,
and dark-red waistcoat and breeches. Peale
painted fourteen portraits of Washington at
different times, half-lengths and full-lengths,
the last In the fall of 1795, which Is in the
gallery of the New York Historical Society.
Other artists had sittings by Washington,
and produced portraits of various degrees of
merit, the most famous and best-known of

three portraits from life. The first one he
rubbed out, not being satisfied with it, and
the last one, the head only finished, Is the
property of the Boston Athenaeum. This is
the head most often seen, and has been ac-
cepted as the standard portrait of the
patriot ; yet Stuart himself regarded his own
portrait, as a likeness, inferior to that of the
statue by Houdon, In the capitol at Rich-
mond. The latter Is, undoubtedly, the best
likeness of Washington ever made, and should
be regarded as the standard portrait. It can-
not be otherwise, for It Is from a plaster-cast
from the living face, and a model of the rest
of the bust, both made by the sculptor himself.

148

WASHINGTON, GEORGE

tory before the Civil War. A new govern-
ment had to be organized, without any
model to follow, and to guide the ship of
state through dangerous seas required a
loftiness of character in the pilot and
commander seldom found, but Washington
was equal to the requirements of his posi-
tion, and he retired from public life with-
out the least stain of merited reproach
upon his intentions or his judgment. In
the enjoyment of domestic happiness at
Mount Vernon, for about three years, he
Was regarded more and more as the great

and good man. Suddenly, on Dec. 14,
1799, the nation was called upon to mourn
his death, after an illness of about twenty-
four hours. His last words were, " It is
well." The mother of Washington, Mary
Ball, was the daughter of Col. W. Ball, to
whom his father was married in March,
1730. George was their first-born of six
children. With these she was left a
widow when her eldest child was little
more than ten years of age. In the latter
years of her life she lived in Fredericks-
burg, in a modest house, on the northwest

WASHINGTON SURVEYING LAND IN VIRGINIA.

149

WASHINGTON, GEORGE

RE8IDENCE OF THE WASHINGTON FAMILY.*

corner of Charles and Lewis streets. There
she died, and was buried a short distance
from Fredericksburg, near a ledge of
rocks, to which she often resorted for
meditation, and which she had selected as

Washington's Addresses to the Churches,
— Washington's addresses to the Amer-
ican churches, in reply to their con-
gratulations upon his election to the
Presidency, constitute one of the most
interesting divisions of his writings, and
illustrate one of the noblest and most
salutary features of his life and influence.
The governors and legislatures of many
of the States, the mayors and aldermen
of leading cities, the presidents and trus-
tees of colleges, and the representatives
of organizations of various character
sent formal addresses to him, expressing
their satisfaction in his inauguration, and
his replies to all were full of dignity and
wisdom; but his replies to the churches,
which, as they met in general convention
or otherwise during the months suc-
ceeding his election, successively addressed
him, are especially memorable for their
revelations of his broad spirit of tolera-
tion and sympathy and their inculcation
of the duty of fraternity and mutual
respect which should always govern the
various religious bodies living together in
the free republic.

It has been well said that all lines of
our national policy seem to lead back to
Washington as all roads lead to Rome.
If party spirit becomes extravagant and
dangerous, we turn to him for the best
words with which to rebuke it. If reck-

* Soon after Washington's birth, the family
moved to an estate in Stafford county. The
her burial-place years before her death, plain farm-house in which they lived over-
„ ,, ' * , , a • 1. j looked the Rappahannock Elver. There Wash-

Over the grave stands an unfinished lngton . s father died, when the former was
monument of white marble. See Wash- about ten years of age, leaving a plantation
INGTONIANA. to each of his sons.

ISO

COMBINED ARMS OF THE WASHINGTON FAMILY.

WASHINGTON, GEORGE

less politicians would postpone the public
peace and embroil the nation for their
own selfish purposes, his word and great
example are their shame and the people's
refuge; and, whenever bigotry and intol-
erance raise their heads, and men would
stir up the animosity of one part of the
people against another in the name of re-
ligion, Washington's addresses to the
churches will still be appealed to by good
citizens. Such will remember how he
wrote to the Lutheran, the Presbyterian,
the Methodist, the Baptist, the Episcopa-
lian, the Quaker, the Universalist, the
Swedenborgian, the Roman Catholic, and
the Jew, reminding all of their common
duties as citizens, and assuring all of
the common protection of the national
government, which knows no differences
of creeds, but holds all creeds alike before
the law.

The student is referred to the valuable
essay on Washington's Religious Opin-
ions, in Sparks's edition of Washington's
Writings, vol. xii., appendix, p. 399. Two
expressions of Washington, quoted in this
essay, should be given here as well sup-

plementing the addresses printed in the
leaflet. To Lafayette Washington wrote,
Aug. 15, 1787, alluding to the proceedings
of the Assembly of Notables: "I am not
less ardent in my wish that you may
succeed in your plan of toleration in re-

washington's seal (From a letter to Bouquet, 1758).

ligious matters. Being no bigot myself,
1 am disposed to indulge the professors of
Christianity in the church with that road
to heaven which to them shall seem the

MOUNT VERNON IN WASHINGTON'S DAT.

151

to Sir Edward Newenham, Oct. 20, 1792
" Of all the animosities which have ex-

WASHINGTON, GEORGE

most direct, plainest, easiest, and least from the present government, did not thi
liable to exception." Again, in a letter same Providence, which has been visible

in every stage of our progress to this in-
teresting crisis, from a combination of
circumstances, give us cause to hope for
the accomplishment of all our reasonable
desires.

Thus partaking with you in the pleas
ing anticipation of the blessings of a wise
and efficient government, I flatter myself
that opportunities will not be wanting for
me to show my disposition to encourage
the domestic and public virtues of indus-
try, economy, patriotism, philanthropy,
and that righteousness which exalteth a
nation.

I rejoice in having so suitable an oc-
casion to testify the reciprocity of my
esteem for the numerous people whom
you represent. From the excellent char-
acter for diligence, sobriety, and virtue,
which the Germans in general, who are
settled in America, have ever maintained,
I cannot forbear felicitating myself on
isted among mankind, those which are receiving from so respectable a number of
caused by difference of sentiments in re- them such strong assurances of their af-
ligion appear to be the most inveterate fection for my person, confidence in my
and distressing, and ought most to be integrity, and zeal
deprecated. I was in hopes that the en- to support me in
lightened and liberal policy which has my endeavours for
marked the present age would at least promoting the wel-
lmve reconciled Christians of every de- fare of our com-
nomination so far that we should never mon country,
again see their religious disputes carried So long as my
to such a pitch as to endanger the peace conduct shall

of society." merit the appro-

. . bation of the wise

To the Ministers, Church-wardens, and j ^ n o-ood I
Vestry-men of the German Lutheran
Congregation, in and near the City of
Philadelphia.

April 20th, 1789.
While I request you to accept my
thanjfs for your kind address, I must pro-
fess myself highly gratified by the senti-
ments of esteem and consideration con-

J'KIVATU SEAL, 1783.

hope to hold the
same place in your
affections, which
your friendly dec-
larations induce
me to believe I
possess at present;

WASHINGTON'S ARMS.

and, amidst all the

vicissitudes, that may await me in this
tained in it. The approbation my past mutable existence, I shall earnestly desire
conduct has received from so worthy a the continuation of an interest in your
body of citizens as that, whose joy for intercession at the throne of grace.

my appointment you announce, is a proof

of the indulgence with which my future To the General Assembly of the Presby-
transactions will be judged by them. terian Church in the United States.

I could not, however, avoid appre- May, 1789.

hending, that the partiality of my coun- I receive with great sensibility the tes-
trymen in favour of the measures now pur- timonial given by the general assembly of
sued, had led them to expect too much the Presbyterian Church in the United

152

WASHINGTON, GEOKGE

States of America, of the lively and un- in the United States, my thanks for the

feigned pleasure experienced by them on demonstrations of affection and the ex-

rny appointment to the first office in the pressions of joy, offered in their behalf,

nation. on my late appointment. It shall still be

Although it will be my endeavour to my endeavour to manifest, by overt acts,
avoid being elated by the too favourable the purity of my inclinations for promot-
opinion, which your kindness for me may ing the happiness of mankind, as well as
have induced you to express of the im- the sincerity of my desires to contribute
portance of my former conduct and the whatever may be in my power towards the
effect of my future services, yet, con- preservation of the civil and religious
scious of the disinterestedness of my liberties of the American people. In pur-
motives, it is not necessary for me to con- suing this line of conduct, I hope, by the
ceal the satisfaction I have felt upon find- assistance of Divine Providence, not al-
ing that my compliance with the call of together to disappoint the confidence
my country, and my dependence on the as- which you have been pleased to repose in
sistance of Heaven to support me in my me.

arduous undertakings, have, so far as I It always affords me satisfaction, when

can learn, met the universal approbation I find a concurrence in sentiment and

of my countrymen. practice between all conscientious men in

While I reiterate the professions of my acknowledgments of homage to the great
dependence upon Heaven, as the source of Governor of the Universe, and in profes-
all public and private blessings, I will ob- sions of support to a just civil govern-
serve, that the general prevalence of piety, ment. After mentioning that I trust the
philanthropy, honesty, industry, and people of every denomination, who demean
economy seems, in the ordinary course themselves as good citizens, will have oc-
of human affairs, particularly necessary casion to be convinced that I shall al-
for advancing and confirming the hap- ways strive to prove a faithful and im-
piness of' our country. While all men partial patron of genuine, vital religion,
within our territories are^ protected in I must assure you in particular that I
worshipping the Deity according to the take in the kindest part the promise you
dictates of their consciences, it is rational- make of presenting your prayers at the
ly to be expected from them in return, throne of grace for me, and that I like-
that they will all be emulous of evincing wise implore the divine benediction on
the sanctity of their professions by the yourselves and your religious community.

innocence of their lives and the benefi-

cence of their actions; for no man, who

is profligate in his morals, or a bad mem- To the General Committee, Representing

ber of the civil community, can possibly the United Baptist Churches in Vir-

be a true Christian, or a credit to his own ginia.

religious society. May, 1789.

I desire you to accept my acknowledg- I request that you will accept my best

ments for your laudable endeavours to acknowledgments for your congratulation

render men sober, honest, and good citizens, on my appointment to the first office in

and the obedient subjects of a lawful gov- the nation. The kind manner in which

ernment, as well as for your prayers to you mention my past conduct equally

Almighty God for his blessing on our com- claims the expression of my gratitude,

mon country, and the humble instrument, After we had, by the smiles of Heaven

which he has been pleased to make use of on our exertions, obtained the object for

in the administration of its government, which we contended, I retired, at the con-
elusion of the war, with an idea that my

m j.t. r,- r j .17 i, ,. j- + i* • 7 country could have no further occasion for.

To the Bishops of the Methodist Episcopal J . , ... ,, . , , . ,

Church in the United States m ? 9ervlces > and Wlth the intention of

x/ii/U/rvn bib vitrV u fill wiii oni-tccf. , . . . . . •, , t£ ■% >

never entering again into public life; but,

May, 1789. when the exigencies of my country seemed
I return to you individually, and, to require me once more to engage in pub-
through you, to your society collectivelv lie affairs, an honest conviction of duty

"l53

WASHINGTON, GEORGE

superseded my former resolution, and be-
came my apology for deviating from the
happy plan which I had adopted.

If I could have entertained the slightest
apprehension that the constitution framed
in the convention, where I had the honour
to preside, might possibly endanger the
religious rights of any ecclesiastical so-
■ ciety, certainly I would never have placed
my signature to it; and, if I could now
conceive that the general government
might ever be so administered as to ren-
der the liberty of conscience insecure, [
beg you will be persuaded, that no one
would be more zealous than myself to
establish effectual barriers against the
horrors of spiritual tyranny, and every
species of religious persecution. For you
doubtless remember, that I have often
expressed my sentiments, that every man,
conducting himself as a good citizen, and
being accountable to God alone for his re-
ligious opinions, ought to be protected in
worshipping the Deity according to the
dictates of his own conscience.

While I recollect with satisfaction, that
the religious society of which you are
members have been, throughout America,
uniformly and almost unanimously the
firm friends to civil liberty, and the per-
severing promoters of our glorious revo-
lution, I cannot hesitate to believe, that
they will be the faithful supporters of a
free, yet efficient general government. Un-
der this pleasing expectation I rejoice to
assure them, that they may rely on my
best wishes and endeavours to advance
their prosperity.

In the mean time be assured, gentle-
men, that I entertain a proper sense of
your fervent supplications to God for my
temporal and eternal happiness.

To the Ministers and Elders of the Ger-
man Reformed Congregations in the
United States.

June, 1789:
I am happy in concurring with you in
the sentiments of gratitude and piety
towards Almighty God, which are ex-
pressed with such fervency of devotion in
your address; and in believing that I
shall always find in you, and the German
Reformed Congregations in the United
States, a conduct correspondent to such
worthy and pious expressions,

At the same time, I return you my
thanks for the manifestation of your firm
purpose to support in your persons a gov-
ernment founded in justice and equity,
and for the promise, that it will be your
constant study to impress the minds of the
people intrusted to your care with a due
sense of the necessity of uniting reverence
to such a government, and obedience to its
laws, with the duties and exercises of re-
ligion.

Be assured, gentlemen, it is- by such
conduct very much in the power of the
virtuous members of the community to
alleviate the burden of the important
office which I have accepted, and to give
me occasion to rejoice, in this world, for
having followed therein the dictates of my
conscience.

Be pleased, also, to accept my acknowl-
edgments for the interest you so kindly
take in the prosperity of my person,
family, and administration. May your
devotions before the throne of grace be
prevalent in calling down the blessings of
Heaven upon yourselves and your country.

To the Directors of the Society of the
United Brethren for Propagating the
Gospel Among the Heathen.

July, 1789.

I receive with satisfaction the congratu-
lations of your society, and of the Breth-
ren's congregations in the United States
of America. For you may be persuaded,
that the approbation and good wishes of
such a peaceable and virtuous community
cannot be indifferent to me.

You will also be pleased to accept my
thanks for the treatise* you presented,
and be assured of my patronage in your
laudable undertakings.

In proportion as the general govern-
ment of the United States shall acquire
strength by duration, it is probable they
may have it in their power to extend a
salutary influence to the aborigines in the
extremities of their territory. In the
mean time, it will be a desirable thing,
for the protection of the Union, to co-
operate, as far as the circumstances may

* " An account of the manner In which
the Protestant Church of the Unitas Fratrum,
or United Brethren, preach the Gospel and
carry on their mission among the heathen."

154

WASHINGTON, GEORGE

conveniently admit, with the disinterested
endeavours of your society to civilize and
christianize the savages of the wilderness.
Under these impressions, I pray Al-
mighty God to have you always in his
holy keeping.

To the Bishops, Clergy, and Laity of the
Protestant Episcopal Church in the
States of New York, New Jersey,
Pennsylvania, Delaware, Maryland, Vir-
ginia, and North Carolina, in General
Convention Assembled.

Aug. 19, 1789.
I sincerely thank you for your affec-
tionate congratulations on my election to
the chief magistracy of the United States.
After having received from my fellow-
citizens in general the most liberal treat-
ment, after having found them disposed
to contemplate, in the most nattering
point of view, the performance of my
military services, and the manner of my
retirement at the close of the war, I feel
that I have a right to console myself in
my present arduous undertakings with a
hope that they will still be inclined to put
the most favourable construction on the
motives, which may influence me in my
future public transactions.

The satisfaction arising from the in-
dulgent opinion entertained by the Ameri-
can people of my conduct will, I trust,
be some .security for preventing me from
doing, any thing, . which might justly in-
cur the forfeiture of that opinion. And
the consideration, that human happiness
and moral duty are inseparably connected,
will always continue to prompt me to pro-
mote the progress of the former by incul-
cating the practice of the latter.

On this occasion, it would ill become me
to conceal the joy I have felt in perceiving
the fraternal affection,- which appears to
increase every day among the friends of
genuine religion. It affords edifying pros-
pects, indeed, to see Christians of different
denominations dwell together in more
charity, and conduct themselves in re-
spect to each other with a more Christian-
like spirit, than ever they have done in
any former age, or in any other nation.

I receive with the greater satisfaction
your congratulations on the establishment
of the new constitution of government, be-
cause I believe its mild yet efficient opera-

tions will tend to remove every remaining
apprehension of those, with whose opin-
ions it may not entirely coincide, as well
as to confirm the hopes of its numerous
friends; and because the moderation,
patriotism, and wisdom of the present
federal legislature seem to promise the
restoration of order and- our ancient vir-
tues, the extension of genuine religion, and
the consequent advancement of our respect-
ability abroad, and of our substantial
happiness at home.

I request, most reverend and respected
gentlemen, that you will accept my cor-
dial thanks for your devout supplications
to the Supreme Ruler of the Universe in
behalf of me. May you, and the people
whom you represent, be the happy sub-
jects of the divine benedictions both here
and hereafter.

To the Synod of the Reformed Dutch
Church in North America.

October, 1789.

I receive with a grateful heart your
pious and affectionate address, and with
truth declare to you that no circumstance
of my life has affected me more sensibly,
or produced more pleasing emotions, than
the friendly congratulations, and .strong
assurances of support, which I have re-
ceived from my fellow-citizens of all de-
scriptions upon my election to the Presi-
dency of these United States.

1 fear, gentlemen, your goodness has
led you to form too exalted an opinion of
my virtues and merits. If such talents
as I possess have been called into action
by great events, and those events have
terminated happily for our country, the
glory should be ascribed to the manifest
interposition of an overruling Providence.
My military services have been abundant-
ly recompensed by the nattering appro-
bation of a grateful people; and if a faith-
ful discharge of my civil duties can insure
a like reward, I shall feel myself richly
compensated for any personal sacrifice
I may have made by engaging again in
public life.

The citizens of the United States of
America have given as signal a proof of
their wisdom and virtue, in framing and
adopting a constitution of government
without bloodshed or the intervention of
force, as they, upon a former occasion,

155

WASHINGTON, GEORGE

exhibited to the world, of their valour, for-
titude, and perseverance; and it must be a
pleasing circumstance to every friend of
good order and social happiness to find
that our new government is gaining
strength and respectability among the cit-
izens of this country, in proportion as its
operations are known and its effects felt.

You, gentlemen, act the part of pious
Christians and good citizens by your pray-
ers and exertions to preserve that har-
mony and good will towards men, which
must be the basis of every political es-
tablishment; and I readily join with you,
that, " while just government protects all
in their religious rights, true religion af-
fords to government its surest support."

I am deeply impressed with your good
wishes for my present and future hap-
piness, and I beseech the Almighty to take
you and yours under his special care.

To the Religious Society called Quakers,
at their Yearly Meeting for Pennsyl-
vania, Neiv Jersey, Delaware, and the
Western Part of Maryland and Virginia.

October, 1789.
I receive with pleasure your affectionate
address, and thank you for the friendly
sentiments and good wishes, which you
express for the success of my administra-
tion and for my personal happiness.

We have reason to rejoice in the pros-
pect that the present national government
which, by the favour of Divine Providence,
was formed by the common counsels and
peaceably established with the common
consent of the people, will prove a bless-
ing to every denomination of them. To
render it such, my best endeavours shall
not be wanting.

Government being, among other pur-
poses, instituted to protect the persons
and consciences of men from oppression, it
certainly is the duty of rulers, not only
to abstain from it themselves, but, accord-
ing to their stations, to prevent it in
others.

The liberty enjoyed by the people of
these States, of worshipping Almighty
God agreeably to their consciences, is not
only among the choicest of their blessings,
but also of their rights. While men per-
form their social duties faithfully, they
do all that society or the state can with

propriety demand or expect; and remain
responsible only to their Maker for the
religion, or modes of faith, which they
may prefer or profess.

Your principles and conduct are well
known to me; and it is doing the people
called Quakers no more than justice to
say, that (except their declining to share
with others the burthen of the common de-
fence) there is no denomination among us
who are more exemplary and useful cit-
izens.

I assure you very explicitly that in my
opinion the conscientious scruples of all
men should be treated with great delicacy
and tenderness ; and it is my wish and de-
sire that the laws may always be as ex-
tensively accommodated to them as a due
regard to the protection and essential in-
terests of the nation may justify and
permit.

To the Roman Catholics in the United
States.

December, 1789.

While I now receive with much satis-
faction your congratulations on my being
called by a unanimous "tfote to the first
station in my country, I cannot but duly
notice your politeness in offering an
apology for the unavoidable delay. As
that delay has given you an opportunity of
realizing, instead of anticipating, the bene-
fits of the general government, you will
do me the justice to believe that your tes- '
timony to the increase of the public pros-
perity enhances the pleasure which I
should otherwise have experienced from
your affectionate address.

I feel that my conduct in war and in
peace has met with more general appro-
bation, than could reasonably have been
expected; and I find myself disposed to
consider that fortunate circumstance, in
a great degree, resulting from the able
support and extraordinary candour of my
fellow-citizens of all denominations.

The prospect of national prosperity
now before us is truly animating, and
ought to excite the exertions of all good
men to establish and secure the happiness
of their country, in the permanent dura-
tion of its freedom and independence.
America, under the smiles of Divine
Providence, the protection of a good gov-
prnment, the cultivation of manners.

WASHINGTON. GEORGE

morals, and piety, can hardly fail of at-
taining an uncommon degree of eminence
in literature, commerce, agriculture, im-
provements at home, and respectability
abroad.

As mankind become more liberal, they
will be more apt to allow that all those,
who conduct themselves as worthy mem-
bers of the community, are equally en-
titled to the protection of civil govern-
ment. I hope ever to see America among
the foremost nations in examples of jus-
tice and liberality. And I presume, that
your fellow-citizens will not forget the
patriotic part, which you took in the ac-
complishment of their revolution and the
establishment of their government, or the
important assistance, which they received
from a nation in which the Roman Catho-
lic religion is professed.

I thank you, gentlemen, for your kind
concern for me. While my life and my
health shall continue, in whatever situation
I may be, it shall be my constant endeavour
to justify the favourable sentiments you
are pleased to express of my conduct.
And may the members of your society in
America, animated alone by the pure spirit
of Christianity, and still conducting them-
selves as the faithful subjects of our free
government, enjoy every temporal and
spiritual felicity.

I rejoice, that a spirit of liberalitj
and philanthropy is much more preva-
lent than it formerly was among the en-
lightened nations of the earth, and that
your brethren will benefit thereby in pro-
portion as it shall become still more ex-
tensive. Happily, the people of the Unit-
ed States of America have, in many in-
stances, exhibited examples worthy of
imitation, the salutary influence of which
will doubtless extend much farther, if,
gratefully enjoying those blessings of
peace, which, under the favour of Heaven,
have been obtained by fortitude in war,
they shall conduct themselves with rev-
erence to the Deity, and charity towards
their fellow-creatures.

May the same wonder-working Deity,
who long since delivered the Hebrews
from their Egyptian oppressors, and
planted them in the promised land, whose
providential agency has lately been con-
spicuous in establishing these United
States as an independent nation, still
continue to water them with the dews of
Heaven, and to make the inhabitants of
every denomination participate in the
temporal and spiritual blessings of that
people whose God is Jehovah.

To the Hebrew Congregation of the City
of Savannah.

May, 1790.

I thank you, with great sincerity, for
your congratulations on my appointment
to the office which I have the honour to
hold by the unanimous choice of my fel-
low-citizens; and especially for the ex-
pressions, which you are pleased to use
in testifying the confidence that is re-
posed in me by your congregation.

As the delay, which has naturally in-
tervened between my election and your
address, has afforded an opportunity for
appreciating the merits of the federal
government, and for communicating your
- sentiments of its administration, I have
rather to express my satisfaction, than
regret, at a circumstance, which demon-
strates (upon experiment) your attach-
ment to the former, as well" as approba-
tion of the latter.

To the Convention of the Universal
Church Lately Assembled in Phila-
delphia.

1790.
I thank you cordially for the con-
gratulations, which you offer on my ap-
pointment to the office I have the honour
to hold in the government of the United
States.

It gives me the most sensible pleasure
to find, that, in our nation, however dif-
ferent are the sentiments of citizens on
religious doctrines, they generally con-
cur in one thing; for their political pro-
fessions and practices are almost univer-
sally friendly to the order and happiness
of our civil institutions. I am also
happy in finding this disposition particu-
larly evinced by your society. It is,
moreover, my earnest desire that all the
members of every association or com-
munity, throughout the United States,
may make such use of the auspicious
years of peace, liberty, and free inquiry,
with which they are now favoured, as they

157

WASHINGTON, GEORGE

Shall hereafter find occasion to rejoice You overrate my best exertions when
for having done. you ascribe to them the blessings which

With great satisfaction I embrace this- our country so eminently enjoys. From
opportunity to express my acknowledg- the gallantry and fortitude of her citi-
nients for the interest my affectionate zens, under the auspices of Heaven.

TRIUMPHAL ARCH ERECTED NEAR PHILADELPHIA, FOR THE RECEPTION OF GENERAL
WASHINGTON, APRIL 20, 1789.

fellow-citizens have taken in my recovery America has derived her independence,
from a late dangerous indisposition; and To their industry, and the natural ad-
I assure you, gentlemen, that, in men- vantages of the country, she is indebted
tioning my obligations for the effusions for her prosperous situation. From their
of your benevolent wishes in my behalf, virtue she may expect long to share the
I feel animated with new zeal, that my protection of a free and equal govern-
conduct may ever be worthy of your ment, which their wisdom has establish-
favourable opinion, as well as such as ed, and which experience justifies, as ad-
shall, in every respect, best comport with mirably adapted to our social wants and
the character of an intelligent and ac- individual felicity.

countable being. Continue, my fellow-citizens, to culti-
vate the peace and harmony which now

To the Congregational Church and Society subsist between you and your Indian

at Medway, Formerly St. John's Parish, neighbours. The happy consequence is

in the State of Georgia. immediate. The reflection, which arises on

May, 1791. justice and benevolence, will be lastingly

I learn, with gratitude proportioned grateful. A knowledge of your happiness

to the occasion, your attachment to my wil1 lighten the cares of my station, and

person, and the pleasure you express on ^ e among the most pleasing of their re-

my election to the Presidency of the war ds.
United States. Your sentiments on the

happy influence of our equal government To the Members of the New Church in
impress me with the most sensible sat- Baltimore.
isfaction. They vindicate the great inter-
ests of humanity; they reflect honour on January, 1793.
the liberal minds that entertain them; It has ever been my pride to merit the
and they promise the continuance and approbation of my fellow-citizens, by a
improvement of that tranquillity, which faithful and honest discharge of the
is essential to the welfare of nations and duties annexed to those stations, in
the happiness of men. which they have been pleased to place

158

WASHINGTON, GEORGE

me; and the dearest rewards of my ser-
vices have been those testimonies of es-
teem and confidence with which they
have honoured me. But to the manifest
interposition of an overruling Providence,
and to the patriotic exertions of United
America, are to be ascribed those events
which have given us a respectable rank
among the nations of the earth.

We have abundant reason to rejoice
that, in this land, the light of truth and
reason has triumphed over the power of
bigotry and superstition, and that every
person may here worship God according
to the dictates of his own heart. In this
enlightened age, and in this land of equal
liberty, it is our boast that a man's re-
ligious tenets will not forfeit the pro-
tection of the laws, nor deprive him of
the right of attaining and holding the
highest ofiices that are known in the
United States.

Your prayers for my present and fut-
ure felicity are received with gratitude;

Washington's Inaugurals. — The first in-
auguration took place on April 30, 1789.
At nine o'clock in the morning there were
religious services in all the churches, and
prayers put up for the blessing of Heaven
on the new government. At twelve o'clock
the city troops paraded before Washing-
ton's door, and soon after the commit-
tees of Congress and heads of departments
came in their carriages. At half-past
twelve the procession moved forward pre-
ceded by the troops; next came the com-
mittees and heads of departments in their
carriages; then Washington in a coach
of state, his aide-de-camp Colonel Hum-
phreys, and his secretary Mr. Lear in his
own carriage. The foreign ministers and
a long train of citizens brought up the
rear.

About 200 yards before reaching the
hall, Washington and his suite alighted
from their carriages, and passed through
the troops, who were drawn up on each
side, into the hall and Senate chamber,

WASHINGTON'S COAOH.

and I sincerely wish, gentlemen, that you where the Vice-President, the Senate, and
may in your social and individual capaci- House of Representatives were assembled,
ties taste those blessings which a gra- The Vice-President, John Adams, recently
cious God bestows upon the righteous. inaugurated, advanced and conducted

159

WASHINGTON, GEOBGE

FEDERAL HALL, NEW TORE, WHERE WASHINGTON WAS INAUGURATED.

Washington to a chair of state at the velvet cushion. This was all the parapher-

upper end of the room. A solemn silence nalia that had been provided for this

prevailed when the Vice-President rose august scene.

and informed him that all things were All eyes were fixed upon the balcony,

prepared for him to take the oath of when, at the appointed hour, Washington

office required by the Constitution. made his appearance, accompanied by

The oath was to be administered by the various public functionaries, and members

chancellor of the State of New York in a of the Senate and House of Representa-
balcony in front of the Senate chamber, " tives. He was clad in a full suit of dark-

and in full view of an immense multi- brown cloth, of American manufacture,

tude occupying the street, the windows, with a steel-hilted dress-sword, white silk

and even roofs of the adjacent houses, stockings and silver shoe-buckles. His

The balcony formed a kind of open re- hair was dressed and powdered in the

cess, with lofty columns supporting the fashion of the day, and worn in a bag

roof. In the centre was a table with a and solitaire.

covering of crimson velvet, upon which His entrance on the balcony was hail-
lay a superbly bound Bible on a crimson ed by universal shouts. He was evidently ■

160

am a* uuuwttJ ^ATioN of Washington

INAUGURAL SPEECH TO BOTH HOUSES OP
CONGRESS, APRIL 30, 1789.

Fellow-citizens of the Senate and House
of Representatives, — Among the vieissi-

WASHINGTON, GEORGE

moved, by this demonstration of public af- good sense, but uttered with a voice deep,
fection. Advancing to the front of the slightly tremulous, and so low as to de-
balcony he laid his hand upon his heart, mand close attention in the listeners. He
bowed several times, and then retreated then proceeded with the assemblage to St.
to an arm-chair near the table. The popu- Paul's church, where prayers were read
lace appeared to understand that the scene by Dr. Prevost, Bishop of the Protestant
had overcome him, and were hushed at Episcopal Church in New York, who had
once into profound silence. been appointed by the Senate one of the

After a few moments Washington rose chaplains of Congress. So closed the cere-
and again came forward. John Adams, monies of the inauguration. — Irving's
the Vice-President, stood on his right; on Life of Washington.

his left the chancellor of the State, Robert

R. Livingston; somewhat in the rear were
Roger Sherman, Alexander Hamilton, Gen-
erals Knox, St. Clair, the Baron Steuben,
and others.

The chancellor advanced to administer
the oath prescribed by the Constitution,
and Mr. Otis, the secretary of the
Senate, held up the Bible on its crimson
cushion. The oath was read slowly and
distinctly, Washington at the same time
laying his hand on the open Bible. When
it was concluded, he replied, solemnly,
"I swear — so help me, God!" Mr. Otis
would have raised the Bible to his lips,
but he bowed down reverently and kiss-
ed it.

The chancellor now
stepped forward, waved
his hand, and exclaim-
ed, " Long live George
Washington, Pres-
ident of the Unit-
ed States!" At
this moment a flag
was displayed on
the cupola of the
hall ; on which
signal there was a
general discharge
of artillery on the
battery. All the
bells in the city
rang out a joyful
peal, and the mul-
titude rent the air
with acclamations.

Washington
again bowed to the
people and return-
ed into the Senate
chamber, where he

delivered to both Houses of Congress
his inaugural address, characterized by
his usual modesty, moderation, and

PEW OCCUPIED BY WASHINGTON AT ST. PADL'S, NEW YORK.

tudes incident to life, no event could
have filled me with greater anxieties, than
that of which the notification was trans-

WASHINGTON, GEORGE

well as more dear
to me, by the ad-
dition of habit to
inclination, and of
frequent interrup-
tions in my health
to the gradual waste
committed on it by
time. On the other
hand, the magnitude
and difficulty of the
trust, to which the
voice of my country
called me, being suf-
ficient to awaken in
the wisest and most
experienced of her
citizens a distrust-
ful scrutiny into his
qualifications, could
not but overwhelm .
with despondence
one who, inheriting
inferior endowments
from nature, and
unpractised in the
duties of civil ad-
ministration, ought
to be peculiarly con-
scious of his own de-
ficiencies. In this
conflict of emotions,
all I dare aver is,
that it has been my
faithful study to
collect my duty
from a just ap-
preciation of every
circumstance by
which it might be
affected. All I dare
hope is, that, if in
executing this task,
I have been too ,
much swayed by a
grateful remem-
,mitted by your order, and received on the brance of former instances, or by an af-
14th day of the present month. On the fectionate sensibility to this transcendent
one hand, I was summoned by my coun- proof of the confidence of my fellow-cit-

OELEBRATION IK HEW YORK ON THE NIGHT OF WASHINGTON'S INAUGURATION.

try, whose voice I can never hear but
with veneration and love, from a retreat
which I had chosen with the fondest pre-
dilection, and, in my flattering hopes, with

an immutable decision, as the asylum of which misled me, "and its consequences be
my declining years; a retreat which was judged by my country with some share of
rendered every day more necessary as the partiality in which they originated,

162

my
izens; and have thence too little consulted
my incapacity as well as disinclination for
the weighty and untried cares before me;
my error will be palliated by the motives

WASHINGTON, GEORGE

Such being the impressions under which
I have, in obedience to the public sum-
mons, repaired to the present station, it
would be peculiarly improper to omit, in
this first official act, my fervent suppli-
cations to that Almighty Being, who rules
over the universe, who presides in the
councils of nations, and whose providential
aids can supply every human defect, that
his benediction may consecrate to the
liberties and happiness of the people of
the United States a government instituted
by themselves for these essential purposes,
and may enable every instrument em-
ployed in its administration to execute
with success the functions allotted to his
charge. In tendering this homage to the
great Author of every public and private
good, I assure myself that it expresses
your sentiments not less than my own;
nor those of my fellow-citizens at large,
less than either. No people can be bound
to acknowledge and adore the invisible
hand, which conducts the affairs of men,
more than the people of the United States.
Every step, by which they have advanced
to the character of an independent nation,
seems to have been distinguished by some
token of providential agency. And, in the
important revolution just accomplished
in the system of their united government,
the tranquil deliberations and voluntary
consent of so many distinct communities,
from which the event has resulted, cannot
be compared with the means by which most
governments have been established, with-
out some return of pious gratitude along
with an humble anticipation of the future
blessings which the past seems to presage.
These reflections, arising out of the pres-
ent crisis, have forced themselves too
strongly on my mind to be suppressed.
You will join with me, I trust, in thinking
that there are none, under the influence of
which the proceedings of a new and free
government can more auspiciously com-
mence.

By the article establishing the execu-
tive department, it is made the duty of
the President " to recommend to your con-
sideration such measures as he shall judge
necessary and expedient." The circum-
stances, under which I now meet you, will
acquit me from entering into that subject
further than to refer you to the great con-
stitutional charter under which we are as-

sembled; and which, in defining your
powers, designates the objects to which
your attention is to be given. It will be
more consistent with those circumstances,
and far more congenial with the feelings
which actuate me, to substitute, in place
of a recommendation of 'particular meas-
ures, the tribute that is due to the talents,
the rectitude, and the patriotism, which
adorn the characters selected to devise
and adopt them. In these honourable quali-
fications I behold the surest pledges, that
as, on one side, no local prejudices or at-
tachments, no separate views or party ani-
mosities, will misdirect the comprehensive
and equal eye, which ought to watch over
this great assemblage of communities and
interests; so, on another, that the foun-
dations of our national policy will be laid
in the pure and immutable principles of
private morality, and the pre-eminence of
a free government be exemplified by all the
attributes, which can win the affections
of its citizens, and command the respect of
the world.

I dwell on this prospect with every satis-
faction which an ardent love for my coun-
try can inspire; since there is no truth
more thoroughly established than that
there exists in the economy and course of
nature an indissoluble union between
virtue and happiness, between duty and
advantage, between the genuine maxims
of an honest and magnanimous policy,
and the solid rewards of public prosperity
and felicity; since we ought to be no less
persuaded that the propitious smiles of
Heaven can never be expected on a nation
that disregards the eternal rules of order
and right, which Heaven itself has or-
dained; and since the preservation of the
sacred fire of liberty, and the destiny
of the republican model of government,
are justly considered as deeply, perhaps
as finally staked on the experiment in-
trusted to the hands of the American
people.

Besides the ordinary objects submitted
to your care, it will remain with your
judgment to decide how far an exercise of
the occasional power delegated by the
fifth article of the Constitution is ren-
dered expedient at the present junctur. by
the nature of objections which have been
urged against the system, or by the de-
gree of inquietude which has given birth

163

WASHINGTON, GEORGE

to them. Instead of undertaking particu-
lar recommendations on this subject, in
which I could be guided by no lights de-
rived from official opportunities, I shall
again give way to my entire confidence in
your discernment and pursuit of the public
good; for I assure myself that, whilst you
carefully avoid every alteration which
might endanger the benefits of a united
and effective government, or which ought
to await the future lessons of experience;
a reverence for the characteristic rights
of freemen, and a regard for the public
harmony, will sufficiently influence your
deliberations on the question, how far the
former can be more impregnably fortified,
or the latter be safely and advantageously
promoted.

To the preceding observations I have
one to add, which will be most properly
addressed to the House of Representatives.
It concerns myself, and will therefore be
as brief as possible. When I was first
honored with a call into the service of my
country, then on the eve of an arduous
struggle for its liberties, the light in which
I contemplated my duty required that I
should renounce every pecuniary compen-
sation. Prom this resolution I have in no
instance departed. And being still under
the impressions which produced it, I must
decline as inapplicable to myself any share
in the personal emoluments, which may be
indispensably included in a permanent pro-
vision for the executive department; and
must accordingly pray that the pecuniary
estimates for the station in which I am
placed may, during my continuance in it,
be limited to such actual expenditures
as the public good may be thought to re-
quire.

Having thus imparted to you my senti-
ments, as they have been awakened by the
occasion which brings us together, I shall
take my present leave; but not without
resorting once more to the benign Parent
of the human race, in humble supplication,
that, since he has been pleased to favour
the American people with opportunities
for deliberating in perfect tranquillity,
and dispositions for deciding with un-
paralleled unanimity on a form of govern-
ment for the security of their union and
the advancement of their happiness; so his
divine blessing may be equally conspicu-
ous in the enlarged views, the temperate

consultations, and the wise measures on
which the success of this government must
depend.

REPLY TO THE ANSWER OF THE SENATE.

Gentlemen, — I thank you for your ad-
dress, in which the most affectionate senti-
ments are expressed in the most obliging
terms. The coincidence of circumstances,
which led to this auspicious crisis, the
confidence reposed in me by my fellow-
citizens, and the assistance I may expect
from counsels, which will be dictated by
an enlarged and liberal policy, seem to
presage a more prosperous issue to my ad-
ministration than a diffidence of my abili-
ties had taught me to anticipate. I now
feel myself inexpressibly happy in a belief
that Heaven, which has done so much for
our infant nation, will not withdraw its
providential influence before our political
felicity shall have been completed; and in
a conviction that the Senate will at all
times co-operate in every measure which
may tend to promote the welfare of this
confederated republic.

Thus supported by a firm trust in the
great Arbiter of the universe, aided by the
collected wisdom of the Union, and im-
ploring the divine benediction on our joint
exertions in the service of our country, I
readily engage with you in the arduous
but pleasing task of attempting to make a
nation happy.

REPLY TO THE ANSWER OF THE HOUSE OF
REPRESENTATIVES.

Gentlemen, — Your very affectionate
address produces emotions which I know
not how to express. I feel that my past
endeavours in the service of my country
are far overpaid by its goodness; and I
fear much that my future ones may not
fulfil your kind anticipation. All that
I can promise is, that they will be invari-
ably directed by an honest and an ardent
zeal. Of this resource my heart assures
me. For all beyond, I rely on the wisdom
and patriotism of those with whom I am
to co-operate, and a continuance of the
blessings of Heaven on our beloved coun-
try.

Washington took the oath of office for
his second term on March 4, 1793. The
address which is here printed as his second
64

WASHINGTON, GEORGE

inaugural is the address delivered upon to any of the parties; and to obtain, by
the assembling of Congress in December a declaration of the existing legal state
following. In the time of Washington's of things, an easier admission of our right
administration, it was customary for the to the immunities belonging to our situ-
President, at the opening of each session ation.. Under these impressions, the Proc-
of Congress, to meet the two Houses in lamation, which will be laid before you,
person and- deliver a written speech. Each was issued.

House returned an answer to this speech In this posture of affairs, both new and
some days afterwards, by a committee, who delicate, I resolved to adopt general rules,
waited on him for the purpose, and he which should conform to the treaties and
at the same time made a brief reply. All assert the privileges of the United States.
of Washington's speeches to Congress, and These were reduced into a system, which
all his replies to the answers of the two will be communicated to you. Although
Houses, are given in vol. xii. of Sparks's I have not thought myself at liberty to
edition of the Writings of Washington. forbid the sale of the prizes, permitted

by our treaty of commerce with Prance

speech to both hotjses of congeess, to be brought into our ports, I have not

dec 3 1793 refused to cause them to be restored, when

they were taken within the protection of
Pellow-citizens of the Senate and House our territory, or by vessels commissioned
of Representatives, — Since the commence- or equipped in a warlike form within the
ment of the term, for which I have been limits of the United States.
again called into office, no fit occasion has It rests with the wisdom of Congress to
arisen for expressing to my fellow-citizens correct, improve, or enforce this plan of
at large, the deep and respectful sense, procedure; and it will probably be found
which I feel, of the renewed testimony expedient to extend the legal code, and
of public approbation. While, on the one the jurisdiction of the courts of the Unit-
hand, it awakened my gratitude for all ed States, to many cases which, though
those instances of affectionate partiality, dependent on principles already recog-
with which I have been honoured by my nized, demand some further provisions,
country; on the other, it could not prevent Where individuals shall within the
an earnest wish for that retirement, from United States array themselves in hostil-
which no private consideration should ever ity against any of the powers at war ;
have torn me. But influenced by the be- or enter upon military expeditions or en-
lief that my conduct would be estimated terprises within the jurisdiction of the
according to its real motives, and that United States; or usurp and exercise ju-
the people, and the authorities derived dicial authority within the United States;
from them, would support exertions hav- or where the penalties on violations of the
ing nothing personal for their object, I law of nations may have been indistinct-
have obeyed the suffrage, which command- ly marked, or are inadequate; these of-
ed me to resume the executive power ; and fences cannot receive too early and close
I humbly implore that Being, on whose an attention, and require prompt and
will the fate of nations depends, to crown decisive remedies.

with success our mutual endeavours for Whatsoever those remedies may be, they
the general happiness. will be well administered by the judiciary,

As soon as the war in Europe had em- who possess a long-established course of
braced those powers, with whom the investigation, effectual process, and offi-
United States have the most extensive cers in the habit of executing it. In like
relations, there was reason to apprehend, manner, as several of the courts have
that our intercourse with them might be doubted, under particular circumstances,
interrupted, and our disposition for peace their power to liberate the vessels of a
drawn into question, by the suspicions too nation at peace, and even of a citizen of
often entertained by belligerent nations, the United States, although seized under
It seemed, therefore, to be my duty to ad- a false colour of being hostile property;
monish our citizens of the consequences of and have denied their power to liberate
a contraband trade, and of hostile acts certain captures within the protection of

165

WASHINGTON, GEORGE

our territory; it would seem proper to ure, in an improvement of it, ought not
regulate their jurisdiction in these points, to be to afford an opportunity for the
But if the executive is to be the resort study of those branches of the military.
in either of the two last-mentioned cases, art, which can scarcely ever be attained
it is hoped that he will be authorized by by practice alone.

law to have facts ascertained by the The connexion of the United States
courts, when, for his own information, he with Europe has become extremely in-
shall request it. teresting. The occurrences, which relate

I cannot recommend to your notice meas- to it, and have passed under the knowl-
ures for the fulfilment of our duties to edge of the executive, will be exhibited
the rest of the world, without again press- to Congress in a subsequent eommunica-
ing upon you the necessity of placing our- tion.

selves in a condition of complete defence, When we contemplate the war on our
and of exacting from them the fulfilment frontiers, it may be truly affirmed that
of their duties towards us. The United every reasonable effort has been made
States ought not to indulge a persuasion, to adjust the causes of dissension with
that, contrary to the order of human the Indians north of the Ohio. The in-
events, they will for ever keep at a dis- struetions given to the commissioners
tance those painful appeals to arms, with evince a moderation and equity proceed-
which the history of every other nation ing from a sincere love of peace, and a
abounds. There is a rank due to the liberality having no restriction but the
United States among nations, which will essential interests and dignity of the
be withheld, if not absolutely lost, by the United States. The attempt, however,
reputation of weakness. If we desire to of an amicable negotiation having been
avoid insult, we must be able to repel frustrated, the troops have marched to act
it; if we desire to secure peace, one of the offensively. Although the proposed treaty
most powerful instruments of our rising did not arrest the progress of military
prosperity, it must be known that we preparation, it is doubtful how far the
are at all times ready for war. advance of the season, before good faith

The documents, which will be presented justified active movements, may retard
to you, will show the amount and kinds them, during the remainder of the year,
of arms and military stores now in our From the papers and intelligence, which
magazines and arsenals; and yet an addi- relate tj this important subject, you will
tion even to these supplies cannot with determine, whether the deficiency in the
prudence be neglected, as it would leave number of troops, granted by law, shall be
nothing to the uncertainty of procuring compensated by succours of militia; or
a warlike apparatus in the moment of additional encouragements shall be pro-
public danger. Nor can such arrange- posed to recruits. An anxiety has been
ments, with such objects, be exposed to also demonstrated by the executive for
the censure or jealousy of the warmest peace with the Creeks and the Cherokees.
friends of republican government. They The former have been relieved with corn
are incapable of abuse in the hands of the and with clothing, and offensive measures
militia, who ought io possess a pride in against them prohibited, during the recess
being the depository of the force of the of Congress. To satisfy the complaints of
republic, and may be trained to a degree the latter, prosecutions have been insti-
of energy, equal to every military exigency tuted for the violences committed upon
of the United States. But it is an in- them. But the papers, which will be
quiry, which cannot be too solemnly pur- delivered to you, disclose the critical foot-
sued, whether the act " more effectually ing on which we stand in regard to both
to provide for the national defence by those tribes; and it is with Congress to
establishing a uniform militia throughout pronounce what shall be done,
the United States," has organized them After they shall have provided for the
so as to produce their full effect; whether present emergency, it will merit their
your own experience in the several States most serious labours, to render tranquil-
has not detected some imperfections in lity with the savages permanent by
the scheme; and whether a material feat- creating ties of interest. Next to a

WASHINGTON, GEORGE

rigorous execution of justice on the vio-
lators of peace, the establishment of com-
merce with the Indian nations on behalf
of the United States is most likely to
conciliate their attachment. But it ought
to be conducted without fraud, without
extortion, with constant and plentiful
supplies, with a ready market for the
commodities of the Indians, and a stated
price for what they give in payment, and
receive in exchange. Individuals will not
pursue such a traffic unless they be al-
lured by the hope of profit; but it will be
enough for the United States to be reim-
bursed only. Should this recommenda-
tion accord with the opinion of Congress,
they will recollect that it cannot be ac-
complished by any means yet in the hands
of the executive.

Gentlemen of the House o Representa-
tives, — The commissioner's, harged with
the settlement of accounts between the
United and individual States, concluded
their important functions within the time
limited by law; and the balances, struck
in their report, which will be laid before
Congress, have been placed on the books
of the treasury.

On the first day of June last, an instal-
ment of one million of florins became
payable on the loans of the United States
in Holland. This was adjusted by a pro-
longation of the period of reimbursement,
in the nature of a new loan, at interest
at five per cent, for the term of ten years ;-
and the expenses of this operation were a
commission of three per cent.

The first instalment of the loan of two
millions of dollars from the bank of the
United States has been paid, as was di-
rected by law. For the second, it is nec-
essary that provision should be made.

No pecuniary consideration is more
urgent than the regular redemption and
discharge of the public debt; on none can
delay be more injurious, or an economy
ot time more valuable.

The productiveness of the public rev-
enues hitherto has continued to equal
the anticipations which were formed of
it : but it is not expected to prove commen-
surate with all the objects which have
been suggested. Some auxiliary provi-
sions will, therefore, it is presumed, be
requisite; and it is hoped that these
may be made, consistently with a due

regard to the convenience of our citi-
zens, who cannot but be sensible of the
true wisdom of encountering a small
present addition to their contributions, to
obviate a future accumulation of burdens.

But here I cannot forbear to recom-
mend a repeal of the tax on the transpor-
tation of public prints. There is no re-
source so firm for the government of the
United States, as the affections of the
people, guided by an enlightened policy;
and to this primary good, nothing can
conduce more than a faithful representa-
tion of public proceedings, diffused with-
out restraint throughout the United
States.

An estimate of the appropriations nec-
essary for the current service of the
ensuing year, and a statement of a pur-
chase of arms and military stores made
during the recess, will be presented to
Congress.

Gentlemen of the Senate and House of
Representatives, — The several subjects, to
which I have now referred, open a wide
range to your deliberations, and involve
some of the choicest interests of our com-
mon country. Permit me to bring to your
remembrance the magnitude of your task.
Without an unprejudiced coolness, the wel-
fare of the government may be hazarded;
without harmony, as far as consists with
freedom of sentiment, its dignity may be
lost. But as the legislative proceedings of
the United States will never, I trust, be
reproached for the want of temper or
candour ; so shall not the public happiness
languish from the want of my strenuous
and warmest co-operations.

Washington's Legacy. — Washington's
circular letter addressed to the governors
of all the States on disbanding the army
was felt by him to be so important that,
supposing himself at the time to be
finally retiring from public life, he
spoke of it as his legacy. The feelings
with which it was written, as well as
its own contents and character, naturally
prompt a comparison of it with the fare-
well address of 1796. The occasion of the
letter was a much more critical occasion
than that of the farewell address. It was
the time, as Washington well said, of the
" political probation " of the American
people. " This is the moment," he said,
67

WASHINGTON, GEORGE

"when the eyes of the whole world are noise and trouble of the world) I meditate
turned upon them; this is the moment to to pass the remainder of life, in a state
establish or ruin their national character of undisturbed repose. But before I carry
forever. . . . With this conviction of the this resolution into effect, I think it a
importance of the present crisis, silence duty incumbent on me to make this my
m me would be a crime." He then pro- last official communication; to congratu-
ceeds to the discussion of those things late you on the glorious events which
which he considered essential to the well- Heaven has been pleased to produce in
being and to the existence of the United our favour ; to offer my sentiments respect-
States as an independent power. The effect ing some important subjects, which appear
of the letter upon the country, in the dis- to me to be intimately connected with
ordered condition of the time, was im- the tranquillity of the United States; to
portant. The legislatures that were then take my leave of your Excellency as a
in session passed resolves in honor of the public character; and to give my final
commander-in-chief; and the governors of blessing to that country in whose service
the States wrote letters expressing the I have spent the prime of my life, for
public gratitude for his great services. whose sake I have consumed so many

For the conditions under which this ad- anxious days and watchful nights, and

dress appeared, see Irving's Life of Wash- whose happiness, being extremely dear to

ington, iv., 426. For an account of the me, will always constitute no inconsider-

discontents in the army just previous, able part of my own.

which for a time threatened such serious Impressed with the liveliest sensibility

dangers, see Irving, iv., 406; Marshall, iv., on this pleasing occasion, I will claim the

585; and Sparks, viii., appendix xii., on indulgence of dilating the more copiously

The Newburg Addresses. See in this gen- on the subjects of our mutual felicita-

eral connection Washington's letters to the tion. When we consider the magnitude of

president of Congress, March 19, and the prize we contended for, the doubtful

April 18,. 1783; to Benjamin Harrison, nature of the contest, and the favourable

governor of Virginia, March 18, 1783; to manner in which it has terminated, we

Lafayette, April 5, 1783, and his farewell shall find the greatest possible reason for

address to the armies, Nov. 2, 1783 gratitude and rejoicing. This is a theme

(Sparks, viii., 396, 403, 411, 421, 491). that will afford infinite delight to every

Washington's deep sense of the obligations benevolent and liberal mind, whether the

of the country to the officers and soldiers event in contemplation be considered as

of the army, which finds such strong ex- the source of present enjoyment or the

pression in this circular letter, may be parent of future happiness; and we shall

further studied in The Life, Journal, and have equal occasion to felicitate ourselves

Correspondence of Rev. Manasseh Cutler, on the lot which Providence has assigned

vol. i., chap, iv.; in Cone's Life of Gen. us, whether we view it in a natural, a

Rufus Putnam; and in the St. Clair political, or moral point of light.

Papers. The citizens of America, placed in the

The following is the text of the ad- most enviable condition, as the sole lords

dress: and proprietors of a vast tract of con-

Headquarters, Newburg, tin ! nt ' ^P«hending all the various soils

and climates of the world, and abounding

June 8, 1783. w jt n a u ^he necessaries and conveniences

Sir, — The great object, for which I had of life, are now, by the late satisfactory
the honor to hold an appointment in the pacification, acknowledged to be possessed
service of my country, being accomplished, of absolute freedom and independency.
I am now preparing to resign it into the They are, from this period, to be con-
hands of Congress, and to return to that sidered as the actors on a most conspicu-
domestie retirement which, it is well ous theatre, which seems to be peculiarly
known, I left with the greatest reluctance ; designated by Providence for the display
a retirement for which I have never ceased of human greatness and felicity. Here
to sigh, through a long and painful ab- they are not only surrounded with every-
sence, and in which (remote from the thing which can contribute to the com-

168

WASHINGTON, GEORGE

pletion of private and domestic enjoy- fated moment for relaxing the powers ol
ment; but Heaven has crowned all its the Union, annihilating the cement of tUe
other blessings, by giving a fairer oppor- confederation, and exposing us to become
tunity for political happiness than any the sport of European politics, which may
other nation has ever been favoured with, play one State against another, to pre-
Nothing can illustrate these observations vent their growing importance, and to
more forcibly than a recollection of the serve their own interested purposes. For,
happy conjuncture of times and circum- according to the system of policy the
stances, under which our republic assumed States shall adopt at this moment, they
its rank among the nations. The founda- will stand or fall; and by their confirma-
tion of our empire was not laid in the tion or lapse it is yet to be decided,
gloomy age of ignorance and superstition ; whether the revolution must ultimately be
but at an epocha when the rights of man- considered as a blessing or a curse; a
kind were better understood and more blessing or a curse, not to the present age
clearly defined than at any former period, alone, for with our fate will the destiny
The researches of the human mind after of unborn millions be involved,
social happiness have been carried to a With this conviction of the importance
great extent; the treasures of knowledge, of the present crisis, silence in me would
acquired by the labours of philosophers, be a crime. I will therefore speak to your
sages, and legislators, through a long Excellency the language of freedom and of
succession of years, are laid open for our sincerity without disguise. I am aware,
use, and their collected wisdom may be however, that those who differ from me in
happily applied in the establishment of political sentiment may perhaps remark
our forms of government. The free culti- that I am stepping out of the proper line
vation of _ letters, the unbounded exten- of my duty, and may possibly ascribe to
sion of commerce, the progressive refine- arrogance or ostentation what I know is
ment of manners, the growing liberality alone the result of the purest intention.
of sentiment, and, above all, the pure and But the rectitude of my own heart, which
benign light of Revelation, have had a disdains such unworthy motives; the part
meliorating influence on mankind and in- 1 have hitherto acted in life; the deter-
creased the blessings of society. At this mination I have formed, of not taking any
auspicious period the United States came share in public business hereafter; the
into existence as a nation; and, if their ardent desire I feel, and shall continue to
citizens Bhould not be completely free and manifest, of quietly enjoying, in private
happy, the fault will be entirely their life, after all the toils of war, the bene-
own. fits of a wise and liberal government, will.
Such is our^ituation, and such are our I flatter myself, sooner or later convince
prospects; but, notwithstanding the cup my countrymen that I could have no
of blessing is thus reached out to us ; not- sinister views in delivering, with so little
withstanding happiness is ours, if we have reserve, the opinions contained in this ad-
a disposition to seize the occasion and dress.

make it our own; yet it appears to me There are four things which, I humbly

there is an option still left to the United conceive, are essential to the well-being,

States of America, that it is in their I may even venture to say, to the exist-

choice, and depends upon their conduct, ence of the United States, as an indepen-

whether they will be respectable and pros- dent power.

perous, or contemptible and miserable, as First. An indissoluble union of the

a nation. This is the time of their politi- States under one federal head.
cal probation; this is the moment when Second. A sacred regard to public jus-

the eyes of the whole world are turned tice.

upon them; this is the moment to estab- Third. The adoption of a proper peace

lish or ruin their national character for establishment; and,

ever; this is the favourable moment to Fourth. The prevalence of that pacific

give such a tone to our federal govern- and friendly disposition among the people

ment, as will enable it to answer the ends of the United States which will induce

of its institution, or this may be the ill- them to forget their local prejudices and

169

WASHINGTON, GEORGE

policies; to make those mutual conces-
sions, which are requisite to the general
prosperity; and, in some instances, to
sacrifice their individual advantages to
the interest of the community.

These are the pillars on whiah the
glorious fabric of our independency and
national .character must be supported.
Liberty is the basis; and whoever would
dare to sap the foundation, or overturn
the structure, under whatever specious
pretext he may attempt it, will merit the
bitterest execration and the severest pun-
ishment which can be inflicted by his in-
jured country.

On the three first articles I will make a
few observations, leaving the last to the
good sense and serious consideration of
those immediately concerned.

Under the first head, although it may
not be necessary or proper for me, in this
place, to enter into a particular disquisi-
tion on the principles of the Union, and
to take up the great question which has
been frequently agitated, whether it be
expedient and requisite for the States to
delegate a larger proportion of power to
Congress, or not; yet it will be a part of
my duty, and that of every true patriot,
to assert without reserve, and to insist
upon, the following positions. That, un-
less the States will suffer Congress to
exercise those prerogatives they are un-
doubtedly invested with by the Constitu-
tion, every thing must very rapidly tend
to anarchy and confusion. That it is in-
dispensable to the happiness of the in-
dividual States that there should be
lodged somewhere a supreme power to reg-
ulate and govern the general concerns of
the confederated republic, without which
the Union cannot be of long duration.
That there must be a faithful and pointed
compliance, on the part of every State,
with the late proposals and demands of
Congress, or the most fatal consequences
will ensue. That whatever measures have
a tendency to dissolve the Union, or con-
tribute to violate or lessen the sovereign
authority, ought to be considered as hos-
tile to the liberty and independency of
America, and the authors of them treated
accordingly. And lastly, that unless we
can be enabled, by the concurrence of the
States, to participate of the fruits of the
revolution, and enjoy the essential benefits

of civil society, under a form of govern-
ment so free and uncorrupted, so happily
guarded against the danger of oppression,
as has been devised and adopted by the
Articles of Confederation, it will be a sub-
ject of regret that so much blood and
treasure have been lavished for no pur-
pose, that so many sufferings have been
encountered without a compensation, and
that so many sacrifices have been made in
vain.

Many other considerations might here
be adduced to prove that, without an en-
tire conformity to the spirit of the Union,
we cannot exist as an independent power.
It will be sufficient for my purpose to
mention but one or two, which seem to me
of the greatest importance. It is only in
our united character, as an empire, that
our independence is acknowledged, that
our power can be regarded, or our credit
supported among foreign nations. The
treaties of the European powers with the
United States of America will have no
validity on a dissolution of the Union.
We shall be left nearly in a state of
nature; or we may find, by our own un-
happy experience, that there is a natural
and necessary progression from the ex-
treme of anarchy to the extreme of
tyranny, and that arbitrary power is most
easily established on the ruins of liberty,
abused to licentiousness.

As to the second article, which respects
the performance of public justice, Con-
gress have, in their late address to the
United States, almost exhausted the sub-
ject; they have explained their ideas so
fully, and have enforced the obligations
the States are under, to render complete
justice to all the public creditors, with so
much dignity and energy that, in my
opinion, no real friend of the honour and
independency of America can hesitate a
single moment, respecting the propriety of
complying with the just and honourable
measures proposed. If their arguments do
not produce conviction, I know of nothing
that will have greater influence; especial-
ly when we recollect that the system re-
ferred to, being the result of the collected
wisdom of the continent, must be esteemed,
if not perfect, certainly the _ least ob-
jectionable of any that could be devised;
and that, if it shall not be carried into
immediate execution, a national bank-
70

WASHINGTON, GEORGE

ruptcy, with all its deplorable con- all, a spirit of disunion, or a temper of

sequences, will take place, before any dif- obstinacy and perverseness should mani-

f erent plan can possibly be proposed and fest itself in any of the Stated ; if such

adopted. So pressing are the present cir- an ungracious disposition should attempt

eumstances, and such is the alternative to frustrate all the happy effects that

now offered to the States. might be expected to flow from the Union ;

The ability of the country to discharge if there should be a refusal to comply with
the debts, which have been incurred in its the requisitions for funds to discharge
defence, is not to be doubted; and in- the annual interest of the public debts;
elination, I flatter myself, will not be and if that refusal should revive again al]
wanting. The path of our duty is plain those jealousies .and produce all those
before us; honesty will be found, on every evils which are now happily removed,
experiment, to be the best and only true Congress, who have, in all their trans-
policy. Let us then, as a nation, be just; actions, shown a great degree of magna-
let us fulfil the public contracts, which nimity and justice, will stand justified in
Congress had undoubtedly a right to make the sight of God and man; and that State
for the purpose of carrying on the war, alone, which puts itself in opposition to
with the same good faith we suppose our- the aggregate wisdom of the continent,
selves bound to perform our private en- and follows such mistaken and pernicious
gagements. In the mean time, let an at- counsels, will be responsible for all the
tention to the cheerful performance of consequences.

their proper business, as individuals and For my own part, conscious of having
as members of society, be earnestly in- acted, while a servant of the public, in
culcated on the citizens of America; then the manner I conceived best suited to pro-
will they strengthen the hands of govern- mote the real interests of my country;
ment, and be happy under its protection; having, in consequence of my fixed belief,
every one will reap the fruit of his labours, in some measure pledged myself to the
every one will enjoy his own acquisitions, army, that their country would finally do
without molestation and without danger. them complete and ample justice; and

In this state of absolute freedom and not wishing to conceal any instance of my

perfect security, who will grudge to yield official conduct from the eyes of the world,

a very little of his property to support the I have thought proper to transmit to your

common interest of society, and insure Excellency the enclosed collection of pa-

the protection of government? Who does pers, relative to the half-pay and commu-

not remember the frequent declarations, tation granted by Congress to the officers

at the commencement of the war, that we of the army. From these communications,

should be completely satisfied if, at the my decided sentiments will be clearly com-

expense of one-half, we could defend the prehended, together with the conclusive

remainder of our possessions? Where is reasons which induced me, at an early

the man to be found who wishes to re- period, to recommend the adoption of the

main indebted for the defence of his own measure, in the most earnest and serious

person and property to the exertions, the manner. As the proceedings of Congress,

bravery, and the blood of others, without the army, and myself, are open to all, and

making one generous effort to repay the contain, in my opinion, sufficient informa-

debt of honour and gratitude? In what tion to remove the prejudices and errors,

part of the continent shall we find any which may have been entertained by any,

man, or body of men, who would not blush I think it unnecessary to say anything

to stand up ajid propose measures, purpose- more than just to observe, that the resolu-

ly calculated to rob the soldier of his tions of Congress, now alluded to, are un-

stipend, and the public creditor of his doubtedly as absolutely binding upon the

due? And were it possible that such a United States as the most solemn acts of

flagrant instance of injustice could ever confederation or legislation,
happen, would it not excite the general As to the idea which, I am informed,

indignation, and tend to bring down upon has in some instances prevailed, that the

the authors of such measures the ag- half-pay and commutation are to be re-

gravated vengeance of Heaven? If, after garded merely in the odious light of a

171

WASHINGTON, GEORGE

pension, it ought to be exploded forever, justice, I cannot omit to mention the
That provision should be viewed, as it obligations this country is under to that
really was, a reasonable compensation of- meritorious class of veteran non-commis-
fered by Congress, at a time when they sioned officers and privates who have been
had nothing else to give to the officers discharged for inability, in consequence
of the army for services then to be per- of the resolution of Congress of the 23d
formed. It was the only means to pre- of April, 1782, on an annual pension for
vent a total dereliction of the service. It life. Their peculiar sufferings, their sin-
was a part of their hire. I may be allow- gular merits, and claims to that provision,
ed to say, it was the price of their blood, need only be known, to interest all the
and of your independency; it is therefore feelings of humanity in their behalf. Noth-
more than a common debt, it is a debt of ing but a punctual payment of their an-
honour; it can never be considered as a nual allowance can rescue them from the
pension or gratuity, nor be cancelled until most complicated misery; and nothing
it is fairly discharged. could be a more melancholy and distress-

With regard to a distinction between ing sight than to behold those, who have
officers and soldiers, it is sufficient that shed their blood or lost their limbs in
the uniform experience of every nation the service of their country, without a
of the world, combined with our own, shelter, without a friend, and without
proves the utility and propriety of the dis- the means of obtaining any of the neces-
crimination. Rewards, in proportion to saries or comforts of life, compelled to beg
the aids which the public derives from their daily bread from door to door. Suf-
them, are unquestionably due to all its fer me to recommend those of this de-
servants. In some lines, the soldiers have scription, belonging to your State, to the
perhaps generally had as ample compensa- warmest patronage of your Excellency
tion for their services, by the large boun- and your legislature,
ties which have been paid to them, as It is necessary to say but a few words
their officers will receive in the proposed on the third topic which was proposed,
commutation; in others, if, besides the do- and which regards particularly the de-
nation of lands, the payment of arrear- fence of the republic; as there can be lit-
ages of clothing and wages (in which tie doubt that Congress will recommend
articles all the component parts of the a proper peace establishment for the Unit-
army must be put upon the same footing), ed States, in which a due attention will
we take into the estimate the bounties be paid to the importance of placing the
many of the soldiers have received, and militia of the Union upon a regular and
the gratuity of one year's full pay, which respectable footing. If this should be the
is promised to all, possibly their situation case, I would beg leave to urge the
(every circumstance being duly consid- great advantage of it in the strongest
ered) will not be deemed less eligible than terms. The militia of this country must
that of the officers. Should a further re- be considered as the palladium of our se-
ward, however, be judged equitable, I will curity, and the first effectual resort in
venture to assert, no one will enjoy great- case of hostility. It is essential, therefore,
er satisfaction than myself, oil seeing an that the same system should pervade the
exemption from taxes for a limited time whole; that the formation and discipline
(which has been petitioned for in some of the militia of the continent should
instances), or any other adequate immu- be absolutely uniform, and that the same
nity or compensation granted to the brave species of arms, accoutrements, and mili-
defenders of their country's cause; but tary apparatus, should be introduced in
neither the adoption nor rejection of this every part of the United States. No one,
proposition will in any manner affect, who has not learned it from experience,
much less militate against, the act of Con- can conceive the difficulty, expense, and
gress, by which they have offered five confusion, which result from a contrary
years' full pay, in lieu of the half-pay for system, or the vague arrangements which
life, which had been before promised to have hitherto prevailed,
the officers of the army. If, in treating of political points, a

Before I conclude the subject of public greater latitude than usual has been

172

WASHINGTON, GEORGE

taken in the course of this address, the zens, so shall I always be happy to do
importance of the crisis, and the mag- justice to the unparalleled exertions of
nitude of the objects in discussion, the individual States on many interest-
must be my apology. It is, however, ing occasions.

neither my wish nor expectation, that I have thus freely disclosed what I
the preceding observations should claim wished to make known, before I surren-
any regard, except so far as they shall dered up my public trust to those who
appear to be dictated by a good inten- committed it to me. The task is now
tion, consonant to the immutable rules accomplished. I now bid adieu to your
of justice, calculated to produce a lib- Excellency as the chief magistrate of your
eral system of policy, and founded on State, at the same time I bid a last fare-
whatever experience may have been ac- well to the cares of office, and all the
quir"ed by a long and close attention employments of public life,
to public business. Here I might speak It remains, then, to be my final and
with the more confidence, from my actual only request, that your Excellency will
observations; and, if it would not swell communicate these sentiments to your
this letter (already too prolix) ieyond legislature at their next meeting, and that
the bounds I had prescribed to myself, they may be considered as the legacy of
I could demonstrate, to every mind open one, who has ardently wished, on all oc-
to conviction, that in less time, and with casions, to be useful to his country, and
much less expense, than has been in- who, even in the shade of retirement,
curred, the war might have been brought will not fail to implore the Divine bene-
to the same happy conclusion, if the re- diction upon it.

sources of the continent could have been I now make it my earnest prayer, that
properly drawn forth; that the distresses God would have you, and the State over
and disappointments, which have very which you preside, in his holy protec-
often occurred, have, in too many in- tion; that he would incline the hearts of
stances, resulted more from a want of the citizens to cultivate a spirit of sub-
energy in the Continental government, ordination and obedience to government ;
than a deficiency of means in the par- to entertain a brotherly affection and
ticular States; " that the ineffieacy of love for one another, for their fellow-
measures arising from the want of an citizens of the United States at large,
adequate authority in the supreme and particularly for their brethren who
power, from a partial compliance with the have served in the field; and finally, that
requisitions of Congress in some of the he would most graciously be pleased to
States, and from a failure of punctuali- dispose us all to do justice, to love mercy,
ty in others, while it tended to damp the and to demean ourselves with that
zeal of those, who were more willing to charity, humility, and pacific temper of
exert themselves, served also to accumu- mind which were the characteristics of
late the expenses of the war, and to frus- the Divine Author of our blessed religion,
trate the best concerted plans; and that and without an humble imitation of
the discouragement occasioned by the whose example in these things we can
complicated difficulties and embarrass- never hope to be a happy nation,
ments, in which our affairs were by this I have the honour to be, with much es-
means involved, would have long ago pro- teem and respect, sir, your Excellency's
duced the dissolution of any army, less most obedient and most humble servant,
patient, less virtuous, and less persever- George Washington.

ing, than that which I have had the honour

to command. But, while I mention these Washington's Letters on the Oonstitu-
things, which are notorious facts, as the tion. — The personal influence of Washing-
defects of our federal constitution, par- ton in securing the meeting of the con-
ticularly in the prosecution of a war, I stitutional convention, in directing its
beg it may be understood, that, as I have deliberations, and in commending the new
ever taken a pleasure in gratefully ac- Constitution to the people, was the great-
knowledging the assistance and support est and the determining influence in that
I have derived from every class of citi- critical period. The accompanying selec-

173

WASHINGTON, GEORGE

tions from his large correspondence upon pears to me the very climax of popular
this important subject while it was pend- absurdity and madness. Could Congress
ing will indicate the character of that exert them for the detriment of the pub-
influence and of Washington's sentiments lie without injuring themselves in an
concerning the new national government, equal or greater proportion? Are not
The student is referred to vol. xi. of their interests inseparably connected with
Ford's edition of the writings of Wash- those of their constituents? By the rota-
ington for the complete collection of his tion of appointment, must they not mingle
letters during this period. He will also frequently with the mass of citizens? Is
find in that volume Washington's it not rather to be apprehended, if they
diary during the constitutional conven- were possessed of the powers before de-
tion, which, although but a skeleton, will scribed, that the individual members
give him an insight into Washington's would be induced to use them, on many
life in Philadelphia from May to Septem- occasions, very timidly and efficaciously
ber, 1787. In the various Lives of Wash- for fear of losing their popularity and
ington, in the last volume of Bancroft's future election? We must take human
History of the United States, in Fiske's nature as we find it. Perfection falls not
Critical Period of American History, and to the share of mortals. Many are of
in other American histories, are good ac- opinion that Congress have too frequently
counts of the disorders following the Eev- made use of the suppliant, humble tone
olution, and of the successful measures, of requisition in applications to the States,
so largely directed by Washington, which when they had a right to assert their
gradually brought order out of chaos, imperial dignity and command obedience.
In the series of Old South Leaflets are Be that as it may, requisitions are a per-
many which will be of use in this connec- feet nullity where thirteen sovereign, in-
tion. Among these are Washington's Cir- dependent, disunited States are in the
cular Letter to the governors of the habit of discussing and refusing compli-
States in 1783 (No. 15), Washington's ance with them at their option. Requisi-
Letter to Benjamin Harrison in 1784 tions are actually little better than a jest
(No. 16), Selections from the Debates in and a by- word throughout the land. If
the Constitutional Convention (No. 70), you tell the legislatures they have vio-
Selections from the Federalist (No. 12), lated the treaty of peace, and invaded the
and Washington's Inaugural (No. 10). prerogatives of the confederacy, they will

laugh in your face. What then is to

Aug. 1, 1786. be done? Things cannot go on in the

To John Jay. same train forever. It is much to be

Your sentiments, that our affairs are feared, as you observe, that the better

drawing rapidly to a crisis, accord with kind of people, being disgusted with the

my own. What the event will be, is circumstances, will have their minds pre-

also beyond the reach of my foresight, pared for any revolution whatever. We

We have errors to correct. We have prob- are apt to run from one extreme to an-

ably had too good an opinion of human other. To anticipate and prevent dis-

nature in forming our confederation. Ex- astrous contingencies would be the part

perience has taught us that man will not of wisdom and patriotism,
adopt and carry into execution measures What astonishing changes a few years

the best calculated for their own good, are capable of producing. I am told that

without the intervention of a coercive even respectable characters speak of a

power. I do not conceive we can exist monarchical form of government without

long as a nation without having lodged horror. From thinking proceeds speaking;

somewhere a power which will pervade thence to acting is often but a single step,

the whole Union in as energetic a manner But how irrevocable and tremendous!

as the authority of the State governments What a triumph for our enemies to verify

extends over the several States. their predictions ! What a triumph for

To ^ be fearful of investing Congress, the advocates of despotism to find that

constituted as that body is, with ample we are incapable of governing our-

authorities for national purposes, ap- selves, and that systems founded on

174

WASHINGTON, GEORGE

the basis of equal liberty are merely the United States has been protected from

ideal and fallacious! Would to God, that the confiscation of Britain by the joint

wise measures may be taken in time to exertions of all; and therefore ought to

avert the consequences we have but too be the common property of all; and he

much reason to apprehend. that attempts opposition to this creed is

Retired as I am from the world, I an enemy to equity and justice, and ought

frankly acknowledge I cannot feel myself to be swept from off the face of the earth."

an unconcerned spectator. Yet, having Again: "They are determined to annihi-

happily assisted in bringing the ship into late all debts, public and private, and have

port, and having been fairly discharged, agrarian laws, which are easily effected

it is not my business to embark again by the means of unfunded paper money,

on a sea of troubles. Nor could it be ex- which shall be a tender in all cases what-

pected that my sentiments and opinions ever." He adds : " The number of these

would have much weight on the minds people amount in Massachusetts to about

of my countrymen. They have been neg- one-fifth part of several populous coun-

leeted, though given as a last legacy, in ties, and to them may be collected people

the most solemn manner. I had then per- of similar sentiments from the States of

haps some claims to public attention. I Rhode Island, Connecticut, and New Hamp-

consider myself as having none at pres- shire, so as to constitute a body of about

ent. twelve or fifteen thousand desperate and

Nov. 5, 1786. unprincipled men. They are chiefly of the

To James Madison. young and active part of the community."

Fain would I hope that the great and How melancholy is the reflection that
most important of all subjects, the fed- in so short a space we should have made
eral government, may be considered with such large strides towards fulfilling the
that calm and deliberate attention which predictions of our transatlantic foes!
the magnitude of it so critically and loud- " Leave them to themselves, and their gov-
ly calls for at this critical moment. Let ernment will soon dissolve." Will not the
prejudices, unreasonable jealousies, and lo- wise and good strive hard to avert this
cal interests yield to reason and liberality, evil? Or will their supineness suffer igno-
Let us look to our national character, and ranee and the arts of self-interested, de-
to things beyond the present moment. No signing, disaffected, and desperate charac-
morn ever dawned more favourably than ters to involve this great country in
ours did; and no day was ever more wretchedness and contempt? What strong-
ciouded than the present. Wisdom and er evidence can be given of the want of
good examples are necessary at this time energy in our government than these dis-
to rescue the political machine from the orders? If there is not a power in it to
impending storm. Virginia has now an check them, what security has a man for
opportunity to set the latter, and has life, liberty, or property? To you I am
enough of the former, I hope, to take the sure I need not add aught on this sub-
lead in promoting this great and arduous ject. The consequences of a lax or inef-
work. Without an alteration in our polit- ficient government are too obvious to be
ical creed, the superstructure we have dwelt upon. Thirteen sovereignties pull-
been seven years in raising, at the ex- ing against each other, and all tugging
pense of so much treasure and blood, must at the federal head, will soon bring ruin
fall. We are fast verging to anarchy and on the whole; whereas a liberal and en-
confusion, ergetic constitution, well guarded and

By a letter which I have received from closely watched to prevent encroachments.
General Knox, who had just returned from might restore us to that degree of respect-
Massachusetts, whither he J ad been sent ability and consequences, to which we had
by Congress consequent of the commo- a fair claim and the brightest prospect
titfns in that State, is replete with melan- of attaining.

choly accounts of the temper and designs

of a considerable part of that people. Deo - db > 17isb -

Among other things he says: To Henry Knox.

"Their creed is, that the property of In both your letters you intimate that

175

WASHINGTON, GEORGE

the men of reflection, principle, and prop- a wish to be informed of my intention,
erty in New England, feeling the inefficacy respecting the convention proposed to be
of their present government, are contem- held in Philadelphia May next. In con-
plating a change ; but you are not ex- fidence I inform you, that it is not, at this
plicit with respect to its nature. It has time, my intention to attend it. When
been supposed that the constitution of the this matter was first moved in the As-
State of Massachusetts was amongst the sembly of this State, some of the principal
most energetic in the Union. May not characters of it wrote to me, requesting
these disorders then be ascribed to an in- they might be permitted to put my name
dulgent exercise of the powers of adminis- in the delegation. To this I objected,
tration? If your laws authorized, and They again pressed, and I again refused,
your powers are equal to the suppression assigning among other reasons my- having
of these tumults in the first instance, de- declined meeting the Society of the Cin-
lay and unnecessary expedients were im- cinnati at that place about the same time,
proper. These are rarely well applied; and that I thought it would be disrespect-
and the same causes would produce similar ful to that body, to whom I owe much,
effects in any form of government, if the to be there on any other occasion. Not-
powers of it are not exercised. I ask this withstanding these intimations, my name
question for information. I know nothing was inserted in the act; and an official
of the facts. communication thereof made by the ex-

That Great Britain will be an uncon- ecutive to me, to whom, at the same time
cerned spectator of the present insurrec- that I expressed my sense for the con-
tions, if they continue, is not to be ex- fidence re"osed in me, I declared that, as
pected. That she is at this moment sow- I saw no prospect of my attending, it
ing the seeds of jealousy and discontent was my wish that my name might not re-
among the various tribes of Indians on main in the delegation to the exclusion of
our frontiers admits of no doubt in my another. To this I have been requested
mind; and that she will improve every in emphatical terms not to decide abso-
opportunity to foment the spirit of tur- lutely, as no inconvenience would result
bulence within the bowels of the United from the new appointment of another, at
States, with a view of distracting our least for some time yet.
governments and promoting divisions, is Thus the matter stands, which is the
with me not less certain. Her first reason of my saying to you in confidence,
manoeuvres in this will no doubt be covert, that at present I retain my first intention
and may remain so till the period shall not to go. In the mean while, as I have
arrive when a decided line of conduct may the fullest conviction of your friendship
avail her. Charges of violating the treaty, for and attachment to me, know your
and other pretexts, will then not be want- abilities to judge, and your means of in-
ing to colour overt acts, tending to effect formation, I shall receive any commu-
the great objects of which she has long nications from you on this subject with
been in labour. A man is now at the head thankfulness. My first wish is to do for
of their American affairs well calculated the best, and to act with propriety. You
to conduct measures of this kind, and know me too well to believe that reserve
more than probably was selected for the or concealment of any opinion or cir-
purpose. We ought not therefore to sleep cumstance would be at all agreeable to me.
nor to slumber. Vigilance in watching The legality of this convention I do not
and vigour in acting is become in my mean to discuss, nor how problematical
opinion indispensably necessary. If the the issue of it may be. That powers are
powers are inadequate, amend or alter wanting none can deny. Through what
them ; but do not let us sink into the low- medium they are to be derived will, like
est state of humiliation and contempt, and other matters engage the attention of the
become a by-word in all the earth. wise. That which takes the shortest course

to obtain them, in my opinion will under

Feb. S, 1787. present circumstances, be found best;
To Henry Knox. otherwise, like a house on fire, whilst the

In your letter of the 14th you express most regular mode of extinguishing the

176

WASHINGTON, GEORGE

flames is contended for, the building is re- what I have heard, I shall be surprised
duced to ashes. My opinions of the en- at nothing; for, if three years since any
ergetic wants of the federal government person had told me that there would
are well known. My public annunciations have been such a formidable rebellion as
and private declarations have uniformly exists at this day against the laws arid
expressed these sentiments; and, how- Constitution of our own making, I should
ever constitutional it may be for Congress have thought him a bedlamite, a fit sub-
to point out the defects of the federal ject for a mad-house.

system, I am strongly inclined to believe

that it would not be found the most effi- . March SI, 1787.

cacious channel for the recommendations, To James Madison.

more especially the alterations, to flow, for I am glad to find that Congress have
reasons too obvious to enumerate.* recommended to the States to appear in

The system on which you seem dis- the convention proposed to be holden in
posed to build a national government is Philadelphia next May. I think the reasons
certainly more energetic, and I dare say in favour have the preponderancy over
in every point of view more desirable than those against it. It is idle in my opinion
the present, which from experience we find to suppose that the sovereign can be in-
is not only slow, debilitated, and liable sensible to the inadequacy of the powers
to be thwarted by every breath, but is under which they act, and that, seeing it,
defective in that secrecy which, for the they should not recommend a revision of
accomplishment of many of the most im- the federal system; especially when it is
portant national objects, is indispensably considered by many as the only constitu-
necessary; and besides, having the legis- tional mode by which the defects can be
lative, executive, and judiciary depart- remedied. Had Congress proceeded to a
ments concentred, is exceptionable. But, delineation of the powers, it might have
at the same time that I gave this opin- sounded an alarm; but, as the case is, I
ion, I believe the political machine will yet do not conceive that it will have that ef-
be much tumbled and tossed, and possi- feet.* . . .

bly be wrecked altogether, before that or I am fully of opinion that those who
anything like it will be adopted. The lean to a monarchical government have
darling sovereignties of each State, the either not consulted the public mind, or
governors elected and elect, the legisla- that they live in a region which (the level-
tors, with a long tribe of et ceteras, whose ling principles in which they were bred
political importance will be lessened, if being entirely eradicated) is much more
not annihilated, would give their weight productive of monarchical ideas than are
of opposition to such a revolution. But to be found in the Southern States, where,
I may be speaking without book; for, from the habitual distinctions which have
scarcely ever going off my own farms, I always existed among the people, one would
see few people, who do not call upon have expected the first generation and
me, and am very little acquainted with the the most rapid growth of them. I am also
sentiments of the great public. Indeed, clear that, even admitting the utility,
after what I have seen, or rather after nay, necessity of the form, yet that the

, _ ,, T . . , ... period is not arrived for adopting the

•To Mr. Jay he wrote, touching upon the *> c ""« .,,,,,. ,, S ,,.

same subject, more than a month later : '• I change without shaking the peace oi this

would fain try what the wisdom of the pro- country to its foundation. That a thor-

posed convention will suggest, and what can ougn re f orm f the present system is in-
be effected by their counsels. It may be the H
last peaceable mode of essaying the prac-
ticability of the present form, without a * The commissioners, who had met at An-

greater lapse of time, that the exigency of our napolis in September, 1786, sent a letter to

affairs will allow. In strict propriety, a con- Congress, accompanied by their address to

ventlon so holden may not be legal. Congress, the several States, proposing a convention at

however, may give It a colouring by recom- Philadelphia on the second Monday of May.

mendation, which would fit It more to the These papers were taken up by Congress and

taste, without proceeding to a definition of referred to a committee, consisting of one

the powers. This, however constitutionally it member from each State, who reported in

might be done, would not in my opinion be favour of recommending to the several legis-,

expedient." — March 10th. latures to send delegates.
X.-M 177

WASHINGTON, GEORGE

dispensable, none, who have capacities
to judge, will deny; and with hand [and
heart] I hope the business will be es-
sayed in a full convention. After which,
if more powers and more decision is not
found in the existing form, if it still wants
energy and that secrecy and despatch
(either from the non-attendance or the lo-
cal views of its members) which is char-
acteristic of good government, and if it
shall be found (the contrary of which,
however, I have always been more afraid
of than of the abuse of them), that Con-
gress will, upon all proper occasions, ex-
ert the powers which are given, with a
firm and steady hand, instead of fritter-
ing them back to the States, where the
members, in place of viewing themselves
in their national character, are too apt
to be looking — I say, after this essay is
made, if the system proves inefficient, con-
viction of the necessity of a change will
be disseminated among all classes of the
people. Then, and not till then, in my
opinion, can it be attempted without in-
volving all the evils of civil discord.

I confess, however, that my opinion of
public virtue is so far changed that I
have my doubts whether any system, with-
out the means of coercion in the sovereign,
will enforce due obedience to the ordi-
nances of a general government; without
which everything else fails. Laws or or-
dinances unobserved, or partially attend-
ed to, had better never have been made;
because the first is a mere nihil, and the
second is productive of much jealousy and
discontent. But what kind of coercion,
you may ask. This indeed will require
thought, though the non-compliance of
the States with the late requisition is an
evidence of the necessity. It is somewhat
singular that a State (New York), which
used to be foremost in all federal meas-
ures, should now turn her face against
them in almost every instance. . . .

It gives me great pleasure to hear that
there is a probability of a full representa-
tion of the States in convention; but if
the delegates come to it under fetters, the
salutary ends proposed will, in my opin-
ion, be greatly embarrassed and retarded,
if not altogether defeated. I am desirous
of knowing how this matter is, as my wish
is that the convention may adopt no tem-
porizing expedients, but probe the de-

fects of the constitution to the bottom,
and provide a radical cure, whether they
are agreed to or not. A conduct of this
kind will stamp wisdom and dignity on
their proceedings and hold up a light
which sooner or later will have its in-
fluence.*

Sept. 24, 1787.
To Patrick Henry.

In the first moment after my return,
I take the liberty of sending you a copy
of the Constitution, which the federal con-
vention has submitted to the people of
these States. I accompany it with no ob-
servations. Your own judgment will at
once discover the good and the exception-
able parts of it; and your experience of
the difficulties, which have ever arisen
when attempts have been made to recon-
cile such variety of interests and local
prejudices as pervade the several States
will render explanation unnecessary. I
wish the Constitution, which is offered,
bad been made more perfect; but I sin-
cerely believe it is the best that could be

* " It gives me pleasure to find by your
letter that there will be so full a representa-
tion from this State. If the case had been
otherwise, I would in emphatic terms have
urged again that, rather than depend upon
my going, another might be chosen in my
place ; for, as a friend and in confidence, I de-
clare to you that my assent is given contrary
to my judgment ; because the act will, I ap-
prehend, be considered as inconsistent with
my public declaration, delivered in a solemn
manner at an interesting era of my life, never
more to intermeddle in public matters. This
declaration not only stands on the files of
Congress, but is, I believe, registered in al-
most all the gazettes and magazines that are
published ; and what adds to the embarrass-
ment is, I had, previous to my appointment,
informed by a circular letter the several
State Societies of the Cincinnati of my in-
tention to decline the presidency of that or-
der, and excused myself from attending the
next general meeting at Philadelphia on the
first Monday in May ; assigning reasons for
so doing, which apply as well in the one case
as in the other. Add to these, I very much
fear that all the States will not appear in
convention, and that some of them will come
fettered so as to impede rather than ac
celerate the great object of their convening :
which, under the peculiar circumstances of
my case, would place me in a more disagree-
able situation than any other member would
stand In. As I have yielded, however, to
what appeared to be the earnest wishes of
my friends, I will hope for the best." — Wash-
ington to Edmund Randolph, April 9, 1787.
78

WA&HtNGTOKf, &E6&GJ&

obtained at this time. And, as a eonstitu- It is highly probable that the refusal of
tional door is open for amendment here- our governor and Colonel Mason to sub-
after, the adoption of it, under the pres- scribe to the proceedings of the conven-
ent circumstances of the Union, is in my tion will have a bad effect in this State;
opinion desirable. for, as you well observe, they must not
From a variety of concurring accounts only assign reasons for the justification
it appears to me that the political con- of their own conduct, but it is highly
cerns of this country are in a manner probable that these reasons will be
suspended by a thread, and that the con- clothed in most terrific array for the pur-
vention has been looked up to, by the re- pose of alarming.* Some things are al-
flecting part of the community, with a ready addressed to the fears of the people,
solicitude which is hardly to be conceived ; and will no doubt have their effect. As
and, if nothing had been agreed on by far, however, as the sense of this part of
that body, anarchy would soon have en- the country has been taken, it is strongly
sued, the seeds being deeply sown in every in favour of the proposed Constitution.
soil. Further I cannot speak with precision.

If a powerful opposition is given to it, the

Oct., 1787. weight thereof will, I apprehend, come

To Henry Knox. from the gouth gide of Jameg Rivei . ; and

The Constitution is now before the f rom the western counties,
judgment-seat. It has, as was expected, its

adversaries and supporters. Which will

preponderate is yet to be decided. The Nov. 10, 1787.
former more than probably will be most To Bushrod Washington.
active, as a major part of them will, it is That the Assembly would afford the
to be feared, be governed by sinister and people an opportunity of deciding on the
self-important motives, to which every- proposed Constitution, I had scarcely a
thing in their breasts must yield. The doubt. The only question with me was
opposition from another class of them whether it would go forth under favour-
may perhaps (if they should be men of re- able auspices, or receive the stamp of dis-
flection, candour, and information), sub- approbation. The opponents I expected
side in the solution of the following (for it ever has been that the adversaries
simple questions: 1. Is the Constitution, to a measure are more active than its
which is submitted by the convention, friends) would endeavour to stamp it with
preferable to the government (if it can unfavourable impressions, in order to bias
be called one) under which we now live? the judgment that is ultimately to decide
2. Is it probable that more confidence on it. This is evidently the case with the
would at the time be placed in another writers in opposition, whose objections
convention, provided the experiment are better calculated to alarm the fears
should be tried, than was placed in the than to convince the judgment of their
last one, and is it likely that a better readers. They build their objections upon
agreement would take place therein? principles that do not exist, which the
What would be the consequences if these Constitution does not support them in,
should not happen, or even from the delay and the existence of which has been, by
which must inevitably follow such an ex- an appeal to the Constitution itself, flatly
periment? Is there not a constitutional denied; and then, as if they were unan-
door open for alterations or amendments? swerable, draw all the dreadful conse-
and is it not likely that real defects will quenees that are necessary to alarm the
be as readily discovered after as before apprehensions of the ignorant or unthink-
trial? and will not our successors be as ing. It is not the interest of the major
readv to apply the remedy as ourselves,

if occasion should require it? To think •Randolph explained his position In ale t-

,, . .,, . ^ . j . t. „„ ter to the speaker of the House of Delegates,

otherwise will, m my judgment, be as- Qct 1Q> 17 ^ 7 It wag wideIy circll i a ted In

cribing more of the amor patrice, more tne newspapers, and printed in pamphlet
wisdom and more virtue to ourselves, than form. It was reprinted in Ford, Pamphlets
I think we deserve. on the Constitution, 359.

179

WASHINGTON, GEORGE

part of those characters to be convinced; The warmest friends and the best sup-
nor will their local views yield to argu- porters the Constitution has, do not con-
ments which do not accord with their tend that it is free from imperfections;
present or future prospeets. but they found them unavoidable, and
A candid solution of a single question, are sensible, if evil is likely to arise
■ to which the plainest understanding is therefrom, the remedy must come here-
competent, does, in my opinion, decide after; for in the present moment it is
the dispute; namely, Is it best for the not to be obtained; and, as there is a
States to unite or not to unite? If constitutional door open for it, I think
there are men who prefer the latter, the people (for it is with them to judge)
then unquestionably the Constitution can, as they will have the advantage of ex-
which is offered must, in their estima- perience on their side, decide with as much
tion, be wrong from the words, " We propriety on the alterations and amend-
the people," to the signature, inclusively; ments which are necessary, as ourselves,
but those who think differently, and yet I do not think we are more inspired, have
object to parts of it, would do well to more wisdom, or possess more virtue,
consider that it does not lie with any than those who will come after us.
one State, or the minority of the States,, The power under the Constitution will
to superstruct a constitution for the always be in the people. It is intrusted
whole. The separate interests, as far for certain defined purposes, and for a
as it is practicable, must be consolidated; certain limited period, to representatives
and local views must be attended to, as far of their own choosing; and, whenever it
as the nature of the case will admit, is executed contrary to their interest, or
Hence it is that every State has some not agreeable to their wishes, their
objection- to the present form, and these servants can and undoubtedly will be re-
objections are directed to different points, called. It is agreed on all hands that
That which is most pleasing to one is no government can be well administered
obnoxious to another, and so vice versa, without powers; yet the instant these
If then the union of the whole is a desira- are delegated,- although those who are in-
ble object, the component parts must yield trusted with the administration are no
a little in order to accomplish"it. With- more than the creatures of the people,
out the latter, the form is unattainable; act as it were but for a day, and are
for again I repeat it, that not a single amenable for every false step they take.
State, nor the minority of the States, they are, from the. moment they receive
can force a constitution on the majority, it, set down as tyrants; their natures,
But, admitting the power, it will sure- they would conceive from this, immedi-
ly be granted that it cannot be done ately changed, and that they can have no
without involving scenes of civil commo- other disposition but to oppress. Of these
tion of a very serious nature. things, in a government constituted and
Let the opponents of the proposed Con- guarded as ours is, I have no idea; and
stitution in this State be asked, and it do firmly believe that, whilst many osten-
is a question they certainly ought to have sible reasons are assigned to prevent the
asked themselves, what line of conduct adoption of it, the real ones are concealed
they would advise to adopt, if nine other behind the curtains, because they are not
States, of which I think there is little of a nature to appear in open day. I
doubt, should accede to the Constitution, believe further, supposing them pure, that
Would they recommend that it should as great evils result from too great
stand single? Will they connect it with jealousy as from the want of it. We need
Rhode Island? Or even with two others look, I think, no further for proof of
checkerwise, and remain with them, as this, than to the constitution of some, if
outcasts from the society, to shift for not all, of these States. No man is a
themselves? Or will they return to their warmer advocate for proper restraints
dependence on Great Britain? Or, lastly, and wholesome checks in every depart-
have the mortifi cation to come in when ment of government than I am; but I
they will be allowed no credit for doing have never yet been able to discover the
bo? propriety of placing it absolutely ' out of

180

WASHINGTON, GEORGE

the power of men to render essential ser-
vices because a possiblity remains of their
doing ill.

Nov. 80, 1187.
To David Stuart.

I have seen no publication yet that
ought, in my judgment, to shake the pro-
posed Constitution in the mind of an im-
partial and candid public. In fine, I have
hardly seen one that is not addressed to
the passions of the people, and obviously
calculated to alarm their fears. Every
attempt to amend the Constitution at this
time is in my opinion idle and vain. If
there are characters, who prefer disunion,
or separate confederacies, to the general
government, which is offered to them,
their opposition may, for aught I know,
proceed from principle; but as nothing,
according to my conception of the matter,
is more to be deprecated than a disunion
of these distinct confederacies, as far as
my voice can go it shall be offered in
favour of the latter. That there are some
writers, and others perhaps who may not
have written, that wish to see this Union
divided into several confederacies, is
pretty evident. As an antidote to these
opinions, and in order to investigate the
ground of objections to the Constitution
which is submitted, the Federalist, under
the signature of Publitts, is written.
The numbers which have been published,
I send you. If there is a printer in Rich-
mond who is really well disposed to sup-
port the new Constitution, he would do
well to give them a place in his paper.
They are, I think I may venture to say,
written by able men; and before they are
finished will, or I am mistaken, place mat-
ters in, a true point of light. Although
I am acquainted with the writers, who
have a hand in this work, I am not at
liberty to mention names, nor would I
have it known that they are sent by me
to you for promulgation.*

* " Pray, if It Is not a secret, who Is the
author or authors of Publius?" — Washington
to Knox, Feb. 5, 1788.

Oct. 30, Hamilton sent to Washington the
first number of the Federalist, without any
Intimation as to the authorship. " For the
remaining numbers of Publius," wrote Wash-
ington, in reply, " I shall acknowledge myself
obliged, as I am persuaded the subject Will

Jan. 8, 1788.
To Edmund Randolph.

The diversity of sentiments upon the
important matter, which has been sub-
mitted to the people, was as much ex- .
pected as it is regretted by me. The
various passions and motives, by which
men are influenced, are concomitants of
fallibility, engrafted into our nature for
the purposes of unerring wisdom; but had
I entertained a latent hope (at the time
you moved to have the Constitution sub-
mitted to a second convention) that a
more perfect form would be agreed to,
in a word, that any constitution would be
adopted under the impressions and in-
structions of the members, the publica-
tions which have taken place since would
have eradicated every form, of it. How
do the sentiments of the influential char-
acters in this State, who are opposed to
the Constitution, and have favoured the
public with their opinions, quadrate with
each other? Are they not at variance on
some of the most important points^ If
the opponents in the same State cannot
agree in their principles, what prospect
is there of a coalescence with the advocates
of the measure, when the different views
and jarring interests of so wide and ex-
tended an empire are to be brought for-
ward and combated?

To my judgment it is more clear than
ever that an attempt to amend the Con-
stitution, which is submitted, would be
productive of more heat and greater con-
fusion than can well be conceived. There
are some things in the new form, I will
readily acknowledge, which never did, and
I am persuaded never will, obtain my
cordial approbation; but I then did con-
ceive, and do now most firmly believe, that
in the aggregate it is the best Constitu-
tion that can be obtained at this epoch,
and that this, or a dissolution of the
Union, awaits our choice, and are the only
alternatives before us. Thus believing, I

be well handled by the author of them."
Nov. 18, Madison sent him seven numbers,
suggesting that they be republished in Vir-
ginia, and saying that his own degree of con-
nection with the publication was such as to
" afford a restraint of delicacy from interest-
ing myself directly in the republication else-
where. You will recognize one of the pens
concerned in the task. There are three in the
whole. A fourth may possibly bear a part."

181

WASHINGTON, GEORGE

had not nor have I now, any hesitation in tion, without touching much the pockets
deciding on which to lean. of the people, perhaps it may be done;

but, in my judgment, infinite circumspec-

tion and prudence are yet necessary in

April 25, 1188. the experiment. It is nearly impossible
To the Marquis de Ghastellux. for anybody who has not been on the

The Constitution which was proposed by spot (from any description) to conceive
the federal convention has been adopted what the delicacy and danger of our sit-
by the States of Massachusetts, Connect!- uation have been. Though the peril is
cut, New Jersey, Pennsylvania, Delaware, not past entirely, thank God the prospect
and Georgia. No State has rejected it. is somewhat brightening.
The convention of Maryland is now sit- You will probably have heard, before
ting, and will probably adopt it; as that the receipt of this letter, that the general
of South Carolina is expected to do in government has been adopted by eleven
May. The other conventions will assem- States, and that the actual Congress have
ble"early in the summer. Hitherto there been prevented from issuing their ordi-
has been much greater unanimity in favour nance for carrying it into execution, in
of the proposed government than could consequence of a dispute about the place
have reasonably been expected. Should at which the future Congress shall meet,
it be adopted (and I think it will be), It is probable that Philadelphia or New
America will left up her head again, and York will soon be agreed upon,
in a few years become respectable among I will just touch on the bright side
the nations. It is a nattering and con- of our national state before I conclude;
solatory reflection that our rising re- and we may perhaps rejoice that the peo-
publics have the good wishes of all .the pie have been ripened by misfortune for
philosophers, patriots, and virtuous men the reception of a good government. They
in all nations; and that they look upon are emerging from the gulf of dissipation
them as a kind of asylum for mankind, and debt, into which they had precipitated
God grant that we may not disappoint themselves at the close of the war. Econo-
their honest expectations by our folly my and industry are evidently gaining
or perverseness. . . . ground. Not only agriculture, but even

manufactures are much more attended
to than formerly. Notwithstanding the
Aug. 31, 1788. shackles "under which our trade in gen-
To Thomas Jefferson. era l i aDOurS; commerce to the East Indies

The merits and defects of the proposed is prosecuted with considerable success.
Constitution have been largely and ably Salted provisions and other produce (par-
discussed. For myself, I was ready to ticularly from Massachusetts) have found
have embraced any tolerable compromise an advantageous market there. The voy-
that was competent to save us from im- ages are so much shorter, and the vessels
pending ruin; and I can say there are are navigated at so much less expense,
scarcely any of the amendments, which that we may hope to rival and supply (at
have been suggested, to which I have much least through the West Indies) some part
objection, except that which goes to the of Europe with commodities from thence,
prevention of direct taxation. And that, This year the exports from Massachusetts
I presume, will be more strenuously ad- have amounted to a great deal more
vocated and insisted upon hereafter than than their imports. I wish this was the
any other. I had indulged the expecta- case everywhere. . . .
tion that the new government would en-
able those entrusted with its administra- ~~
tion to do justice to the public creditors, f Se P*- 22 ' 1788,
and retrieve the national character. But, " ° " enr y l jee -

if no means are to be employed but req- Your observations on the solemnity of
uisitions, that expectation was vain, and the crisis, and its application to myself,
we may as well recur to the old confedera- bring before me subjects of the most mo-
tion. If the system can be put in opera- mentous and interesting nature. In our

182

WASHINGTON, GEORGE

endeavours to establish a new general gov-
ernment, the contest, nationally consid-
ered, seems not to have been so much for
glory as existence. It was for a long time
doubtful whether we were to survive as
an independent republic, or decline from
our federal dignity into insignificant and
wretched fragments of an empire. The
adoption of the Constitution so extensive-
ly, and with so liberal an acquiescence on
the part of the minorities in general,
promised the former; until lately the cir-
cular letter of New York carried, in my
apprehension, an unfavourable if not an
insidious tendency to a contrary policy.
1 still hope for the best; but, before you
mentioned it, I could not help fearing it
would serve as a standard' to which the
disaffected might resort. It is now evi-
dently the part of all honest men, who
are friends to the new Constitution, to
endeavour to give it a chance to disclose
its merits and defects, by carrying it fair-
ly into effect in the first instance. For
it is to be apprehended that, by an at-
tempt to obtain amendments before the
experiment has been candidly made, " more
is meant than meets the ear," that an in-
tention is concealed to accomplish slyly
what could not have been done openly, to
undo all that has been done.

If the fact so exists, that a kind of com-
bination is forming to stifle the govern-
ment in embryo, it is a happy circumstance
that the design has become suspected.
Preparations should be the sure attenda.it charges?
upon forewarning. Probably prudence, quillity
wisdom, and patriotism were never more
essentially necessary than at the present
moment; and so far as it can be done in
an irreproachably direct manner, no effort

cause, if the partiality of my fellow-cit-
izens conceive it to be a means by which
the sinews of the new government would
be strengthened, it will of consequence be
obnoxious to those who are in opposition
to it, many of whom unquestionably will
be placed among the electors.

This consideration alone would super-
sede the expediency of announcing any
definite and irrevocable resolution. You
are among the small number of those
who know my invincible attachment to
domestic life, and that my smcerest wish
is to continue in the enjoyment of it
solely until my final hour. But the world
would be neither so well instructed, nor
so candidly disposed, as to believe me un-
influenced by sinister motives, in case
any circumstance should render a devia-
tion from the line of conduct I have pre-
scribed to myself indispensable.

Should the contingency you suggest
take place, and (for argument's sake
alone let me say it) should my unfeigned
reluctance to accept the office be overcome
by a deference for the- reasons and opin-
ions of my friends, might I not, after the
declarations I have made ("and Heaven
knows they were made in the sincerity
of my heart), in the judgment of the
impartial world and of posterity, be
chargeable with levity and inconsistency,
if not with rashness and ambition? Nay,
further, would there not even be some
apparent foundation for the two former
Now justice to myself and tran-
of conscience require that I
should act a part, if not above imputa-
tion, at least capable of vindication. Nor
will you conceive me to be too solicitous
for reputation. Though I prize as I

ought to be left unessayed to procure the ought the good opinion of my fellow-cit-
election of the best possible characters to izens, yet, if I know myself, I would not
the now Congress. On their harmony, de- seek or retain popularity at the expense
liberation, and decision everything will de- of one social duty or moral virtue,
pend. I heartily wish Mr. Madison was While doing what my conscience in-
in our Assembly, as I think with you it is formed me was right, as it respected my
of unspeakable "importance Virginia should God, my country, and myself, I could
set out with her federal measures under despise all the party clamour and unjust

censure, which must be expected from
some whose personal enmity might be

right auspices.

The principal topic of your letter is
to me a point of great delicacy indeed, in-
somuch that I can scarcely Without some
impropriety touch upon it. In the first

occasioned by their hostility to the gov-
ernment. I am conscious that I fear
alone to give any real occasion for ob-

place, the event to which you allude may loquy, and that I do not dread to meet
never happen; among other reasons, be- with unmerited reproach. And certain

183

WASHINGTON, GEORGE

I am, whensoever I shall be convinced the to hazard an imputation unfriendly to the
good of my country requires my reputa- delicacy of my feelings. For, situated as
tion to be put in risk, regard for my own I am, I could hardly bring the question
fame will not come in competition with into the slightest discussion, or ask an
an object of so much magnitude. If I opinion even in the most confidential man-
declined the task, it would lie upon quite ner, without betraying, in my judgment,
another principle. Notwithstanding my some impropriety of conduct, or without
advanced season of life, my increasing feeling an apprehension, that a premature
fondness for agricultural amusements, display of anxiety might be construed into
and my growing love of retirement, aug- a vainglorious desire of pushing myself
ment and confirm my decided predilection into notice as a candidate. Now, if I am
for the character of a private citizen, yet not grossly deceived in myself, I should
it would be no one of these motives, nor unfeignedly rejoice in case the electors, by
the hazard to which my former reputa- giving their votes in favor of some other
tion might be exposed, nor the terror of person, would save me from the dreaded
encountering new fatigues and troubles, dilemma of being forced to accept or re-
that would deter me from an acceptance; fuse.

but a belief that some other person, who If that may not be, I am in the next

had less pretence and less inclination to place earnestly desirous of searching out

be excused, could execute all the duties the truth, and of knowing whether there

fully as satisfactorily as myself. To say does not exist a probability that the gov-

more would be indiscreet, as a disclosure ernment would be just as happily and ef-

of a refusal beforehand might incur the fectually carried 'into execution without

application of the fable in which the fox my aid as with it. I am truly solicitous

is represented as undervaluing the grapes to obtain all the previous information

he could not reach. You will perceive, which the circumstances will afford, and

my dear sir, by what is here observed (and to determine (when the determination

which you will be pleased to consider in can with propriety be no longer post-

the light of a confidential communica- poned) according to the principles of right

tion), that my inclinations will dispose reason and the dictates of a clear con-

and decide me to remain as I am, unless science, without too great a reference to

a clear and insurmountable conviction the unforeseen consequences which may

should be impressed on my mind that some affect my person or reputation. Until

very disagreeable consequences must, in that period, I may fairly hold myself open

all human probability, result from the to conviction, though I allow your senti-

indulgence of my wishes. ments to have weight in them ; and I shall

not pass by your arguments without giv-
ing them as dispassionate a considera-
■ , oo. ^j on ag j can pgggiblv bestow upon them.
To Alexander Hamilton* In taldng a surve y of the sllb j ec t, in
Although I could not help observing, whatever point of light I have been able
from several publications and letters, that to place it, I will not suppress the ac-
my name had been sometimes spoken of, knowledginent, my dear sir, that I have
and that it was possible the contingency always felt a kind of gloom upon my
which is the subject of your letter might mind, as often as I have been taught to ex-
happen, yet I thought it best to maintain pcct I might, and perhaps must, ere long,
a guarded silence, and to lack the counsel be called to make a decision. You will, I
of my best friends (which I certainly hold am well assured, believe the assertion
in the highest estimation), rather than (though I have little expectation it would

•See Hamilton's letter upon the tmpor- gai 1 "^V™ 1 " those who are less ac-
tance of Washington serving as first Presl- quamted with me), that, if I should re-
dent of the United States under the Con- ceive the appointment, and if I should be
s t lt o t n '? n ' .l 1 ^ Ford ' s edition of Washington, prevailed upon to accept it, the acceptance-
of" Sdent? irnfon^rter " the'sucfess ™ uld te att <^ed with more diffidence and
of the new government in ltB commencement reluctance than I ever experienced before
may materially depend." in my life. It would be, hoiiteyer, with ft

184

WASHINGTON

fixed and sole determination of lending
whatever assistance might be in my power
to promote the public weal, in hopes that
at a convenient and early period my ser-
vices might be dispensed with, and that I
might be permitted once more to retire,
to pass an unclouded evening after the
stormy day of life, in the bosom of do-
mestic tranquillity.

Washington, John Augustine, mili-
tary officer; born in Blakely, Jefferson co.,
Va., May 3, 1821 ; great - great - grand-
nephew of George Washington; grad-
uated at the University of Virginia in

1840; served as aide-de-camp, with the
rank of lieutenant-colonel, on the staff of

Gen. Robert E. Lee, at the beginning
of the Civil War; and was killed in a

skirmish near Rich Mountain, Va., Sept.

13, 1861.

Washington, John Marshall, mili-
tary officer; born in Virginia in October,

1797; graduated at the

United States Military

Academy in 1814; promoted

first lieutenant of "artillery

in 1820; participated in the

Seminole War in Florida in

1836-39, and was on duty

near the frontier in the

troubles with Canada in

1839-40. During the war

with Mexico he won great

distinction in the battle of

Buena Vista, where he held

the key of the American

position, and repeatedly

checked assaults by the

enemy. He was promoted

major a Jew days prior to

the action of Buena Vista,

for his services in which he

was brevetted lieutenant-
colonel. He was with his

regiment, the 3d Artillery,

on the San Francisco when

that vessel was lost off the

Capes of the Delaware on

Dec. 24, 1853, when- he,

many officers, and 180

soldiers were drowned.
Washington, Lawrence,

half-brother of George

Washington; born in 1718.

His mother, who was the

first wife of Augustine

Washington, father of George, was Jane
Butler. Lawrence received by his father's
will the estate of Hunting Creek, , on a
bay and stream of that name, not far
from Alexandria, and stretching for miles
along the Potomac. He inherited the mili-
tary spirit of his father, and engaged
in an expedition against the Spaniards
in South America, holding a captain's com-
mission. He embarked for the West In-
dies in 1741, under General Wentworth.
That officer and Admiral Vernon com-
manded a joint expedition against Car-
thagena, which resulted in disaster, not
less than 20,000 British soldiers and sea-
men perishing, chiefly from a fatal sick-
ness like yellow fever. It was in the midst
of that terrible pestilence that the seeds
of a fatal disease were planted in the
system of Lawrence Washington, against
which he struggled for years. During the
campaign he had gained the confidence

LAWRENCE WASHINGTON.

185

•WASHINGTON

MARTHA WASHINGTON.

of both Wentworth and Vernon. Lawrence
intended to go to England and join the
regular army, but, falling in love with
the beautiful Anne Fairfax, they were
married in July, 1743. He took possession
of his fine estate, and named it Mount
Vernon, in honor of the gallant admiral.
Little George was a frequent and much-
petted visitor at Mount Vernon. In 1751,
when George was nineteen years of age,
his brother felt compelled to go to Bar-
badoes in search of a renovation of his
health. George went with him. But con-
sumption was wasting the life of Lawrence,
and he returned home in May, 1752, to
die in July following. By a provision of
his will, his half-brother George became
the owner of the Mount Vernon estate
and other property valued at $200,000.

Washington, Lewis William, planter;
born in Georgetown, D. C, about 1825;
son of George C. Washington; received
a good education; settled in Jefferson
county, Va., and became a planter. He
was conspicuously connected with John
Brown's raid on Harper's Ferry in 1859,
where he was captured by Brown and
held as a hostage. During the Civil War
his property was confiscated, but later
was released by the government. He had
a valuable collection of George Wash-
ington's relics, including the sword that
was sent to him by Frederick the Great.
He died at Harper's Ferry, W. Va., Oct.
1, 1871.

Washington, Martha, wife of George
Washington; born in New Kent county,
Va., in May, 1732. Her maiden name was

180

MRS. WASHINGTON AS MARTHA CUSTIS.

WASHINGTON, MARTHA

Dandridge, and at the age of seventeen ters of her husband; and after the wai
years she married Daniel Parke Custis, she received with grace and dignity, as
son of one of the King's council for Vir- the head of the household of the great

patriot, the numerous distinguished guests
who thronged to Mount Vernon. One of
her two children died just as she was
blossoming into womanhood; the other,
a son, was aide-de-camp to Washington
during the war. He died in October, 1781,
leaving two children — a son and a daugh-
ter — whom Washington adopted as his
own.

On Dec. 11, 1775, Mrs. Washington ar-
rived at Cambridge, accompanied by her
son, John Parke Custis, and his wife.
She was very hospitably received and wel-
comed by the most distinguished families
in Massachusetts. The army hailed her
presence on this, as on all other occasions,
with enthusiasm. She was urged to make
the visit and spend some time at head-
quarters by two motives — one, affection
for her husband; and another, because of
ginia. At his death she was left with two apprehensions of danger at Mount Vernon
children and a large fortune, and dwelt on account of the operations of Lord Dun-
at his mansion, known as the White House, more. She remained in Cambridge un-
in New Kent county, until her marriage
with Colonel Washington in January,
1759. Soon after their marriage they took
up their abode at Mount Vernon, on the
Potomac. She was a, very beautiful wom-
an, a little below the medium size, ele-
gant in person, her eyes dark and ex-
pressive of the most kindly good-nature,
her complexion fair, and her whole face
beamed with intelligence. Her temper,
though quick, was
sweet and placable,
and her manners
were extremely
winning. She
loved the society
of her friends, al-
ways dressed with
scrupulous regard
to the require-
ments of the best
fashions of the
day, and was in
every respect a
brilliant member

of the social circles which, before the for Mrs. Washington, as the wife of the
Kevolution, composed the vice-regal court first President, when she journeyed from
at the old Virginia capital. During Mount Vernon to New York to join her
the Kevolutionary War she usually husband there after the inauguration,
spent the winter months at the headquar- She left Mount Vernon in her chaise on

187

HRS. WASHINGTON'S BK1DAL-
WATCH.

SHADOW PORTRAIT OP MARTHA WASHINGTON.

til Howe evacuated Boston. Washing-
ton's headquarters there were in the fine
mansion that was for many years the
residence of Longfellow, the poet.

The people showed affectionate regard

WASHINGTON

May 19, 1789, with her two grandchil- a foreshowing of monarchical ceremonies,
dren, George Washington Parke and She died at Mount Vernon, Va., in May,
Eleanor Parke Custis. She was clothed 1802.

tidily in American textile manufactures. Washington, Mart, mother of George
She lodged at Baltimore on the first night Washington. She is believed to have been
of her journey. When she approached that a lineal descendant of John Ball, the
city she was met by a cavalcade of gentle- mediaeval champion of the rights of man,
men and escorted into the town. Fire- who was executed at Coventry in the year
works were displayed in her honor, and 1381 for participating in Wat Tyler's
a band of music serenaded her in the even- rebellion. Col. William Ball, a native of
ing. When she approached Philadelphia Kent, came from England with his family
she was met, 10 miles in the suburbs, by about the year 1650, and settled in
the governor of the State, the speaker of Lancaster county, Va., where he died'
the Assembly, a troop of dragoons, and in 1659, leaving two sons, William and
a large cavalcade of citizens. Some dis- Joseph, and one daughter, Hannah. Will-
tance from the city she was welcomed iam left eight sons and one daughter,
by a brilliant company of women in car- Mary, who was born in the year 1706.
riages. She was escorted by these gentle- Joseph Ball ' was a well-to-do planter on
men and ladies to Gray's Perry, on the the Rappahannock River, a vestryman

of Christ ChuTch in Lancaster. He was
commissioned colonel by Gov. Alex-
ander Spottswoode, and was known as
Colonel Ball, of Lancaster, to distin-
guish him from another Colonel Ball, his
cousin.

When Mary Ball was about seventeen
years of age she wrote to her brother in
England on family matters a letter which
is still in existence, the conclusion of
which is as follows : " We have not had a
one of martha Washington's tea-cops. schoo l- m aster in our neighborhood until

now (Jan. 14, 1728) in nearly four years.
Schuylkill, where they all partook of a We have now a young master living with
collation; and from that point to the us, who was educated at Oxford, took
city Mrs. Robert Morris occupied a seat orders, and came over as assistant to Rev-
by the side of Mrs. Washington. When erend Kemp, of Gloucester. That parish
the procession entered the city the wife is too poor to keep both, and he teaches
of the President was greeted with a salute school for his board. He teaches sister
of thirteen guns. She journeyed on to New Susie and me and Madam Carter's boy
York. At Elizabethtown Point she was and two other scholars. I am now learn-
received by her husband, Robert Morris, ing pretty fast. Mamma, Susie, and I
and several distinguished gentlemen, in all send love to you and Mary. This letter
the splendid barge in which Washington from your loving sister, Mary Ball."
had been conveyed from the same place to Mary Ball married Augustine Washing-
New York a month before. It was manned ton in 1730. Their first child was George
by thirteen sailors. When the barge ap- Washington, who, when seventeen years
proached Whitehall, the landing-place in of age, wrote the following memorandum
New York, crowds of citizens were there in his mother's Bible: "George Washing-
assembled, who greeted Mrs. Washington ton, son to Augustine and Mary, his wife,
with cheers, and from the battery near was born the eleventh day of February,
by the thunder of thirteen cannon gave 1731-32, about ten in the morning, and
her a welcome. In all this there was was baptized the 3d of April following,
nothing very extravagant, considering the Mr. Beverley Whiting and Capt. Chris-
circumstances. Yet there were sturdy re- topher Brooks, god-fathers, and Mrs. Mil-
publicans who viewed the pageantry with dred Gregory, god-mother."
suspicion, believing that they saw in this Early in April, 1743, Augustine Wash-

188

WASHINGTON, MARY"

mart Washington (From an old print).

ington rode several hours in a cold rain- surance that her eldest son was now set-
storm, became chilled, and died of fever tied for life not far from his mother,
on the 12th of the month, aged forty-nine where she might enjoy his society and
years, leaving an ample
estate for his widow and
children ; and directing
that the proceeds of all
the property of Mrs.
Washington's children
should be at her disposal
until they had attained
their majority. Mrs. Washington man- consult with him about her affairs, was a
aged the estate with great judgment, great comfort.

The marriage of George Washington to At the outbreak of the French and
Mrs. Custis made his mother very happy. Indian War, Washington persuaded his
The social position, the fortune, and mother to leave her exposed house on the
the lovely character of his bride were Rappahannock, and remove to Fredericks-
extremely satisfactory to her. X'.e as- burg, where she continued to live until

189

^w^^^fe

MARY WASHINGTON'S SIGNATURE.

Washington

her death, Aug. 25, 1789. In 1894,
through the instrumentality of the Na-
tional Mary Washington Memorial Asso-
ciation, a monument was erected in honor
of her memory at Fredericksburg, Va. The
shaft rises from a pedestal 11 feet square,

the north by Canada. The first American
settlement in the limits of the State was
at Tumwater, in 1845, by a few families
who had crossed the plains. Before that
the only white dwellers were employes of
the Hudson Bay Company. Washington

MONWMENT IN MEMORY OF MARY WASHINGTON AT FREnKRlOKSlH'RG, VA.

and carries the following inscription:
" Mary, the Mother of Washington. Erect-
ed by her Countrywomen."

Washington, State of, created from
Washington Territory, which was original-
ly a part of Oregon, and was the most
northwestern portion of the republic until
Alaska was purchased. It is bounded on

190

Territory was set apart from Oregon by
act of Congress. March 2, 1853. When
Oregon became a State, Feb. 14, 1859,
Congress added to Washington Territory
the region between the eastern boundary
of that State and the Rocky Mountains,
embracing the present State of Idaho and
parts of Montana and Wyoming. The San

— a-SHINGION

Juan Islands, formerly claimed by Great
Britain, were decided, in 1872, by the
arbitration of the Emperor of Germany,

STATK SKAL OP WASHINGTON.

to belong to the United States. Wash-
ington was admitted as a State in 1889.
Olympia is the capital. The population
in 1890 was 349,390; in 1900, 518,103. See
United States, Washington, vol. ix.

TERRITORIAL GOVERNORS.

I. I. Stevens... assumes office.. .Nov. 28,

" September,

Fayette McMullen

C. H. Mason, acting

Richard D. Gholson

Henry M. McGill, acting

W. H. Wallace

L. J. S. Turney, acting..

William Pickering

Marshall F. Moore

Alvan Flanders

Edward S. Salomon....

Elisha Pyre Ferry

William A. Newell

Watson C. Squire

Eugene Semple ,

Miles C. Moore

.July,
May,

.June,

STATE GOVERNORS.

Elisha P. Ferry assumes office. . .Nov. 18,

John H. McG raw " ...January

John R. Rogers " ... "

Henry G. HcBride "

A. E. Mead "

1853

IHf>7
1866
18f>9
I860
1861

1862

1867
1869
1870
1872
1880
1884
1887
1888

1889
1893
1897
1901
1905

UNITED STATES SENATORS.

Name.

No. of Congress.

Term.

JohnB. Allen

61st to 63d
61st " 66th

63d "

64th " 66th
55th " 57 th
56th " 58th

58th "

59th "

1890 to 1893
1890 " 1897

1895 " 1899
1897 " 1903
1899 " 1906

* Upon the expiration of John B. Allen's term in 1893
there was a deadlock and the office was vacant until
Wilson's election in 1895.

WASHINGTON, TREATY OF

"Washington, Treaty of. Art. 1. bama claims, shall be referred to a tri-

Whereas differences have arisen between bunal of arbitration, to be composed of

the government of the United States and five arbitrators, to be appointed in the

the government of her Britannic Maj- following manner, that is to say: One

esty, and still exist, growing out of the shall be named by the President of the

acts committed by the several vessels United States, one shall be named by her

which have given rise to the claims gen- Britannic Majesty, his Majesty the King

erally known as the Alabama claims; and of Italy shall be requested to name one,

whereas her Britannic Majesty has au- the President of the Swiss Confederation

thorized her high commissioners and shall be requested to name one, and his

plenipotentiaries to express in a friendly Majesty the Emperor of Brazil shall be

spirit the regret felt by her Majesty's requested to name one. In case of death,

government for the escape, under what- absence, or incapacity to serve, of either

ever circumstances, of the Alabama and of the said arbitrators, or in the event

other vessels from British ports, and for of either of the said arbitrators omitting,

the depredations committed by those ves- or declining, or ceasing to act as such,

sels; now, in order to remove and adjust the President of the United States, or

all complaints and claims on the part her Britannic Majesty, or his Majesty

of the United States, and to provide for the King of Italy, or the President of the

the speedy settlement of such claims which Swiss Confederation, or his Majesty the

are not admitted by her Britannic Majes- Emperor of Brazil, as the case may be.

ty's government, the high contracting par- may forthwith name another person to

ties agree that all the said claims growing act as arbitrator in the place and stead

out of acts committed by the aforesaid of the arbitrator originally named by

vessels, and generally known as the Ala- such head of State; and in the event of

191

WASHINGTON, TREATY OF

refusal or omission, for two months after is to be procured. If, in the case sub-

the receipt of the request, from either of mittcd, any report or document in the

the high contracting parties, of his Maj- exclusive possession of any party be

esty the King of Italy, or the President omitted, such party shall- be bound, if the

of the Swiss Confederation, or his Majesty other party thinks proper to apply for it,

the Emperor of Brazil, to name an arbi- to furnish that party with a copy thereof,

trator, either to fill the original appoint- and either party may call upon the oth-

ment or in place of one who may have er, through the arbitrators, to produce the

died, be absent, or incapacitated, or who originals or certified copies of any papers

may omit, decline, or from any cause adduced as evidence, giving in each in-

cease to act as such arbitrator, his Majesty stance such reasonable notes as the arbi-

the King of Sweden and Norway shall trators may require.

be requested to name one or more per- Art. 5. It shall be the duty of the agent

sons, as the case may be, to act as such of each party, within two months after

arbitrator or arbitrators. the expiration of the time limited for

Art. 2. The arbitrators shall meet at the delivery of the counter-case on both

Geneva, in Switzerland, at the earliest sides, to deliver in duplicate to each of

day convenient after they shall have the said arbitrators, and to the agent

been named, and shall proceed impartially of the other party, a written or printed

and carefully to examine and decide all argument, showing the points and refer-

questions that shall be laid before them ring to the evidence upon which his gov-

on the part of the governments of the eminent relies; and the arbitrators may,

United States and her Britannic Majesty if they desire further elucidation with re-

respectively. All questions considered by gard to any point, require a written or

the tribunal, including the final award, printed statement or argument, or oral

shall be decided by a majority of all the argument by counsel upon it. But in such

arbitrators. Each of all of the high con- case the other party shall be entitled to

tracting parties shall also name one per- reply, either orally or in writing, as the

son to attend the tribunal as its agent case may be.

to represent it generally in all matters Art. 6. In deciding the matters sub-
connected with the arbitration. mitted to the arbitrators, they shall be

Art. 3. The written or printed case of governed by the following three rules

each of the two parties, accompanied by to be taken as applicable to the case, and

the documents, the official correspondence, by such principles of international law,

and other evidence on which each relies, not inconsistent therewith, as the arbi-

shall be delivered in duplicate to each of trators shall determine to have been ap-

the arbitrators, and to the agent of the plicable to the case.

other party, as soon as may be after the Rules. — A neutral government is bound,

organization of the tribunal, but within first, to use due diligence to prevent the fit-

a period not exceeding six months from ting out, arming, or equipping, within its

the date of the exchange of the ratifica- jurisdiction, of any vessel which it has

tion of this treaty. reasonable ground to believe is intended

Art. 4. Within four months after the to cruise or to carry on war against a

delivery on both sides of the written or power with which it is at peace, and also

printed case, either party may, in like to use like diligence to prevent the depart-

rnanner, deliver in duplicate to each of ure from its jurisdiction of any vessel

the said arbitrators, and to the agent intended to cruise or carry on war as

of the other party, a counter-case, and above, such vessel having been specially

additional documents, correspondence, and adapted, in whole or in part, within such

evidence, in reply to the other party. The jurisdiction, to warlike use; second, not

arbitrators may, however, extend the time to permit or suffer either belligerent

for delivering such counter-case, docu- to make use of its ports or waters as the

ments, correspondence, and evidence, when, base of naval operations against the other,

in their judgment, it becomes necessary, or for the purpose of the renewal or

in consequence of the distance of the place augmentation of military supplies or

from which the evidence to be presented arms, or the recruitment of men; third,

198

WASHINGTON, TREATY OF

to exercise due diligence in its own ports, delivered to the agent of Great Britain

for his government.

Art. 8. Each government shall pay its
own agent, and provide for the proper
remuneration of the counsel employed by
it, and of the arbitrator appointed by it,
and for the expense of preparing and sub-
mitting its case to the tribunal. All other
expenses connected with the arbitration
shall be defrayed by the two governments
in equal moieties.

Art. 9. The arbitrators shall keep an
accurate record of their proceedings, and
may appoint and employ the necessary
officers to assist them.

Art. 10. In case the tribunal finds that
Great Britain has failed to fulfil any
duty or duties, as aforesaid, and does not
award a sum in gross, the high contract-
ing parties agree that a board of assessors
shall be appointed to ascertain and de-
termine what claims are valid, and what
amount or amounts shall be paid by Great
Britain to the United States on account
of the liability arising from such failure
as to each vessel, according to the extent
of such liability, as decided by the arbi-
trators. The board of assessors shall be
constituted as follows: OneTnember there-
of shall be named by the President of the
United States, one member thereof shall
be named by her Britannic Majesty, one
member thereof shall be named by the rep-
resentative at Washington of his Majesty -
the King of Italy; and, in ease of a va-
cancy happening from any cause, it shall
be filled in the same manner in which
the original appointment was made. As
soon as possible, after such nominations,
the board of assessors shall be organized
in Washington, with power to hold their-
sittings there or in New York or in Bos-
ton. The members thereof shall severally
subscribe a solemn declaration that they
will impartially and carefully examine
and decide, to the best of their judgment,
and according to justice and equity, all
matters submitted to them, and shall
forthwith proceed, under such rules and
regulations as they may prescribe, to the
investigation of the claims which shall be
presented to them by the government of
the United States, and shall examine and

and waters, and, as to all persons within
its jurisdiction, to prevent any violation
of the foregoing obligations and duties.

Hei Britannic Majesty has commanded
her high commissioners and plenipoten-
tiaries to declare that her Majesty's gov-
ernment cannot assent to the foregoing
rules, as a statement of principles of in-
ternational law which were in force at
the time when the claims mentioned in
Art. 1 arose, but that her Britannic
Majesty's government, in order to evince
its desire of strengthening the friendly
relations between the two countries and
of making satisfactory provision for the
future, agrees that, in deciding the ques-
tions between the two countries arising
out of those claims, the arbitrators should
assume that her Majesty's government
had undertaken to act upon the principles
set forth in these rules, and the high
contracting parties agree to observe these
rules between themselves in future, and
to bring them to the knowledge of other
maritime powers, and to invite them to
accede to them.

Art. 7. The decision of the tribunal
shall, if possible, be made within three
months from the close of the argument
on both sides. It shall be made in writ-
ing, and dated, and shall be signed by the
arbitrators who may assent to it. The
said tribunal shall first determine as to
each vessel separately, whether Great
Britain has by any act or omission failed
to fulfil any of the duties set forth in the
foregoing three rules, or recognized by
the principles of international law, not
inconsistent with such rules, and shall
certify such fact as to each of the said
vessels. In case the tribunal find that
Great Britain has failed to fulfil any
duty or duties as aforesaid, it may, if it
think proper, proceed to award a* sum in
gross to be paid by Great Britain to the
United States for all the claims referred
to it; and in such case the gross sum so
awarded shall be paid in coin by the gov-
ernment of Great Britain to the govern-
ment of the United States at Washington
within twelve months after the date of
the award. The award shall be in dupli-

cate, one copy whereof shall be delivered decide upon them in suc v rder and man-
to the agent of the United States for his ner as they may think pre ;r, but upon
government; and the other copy shall be such evidence or information only as shall

x. — n 18a

CLAIMS Or BRITISH SUBJECTS.

WASHINGTON, TEEATY Of

be furnished by or on behalf of the gov- or may not have been presented to the
ernments of Great Britain and of the notice of, made, preferred, or laid before
United States respectively. They shall be the tribunal or board, shall, from and
bound to hear on each separate claim, if after the conclusion of the proceedings of
required, one person on behalf of each gov- the tribunal or board, be considered and
ernment as counsel or agent. A majority treated as finally settled, barred, and
of the assessors in each case shall be suf- thenceforth inadmissible,
ficient for a decision. The decision of the
assessors shall be given upon such claim
in writing, and shall be signed by them Art. 12. The high contracting parties
respectively, and dated. Every claim shall agree that all claims on the part of cor-
be presented to the assessors within six porations, companies, or private individu-
months from the day of their first meet- als — citizens of the United States — upon
ing; but they may, for good cause shown, the government of her Britannic Majesty
extend the time for the presentation of arising out of acts committed against the
any claim to a further period not exceed- persons or property of citizens of the
ing three months. The assessors shall re- United States during the period between
port to each government, at or before the April 13, 186*1, and April 9, 1865, inclu-
expiration of one year from the date of sive (not being claims growing out of the
their first meeting, the amount of claims acts of the vessels referred to in Art.
decided by them up to the date of such 1 of this treaty), and all claims, with the
report. If further claims then remain un- like exception on the part of corporations,
decided, they shall make a further report companies, or private individuals, sub-
at or before the expiration of two years jects of her Britannic Majesty, upon the
from the date of such first meeting; and government of the United States arising
in case any claims remain undetermined out of acts committed against the per-
at that time, they shall make a final re- sons or property of subjects of her Bri-
port within a further period of six months, tannic Majesty during the same period,
The report shall be made in duplicate, which may have been presented to either
and one copy thereof shall be delivered government for its interposition with
to the Secretary of State of the United the other, and which yet remain unset-
States, and one copy thereof to the rep- tied, as well as any other such claims
resentative of her Britannic Majesty at which may be presented within the time
Washington. All sums of money which specified in Art. 14 of this treaty, shall
may be awarded under this article shall be referred to three commissioners, to be
be payable at Washington, in coin, within appointed in the following manner — that
twelve months after the delivery of each is to say, one commissioner shall be
report. The board of assessors may em- named by the President of the United
ploy such clerks as they shall think neces- States, one by her Britannic Majesty, and
sary. The expenses of the board of as- the third by the President of the United
sessors shall be assumed equally by the States and her Britannic Majesty con-
two governments, and paid from time to jointly; and in case the third commis-
time, as may be found expedient, on the sioner shall not have been so named with-
production of accounts certified by the in a period of three months from the date
board. The remuneration of the assess- of the exchange of the ratification of this
ors shall also be paid by the two govern- treaty, then the third commissioner shall
ments in equal moieties in a similar be named by the representative at Wash-
manner, ington of his Majesty the King of Spain.
Art. 11. The high contracting parties In case of the death, absence, or inca-
engaged to consider the result of the pro- pacity of any commissioner, or in the
ceedings of the tribunal of arbitration event of any commissioner omitting or
and of the board of assessors, should such ceasing to act, the vacancy shall be filled
board be appointed, as a full, perfect, and in the manner hereinbefore provided for
final settlement )f all the claims herein- making the original appointment, the
before refe/red to, and further engage that period of three months, in case of such
every such claim, whether the same may substitution, being calculated from the

194

Washington, treaty of

date of the happening of the vacancy, the period for presenting the claim may be?
The commissioners so named shall meet . extended by them to any time not exceed -
at Washington at the earliest convenient ing three months longer. The commis-
period after they have been respectively sioners shall be bound to examine and de-
named, and shall, before proceeding to cide upon every claim within two years
any business, make and subscribe a from their first meeting. It shall be corn-
solemn declaration that they will impar- petent for the commissioners to decide in
tially and carefully examine and decide, each case, whether any claim has or has
to the best of their judgment and accord- not been made, preferred, and laid before
ing to justice and equity, all such claims them, either wholly or to any and what
as shall be laid before them on the part extent, according to. the true intent and
of the governments of the United States meaning of this treaty,
and her Britannic Majesty, respectively, Art. 15. All sums of money which may
and such declarations shall be entered on be awarded by the commissioners on ac-
the~ record of their proceedings. count of any claims shall be paid by the

Art. 13. The commissioners shall then one government to the other, as the case
forthwith proceed to the investigation of may be, within twelve months after the
the claims which shall be presented to date of the final award, without interest,
them. They shall investigate and decide and without any deduction, save as speci-
sueh claims in such order and such manner fied in Art. 16 of this treaty,
as they may think proper, but upon such Art. 16. The commissioners shaV .Keep
evidence or information only as shall be an accurate record and correct 'minutes,
furnished by or on behalf of the respective or notes, of all their proceedings, with the
governments. They shall be bound to re- dates thereof, and may appoint and em-
ceive and consider all written documents ploy a secretary, and any other necessary
or statements which may be presented to officer or officers, to assist them in the
them , by or on behalf of the respective transaction of the business which may
governments, in support of or in answer come before them. Each government shall
to any claim, and to hear, if required, one pay its own commissioner, and agent, or
person on each side on behalf of each counsel. All other expenses shall be de-
government, as counsel or agent for such frayed by the two governments in equal
government, on each and every separate moieties. The whole expenses of the corn-
claim. A majority of the commissioners mission, including contingent expenses,
shall be sufficient for an award in each shall be paid by a ratable deduction on the
case. The award shall be given upon each amount of the sums awarded by the corn-
claim in writing, and shall be signed by missioners: Provided always that such
the commissioners assenting to it. It shall deduction shall not exceed the rate of
be competent for each government to name 5' per cent, on the sums so awarded,
one person to attend the commissioners Art. 17. The high contracting parties
as its agent, to present and support claims engage to consider the result of the pro-
on its behalf, and to answer claims made ceedings of this commission as a full, per-
upon it, and to represent it generally in feet, and final settlement of all such
all matters connected with the investiga- claims as are mentioned in Art. 12 o*
tion and decision thereof. The high con- this treaty upon either government, and
tracting parties hereby engage to con- further engage that every such claim,
sider the decision of the commissioners whether or not the same may have been
as absolutely final and conclusive upon presented to the notice of, made "pre-
each claim decided upon by them, and to ferred " or laid before the said commis-
give full effect to such decisions, without sion, shall, from and after the conclusion
any objection, evasion, or delay whatsoever, of the proceedings of said commission, be

Art. 14. Every claim shall be presented considered, and treated as finally settled,

to the commissioners within six months barred, and thenceforth inadmissible,

from the day of their first meeting, un- THE pjsjjEgjEg.
less in any case where reasons for delay

shall be established to the satisfaction of Art. 18. Itis agreed by the high con-

the commissioners, and in any such case tracting parties that, in addition to the

195

WASHINGTON, TREATY OP

liberty secured to the United States fisher- part of said coasts in their occupancy for
men by the convention between the United the same purpose. It is understood that
States and Great Britain, signed at Lon- the above-mentioned liberty applies sole-
don, on Oct. 20, 1818, of taking, curing, ly to the sea fishery, and that the salmon
and drying fish on certain coasts of the and shad fisheries, and all other fisheries
British North American colonies, therein in rivers and mouths of rivers, are hereby
defined, and inhabitants of the United reserved exclusively for fishermen of the
States shall have, in common with the United States.

subjects of her Britannic Majesty, the Art. 20. It is agreed that the place?
liberty, for the term of years mentioned in designated by the commissioners appoint-
Art. 33 of this treaty, to take fish of ed under the first article of the treaty be-
every kind, except shell-fish, on the sea- tween the United States and Great Brit-
coasts and shores, and in the bays, har- ain, concluded at Washington on June 5,
bors, and creeks of the provinces of 1854, upon the coasts of her Britannic
Quebec, Nova Scotia, and New Brunswick, Majesty's dominions and of the United
and the colony of Prince Edward's Island, States, as places reserved from the com-
and of the several islands thereunto ad- mon right of fishing under that treaty,
jacent, without being restricted to any shall be regarded as in like manner re-
distance from the shore, with permission served from the common right of fishing
to land upon the said coasts, and shores, under the preceding articles. In case any
and islands, and also upon the Magdalen question should arise between the govern-
Islands, for the purpose of drying their ments of the United States and of her
nets and curing their fish: Provided that Britannic Majesty as to the common right
in so doing they do not interfere with the of fishing in places not thus designated as
rights of private property, or with the reserved, it is agreed that a commission
British fishermen in the peaceable use of shall be appointed, to designate such
any part of the said coasts in their oc- places, and shall be constituted in the
cupancy for the same purpose. It is un- same manner, and have the same powers,
derstood that the above-mentioned liberty duties, and authorities as the commission
applies solely to the sea fishery, and that appointed under the said first article of
the salmon and shad fisheries, and all the treaty of June 5, 1854.
other fisheries in rivers and the mouth of Art. 21. It is agreed that, for the term
rivers, are hereby reserved exclusively for of years mentioned in Art. 33 of this
British fishermen. treaty, fish-oil and fish of all kinds, "ex-
Art. 19. It is agreed by the high con- cept fish of the inland lakes and of the
tracting parties that British subjects shall rivers falling into them, and except fish
have, in common with the citizens of the preserved in oil," being the produce of
United States, the liberty, for the term the fisheries of the United States, or of
of years mentioned in Art. 33 of this the Dominion of Canada, or of Prince
treaty, to take fish of every kind, except Edward's Island, shall be admitted into
shell-fish, on the eastern sea - coast and each country, respectively, free of duty,
shores of the United States north of the Art. 22. Inasmuch as it is asserted by
39th parallel of north latitude, and on the the government of her Britannic Majesty
shores of the several islands thereunto that the privileges accorded to the citizens
adjacent, and in the bays, harbors, and of the United States, under Art. 18 of
creeks of the said sea-coasts and shores of this treaty, are of greater value than
the United States, and of the said islands, those accorded by Arts. 19 and 21 of this
without being restricted to any distance treaty to the subjects of her Britannic
from the shore, with permission to land Majesty, and this assertion is not ad-
upon the said coasts of the United States mitted by the government of the United
and of the islands aforesaid, for the pur- States, it is further agreed that commis-
pose of drying their nets and curing their sioners shall be appointed to determine,
fish: Provided that in so doing they do having regard to the privileges accorded
not interfere with the rights of private by the United States to the subjects of
property, or with the fishermen of the her Britannic Majesty, as stated in Arts.
United States in the peaceable use of any 19 and 21 of this treaty, the amount of

196

WASHINGTON, TREATY OF

any compensation which, in their opinion, bound to receive such oral or written tea-
ought to be paid by the government of timony as either government may pre-
the United States to the government of sent. If either party shall offer oral tes-
her Britannic Majesty, in return for the timony. the other party shall have the
privileges accorded to the citizens of the right of cross-examination, under such
United States under Art. 18 of this rules as the commissioners shall pre-
treaty; that any sum of money which scribe. If in the case submitted to the
the said commissioners may so award commissioners either party shall have
shall be paid by the United States gov- specified or alluded to any report or
ernment in a gross sum within twelve document in its own exclusive possession
months after such award shall have been without annexing a copy, such party
given. shall be bound, if the other party thinks
Art. 23. The commissioners referred to proper to apply for it, to furnish that
in the preceding article shall be appointed party with a copy thereof, and either
in the following manner — that is to say: party may call upon the other through
One commissioner shall be named by the the commissioners to produce the orig-
President of the United States, one by inals or certified copies of any papers ad-
her Britannic Majesty, and a third by duced as evidence, giving in each instance
the President and her Britannic Majesty such reasonable notice as the commis-
conjointly; and, in case the third com- sioners may require. The case on either
missioner shall not have been so named side shall be closed within a period of six
within a period of three months from the months from the date of the organiza-
date when this act shall take effect, then lion of the commission; and the com-
the third commissioner shall be named by missioners shall be requested to give their
the representative at London of his Maj- award as soon as possible thereafter,
esty, the Emperor of Austria and King The aforesaid period of six months may
of Hungary. In case of the death, ab- lie extended for three months in case of a
sence, or incapacity of any commissioner, vacancy occurring among the commission-
er in the event of any commissioner omit- ers under the circumstances contemplated
ting or ceasing to act, the vacancy shall in Art. 23 of this treaty.
be filled in the manner hereinbefore pro- Art. 25. The commissioners shall keep
vided for making the original appoint- an accurate record and correct minutes,
ment, the period of three months in case or notes, of all their proceedings, with
of such substitution being calculated the dates thereof, and may appoint and
from the date of the happening of the employ a secretary, and any other neoes-
vacancy. The commissioners named shall sary officer or officers to assist them in the
meet in the city of Halifax, in the transaction of the business which may
province of Nova Scotia, at the earliest come before them. Each of the high con-
convenient period after they have been tracting parties shall pay its own com-
respectively named, and shall, before pro- missioner and agent or counsel; all other
ceeding to any business, make and sub- expenses shall be defrayed by the two
scribe a solemn declaration that they governments in equal moieties,
will impartially and carefully examine and Art. 26. The navigation of the river
—decide the matter referred to them, to St. Lawrence, ascending and descending
the best of their judgment, and accord- from the 45th parallel of north latitude,
ing to justice and equity, and such dec- where it ceases to form the boundary be-
laration shall be entered on the record tween the two countries, from, to, and
of their proceedings. Each of the high into the sea, shall forever remain free,
contracting powers shall ^lso name one and open for the purposes of commerce
person to attend the commission as his to the citizens of the United States, sub-
agent, to represent it generally in all ject to any laws and regulations of Great
matters connected with the commission. Britain or of the Dominion of Canada, not
Art. 24. The proceedings shall be con- inconsistent with such privilege of free
ducted in such order as the commissioners navigation. The navigation of the rivers
appointed under Arts. 22 and 23 of this Yucan, Porcupine, and Stikine, ascending
treaty shall determine. They shall be and descending from, to, and into the sea,

197

WASHINGTON, TREATY OF

shall forever remain free and open for the be conveyed in transit, without the pay-
purposes of commerce to the citizens of ment of duties, from such possessions
both powers, subject to any laws and reg- through the territory of the United States
ulations of either country within its own for export from the said ports of the
territory, not inconsistent with such privi- United States. It is further agreed that,
lege of free navigation. for the like period, goods, wares, or mer-
Art. 27. The government of her Bri- chandiBe, arriving at any of the ports
tannic Majesty engages to urge upon the of her Britannic Majesty's possessions in
government of the Dominion of Canada North America, and destined for the Unit-
lo secure to the citizens of the United ed States, may be entered at the proper
States the use of the Welland, St. Law- custom - house and conveyed in transit,
rence, and other canals in the Dominion, without the payment of duties, through
on terms of equality with the inhabitants the said possessions, under such rules and
of the Dominion, and the government of regulations and conditions for the pro-
the United States engages that the sub- tection of the revenue as the government
jects of her Britannic Majesty shall en- of the said possessions may from time to
joy the use of the St. Clair Flats Canal time prescribe, and under like rules, regu-
on terms of equality with the citizens of lations, and conditions, goods, wares, or
the United States, and further engages merchandise may be conveyed in tran-
to urge upon the State governments to sit without payment of duties, from the
secure to the subjects of her Britannic United States, through said possessions
Majesty the use of the several State to other places in the United States, or
canals connected with the navigation of for export from ports in the said pos-
the lakes or rivers traversed by or con- sessions.

tiguous to the boundary-line between the Art. 30. It is agreed that for the term
possessions of the high contracting par- of years mentioned in Art. 33 of this
ties on terms of equality with tb3 in- treaty, subjects ot her Britannic Majesty
habitants of the United States. may carry in British vessels, without pay-
Art. 28. The navigation of Lake Michi- ment of duties, goods, wares, or mer-
gan shall, also, for the term of years men- chandise, from one port or place within
tioned in Art. 33 of this treaty, be free the territory of the United States, upon
and open, for the purposes of commerce, the St. Lawrence, the Great Lakes, and
to the subjects of her Britannic Majesty, the rivers connecting the same, to another
subject to any laws and regulations of the port or place, within the territory of
United States, or of the States bordering the United States as aforesaid: Provided
thereon, not inconsistent with such privi- that a portion of such transportation
lege or free navigation. is made through the Dominion of Canada
Art. 29. It is agreed that, for the term by land-carriage and in bond, under such
of years mentioned in Art. 33 of this rules and regulations as may be agreed
treaty, goods, wares, or merchandise, ar- upon between the government of her
riving at the ports of New York, Boston, Britannic Majesty and the government of
and Portland, and any other ports of the the United States. Citizens of the United
United States, which have been or may States may for the like period carry in
from time to time be specially designated United States vessels, without payment
by the President of the United States and of duty, goods, wares, or merchandise,
destined for her Britannic Majesty's pos- from one port or place within the posses-
sessions in North America, may be enter- sions of her Britannic Majesty in North
ed at the proper custom-house, and con- America to another port or place with-
veyed in transit, withoiit the payment of in the said possessions: Provided that a
duties, through the territory of the Unit- portion of such transportation is made
ed States, under such rules, regulations, through the territory of the United States
and conditions for the protection of the by land-carriage, and in bond, under such
revenues as the government of the United rules and regulations as may be agreed
States may from time to time prescribe, upon between the government of the Unit-
and under like rules, regulations, and con- ed States and the government of her
ditions, goods, wares, or merchandise may Britannic Majesty. The government of

198

WASHINGTON, TREATY OF

the United States further engages not to for carrying the foregoing articles into

impose any export duties on goods, wares, effect, then this article shall be of no ef-

or merchandise carried under this article feet; but the omission to make provision,

through the territory of the United States, by law, to give it effect, by either of the

and her Britannic Majesty's government legislative bodies aforesaid, shall not in

engages to urge the Parliament of the any way impair any other articles of this

Dominion of Canada, and the legislatures treaty.

of the other colonies, not to impose any Art. 33. The foregoing articles, 18 to 25,
export duties on goods, wares, or mer- inclusive, and Art. 30 of this treaty,
chandise carried under this article. And shall take effect as soon as the laws re-
the government of the United States may, quired to carry them into operation shall
in case such export duties are imposed by have been passed by the imperial Parlia-
the Dominion of Canada suspend, during ment of Great Britain, by the Parliament
the period that such duties are imposed, of Canada, and by the legislature of
the right of 1 carrying granted under this Prince Edward's Island, on the one hand,
article in favor of the subjects of her and by the Congress of the United States
Britannic Majesty. The government of on the other. Such assent having been
the United States may also suspend the given, the said articles shall remain in
right of carrying granted in favor of the lorce for the period of ten years from
subjects of her Britannic Majesty, under the date at which they may come into oper-
this article, in case the Dominion of ation; and further, until the expiration of
Canada should at any time deprive the two years after either of the high eon-
citizens of the United States of the use tracting parties shall have given notice
of the canals in said Dominion on terms to the other of its wish to terminate the
of equality with the inhabitants of the same; each of the high contracting par-
Dominion, as provided in Art. 27. ties being at liberty to give such notice
Art. 31. The government of her Britan- to the other at the end of the said period
nic Majesty further engages to urge upon of ten years, or at any time afterward,
the Parliament of the Dominion of Canada THE N0ETHERN B0XmDAET .
and the legislature of New Brunswick that

no export or other duty shall be levied on Art. 34. Whereas it was stipulated by
lumber or timber of any kind cut on that Art. 1, of the treaty concluded at Wash-
portion of the American territory in the ington on June 15, 1846, between the Unit-
State of Maine, watered by the river St. ed States and her Britannic Majesty,
John and its tributaries, and floated down that the line of boundary between the ter-
that river to the sea, when the same is ritory of the United States and those of
shipped to the United States from the her Britannic Majesty, from the point
province of New Brunswick; and in case of the 49th parallel of north latitude up
any such export or other duty continues to which it had already been ascertained,
to be levied after the expiration of one should be continued westward along the
year from the date of the exchange of the said parallel of north latitude to the mid-
ratifications of this treaty, it is agreed die of the channel which separates the
that the government of the United States continent from Vancouver's Island, and
may suspend the right of carrying here- thence southerly along the middle of the
inbefore granted under Art. 30 of this said channel, and of Fuca Strait to the
treaty for such period as such export or Pacific Ocean; and whereas the commis-
other duty may be levied. sioners appointed by the two high con-
Art. 32. It is further agreed that the tracting parties to determine that portion
provisions and stipulations of Arts. 18 of the boundary which runs southerly
to 25 of this treaty, inclusive, shall ex- through the middle of the channel afore-
tend to the colony of Newfoundland, so said were unable to agree upon the same;
far as they are applicable. But, if the and whereas the government of her Bri-
imperial Parliament, the legislature of tannic Majesty claims that such boundary-
Newfoundland, or the Congress of the line should, under the terms of the
United States shall not embrace the colony treaty above recited, be run through the
Of Newfoundland in their laws enacted Eosario Straits, and the government of

199

WASHINGTON, TREATY OP

the United States claims that it should
be run through the Canal De Haro, it is
agreed that the respective claims of the
government of her Britannic Majesty and
of the government of the United States
shall be submitted to the arbitration and
award of his Majesty the Emperor of Ger-
many, who, having regard to the above-
mentioned article of the said treaty, shall
decide thereupon, finally and without ap-
peal, which of those claims is most in ac-
cordance with the true interpretation of
the treaty of June 15, 1846.

Art. 35. The award of his Majesty the
Emperor of Germany shall be considered
as absolutely final and conclusive, and full
effect shall be given to such award, with-
out any objection, evasion, or delay what-
soever. Such decision shall be given in
writing, and dated. It shall be in what-
soever form his Majesty may choose to
adopt. It shall be delivered to the rep-
resentatives or other public agents of the
United States and of Great Britain, re-
spectively, who may be actually at Berlin,
and shall be considered as operative from
the day of the date of the delivery thereof.

Art. 36. The written or printed case of
each of the two parties, accompanied by
the evidence offered in support of the
same, shall be laid before his Majesty the
Emperor of Germany within six months
from the date of the exchange of the
ratification of this treaty, and a copy of
such case and evidence shall be communi-
cated by each party to the other through
their respective representatives at Berlin.
The high contracting powers may include
in the evidence to be considered by the
arbitrator such documents, official corre-
spondence, and other official or public
statements bearing on the subject of the
reference as they may consider neces-
sary to the support of their respective
cases. After the written or printed case
shall have been communicated by each
party to the other, each party shall have
the power of drawing up and laying before
the arbitrators a second and definite state-
ment, if it think fit to do so, in reply to
the case of the other party so communi-
cated, which definitive statement shall be
so laid before the arbitrator, and also
be mutually communicated, in the same
manner as aforesaid by each party to the
other within six months from the date

206

of laying the first statement of the case
before the arbitrator.

Art. 37. If in the case submitted to the
arbitrator either party shall specify or
allude to any report or document in its
own exclusive possession, without annex-
ing a copy, such party shall be bound, if
the other party thinks proper to apply
for it, to furnish that party with a copy
thereof, and either party may call upon
the other through the arbitrator to pro-
duce the originals or certified copies of
any papers adduced as evidence, giving
in each instance such reasonable notice
as the arbitrator may require-; and if the
arbitrator should desire further elucida-
tion or evidence with regard to any point
contained in the statements laid before
him, he shall be at liberty to require it
from either party, and shall be at liberty
to hear one counsel or agent for each
party in relation to any matter, and at
such time and in such manner as he may
think fit.

Art. 38. The represent '.fives or other
public agents of the Uniied States and
Great Britain at Berlin, respectively, shall
be considered as the agents of their re-
spective governments to conduct their
cases before the arbitrator, who shall be
requested to address all his communica-
tions and give all his notices to such
representatives, or other public agents who
shall represent their respective govern-
ments generally, in all matters connect-
ed with arbitration.

Art. 39. It shall be competent to the ar-
bitrator to proceed in the said arbitra-
tion, and all matters relating thereto, as
and when he shall see fit, either in person
or by a person or persons named by him
for that purpose, either in the presence
or absence of either or both agents, and
either orally or by written discussion, or
otherwise.

Art. 40. The arbitrator may, if he think
fit, appoint a secretary or clerk for the
purposes of the proposed arbitration, at
such rate of remuneration as he shall
think proper. This, and all other expenses
of and connected with said arbitration,
shall be provided for as hereinafter stipu-
lated.

Art. 41. The arbitrator shall be request-
ed to deliver, together with his award, an
account of all the costs and expenses which

■WASHINGTON— WASHINGTON AND JEFFERSON COLLEGE

he may have been put to in relation to this 28, 1752; son of Baily Washington, a
matter, which shall forthwith te paid by kinsman of George Washington; entered
the two governments in equal moieties. the military service early in the Revolu-
Art. 42. The arbitrator shall be request- tionary War, becoming a captain in the
ed to deliver his award in writing as Virginia line under Mercer. He was in
early as con-
venient after the
whole case on
each side shall be
laid before him,
and to deliver
one copy thereof
to each of the
said agents.

Art. 43. The
present treaty
shall be duly
ratified by the
President of the
United States of
America, and by
and with the ad-
vice and consent of the Senate thereof, and the battle on Long Island, and was badly
by her Britannic Majesty; and the ratifi- wounded at Trenton, but engaged in the
cations shall be exchanged, either at Wash- battle at Princeton. Lieutenant-colonel
ington or at London, within six months of Baylor's dragoons, he was with them
from the date hereof, or earlier if possible, when surprised at Tappan. In 1779-80
In faith whereof, we, the respective pleni- he was very active in South Carolina, in
potentiaries, have signed this treaty, and connection with General Morgan, and for
have hereunto affixed our seals. his valor at the Cowpens, Congress gave

Done in duplicate at Washington the 8th him thanks and a silver medal. In
day of May, in the year of our Lord 1871. Greene's famous retreat Colonel Washing-
Washington, William, military offi- ton was very efficient; so, also, was he at

SILVER MEDAL AWARDED TO WILLIAM WASHINGTON.

cer; born in Stafford county, Va., Feb,

WILLIAM WASHINGTON.

the battles of Hobkirk's Hill and Eutaw
Springs. At the latter place he was made
prisoner and remained so until the close of
the war, when he married and settled in
Charleston, where he died, March 6, 1810.
Washington and Jefferson College,
an educational institution in Washington,
Pa.; formerly two separate colleges, but
united under an act of the legislature in
1865, the preparatory and scientific de-
partments being located at Washington,
and the sophomore, junior, and senior
classes at Canonsburg, the former seat of
Jefferson College. This arrangement
proved undesirable, and in 1869 the whole
institution was located in Washington,
Pa. In 1903 it reported: Professors and
instructors, 28; students, 350; volumes in
the library, 16,000; productive funds,
$273,615; grounds and buildings valued
at $450,000; income, $37,914; number of
graduates, 4,043; president, Rev. James
D. Moffat, D.D.
201

WASHINGTON AND LEE UNIVERSITY

Washington and Lee University, an
educational institution in Lexington, Va.
The nucleus of it was established in 1749
under the name of Augusta Academy, by
which it was known till the Revolutionary
War began, when its name was changed to
Liberty Hall Academy. In 1780 the in-
stitution was removed to Lexington, when,
in 1796, General Washington gave it 100
shares of stock in the James River Canal
Company, and the name was changed to
Washington College, and on the death of

Gen. Robert E. Lee, in 1870, the name was
again changed to its present one. Instruc-
tion was suspended during the Civil War;
and the institution was reorganized in
1865 under the presidency of Gen. Robert
E. Lee. It reported in 1903: Professors
and instructors, thirty - five ; students,
310; volumes in the library, 45,000;
productive funds, $634,353; grounds
and buildings valued at $200,000; in-
come, $50,000; president, George H.
Denny, Ph.D.

WASHINGTON AND THE NEWBURG ADDRESS

Washington and the Newburg Ad- relax, and that more than justice, that

dress. — The following is the full text of gratitude, would blaze forth upon those

the Newburg Address {q. v.), together hands which had upheld her in the dark-

with Washington's reply to the officers of est stages of her passage from impending

the army: servitude to acknowledged independence.

Eut faith has its limits as well as temper.

Gentlemen, — A fellow-soldier, whose in- and there are points beyond which neithei

terests and affections bind him strongly can be stretched without sinking into

to you, whose past sufferings have been cowardice or plunging into credulity,

as great, and whose future fortunes may This, my friends, I conceive to be your

be as dosperate as yours, would beg leave situation. Hurried to the very verge of

to add ess you. Age has its claims, and both, another step would ruin you forever,

rank is not without its pretensions to ad- To be tame and unprovoked when in-

vise; but, though unsupported by both, he juries press hard upon you is more than

flatters himself that the plain language of weakness; but to look up for kinder usage,

sinoerity and experience will neither be without one manly effort of your own,

unheard nor unregarded. would fix your character and show the

Like many of you, he loved private life, world how richly you deserve those chains

;«:(■ left it with regret. He left it, de- you broke. To guard against this evil,

termined to retire from the field with the let us take a review of the ground upon

necessity that called him to it, and not which we now stand, and thence carry our

till then — not till the enemies of his coun- thoughts forward for a monment into the

try, the slaves of power, and the hirelings unexplored field of expedient. After a

of injustice, were compelled to abandon pursuit of seven long years the object

their schemes, and acknowledge America for which we set out is at length brought

as terrible in arms as she had been humble within our reach. Yes, my friends, that

in remonstrance. With this object in suffering courage of yours was active

view, he has long shared in your toils and once — it has conducted the United States

mingled in your dangers. He has felt the of America through a doubtful and a

cold hand of poverty without a murmur, bloody war ; it has placed her in the chair

and has seen the insolence of wealth with- of independence, and peace returns again

out a sigh. But, too much under the — to bless whom? A country willing to

direction of his wishes, and sometimes redress your wrongs, cherish your worth,

weak enough to mistake desire for opin- and reward your services? A country

ion, he has till lately, very lately, be- courting your return to private life with

lieved in the justice of his country. He tears of gratitude and smiles of admira-

hoped that, as the clouds of adversity tion — longing to divide with you the inde-

scattered, and as the sunshine of peace pendency which your gallantry has given,

and better fortune broke in upon us, the and those riches which your wounds have

coldness and severity of government would preserved? Is this the case?— or is it

202

WASHINGTON AND THE NEWBTJRG ADDRESS

WASHINGTON'S HEADQUARTERS AT NEWBURG.

rather a country that tramples upon your no longer expect from their favor? How

rights, disdains your cries, and insults have you been answered? Let the letter

your distresses? Have you not more which you are called to consider to-mor-

than once suggested your wishes, and made row reply.

known your wants, to Congress — wants If this, then, be your treatment while
and wishes which gratitude and policy the swords you wear are necessary for the
should have anticipated rather than defence of America, what have you to ex-
evaded? And have you not lately, in the pect from peace, when your voice shall
meek language of entreating memorials, sink, and your strength dissipate, by di-
begged from their justice what you could vision — when those very swords, the in-

203

WASHINGTON AND THE NEWBTJRG ADDRESS

struments and companions of your glory,
shall be taken from your sides, and no re-
maining mark of military distinction left
but your wants, infirmities, and scars?
Can you then consent to be the only suffer-
ers by this revolution; and, retiring from
the field, grow old in poverty, wretched-
ness, and contempt? Can you consent to
wade through the vile mire of dependency,
and owe the miserable remnant of that life
to charity, which has hitherto been spent

ENTRANCE TO WASHINGTON'S HEADQUARTERS, NEWBURG.

in honor? If you can, go, and carry with
you the jest of Tories and the scorn of
Whigs; the ridicule, and what is worse,
the pity, of the world. Go, starve, and
be forgotten. But if your spirit should
revolt at this — if you have sense enough
to discover and spirit enough to oppose
tyranny, under whatever garb it may as-
sume, whether it be the plain coat of re-
publicanism or the splendid robe of royalty
— if you have yet learned to discriminate
between a people and a cause, between
men and principles — awake, attend to
your situation, and redress yourselves. If
the present moment be lost, every future
effort is in vain, and your threats then
will be as empty as your entreaties now.
I would advise you, therefore, to come

to some final opinion upon what you can
bear and what you will suffer. If your
determination be in any proportion to
your wrongs, carry your appeal from the
justice to the fears of government.
Change the milk-and-water style of your
last memorial ; assume a bolder tone,
decent, but lively, spirited, and deter-
mined; and suspect the man who would
advise to more moderation and longer for-
bearance. Let two or three men, who can
feel as well as write, be appointed to draw
up your last remonstrance; for I would
no longer giye it the suing, soft, unsuc-
cessful epithet of memorial. Let it be
represented, in language that will neither
dishonor you by its rudeness nor betray
you by its fears, what has been promised
by Congress, and what has been per-
formed; how long and how patiently you
have suffered; how little you have asked,
and how much of that little has been de-
nied. Tell them that though you were
the first, and would wish to be the last,
to encounter danger, though despair it-
self can never drive you into dishonor, it
may drive you from the field; that the
wound, often irritated, and never healed,
may at length become incurable; and that
the slightest mark of malignity from Con-
gress now must operate like the grave,
and part you forever. That, in any po-
litical event, the army has its alternative;
if peace, that nothing shall separate you
from your arms but death; if war, that
courting the auspices and inviting the di-
rections of your illustrious leader, you will
retire to some unsettled country, smile in
your turn, and " mock when their fear
cometh on." But let it represent also,
that should they comply with the re-
quest of your late memorial, it would
make you more happy, and them more re-
spectable; that while war should con-
tinue, you would follow their standard
into the field ; and when it came to an
end, you would withdraw into the shade of
private life, and give the world another
subject of wonder and applause — an army
victorious over its enemies, victorious
over itself.

GENEKAL WASHINGTON'S SPEECH AT THE
MEETING OF OFFICERS.

Gentlemen, — By an anonymous sum-
mons an attempt has been made to con-

204

WASHINGTON AND THE NEWBTTRG ADDBESS

vene you together; how inconsistent with
the rules of propriety, how unmilitary,
and how subversive of all order and disci-
pline, let the good sense of the army
decide. In the moment of this summons,
another anonymous production was sent
into circulation, addressed more to the
feelings and passions than to the judg-
ment of the army. The author of the
piece is entitled to much credit for the
goodness of his pen; and I could wish he
had as much credit for the rectitude of
"his heart; for, as men see through differ-
ent optics, and are induced by the re-
flecting faculties of the mind to use dif-
ferent means to attain the same end, the
author of the address should have had
more charity than to mark for suspicion
the man who should recommend modera-
tion and longer forbearance; or, in other
words, who should not think as he thinks,
and act as he advises.

But he had another plan in view, in
which candor and liberality of sentiment,

regard to justice, and love of country
have no part; and he was right to in-
sinuate the darkest suspicion to effect the
blackest design. That the address was
drawn with great art, and is designed to
answer the most insidious purposes; that
it is calculated to impress the mind with
an idea of premeditated injustice in the
sovereign power of the United States, and
rouse all the resentments which must un-
avoidably flow from such a belief; that
the secret mover of this scheme, whoever
he may be, intended to take advantage of
the passions while they were warmed by
the recollection of past distresses, with-
out giving time for cool, deliberate think-
ing, and that composure of mind which
is so necessary to give dignity and sta-
bility to measures, is rendered too ob-
vious, by the mode of conducting the
business, to need other proofs than a
reference to the proceedings.

Thus much, gentlemen, I have thought
it incumbent on me to observe to you, to

INTERIOR OT WASHINGTON'S HEADQUARTERS, NKWBUBQ.

205

WASHINGTON" AWI) THE JSTEWBtTKtJ ADDRESS

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WASHINGTON AND HIS GKNERALS AT NKTTBURG.

show upon what principles I opposed the arisen when the mouth of detraction has
irregular and hasty meeting which was been opened against it: it can scarcely
proposed to have been held on Tuesday be supposed, at this stage of the war, that

last, and not because I wanted a dispo-
sition to give you every opportunity, con-
sistent with your own honor and the dig-
nity of the army, to make known your
grievances. If my conduct, therefore, has
not evinced to you that I have been a
faithful friend to the army, my declara-
tion of it at this time would be equally
unavailing and improper. But, as I was
among the first who embarked in the
cause of our common country; as I have

I am indifferent to its interests. But how
are they to be promoted? The way is
plain, says the anonymous addresser. If
war continues, remove into the unsettled
country; there establish yourselves, and
leave an ungrateful country to defend
itself. But who are they to defend? Our
wives, our children, our farms, and other
property which we leave behind us? or,
in this state of hostile preparation, are
we to take the first two (the latter can-

never left your side one moment, but not be removed), to perish in the wilder-
when called from you on public duty; as ness, with hunger, cold, and nakedness?
I have been the constant companion and If peace takes place, never sheathe your
witness of your distresses, and not among sword, says he, until you have obtained
the last to feel and acknowledge your full and ample justice. This dreadful al-
merits; as I have ever considered my own ternative of either deserting our country
military reputation as inseparably con- in the extremest hour of her distress, or
nected with that of the army; as my heart turning our arms against it, which is the
has ever expanded with joy when I have apparent object, unless Congress can be
heard its praises, and my indignation has compelled into instant compliance, has

206

WASHINGTON AND THE NEWBUBG ADDklSS

Something so shocking in it that human- in me to assign my reasons for this opin-
ity revolts at the idea. My God, what ion as it would be insulting to your
can this writer have in view by recom- conception to suppose you stood in need
mending such measures? Can he be a of them. A moment's reflection will con-
friend to the army? Can he be a friend vince every dispassionate mind of the
to this country? Rather, is he not an physical impossibility of carrying either
insidious foe; some emissary, perhaps, proposal into execution. There might, gen-

vtew from Washington's headquarters, newburg.

from New York, plotting the ruin of both, tlemen, be an impropriety in my taking
by sowing the seeds of discord and sepa- notice in this address to you, of an anony-
ration between the civil and military mous production; but the manner in
powers of the continent? And what a which that performance has been intro-
compliment does he pay to our under- duced to the army, the effect it was in-
standings when he recommends measures, tended to have, together with some other
in either alternative, impracticable in circumstances, will amply justify my
their nature? observations on the

But here, gentlemen, I will drop the tendency of that
curtain, because it would be as imprudent writing.

With respect to
the advice given by
the author, to sus-
pect the man who
should recommend
moderate measures,
I spurn it, as every
man who regards
that liberty and re-
veres that justice for
which we contend
undoubtedly must;
for, if men are to be

precluded from offering their sentiments
on a matter which may involve the most
serious and alarming consequences that
can invite the consideration of mankind,
reason is of no use to us. The ■ free-
dom of speech may be taken away,
and dumb and silent we may be led like
sheep to the slaughter. I cannot in jus-

WASHINGTON'S chair.

COFFEE - POT AND PISTOL TAKEN FROM
THE HESSIANS AT TRENTON (A NEW-
BURG RELIC).

207

WASHINGTON AND THE NEWBURG ADDRESS

tice to my own belief, and what I have with the great duty I owe to my country,

great reason to conceive is the intention and those powers we are bound to respect,

of Congress, conclude this address with- you may freely command my services to

out giving it as my decided opinion that the utmost extent of my abilities,

that honorable body entertains exalted While I give you these assurances, and

sentiments of the services of the army,
and, from a full conviction of its merits

pledge myself in the most unequivocal
manner to exert whatever abilities I am
possessed of in your favor, let me entreat
you, gentlemen, on your part, not to take
any measures which, viewed in the calm
light of reason, will lessen the dignity
and sully the glory you have hitherto
maintained. Let me request you to rely
on the plighted faith of your country, and
place a full confidence in the purity of the
intentions of Congress, that, previous to
your dissolution as an army, they will

and sufferings, will do it complete justice, cause all your actions to be fairly liqui-

That their endeavors to discover and es- dated, as directed in the resolutions which

tablish funds for this purpose have been were published to

unwearied, and will not cease till they you two days ago;

have succeeded, I have not a doubt; but, and that they will

like all other large bodies, where there is adopt the most ef-

a variety of different interests to recon- fectual measures

A RELIC OF BUNKER BILL, FOUND AT NEWBURG.

in their power to
render ample jus-
tice to you for
your faithful and
meritorious ser-

name of our com-
mon country, as
you value your
own sacred honor,

cile, their determinations are slow. Why,

then, should we distrust them; and, in

consequence of that distrust, adopt meas-
ures which may cast a shade over that

glory which has been so justly acquired,

and tarnish the reputation of an army vices. And let me

which is celebrated through all Europe for conjure you, in the

its fortitude and patriotism? And for

what is this done? To bring the object

we seek nearer? No; most certainly, in

my opinion, it will cast it at a greater dis-
tance. For myself (and I take no merit as you respect the

for giving the assurance, being induced to rights of h u -

it from principles of gratitude, veracity, manity, and as you

and justice, and a grateful sense of the regard the mili-

confidence you have ever placed in me), tary and national

a recollection of the cheerful assistance character of

and prompt obedience I have experienced America, to express your utmost horror

from you under every vicissitude of fort- and detestation of the man who wishes,
une, and the sin- under any specious pretences, to overturn
cere affection I feel the liberties of our country; and who
for an army I have wickedly attempts to open the floodgates
so long had the of civil discord, and deluge our rising
honor to command, empire in blood.

POINT OF OHBVAUX-DE-FRISB
AND LINK OF CHAIN (A REV-
OLUTIONARY RELIC).

CAMP ItRUILBR USBD BY
WASHINGTON'S TROOPS.

will oblige me to
declare in this pub-
and solemn

lie

By thus determining and thus acting
you will pursue the plain and direct
road to the attainment of your wishes;
manner, that in you will defeat the insidious designs of
the attainment of our enemies, who are compelled to re-
complete justice for all your toils and sort from open force to secret artifice;
dangers, and in the gratification of every you will give one more distinguished proof
wish, so far as may be done consistently of unexampled patriotism and patient vir-

208

■WASHINGTON BENEVOLENT SOCIETIES— WASHINGTON MONUMENT

tue rising superior to the pressure of the ner, with beer and choice spirits, costing
most complicated sufferings, and you will, only seventy-five cents. In Philadelphia,
by the dignity of your conduct, afford the society built Washington Hall, on

occasion for posterity to say, when speak-

KNIFE AND PORK USED BT ONE OP
WASHINGTON'S SOLD1KRS.

Third Street, between Walnut and Spruce.
Similar societies were organized else-
where. They rapidly multiplied during
the war, but with the demise of the Fed-
eral party, during Monroe's administra-
tion, they disappeared.

Washington Monument. On Feb. 22,
1885, the Washington Monument was
formally dedicated by Robert C. Win-
throp, the man who laid its corner-stone
in 1848. The first movement towards the
erection of this ■ monument was made as
early as 1783, when the Continental Con-
gress passed a resolution recommending
the erection of an equestrian statue of
Washington, supported by four marble
pedestals showing the principal events in
the war which he had successfully con-
ducted. After his death, in December,
1709, the House and Senate passed a joint

ing of the glorious example you have ex-
hibited to mankind: " Had this day been
wanting, the world had never seen the last
stage of perfection to which human nat-
ure is capable of attaining."

Washington Benevolent Societies,

political organizations, which originated resolution for the erection of a monument

in Philadelphia soon after the declara- under which his body should be placed;

tion of war in 1812. The first organiza- but Congress failed to provide for the exe-

tion was fully completed on Feb. 22, 1813, cution of the work, and the matter was

under the title of the " Washington Benev- allowed to drop. In 1816 an unsuccessful

olent Society of Pennsylvania." Each effort was made by James Buchanan, then

member was required to sign the Con- a young Congressman from Pennsylvania,

stitution and the following declaration: to revive an interest in the monument

" We, each of us, do hereby declare that which should lead to its construction,

we are firmly attached to the Constitution Twenty-five years later an association

of the United States and to that of Penn- known as the " Washington Monument

sylvania; to the principles of a free re- Society" was formed, and $87,000 was

publican government, and to those which collected in sums of $1, each person so

regulated the public conduct of George contributing being enrolled as a member

Washington; that we will, each of us, to of the society. The corner-stone was laid

the best of our ability, aid, and, so far as and the erection of the monument was be-

may be consistent with our religious prin- gun July 4, 1848. The building progressed

ciples respectively, preserve the rights and slowly ; until 1855, when, owing to the

liberties of our country against all foreign failure of the Senate to concur in the

and domestic violence, fraud, and usurpa- passage of an appropriation bill giving

tion; and that, as members of the Wash- $200,000 to the enterprise, all work upon

ington Benevolent Society, we will in all it ceased. The Civil War broke out, and

things comply with its regulations, sup- the Washington Monument was for the

port its principles, and enforce its views." time forgotten. In 1876 Senator Sherman

It was a federal association, and had at- introduced a resolution providing that

tractive social and benevolent features, whatever was returned from the govern-

The funds of the society were used for ment appropriation for the Centennial Ex-

the purposes of charity among its members position in Philadelphia should be refunded

and their families, and for other pur- and appropriated to the completion of the

poses which might be prescribed. They Washington Monument. This resolution

had anniversary dinners on Washington's was amended by the appropriation com-

birthday, so simple that men of moderate mittee of the House, and $1,000,000 was

means might participate in them, the din- appropriated, to be paid in annual instal-
x.-^T 209

WASHINGTONIANA

WASHINGTON MONUMENT.

ments of $30,000 each. A
commission was appointed
to examine the work al-
ready done, and the foun-
dation was declared insuf-
ficient. A new foundation
was accordingly constructed
at a cost of nearly $100,-
000, and the work was
pushed actively forward un-
til its completion, nine
years later, under the di-
rection of Col. T. L. Caeey,
United States Engineers.
The entire cost of the
monument was about $1,-
500,000, of which amount
nearly $300,000 was con-
tributed by the "Wash-
ington Monument Asso-
ciation." Its base is 55
feet square — the base of the
foundation being 106 feet
square and 38 feet deep.
Its height is 555 feet, being
30 feet greater than that of
the cathedral at Cologne,
and 75 feet greater than
that of the Great Pyramid.
It is built of Maryland
marble lined with blue
gneiss. Various stones con-
tributed by the States are
built into the interior lin-
ing. Including the founda-
tion, the weight of the
structure is nearly 82,000
tons. The top of the monu-
ment is protected by a cap
made of aluminum, which
is not affected by the ele-
ments. The ascent can he
made by an elevator or by
an iron stairway of nearly
900 steps. The thickness of
the walls at the base is 15
feet, gradually lessening un-
til at the top to 18 inches.

WASHINGTONIANA

Washingtoniana. Robert Dinwiddle, Pennsylvania, made a treaty with the Ind-
lieutenant-governor of Virginia, observ- ian bands on the Monongahela River, in
ing with anxiety and alarm the move- September, 1753, from whom he gained
ments of the French on the frontiers of permission to build a fort at the junc-

210

WASHINGTONIANA

tion of that river and the Alleghany, tion, cannons, and barracks, and the num-
now Pittsburg. He also resolved to send ber of canoes in the stream — that he was
a competent messenger to the nearest enabled to construct a plan of it, which
French post, with a letter demanding ex- was sent to the British government. Wash-
planations, and the release and indemnifi- ington kept a journal of his diplomatic
cation of the English traders whom the expedition, and this, to arouse the en-
French had robbed and imprisoned. He thusiasm of the people, was published, and
chose for this delicate and hazardous ser- was copied into every newspaper in the
vice George Washington, then not twenty- colonies. It was reprinted in London,
two years of age. With three attendants, and was regarded as a document of great
Washington left Williamsburg, Oct. 31, importance, as unfolding the -views of the
and, after journeying more than 400 miles French, and the first announcement of
(more than half the distance through a positive proof of their hostile acts in
dark wilderness), encountering incredible the disputed territory.
hardships and dangers, amid snow and icy Disputes about rank caused a reference
floods and hostile Indians, he reached the to General Shirley, then (1756) command-
French post of Venango, Dec. 4, where er-in-chief of the British forces in Amer-
he was politely received, and his visit ica, and Washington was chosen by his
was made the occasion of great convivial- fellow-officers to present the matter to the
ity by the officers
of the garrison.
He had been join-
ed at Cumberland
(Md.) by five
others. The free
use of wine dis-
armed the French
of their prudence,
and they revealed
to their sober
guest their design
. to permanently oc-
cupy the region
they then had pos-
session of. Wash-
ington perceived
the necessity of
quickly despatch-
ing his business
and returning to
Williamsburg; and
after spending a

day at Venango, he pushed forward to Le general. He set out for Boston, a distance
Bceuf, the headquarters of St. Pierre, the of 500 miles, on horseback, Feb. 4, ac-
chief commander, who entertained him companied by two young officers, and
politely four days, and then gave him a stopped several days in the principal cities
written answer to Dinwiddie's remon- through which he passed. He was every-
strance, enveloped and sealed. Washing- where received with great respect, for the
ton retraced his perilous journey through fame of his exploits in the field where
the wilderness, and after an absence of Braddock fell had preceded him. In New
eleven weeks he again stood in the pres- York he was cordially entertained by Bev-
ence of the governor (Jan. 16, 1754), with erly Robinson, son of the speaker of the
his message fulfilled to the satisfaction Virginia Assembly. Mrs. Robinson's sis-
of all. Washington and his attendants ter, Mary Phillipse, was then at his house,
had made such a minute examination of and Washington was smitten with her
Fort Le Bceuf — its form, size, construe- charms. On his return from Boston he

211

WASHINGTON'S HOUSE IN FRE DERI CKSB ORG.

WASHINGTONIANA

Winchester with the
intention of quit-
ting military life.
He had been chosen
a member of the
House of Burgesses
of Virginia, and was
affianced to the
charming widow of
Daniel Parke Cus-
tis, who was about
his own age — twen-
ty-six years. They
were wedded at the
" White House," the
residence of the
bride, on Jan. 17,
1759. Then Wash-
ington took his seat
in the Assembly at
Williamsbu rg.
At about the close
of the honeymoon of
Washington and his
wife the speaker of
the Assembly (Mr.
Robinson), rising
from his chair,
thanked Washington
for his public ser-
vices. The young
colonel, surprised
and agitated, rose to
reply, but could not
summon words. His
face crimsoned with
was again entertained at the mansion confusion, when the accomplished speaker
of Mr. Robinson, and he lingered as long adroitly relieved him by saying, " Sit
in the company of Miss Phillipse as duty down, Colonel Washington ; your modesty
would allow. He wished to take her with is equal to your valor, and that surpasses
him to Virginia as his bride at some the power of any language I possess."
time in the near future, but his natural The speaker was the father of Beverly
modesty did not allow him to ask the Robinson, of New York, at whose house
boon of* a betrothal. He left the secret Washington had met and fell in love with
with a friend, who kept him informed his sister-in-law, Mary Phillipse.
of everything of importance concerning the On June 15, 1775, Washington, then a
rich heiress of Phillipse Manor on the member of Congress from Virginia, was
Hudson, but delayed to make the proposal nominated by Thomas Johnson, a member
of marriage. At length he was informed from Maryland, as commander-in-chief
that he had a rival in Col. Roger Morris, of the Continental army, and was chosen,
his companion-in-arms under Braddock, unanimously, by ballot. On the opening
who won the fair lady, and the tardy lover of the Senate the next day, the president
married the pretty little Martha Custis officially communicated to him a notice of
three years afterwards. his appointment. Washington immediate-

After the capture of Fort Duquesne, ly arose in his place and made the follow-
Washington took leave of the army at ing reply: "Mr. President, though I am

212

OOLONKL WASHINGTON AND MRS. CUSTIS.

WASHINGTONIANA

truly sensible of the high honor done me
in this appointment, yet I feel great dis-
tress from a consciousness that my abili-
ties and military experience may not be
equal to the extensive and important trust.
However, as the Congress desires it, I
will enter upon the momentous duty, and
exert every power I possess in their ser-
vice and for the support of the glorious
cause. I beg they will accept my most
cordial thanks for this distinguished tes-
timony of their approbation. But, lest
some unlucky event should happen, un-

favorable to my reputation, I beg it may
be remembered by every gentleman in the
room that I this day declare, with the
utmost sincerity, I do not think myself
equal to the command I am honored with.
As to pay, sir, I beg leave to assure the
Congress that, as no pecuniary considera-
tion could have tempted me to accept the
arduous employment, at the expense of
domestic ease and happiness, I do not wish
to make any profit from it. I will keep an
exact account of my expenses. These, 1
doubt not, they will discharge, and that

WASHINGTON TAKING COMMAND OF THE ARMY.

213

WASHINGTONIANA

is all I desire." The Congress, by unan- one side was a profile head of Washington,
imous vote, resolved that they would with the Latin legend, " Georgio Washing-
maintain and assist the commander-in- ton, Svpremo Dvei Exercitvvm Asertori
chief, and adhere to him, with their lives Libertatis Comitia Americana " — " The
and fortunes, in the cause of American American Congress to George Washington,
liberty. The commander-in-chief of the the Commander-in-chief of its Armies, the
Continental army left Philadelphia on Assertor of Freedom." On the reverse, the
June 21, and arrived at Cambridge on device shows troops advancing towards
July 2. He was everywhere greeted with a town; others marching towards the
enthusiasm on the way. His arrival in water; ships in view; General Washington

New York was on the same aay that Gov-
ernor Tryon arrived from England, and
the same escort received both. On the
morning of July 3, the troops were drawn
up in order upon the common, at Cam-
bridge to receive the commander-in-chief.
Accompanied by the general officers of
the army who were present, Washington
walked from hi? headquarters
to a great elm-tree, at the
north side of the common, and
under its shadow, stepped for-

(TASHINGTOX'S HBADQ0ARTBRS AT CAMBRIDGE, 1775.

in front, and mount-
ed, with his staff,
whose attention he is,
directing to the em-
barking enemy. The
legend is, " Hostibus
Frimo Fugatis" —
" The enemy for the
first time put to
flight." The exergue
under tne device.
" Bostonium Kecuper-
atum, xvii. martii.
mdcclxxvi." — " Boston
recovered, March 17,
1776."

On Dee. 27, 1776.
the Congress, sitting
in Baltimore, alarmed
at the dangerous
aspect of affairs, " Ke-
solved, that General
Washington shall be.
and he is hereby, in-
vested with full,
ample, and complete
powers to raise and
collect together, in the
most speedy and ef-
fectual manner, from

, any or all of these

ward a few paces, made some remarks, United States seventy-six battalions of in-

drew his sword, and formally took com- fantry, in addition to those already voted

mand of the Continental army. See by Congress; to appoint officers for the

Army (Continental Army). said battalions of infantry; to raise, offi-

On March 25, 1776, when news of the cer, and equip 3,000 light-horse, three regi-

British evacuation of Boston reached Con- ments of artillery, and a corps of engineers.

gress, that body resolved that its thanks and to establish their pay; to apply to any

he presented to the commander-in-chief of the States for such aid of the militia as

and the^ officers and soldiers under his com- he shall judge necessary; to form such mag-

mand, "for their wise and spirited con- azines or provisions, and in such places,

duct in the siege and acquisition of Bos- as he shall think proper; to displace and

ton ; and that a medal of gold be struck appoint all officers under the rank of brig-

m commemoration of this great event and adier-general, and to fill up all vacancies

presented to his Excellency." This medal in every other department in the Ameri-

was nearly 2% inches in diameter. On can armies; to take, wherever he may be,

214

WASHINGTONIANA

whatever he may want for the use of the muskets, and occasionally side-arms. Theii
army, if the inhabitants will not sell it, motto was " Conquer or die." Care was
allowing a reasonable price for the same; taken to have all the States which
to arrest and confine persons who refuse supplied the Continental army with troop*
to take the Continental cur-
rency [not then beginning to de-
preciate], or are otherwise dis-
affected to the American cause;
and return to the States of
which they are citizens their
names and the nature of their
offences, together with the wit-
nesses to prove them." The
foregoing powers were vested in
Washington for the term of six
months ensuing the date of the
resolution, unless sooner deter-
mined by Congress. These pow-
ers were almost equal to those of
a Roman dictator. They were
conferred before the Congress
could possibly have heard of the
brilliant victory at Trenton on
the morning of the previous day.
Washington's lifeguard was
organized in 1776, soon after
the siege of Boston, while the
American army was encamped
in New York, on Manhattan Isl-
and. It consisted of a major's
command — 180 men. Caleb
Gibbs, of Ehode Island, was
its first chief officer, and bore
the title of captain comman-
dant. He held that office un-
til the close of 1779, when he
was succeeded by William Col-
fax, one of his lieutenants.
These were Henry P. Living-
ston, of New York; William
Colfax, of New Jersey; and
Benjamin Goymes, of Virginia.
Colfax remained in command of
the corps until the disbanding
of the army in 1783. The mem-
bers of the guard were chosen
with special reference to their
excellences — physical, moral, rnd
mental — and it was considered
a mark of peculiar distinction
to belong to the commander-in-
chief's guard. Their uniform

consisted of a blue coat with white fac- represented in the corps. Its numbers
ings, white waistcoat and breeches, black varied. During the last year of the
half-gaiters, and a cocked hat with a war there were only sixty-five; when,
blue and white feather. They carried in 1780, the army at Morristown was in

215

THE WASHINGTON MEDAL, B08T0- MARCH 17, 1776

WASHINGTONIAHA

close proximity to the enemy, it was in-
creased from the original 180 to 250.
The last survivor of Washington's life-
guard was Serg. Uzel Knapp, who died
in New Windsor, N. Y., Jan. 11, 1857,
when he was a little past ninety-seven
years of age. He was a native of Stam-
ford, Conn., and served in the Continental
army from the beginning of the war until
its close, entering the lifeguard at Mor-
ristown, N. J., in 1780. After his death
Sergeant Knapp's body lay in state in
Washington's headquarters at Newburg
three days, and, in the presence of a
vast assemblage of people, he was buried

of the Tories in the city and in the lower
valley of the Hudson to cut off all com-
munication with the mainland, to fire the
magazines, to murder Washington, his
staff-officers, and other leaders of the
American army, or to seize them and send
them to England for trial on a charge of
treason, and to make prisoners of the great
body of the troops. The ramifications of
the plot were extensive, and a large num-
ber of persons were employed. The mayor
of New York (Mathews) was implicated
in it, and even the lifeguard of Washing-
ton was tampered with. An Irishman
named Hickey, of that guard, was em-

at the foot of the flag-staff near that ployed to poison Washington. He tried to

mansion. Over his grave is a handsome make the housekeeper at headquarters —

mausoleum of brown freestone, made the faithful daughter of Fraunce, the

from a design by H. K. Brown, the famous innkeeper — his accomplice. She

sculptor. Schuyler Colfax, a grandson of feigned compliance. Hickey knew that

the last commander of the guard, had in Washington was fond of green pease, and

his possession a document containing the
autograph signatures of the corps in
February, 1783, fac-similes of which have
been published.

he made an arrangement for her to have
poison in a mess of them served at the
table of the commander-in-chief. The
maiden gave warning to Washington.

Toryism was more rampant in the city Hickey put arsenic in the pease. She con-
st New York in the summer of 1776 than veyed them to Washington,, who declined
anywhere else on the continent. The Pro- to take any, but caused the immediate
Vincial Congress was timid, and Tryon, arrest of the faithless lifeguardsman, and

he was hanged. The
horrible plot was re-
vealed, and traced to
Tryon as its author.
Under the proc-
lamation of the
brothers Howe, 2,-
703 persons in New
Jersey, 851 in Rhode
Island, and 1,282 in
the city of New
York and the rural
districts subscribed
a declaration of
fidelity to the Brit-
ish King. Just be-
fore the limited
time for the oper-
ation of this proc-
lamation expired,
Germain issued orders to
to let " the undeserving

WASHINGTON'S HEADQUARTERS AT NEW TORE.

the royal governor, was active in foment-
ing disaffection from his marine retreat.
Washington made his summer head-
quarters in New York at Richmond Hill,
at the intersection of Charlton and Varick
streets, and Tryon, on board the Duchess

Lord George
the Howes not
escape that punishment which is due to
their crimes, and which it will be ex-
pedient to inflict for the sake of ex-
ample to futurity." At about the same

of Gordon, formed a plot for the uprising time Washington issued a proclamation

216

WASHINGTONTANA

trom Morristown, N. J. (Jan. 25, 1777), of the New England delegates and one
in the name of the United States, that from New Jersey showed a willingness to
those who had accepted British protection insult him," they expressed an '"earnest
"should withdraw within the enemy's desire that he would not only curb and
lines, or take the oath of allegiance to confine the enemy within their present
the United States of America." There quarters, but, by the divine blessing, to-
immediately arose "a conflict of sover- tally subdue them before they could be
eignties." Clark, a
Rep r esentative
in Congress from
New_ Jersey, de-
clared that an oath
of allegiance to the
United States was
absurd before con-
federation. Wash-
ington had taken
the broad ground,
from the moment of
the Declaration of
Independence, that
the thirteen States
composed a common
country under the
title of the United
States of America;
but Congress and the
people were not pre-
pared to accept this

broad national view. Each State assumed reinforced." To this seeming irony Wash-
the right only to outlaw those of its in- ington calmly responded : " What hope
habitants who refused allegiance to its can there be of my effecting so desirable
single self, as if the Virginian owed fealty a work at this time? The whole of our
only to Virginia, or the Marylander to number in New Jersey fit for duty is un-
Maryland. der 3,000." The resolution was carried

After the American victory at Trenton by a bare majority of the States present —
the whole country rang with the praises Virginia and four New England States.
afl Washington, and the errors of Congress The jealous men were few ; the friends
in not heeding his advice in the con- and admirers were many. William Hoop-
struction of the army were freely com- er, of North Carolina, wrote to Robert
mented upon. That body was now inferior Morris: " When it shall be consistent with
in its material to the first and second Con- policy to give the history of that man
gresses, and was burdened with cliques [Washington] from his first introduction
and factions; and there were protests into our service; how often America has
among the members, who shook their been rescued from ruin by the mere
heads in disapprobation of the popularity strength of his genius, conduct, and cour-
and power with which Washington was age; encountering every obstacle that
invested. To a proposition to give him want of money, men, arms, ammunition,
power to name generals, John Adams vehe- could throw in his way; an impartial
mently protested, saying: "In private life world will say, with you, he is the great-
I am willing to respect and look up to est man on earth. Misfortunes are the
him; in this House I feel myself to be elements in which he shines; they are the
the superior of General Washington." On groundwork on which his picture appears
Feb. 24, 1777, when mere " ideal rein- to the greatest advantage. He rises supe-
forcements " were voted to Washington, rior to them all ; they serve as forts to
after an earnest debate, in which " some his fortitude, and as stimulants to bring

217

WASHINGTON'S HEADQUARTERS AT MORRISTOWN, S X

WASHINGTONIANA

into view those great qualities which his powerful Gates faction in Congress sus-
modesty keeps concealed." tained him in this disobedience, and
In the summer of 1777 Washington be- caused legislation by that body which was
gan to feel the malign influence of the in- calculated to dishonor the commander-in-
trigues of Gen. Hokatio Gates (q. v.) chief and restrain his military operations,
against him, such as Schuyler had en- They forbade him to detach more than
dured. The same faction in Congress 2,500 men from the Northern army with-
which favored Gates's pretensions in the out first consulting Gates and Governor
case of Schuyler also favored his ambi- Clinton, and so making him subservient
tious schemes for his elevation to the po- to his inferiors. Emboldened by the evi-
sition of commander-in-chief of the Ameri- dent strength of his faction in Congress,
can armies. After Gates had superseded Gates pursued his intrigues with more
Schuyler (August, 1777), that faction in- vigor, and his partisans there assured
duced the Congress to lavish all their him that he would soon be virtual corn-
favors upon the former, the favorite of mander-in-chief, when, late in November:
the New England delegation, and to treat 1777, he was made president of a new
Washington with positive neglect. They board of war, which was vested with
did not scruple to slight his advice and to large powers, and by delegated authority
neglect his wants. With unpatriotic queru- assumed to control military affairs which
lousness some of the friends of Gates in properly belonged to the commander-in-
Congress wrote and spoke disparagingly chief. Gates found a fitting instrument
of Washington as a commander while he in carrying forward the conspiracy in
was on his march to meet Howe (Au- General Conway, who, it was rumored,
gust, 1777 ) . John Adams, warped by his was about to be appointed a major-general
partiality for Gates, wrote, with a singular in the Continental army, to which ap-
indifference to facts, concerning the rela- pointment Washington made the most
tive strength of the two armies: "I wish serious opposition, because of Conway's
the Continental army would prove that unfitness; also because it was likely to
anything can be done. I am weary with drive from the service some of the best
so much insipidity. I am sick of Fabian generals. Conway heard of this opposi-
systems. My toast is, ' A short and tion. His malice was aroused, and his
violent war.' " After the defeat of tongue and pen were made so conspicuous-
Wayne that followed the disaster at the ly active that he was considered the head
Brandywine, the friends of Gates in Con- and front of the conspiracy, which is
gress renewed their censures of Washing- known in history as " Conway's Cabal."
ton, and John Adams exclaimed, " O He wrote anonymous letters to members
Heaven, grant us one great soul. One of Congress and to chief magistrates of
leading mind would extricate the best States, filled with complaints and false
cause from that ruin which seems to await statements concerning the character of
it." And after the repulse of the British Washington, in which the late disasters
before forts Mercer and Mifflin (October, to the American arms were charged to the
1777), Adams exclaimed: "Thank God, incapacity and timid policy of the com-
the glory is not immediately due to the mander-in-chief. He also wrote forged
commander-in-chief, or idolatry and adu- letters as if from the pen of Washington,
lation would have been so excessive as to He did his best to sow the seeds of dis-
cndanger our liberties." After the sur- content among the officers of the army,
render of Burgoyne the proud Gates in- and caused some of them to write flatter-
suited Washington by sending his report ing letters to Gates, and so fed his hopes
immediately to Congress instead of to the of having the chief command. Members
commander-in-chief, and was not rebuked; of Congress joined in this letter-writing
and he imitated the treasonable conduct in disparagement of the chief. A delegate
of Lee by disobeying the orders of Wash- from Massachusetts (Mr. Lovell) in a
ington to send troops (not needed there) letter to Gates said, after threatening
from the Northern Department to assist Washington with " the mighty torrent of
in capturing Howe and his army or ex- public clamor and vengeance " : " How dif-
pelling them from Philadelphia. The ferent your conduct and youv fortune!

218

WASHINGTONIANA

This army will be totally lost unless you So, also, was the conspiracy abandoned
come down and collect the virtuous band soon afterwards. Some of Gates's New
who wish to fight under your banner." England friends became tired of him.
And Dr. Benjamin Rush, of Philadelphia, Conway, found out, was despised, and left
in an anonymous letter to Patrick Henry, the army. He quarrelled with General
after ' declaring that the army at Valley Cadwallader and fought a duel with him.
Forge had no general at its head, said : " A Conway was wounded, and, expecting to
Gates, a Lee, or a Conway would in a few die, wrote an apologetic letter to Wash-
weeks render them an irresistible body of ington, deploring the injury he had at-
men. Some of the contents of this letter tempted to do him. He recovered and re-
ought to be made public, in order to turned to France.

awaken, enlighten, and alarm our coun- When the conspiracy to deprive Wash-
try." Henry treated the anonymous letter ington of the chief command of the army
with contemptuous silence, and sent it to was fully ripe, a day was secretly chosen
Washington. Rush's handwriting betrayed when a committee of Congress should be
him. Conway had written to Gates con- appointed to arrest Washington at Valley
cerning Washington: "Heaven has been Forge. At that time there was a majority
determined to save your country, or a of the friends of the conspirators in Con-
weak general and bad counsellors would gress (then sitting at York, Pa.), be-
have ruined it." When these words cause of the absence of the New York dele-
reached Washington, he let Conway know gation. Only Francis Lewis and Col.
the fact. A personal^ interview ensued, William Duer were at York. The latter
during which Conway justified his words was very ill. Lewis, having been informed
and offered no apology. He boasted of his of the designs of the conspirators, sent a
defiance of the commander-in-chief, and message to Duer. The latter asked his
was commended by Gates, Mifflin, and physician whether he could be removed to
others. The Gates faction in Congress the court-house, where Congress was in
procured Conway's appointment as inspect- session. " Yes," said the doctor, " but at
or-general of the army, with the rank of the risk of your life." " Do you mean
major-general, and made him independent that I would expire before reaching the
of the chief. The conspirators hoped these place?" asked Duer. "No," said the phy-
indignities would cause Washington to sician, " but I will not answer for your
resign, when his place might be filled by life twenty-four hours afterwards." " Very
Gates. Then the conspiracy assumed an- well," responded Duer, " prepare a litter."
other phase. Without the knowledge of It was done, and Duer was carried to the
Washington the board of war devised a floor of Congress. The arrival of Gouver-
winter campaign against Canada, and neur Morris, of the New York delegation,
gave the command to Lafayette. It was a at the same time, satisfied the conspira-
trick of Gates to detach the marquis from tors that they would be defeated, and they
Washington. It failed. Lafayette, was gave up the undertaking,
summoned to York to receive his commis- On Sept. 17, 1777, the Continental Con-
sion from Congress. There he met Gates, gress, expecting to be obliged to fly from
Mifflin, and others, members of the board Philadelphia, again invested Washington
of war, at table. Wine circulated freely, with almost dictatorial powers, to last for
and toasts abounded. At length the mar- sixty days. He was authorized to sus-
quis, thinking it time to show his colors, pend misbehaving officers; to fill all va-
said: "Gentlemen, I perceive one toast cancies; to take provisions and other neces-
has been omitted, which I will now pro- saries for the army, wherever he could
pose." They filled their glasses, when he find them within 70 miles of his head-
gave, " The commander-in-chief of the quarters, paying the owners therefor, or
American armies." The coldness with giving certificates for the redemption of
which that toast was received confirmed which the public faith was pledged; and
Lafayette's opinion respecting the men to remove and secure for the benefit of the
around him, and he was disgusted. The owners all .goods which might prove ser-
conspirators, finding they could not use viceable to the public. On Dec. 30 these
the marquis, abandoned the expedition, powers were extended to April 10, 1778.

219

WASHINGTOKIANA

THE WEBB HOUSE.

Through the exertions of General Lafay- An agreement was then made, for the
ette, who went to France in 1779, ar- French army to march to the Hudson
rangements were made with Louis XVI. to River as speedily as possible,
send to the aid of the struggling Ameri- The earliest celebration of Washing-
cans a French land and naval force. The ton's birthday found on record occurred in
French troops were to be placed under the
command of Lieutenant-General the Count
de Rochambeau. In order to prevent any
clashing of military authority, General
Washington, who was to be supreme com-
mander of the allied armies, was created
by the King a lieutenant-general of
France, that he might be on an official
equality with Rochambeau, who was com-
manded to serve under Washington. This
was a wise arrangement. The commis-
sion granted to Washington by the French
monarch was brought over by Lafayette
on his return to America. The ships and
troops speedily followed. In the following
summer Washington contemplated the
aspect of public affairs with great anxiety
and even alarm. The French fleet and
army were blockaded at Newport, and the Richmond, Va., Feb. 11 (O. S.), 1782.
commander-in-chief was doubtful whether The Virginia Gazette, or the American
his own army could be kept together for Advertiser, made the following record four
another campaign. He was, therefore, ex- days after the event: " Tuesday last, being
ceedingly anxious to strike a decisive the birthday of his Excellency, General
blow. He proposed to Rochambeau an Washington, our illustrious commander-in-
attack on New York, but that was thought chief, the same was commemorated here
too hazardous without a superior naval with the utmost demonstrations of joy."
force. Letters were sent to the French The event was celebrated at Talbot Court-
admiral in the West Indies, entreating as- house, Md., the next year. Leading citi-
sistance, and, in September, Washington zens assembled at Cambridge, where a
proceeded to Hartford to hold an ap- public dinner was provided, at which the
pointed personal conference there with following regular toasts were drunk:
Rochambeau. They met on Sept. 21. "1. General Washington — long may he
Rochambeau was accompanied by Admiral live! — the boasted hero of liberty; 2. Con-
Ternay, commander of the French fleet at gress; 3. Governor and State of Maryland:
Newport. The conclusion was that the 4. Louis XVI. — the protector of the rights
season was too far advanced for the allies of mankind; 5. Continental army; 6.
to perform anything of importance, and, Maryland line; 7. May trade and naviga-
after making some general arrangements tion flourish; 8. The seven United Prov-
for the next campaign, Washington re- inces [Holland], our allies; 9. The Count
turned to West Point, on the Hudson. It de Rochambeau and French army; 10. May
was during this absence from camp that the union between the powers in alliance
the treason of Arnold was revealed. Wash- ever continue on the basis of justice and
ington met Rochambeau a second time at equality; 11. May the friends of freedom
Hartford. It was on May 21, 1781. Their prove the sons of virtue; 12. Conversion
meeting was celebrated by discharges of to the unnatural sons of America; 13.
cannon. After partaking of refreshments, May the Union of the American States be
the generals and suites rode to Wethers- perpetual." The day was celebrated in
field, a few miles below Hartford, es- New York in 1784. It was celebrated
corted by a few private gentlemen, and, there and in other places on Feb. 11, each
at the house of Joseph Webb, where Wash- year, until 1793, when the day was changed
ington was lodged, a conference was held, to the 22d to adapt it to the new style.

220

WASHINGTONIANA

With returning peace, the prospects of content in the army, and also wide-spread
the Coniroental army, about to be disband- distress throughout the country. Contem-
ed, appeared very gloomy. For a long plating the inherent weakness of the new
time neither officers nor private soldiers government, many were inclined to con-
had received any pay, for the treasury sider it a normal condition of the repub-
wate empty, and there appeared very lit- lican form, and wished for a stronger one,
tie assurance that its condition would like that of Great Britain. This feeling
be improved. There was wide-spread dis- became so manifest in the army that

WASHINGTON BBFUBINO A DIOIAIOESHIR

221

WASHINGTONIANA

. - . J^€l

FRAU.VCE'S TAVERN.

Colonel Nicola, a foreigner by birth, and his ojjgcers who were near in the large

of weighty character, commanding a Penn- public room of Fraunce's Tavern, corner

sylvania regiment, wrote a reprehensible of Broad and Pearl sti ^ts, New York,

letter to Washington in May, 1782, in to exchange farewells wit. them. After
which, professing to speak for the army,
he urged the necessity of a monarchy to
secure an efficient government and the
rights of the people for the Americans.
He proposed to Washington to accept the
headship of such a government, with the
title of King, and assured him that the
army would support him. Nicola received
from the patriot a stern rebuke. " If I
am not deceived in the knowledge of my-
self," he wrote, " you could not have found
a person to whom your schemes are more
disagreeable." If there was then a bud-
ding conspiracy to overthrow the in-
choate republic, it was effectually crushed
in the germ.

On June 8, 1783, Washington addressed the officers had assembled Washington en-
a circular letter to the governor of each tered the room, and, taking a glass of
of the United States, which was (like wine in his hand, said, "With a heart
his Farewell Address, issued thirteen full of love and gratitude, I now take
years afterwards) an earnest plea for leave of you. I most devoutly wish that
union. In this paternal and affectionate your latter days may be as prosperous
address, the commander - in - chief of the and happy as your former ones have
armies stated four things which he deemed been glorious and honorable." Having
to be essential to their well-being, and tasted -the wine, he continued, "I cannot
even to their very existence — namely, " An come to each of you to take my leave,
indissoluble union of the States under one but shall be obliged to you if each will
general head; a sacred regard to public come and take me by the hand." The
justice; the adoption of a proper peace scene was touching and impressive,
establishment, and the prevalence of that While their cheeks were suffused with
pacific policy and friendly disposition tears Washington kissed each of his be-
among the people of the United States loved companions-in-arm§ on the forehead,
which would induce them to forget their Then the commander-in-chief left the
local prejudices and politics, to make those room, and, passing through a corps of
mutual concessions which are requisite light infantry, walked to Whitehall
to the general ' prosperity, and, in some Ferry, followed by a vast procession of
instances, to sacrifice their individual ad- citizens. At 2 P.M. he entered a barge and
vantages to the interests of the commu- crossed the Hudson to Paulus's Hook
nity." " These," he said, " are the pillars (now Jersey City), on his way to the
on which the glorious fabric of our inde- Congress at Annapolis,
pendence and national character must be After parting with his officers in New
supported." The commander-in-chief re- York, Washington stopped at Philadel-
quested each governor to whom the ad- phia, where he deposited in the office of
dress was sent to lay it before his legislat- the comptroller an account of his ex-
ure at its next session, that the sentiments penses during the war, amounting to
might be considered as "the legacy of one (including that spent for secret service)
wh^ ardently wished, on all occasions, to $04,315. Then he went on to Annapolis,
be useful to his country, and who, even where the Congress was in session, and.
in the shade of retirement, would not fail at noon, Dec. 23, 1783, he entered the
to implore the divine benediction upon Senate chamber of the Maryland State-
it." house, according to previous arrange-
On Dec. 4, 1783, Washington assembled merits, and delivered to General Mifflin,

222

WASHINGTONIANA

president of that body, his commission,
which he had received from it in June,
1775. In so doing, the commander-in-
chief delivered a brief speech, with much
feeling. Mifflin made an eloquent reply,
and closed by saying: "We join you in
commending the interests of our dearest
country to the protection of Almighty
God, beseeching him to dispose the hearts
and minds of its citizens to improve the
opportunity afforded them of becoming a
happy and respectable nation. And for
you, we address to Him our earnest pray-
ers that a life so beloved may be fostered
with all His care; that your days may be

reported the same day " That the statue
be of bronze; the general to be represent-
ed in a Roman dress, holding a truncheon
in his right hand, and his head encircled
with a laurel wreath. The statue to be
supported by a marble pedestal, on which
are to be represented, in basso - relievo,
the following principal events of the war,
in which General Washington commanded
in person, viz.: the evacuation of Boston,
the capture of the Hessians at Trenton,
the battle at Princeton, the action at
Monmouth, and the surrender at York-
town. On the upper part of the front
of the pedestal to be engraved as fol-

WASHINGTON RKSIGNIXG niS COMMISSION.

as happy as they have been illustrious, and lows: 'The United States, in Congress
that He will give you that reward which assembled, ordered this statue to be erect-
tlie world cannot give." Washington and ed in the year of our Lord 1783, in honor
his wife set out for Mount Vernon on the of George Washington, the illustrious corn-
day before Christmas, where he was wel- mander-in-chief of the armies of the Unit-
coined back to private life by the greet- ed States of America during the war
ings of his family and flocks of colored which vindicated and secured their liberty,
servants. sovereignty, and independence.'" It was
On Aug. 7, 1783, the Continental Con- further resolved that the statue should
gress, sitting at Princeton, resolved be made by the best artist in Europe, un-
unanimously " That an equestrian statue der the direction of the United States
of General Washington be erected at the minister at Versailles (Benjamin Frank-
place where the residence of Congress lin), and that the best resemblance of Gen-
shall be established." The matter was eral Washington that could be procured
referred to a committee consisting of should be sent to the minister, together
Messrs. Arthur Lee, Ellsworth, and Mif- with " the fittest description of the events
fiin, to prepare a plan. The committee which are to be the subject of the basso-

223

WASHINGTONIANA

relievo." Happily for historic truth, that an immense obelisk to the memory Oi
statue of Washington "in a Roman Washington, begun by private subscrip-
dress" was never executed. Washington tions. Meanwhile Congress had caused
died on Dec. 14, 1799, and on the 23d an equestrian statue of bronze to be erect-
ed in a square at the na-
tional capital. The State
of Virginia had also erect-
ed a monument surmount-
ed by a bronze equestrian
statue, at Richmond; and
the citizens of New York
caused an equestrian
statue of bronze to be
erected at Union Square,
by Henry K. Brown, su-
perior to any yet set up.
In an order-book in the
handwriting of Washing-
ton, which came into the
possession of Prof. Robert
W. Weir, instructor of
drawing in the United
States Military Academy,
and which he deposited in
the archives of the War
Department at the na-
tional capital in the year
1873, may be found the
famous order against pro-
fanity, written by the
commander-in-chief's own
hand:

The following is a list
Congress adopted a joint resolution that of the localities of the principal head-
a marble monument should be erected quarters of Washington during the Revolu-
to the memory of Washington at the tionary War; Craigie House, Cambridge
national capital. Early in the session of (residence of the late Henry W. Long-
Congress (1799-1800) the question of fellow), 1775-76; No. 180 Pearl Street and
erecting a monument in accordance with No. 1 Broadway, New York City, 1776;
the resolves at his death was discussed, also Morton House (afterwards Rich-
It was proposed to erect a marble mauso- mond Hill), at the junction of Variek
leum of a pyramidal shape, with a base and Charlton streets; Roger Morris's
100 feet square. This was objected to by house, Harlem Heights, New York,
many members opposed to his adminis- 1776; the Miller House, near White
tration, who thought a simple slab sum- Plains, Westchester co., N. Y., 1776;
cient, as history, they said, would erect Schuyler House, Pompton, N. J., 1777;
a better monument. At the next session the Ring House, at Chad's Ford, on the
it was brought up, and reference was Brandywine, and the Elmar House, White-
made to the resolve of Congress in 1783. marsh, 1777; the Potts House, Valley
The bill for a mausoleum finally passed Forge, 1777-7S ; Freeman's Tavern, Mor-
the House, with an appropriation of $200,- ristown, N. J., 1777-78; the Brinkerhofl
000. The Senate reduced the amount to House, Fishkill, N. Y., 1778; at Freder-
$150,000. The House proposed other icksburg (in Putnam county, N. Y.) 1779;
amendments, and the matter was allowed Ford Mansion, Morristown, 1779-80;
to rest indefinitely. Finally, in 1878, Con- New Windsor-on-the-Hudson, 1779, 1780,
gress made an appropriation for finishing and 1781 ; Hopper House, Bergen county,

224

THE STATE-HOUSE, ANNAPOLIS, MI>

ti/ASHINGTONtANA

K. J., 1780; Birdsall House, Peekskill,
N. Y., 1780; De Windt House, at Tappan,
1780; Moore's house, Yorktown, Va.,
1781; Hasbrouch House, Newburg, 1782,
1783; Farm-house at Rocky Hill, N. J.,
near Princeton, 1783; and Fraunce's
Tavern, corner of Broad and Pearl streets,
New York City, where he parted with his
officers, 1783.

During his whole military career
Washington never received the slightest
personal injury. In the desperate battle
on the Monongahela, where Braddock was
mortally wounded, Washington was the
only officer unhurt. To his mother he
wrote: "I luckily escaped without a
wound, though I had four bullets through
my coat and two horses shot under me."
To his brother John he wrote: "By the
all-powerful dispensation of Providence I
have been protected beyond all human

probability or expectation. Death was
levelling my companions on every side."
In that battle an Indian chief singled
Washington out for death by his rifle,
but could not hit him. Fifteen years
afterwards, when Washington was in the
Ohio country, this chief travelled many
miles to see the man who he and his fol-
lowers, who tried to shoot him, were sat-
isfied was under the protection of the
Great Spirit. He said he had a dozen
fair shots at him, but could not hit him.
John Parke Custis, an only son of Mrs.
Washington, by a former husband, was aide
to the commander-in-chief at Yorktown,
at the beginning of the siege. Seized
with camp-fever, he retired to Eltham,
the seat of Colonel Bassett, a kinsman,
where he died. At the conclusion of the
ceremonies at the surrender of Corn-
wallis, Washington hastened to the bed-

fir£cLa-Jb> ^tJ^J^iAt^ -^"i?^ Ja-A/w ^-^^

FACSIMILE OF WASHIKGTON'S ORDHt AGAIMT fROFASITl

X. — P

225

WASBtfNGT&NtAtfA

Washington in 1769 (From Savage's portrait).

side of his dying step-son. He was met
at the door by Dr. Craik, who told him
that all was over. The chief bowed his
head, and, giving vent to his sorrow by a
Hood of tears, he turned to the weeping
widow — mother of four children — and
said: "I adopt the two younger children
as my own." These were Eleanor Parke
Custis and George Washington Parke
Custis, the former three years of age and
the latter six months.

Washington as President. — Presidential
electors were chosen by the people in the
autumn of 1788, who met in electoral col-
lege on the first Wednesday in February,
1789, and chose the President and Vice-
President. His election was announced to
him by Charles Thomson, who had been
sent to Mount Vernon for the purpose,
with a letter from John Langdon, pro

tempore president of the Senate. Thom-
son arrived on April 14, 1879. Washington
accepted the office, and towards evening
the same day rode rapidly to Fredericks-
burg to bid farewell to his aged mother.
On the morning of the 16th, accompanied
by Thomson, Colonel Humphreys, and his
favorite body - servant, he began his
journey towards New York, everywhere
on the way greeted with demonstra-
tions of reverence and affection. He was
received at New York with great honors,
and on April 30 he took the oath of office
as President of the United States, adminis-
tered by Robert P. Livingston, chancellor
of the State of New York. The ceremony
took place in the open outside gallery of
the old City Hall, on the corner of Wall
and Nassau streets, in the presence of
both Houses of Congress and a vast multi-

220

WASHINGTONIANA

WASHINGTON'S HOUSK IN CHERRY STREET, NEW YORK, IN 1789.

tude of citizens. He was dressed in a that bitter animosity grew up between
plain suit of dark-brown cloth and white them, which gave Washington great un-
silk stockings, all of American manufact- easiness, and they became the acknowl-
ure. He never wore a wig. His ample edged leaders of two violently opposing

parties — Federalists and Re-
publicans. When Washing-
ton thought of retiring from
the Presidency, at the close
of his first term, Jefferson,
who knew and valued his
sterling patriotism, urged
him to accept the office a
second time. In a letter to
him, he boldly avowed his be-
lief that there was a con-
spiracy on foot to establish
a monarchy in this country
on the ruins of the republic,
and pointed to the measures
advocated by Hamilton as
indicative of a scheme to
hair was powdered and dressed in the corrupt legislators and people. Washing-
fashion of the day, clubbed and ribboned, ton plainly told Jefferson that his sus-
After taking the oath and kissing the picions about a monarchical conspiracy
sacred volume on which he had laid his were unfounded, and that the people, espe-
hands, he reverently closed his eyes, and in cially of the great cities, were thoroughly
an attitude of devotion said, " So help me, attached to republican principles. But
God!" The chancellor said, "It is done!" Jefferson was firm in his belief in a con-
And then, turning to the people, he shout- spiracy, and, finally, criminations and re-
ed, "Long live George Washington, the criminations having taken place in the
first President of the United States." The public prints between the two secre-
shout was echoed and re-echoed by the taries, Hamilton charged Freneau's Go-
populace, when Washington and the mem- zette, which continually attacked the ad-
bers of Congress retired to the Senate ministration, with being the organ of
chamber, where the President delivered his Jefferson, edited by a clerk in his office,
inaugural address. Then he and
the members went in procession to
St. Paul's Chapel, and there invoked
the blessings of Almighty God upon
the new government.

Mr. Jefferson returned from
France in the autumn of 1789, to
take a seat in Washington's cabinet.
He was filled with the French en-
thusiasm for republican ideas and
hatred of monarchy, and he was
chilled by the coldness of Wash-
ington, Adams, Hamilton, and
others towards the cause of the
French revolutionists. He became
morbidly sensitive and suspicious,
especially of Hamilton, regarding

him as still a champion of a limited The whole article was courteous m words,
monarchy, for which he had expressed his but extremely bitter in allusions. It pro-
preference in the convention that framed duced an open rupture between the two
the Constitution. The consequence was, secretaries, which Washington tri»4 in

227

.-ii=s*Bsa*6~-.

WASHINGTON'S MANSION ON BROADWAY, NKW YORK, IN 1790.

WASHINGTONIAHA

vain to heal in a letter to Jefferson. Jef- and became a candidate for re-election,
ferson, not long afterwards, left the The lines between the two political parties
cabinet, which Washington regretted. in the nation were now (1792) distinctly
Soon after the adjournment of Congress, drawn. Opposition to the funding system
March, 1791, Washington started on a was substituted for opposition to the Con-
three months' tour through the Southern stitution. Both parties were in favor of
States to make himself better acquainted the re-election of Washington, but divided
with the people and their wants, and on the question of who should be Vice-

to observe the workings of the new sys-
tem of government. He found that the

President. The opposition (Republicans)
concentrated their votes on George Clin-

opposition to the national Constitution ton ; the Federalists supported John
so strongly shown in that region had as- Adams. Washington received the unan-
sumed the character of opposition to the imous vote of the electoral college, the
administration, and his reception was not members of that body then numbering
so warm as it had been during his tour 130. Adams received seventy-seven votes
in New England. He stopped a few days and Clinton fifty. The Kentucky electors
on the Potomac, and selected the site for voted for Jefferson for Vice-President, and

one of the South Carolina votes
was given to Aaron Burr.

As soon as the news of the ex-
ecution of Louis XVT., in Paris
(January, 1793), reached England
and the Continental powers, they
coalesced against France, and war
between them and the Revolution-
ists was announced. When the
news of this event and the conduct
of Genet reached Washington, at
Mount Vernon, his mind was filled
with anxiety. By the treaty of
commerce, French privateers were
entitled to a shelter in American
ports — a shelter not to be extend-
ed to the enemies of France. By
the treaty of alliance, the United
States was bound, in express terms,
to guarantee the French possessions
in America. War between England
Ihe national capital. His course lay and the United States was threatened in
through Virginia by way of Richmond into the aspect of events. Washington hasten-
North Carolina, and by a curved route ed to Philadelphia to consult with his
to Charleston, S. C. He extended it to cabinet. The questions were put: Whether
Savannah, Ga., whence he ascended the a proclamation to prevent citizens of the
right bank of the river to Augusta ; and, United States interfering in the impending
turning his face homeward, passed through war should be issued? Should it contain
Columbia and the interior of North Caro- a declaration of neutrality, or what?
lina and Virginia. The journey of 1,887 Should a minister from the French Re-
miles was made with the same pair of public be received? If so, should the
horses. reception be absolute or qualified? Was

Washington strongly desired, to retire to the United States bound to consider the
private life at the close of his first term treaties with France as applying to the
as President. The public more strongly present state of the parties, or might
desired his continuance in office. It was they be renounced or suspended? Sup-
a critical time in the life of the republic, pose the treaties binding, what was the
and he patriotically yielded to what seem- effect of the guarantee? Did it apply in
ed to be the demands of public interests, the case of an offensive war? Was the

228

THE PRESIDENT'S HOUSE IN PHILADELPHIA, 1791.

WASHINGTONIANA

present war offensive or defensive on the
part of France? Did the treaty with
France require the exclusion of English
ships-of-war, other than privateers, from
the ports of the United States? Was it
advisable to call an extra session of Con-
gress? After careful discussion, it was
unanimously concluded that a proclama-
tion of neutrality should be issued, that
a new French minister should be received,
and that a special session of Congress
was not expedient. There were some dif-
ferences of opinion upon other points
under discussion. A proclamation of neu-
trality was put forth April 22, 1793. It
announced the disposition of the United
States to pursue a friendly and impartial
policy towards all of the belligerent
powers; it exhorted and warned citizens
of the United States to avoid all acts con-
trary to this disposition; declared the?
resolution of the government not only
not to interfere on behalf of those who
might expose themselves to punishment or
forfeiture under the law of nations by
aiding or abetting either of the belliger-

ents, but to cause all such acts, done with-
in the jurisdiction of the United States,
to be prosecuted in the proper courts.

It was the wish of a majority of the
American people that Washington should
hold the office of chief magistrate for a
third time. He yearned for the happiness
of private life, and he would not con-
sent; and in the fall of 1796 John Adams
was elected President of the United States.
Before the election took place, Washington
issued (Sept. 17) a farewell address to
the people. It was an earnest appeal to
them to preserve the Union of the States
as the only sure hope for the continu-
ance of their liberties, and of the na-
tional life and prosperity. When the
President had written out his address,
he submitted it to Hamilton, Jay, and
Madison for their criticism and sugges-
This was done. Several sugges-
U&iisV%vere made and a few verbal alter-
ations. Unwilling to mar the draught
which Washington had submitted to them,
Hamilton made a copy, introducing a few
grafts and making fewer prunings, and

THE PRESIDENT'S EQUIPAQB

229

WASHINGTONIANA

returned it to the President. The latter your thoughts must be employed in des-
adopted most of the suggestions, and, ignating the person who is to be clothed

with that important trust,
it appears to me proper,
especially as it may con-
duce to a more distinct
expression of the public
voice, that I should now
apprise you of the resolu-
tion I have formed, to de-
cline being considered "
among the number of
those out of whom a
choice is to be made.

I beg you, at the same
time, to do me the justice
to be assured that this
resolution has not been
taken without a strict
regard to all the consid-
erations appertaining to
the relation which binds a
dutiful citizen to his coun-
try; and that, in with-
drawing the tender of ser-
vice, which silence in my
situation might imply, I
am influenced by no dimi-
nution of zeal for your
future interest; no defi-
ciency of grateful respect
for your past kindness;
but am supported by a
making a fair copy in his own handwrit- full conviction that the step is com-
ing, sent it to C. Claypoole, of Phila- patible with both.

delphia, who published a daily paper, and The acceptance of, and continuance
in that it was first printed. The original hitherto in, the office to which your suf-
manuscript of this address was in the pos- frages have twice called me, have been a
session of the late Robert Lennox, of New uniform sacrifice of inclination to the
York. It was also published on a hand- opinion of duty, and to a deference for
somely printed broadside, with a portrait what appeared to be your desire. I con-
of Washington at the head, drawn by stantly hoped that it would have been
Joseph Wright, and engraved by David much earlier in my power, consistently
Edwin. with motives which I was not at liberty

Washington's Farewell Address to the to disregard, to return to that retirement
People of the United States. — Six months from which I had been reluctantly drawn,
before the close of Washington's second The strength of my inclination to do this,
term he refused to be a candidate for re- previous to the last election, had even
election. He issued the following farewell led to the preparation of an address to
address, Sept. 17, 1796. declare it to you; but mature reflection

on the then perplexed and critical posture

Friends and Fellow - citizens, — The of our affairs with foreign nations, and the
period for a new election of a citizen unanimous advice of persons entitled to
to administer the executive government my confidence, impelled me to abandon
of the United States being not far dis- the idea.

tant, and the time actually arrived when I rejoice that the state of your concerns,

230

WASHINGTON'S BREAKFAST-TABLE.

WASHINGTONIANA

external as well as internal, no longer foundry penetrated .with this idea, I shall

renders the pursuit of inclination incom- carry it with me to my grave, as a strong

patible with the sentiment of duty or incitement to unceasing vows that Heaven

propriety; and am persuaded, whatever may continue to you the choicest tokens

partiality may be retained for my services, of its beneficence; that your union and

that, in the present circumstances of our brotherly affection may be perpetual; that

country, you will not disapprove my de- the free Constitution, which is the work

termination to retire. of your hands, may be sacredly main-

The impressions with which I first un- tained; that its administration in every

dertook the arduous trust were explained department may be stamped with wisdom

on the proper occasion. In the discharge and virtue; that, in fine, the happiness of

of this trust I will only say that I have the people of these States, under the

with good intentions contributed towards auspices of liberty, may be made complete,

the organization and administration of the by so careful a preservation and so pru-

government the best exertions of which a dent a use of this blessing, as will acquire

very fallible judgment was capable. Not to them the glory of recommending it to

unconscious in the outset of the inferior- the applause, the- affection, and adoption

ity of my qualifications, experience in my of every nation which is yet a stranger

own eyes, perhaps still more in the eyes to it.

of others, has strengthened the motives to
diffidence of myself; and every day the in-
creasing weight of years admonishes me
more and more that the shade of retire-
ment is as necessary to me as it will be
welcome. Satisfied that, if any circum-
stances have given peculiar value to my
services, they were temporary, I have the
consolation to believe that, while choice
and prudence invite me to quit the polit-
ical scene, patriotism does not forbid it.

Here, perhaps, I ought to stop. But
a solicitude for your welfare, which can-
not end but with my life, and the ap-
prehension of danger natural to that
solicitude, urge me, on an occasion like the
present, to offer to your solemn contem-
plation, and to recommend to your fre-
quent review, some sentiments, which are
the result of much reflection, of no incon-
siderable observation, and which appear
to me all-important to the permanency Of

In looking forward to the moment which your felicity as a people. These will be
is intended to terminate the career of my offered to you with the more freedom, as
public life, my feelings do not permit me you can only see in them the disinterested
to suspend the deep acknowledgment of warnings of a parting friend, who can pos-
that debt of gratitude which I owe to my sibly have no personal motive to. bias his
beloved country for the many honors it counsel. Nor can I forget, as an en-
has conferred upon me; still more for couragement to it, your indulgent re-
the steadfast confidence with which it has ception of my sentiments on a former and
supported me; and for the opportunities not dissimilar occasion.

I have thence enjoyed of manifesting my
inviolable attachment by services faithful
and persevering, though in usefulness un-
equal to my zeal. If benefits have resulted
to our country from these services^ let it
always be remembered to your praise, and
as an instructive example in our annals,
that under circumstances in which the
passions* agitated in every direction, were
liable to mislead, amid appearances
sometimes dubious, vicissitudes of fortune
often discouraging, in situations in which
not unfrequently want of success has coun-
tenanced the spirit of criticism, the con-
stancy of your support was the essential

Interwoven as is the love of liberty with
every ligament of your hearts, no recom-
mendation of mine is necessary to fortify
or confirm the attachment.

The unity of government, which con-
stitutes you one people, is also now dear
to you. It is justly so; for it is a main
pillar in the edifice of your real indepen-i
dence, the support of your tranquillity
at home, your peace abroad; of your safe-
ty; of your prosperity; of that very
liberty which you so highly prize. But as
it is easy to foresee that from different
causes and from different quarters much
pains will be taken, many artifices employ-"

prop of the efforts, and a guarantee of the ed, to weaken in your minds the convic-
plans by which they were effected. Pro- tion of this truth; as this is the point

231

WASHINGTONIANA

in your political fortress against which of the North, it finds its particular navi-
the batteries of internal and external gation invigorated; and, while it con-
enemies will be most constantly and ac- tributes in different ways to nourish and
tively (though often covertly and in- increase the general mass of the national
sidiously) directed, it is of infinite moment navigation, it looks forward to the protec-
that you should properly estimate the tion of a maritime strength, to which it-
immense value of your national union to self is unequally adapted. The East, in
your collective and individual happiness; a like intercourse with the West, already
that you should cherish a cordial, habit- finds, and in the progressive improvement
ual, and immovable attachment to it; ac- of interior communications by land and
customing yourselves to think and speak water will more and more find, a valuable
of it as of the palladium of your political vent for the commodities which it brings
safety and prosperity; watching for its from abroad, or manufactures at home,
preservation with jealous anxiety; dis- The West derives from the East supplies
countenancing whatever may suggest even requisite to its growth and comfort, and,
a suspicion that it can in any event be what is perhaps of still greater con-
abandoned; and indignantly frowning sequence, it must of necessity owe the
upon the first dawning of every attempt secure enjoyment of indispensable out-
to alienate any portion of our country lets for its own productions to the weight,
from the rest, or to enfeeble the sacred ties influence, and the future maritime
which now link together the various parts, strength of the Atlantic side of the Union,

For this you have every inducement of directed by an indissoluble community of

sympathy and interest. Citizens, by birth or interest as one nation. Any other tenure

choice, of a common country, that country by which the West can hold this essential

has a right to concentrate your affections, advantage, whether derived from its own

The name of America, which belongs to separate strength or from an apostate and

you in your national capacity, must al- unnatural connection with any foreign

ways exalt the just pride of patriotism, power, must be intrinsically precarious,
more than any appellation derived from While, then, every part of our country

local discriminations. With slight shades thus feels an immediate and particular

of difference, you have the same religion, interest in union, all the parts combined

manners, habits, and political principles, cannot fail to find in the united mass of

You have in a common cause fought and means and efforts greater strength, greater

triumphed together; the independence and resource, proportionably greater security

liberty ytou possess are the work of joint from external danger, a less frequent in-

counsels and joint efforts, of common dan- terruption of their peace by foreign

gers, sufferings, and successes. nations, and, what is of inestimable value,

But these considerations, however pow- they must derive from union an exemption
erfully they address themselves to your from those broils and wars between theni-
sensibility, are greatly outweighed by selves, which so frequently afflict neighbor-
those which apply more immediately to ing countries not tied together by the
your interest. Here every portion of our same governments, which their own rival-
country finds the most commanding ships alone would be sufficient to produce,
motives for carefully guarding and pre- bui; which opposite foreign alliances, at-
serving the union of the whole. tachments, and intrigues would stimulate

The North, in an unrestrained inter- and embitter. Hence, likewise, they will

course with the South, protected by the avoid the necessity of those overgrown

equal laws of a common government, finds military establishments which, under any

in the productions of the latter great ad- form of government, are inauspicious to

ditional resources of maritime and com- liberty, and which are to be regarded as

mercial enterprise and precious materials particularly hostile to republican liberty,

of manufacturing industry. The South in In this sense it is that your Union ought

the same intercourse, benefiting by the to be considered as a main prop of your

agency of the North, sees its agriculture liberty, and that the love of the one ought

grow and its commerce expand. Turning to endear to you the preservation of the

partly into Its own channels the seamen other.

232

WASHINGTONIANA

These considerations speak a persuasive towards confirming their prosperity. Will
language to every reflecting and virtuous it not be their wisdom to rely for the
mind, and exhibit the continuance of the preservation of these advantages on the
Union as a primary object of patriotic Union by which they were procured?
desire. Is there a doubt whether a com- Will they not henceforth be deaf to those
mon government can embrace so large a advisers, if such there are, who would
sphere? Let experience solve it. To listen sever them from their brethren and con-
to mere speculation in such a case were nect them with aliens?
criminal. We are authorized to hope that To the efficacy and permanency of your
a proper organization of the whole, with Union, a government for the whole is in-
the auxiliary agency of governments for dispensable. No alliances, however strict,
the respective subdivisions, will afford a between the parts can be an adequate sub-
happy issue to the experiment. It is well stitute; they must inevitably experience
worth a fair and full experiment. With the infractions and interruptions which
such powerful and obvious motives to all alliances in all times have experienced.
union, affecting all parts of our country, Sensible of this momentous truth, you
while experience shall not have demon- have improved upon your first essay, by
strated its impracticability, there will al- the adoption of a constitution . of govern-
ways be reason to distrust the patriotism ment better calculated than your former
of those who in any quarter may endeavor for an intimate union, and for the effi-
to weaken its bands. cacious management of your common con-

In contemplating the causes which may cerns. This government, the offspring of
disturb our Union, it occurs as a matter of our own choice, uninfluenced and unawed,
serious concern, that any ground should adopted upon full investigation and ma-
have been furnished for characterizing ture deliberation, completely free in its
parties by geographical .iiscriminations principles, in the distribution of its pow>
Northerr- and Southern, Atlantic and ers, uniting security with energy, and con-
Western; whence designing men may en- taining within itself a provision for its
deavor to excite a belief that there is a own amendment, has a just claim to your
real difference of local interests and views, confidence and your support. Respect for
One of the expedients of party to acquire its authority, compliance with its laws,
influence within particular districts, is to acquiescence in its measures, are duties
misrepresent the opinions and aims of enjoined by the fundamental maxims of
other districts. You cannot shield your- true Liberty. The basis of our political
selves too much against the jealousies and systems is the right of the people to make
heart-burnings which spring from these and to alter their constitutions of gov-
misrepresentations ; they tend to render ernment. But the constitution which at
alien to each other those who ought to be any time exists, till changed by an explicit
bound together by fraternal affection, and authentic act of the whole people, is
The inhabitants of our Western country sacredly obligatory upon all. The very
have lately had a useful lesson on this idea of the power and the right of the
head; they have seen, in the negotiation people to establish government presupposes
by the executive, and in the unanimous the duty of every individual to obey the
ratification by the Senate, of the treaty established government,
with Spain, and in the universal satis- All obstructions to the execution of the
faction at that event throughout the laws, all combinations and associations,
United States, a decisive proof how un- under whatever plausible character, with
founded were the suspicions propagated the real design to direct, control, counter-
among them of a policy in the general act, or awe the regular deliberation and
government and in the Atlantic States action of the constituted authorities, are
unfriendly to their interests in regard to destructive of this fundamental principle,
the Mississippi; they have been witnesses and of fatal tendency. They serve to
to the formation of two treaties, that with organize faction, to give it an artificial
Great Britain and that with Spain, which and extraordinary force; to put in the
secure to them everything they could de- place of the delegated will of the nation,
sire in respect to our foreign relations, the will of a party, often a small but art-

233

WASHINGTONIATiTA

ful and enterprising minority of the com-
munity; and, according to the alternate
triumphs of different parties, to make the
public administration the mirror of the
ill-concerted and incongruous projects of
fashion, rather than the organs of consist-
ent and wholesome plans digested by com-
mon councils and modified by mutual in-
terests.

However combinations or associations
of the above description may now and then
answer popular ends, they are likely, in
the course of time and things, to be-
come potent engines, by which cunning,
ambitious, and unprincipled men will be
enabled to subvert the power of the peo-
ple, and to usurp for themselves the reins
of government; destroying afterwards the
very engines which have lifted them to un-
just dominion.

Towards the preservation of your gov-
ernment, and the permanency of your pres-
ent happy state, it is requisite, not only
that you steadily discountenance irregular
oppositions to its acknowledged authority,
but also that you resist with care the
spirit of innovation upon its principles,
however specious the pretexts. One
method of assault may be to effect, in the
forms of .the Constitution, alterations,
which will impair the energy of the sys-
tem, and thus to undermine what cannot
be directly overthrown. In all the changes
to which you may be invited, remember
that time and habit are at least as neces-
sary to fix the true character of govern-
ments as of other human institutions;
that experience is the surest standard by
which to test the real tendency of the
existing constitution of a country; that
facility in changes, upon the credit of
mere hypothesis and opinion, exposes to
perpetual change, from the endless variety
of hypothesis and opinion; and remember,
especially, that, for the efficient manage-
ment of your common interests, in a coun-
try so extensive as ours, a government
of as much vigor as is consistent with the
perfect security of liberty is indispensable.
Liberty itself will find in such a govern-
ment, with powers properly distributed
and adjusted, its surest guardian. It is,
indeed, little else than a name, where the
government is too feeble to withstand the
enterprises of faction, to confine each
member of the society within the limits

prescribed by the laws, and to maintain all
in the secure and tranquil enjoyment of
the rights of person and property.

1 have already intimated to you the
danger of parties in the State, with par-
ticular reference to the founding of them
on geographical discrimination. Let me
now take a more comprehensive view, and
warn you in the most solemn manner
against the baneful effects of the spirit
of party generally.

This spirit, unfortunately, is insepa-
rablejrom our nature, having its root in
the strongest passions of the human mind.
It exists under different shapes in all
governments, more or less stifled, con-
trolled, or repressed; but in those of the
popular form it is seen in its greatest
rankness, and is truly their worst
enemy.

The alternate domination of one faction
over another, sharpened by the spirit of
revenge, natural to party dissension,
which in different ages and countries has
perpetrated the most horrid enormities,
is itself a frightful despotism. But this
leads at length to a more formal and
permanent despotism. The disorders and
miseries which result, gradually incline
the minds of men to seek security and re-
pose in the absolute power of an in-
dividual; and sooner or later the chief of
some prevailing faction, more able or more
fortunate than his competitors, turns this
disposition to the purposes of his own
elevation, on the ruins of public liberty.

Without looking forward to an ex-
tremity of this kind (which nevertheless
ought not to be entirely out of sight), the
common and continued mischiefs of the
spirit of party are sufficient to make it the
interest and duty of a wise people to dis-
courage and restrain it.

It serves always to distract the public
councils, and enfeeble the public adminis-
tration. It agitates the community with
ill-founded jealousies and false alarms;
kindles the animosity of one part against
another, foments occasionally riot and in-
surrection. It opens the doors to foreign in-
fluence and corruption, which find a facil-
itated access to the government itself
through the channels of party passions.
Thus the policy and the will of one coun-
try are subjected to the policy and will
of another.

234

WASHINGTONIANA

There is an opinion that parties in free transient benefit which the use can at
countries are useful checks upon the ad- any time yield.

ministration of the government, and serve Of all the dispositions and habits which
to keep alive the spirit of liberty. This lead to political prosperity, religion and
within certain limits is probably true, and morality are indispensable supports. In
in governments of a monarchical cast, vain would that man claim the tribute of
patriotism may look with indulgence, if patriotism who should labor to subvert
not with favor, upon the spirit of party, these great pillars of human happiness,
But in those of the popular character, in these firmest props of the duties of men
governments purely elective, it is a spirit and citizens. The mere politician, equally
not to be encouraged. Prom their natural with the pious man, ought to respect and
tendency, it is certain there will always to cherish them. A volume could not trace
be enough of that spirit for every salu- all their connections with private and
tary purpose. And there being constant public felicity. Let it simply be asked,
danger of excess, the effort ought to be, Where is the security for property, for
by force of public opinion, to mitigate and reputation, for life, if the sense of re-
assuage it. A fire not to be quenched, it ligious obligation desert the oaths, which
demands a uniform vigilance to prevent are the instruments of investigation in
its bursting into a flame, lest, instead of courts of justice ? And let us with caution
warming, it should consume. indulge the supposition that morality can

It is important, likewise, that the habits be maintained without religion. What-
of thinking in a free country should in- ever may be conceded to the influence
spire caution in those intrusted with its of refined education on minds of peculiar
administration, to confine themselves structure, reason and experience both for-
within their respective constitutional bid us to expect that national morality can
spheres, avoiding in the exercise of the prevail in exclusion of religious principle,
powers of one department to encroach It is substantially true that virtue or
upon another. The spirit of encroachment morality is a necessary spring of popular
lends to consolidate the powers of all the government. The rule, indeed, extends
departments in one, and thus to create, with more or less force to every species
whatever the form of government, a real of free government. Who that is a sincere
despotism. A just estimate of that love of friend to it can look with indifference
power, and proneness to abuse it, which upon attempts to shake the foundation of
predominates in the human heart, is suf- the fabric?

ficient to satisfy us of the truth of this Promote, then, as an object of primary
position. The necessity of reciprocal importance, institutions for the general
checks in the exercise of political power, diffusion of knowledge. In proportion as
by dividing and distributing it into dif- the structure of a government gives force
ferent depositories, and constituting each to public opinion, it is essential that pub-
the guardian of the public weal against lie opinion should be enlightened,
invasions by the others, has been evinced As a very important source of strength
by experiments ancient and modern, some and security, cherish public credit. One
of them in our country and under our own method of preserving it is to use it as
eyes. To preserve them must be as neces- sparingly as possible; avoiding occasions
sary as to institute them. If, in the of expense by cultivating peace, but re-
opinion of the people, the distribution or membering also that timely disbursements
modification of the constitutional powers to prepare for danger frequently prevent
be in any particular wrong, let it be cor- much greater disbursements to repel it;
rected by an amendment in the way which avoiding likewise the accumulation of
the Constitution designates. But let there debt, not only by shunning occasions of
be no change by usurpation; for, though expense, but by vigorous exertion in time
this, in one instance, may be the instru- of peace to discharge the debts which un-
ment of good, it is the customary weapon avoidable wars may have occasioned, not
by which free governments are destroyed, ungenerously throwing upon posterity the
The precedent must always greatly over- burden which we ourselves ought to bear,
balance in permanent evil any partial or The execution of these maxims belongs to

235

WASHINGTONtANA

your represeutatives, but it is necessary accidental or trifling occasions of dispute
'that public opinion should co-operate. To occur. Hence, frequent collisions, ob-
facilitate to them the performance of their stinate, envenomed, and bloody contests,
duty, it is essential that you should prac- The nation, prompted by ill-will and re-
tically bear in mind that towards the pay- sentment, sometimes impels to war the
ment of debts there must be revenue; that government, contrary to the best cal-
to have revenue there must be taxes ; culations of policy. The government some-
that no taxes can be devised which are not times participates in the national propen-
more or less inconvenient and unpleasant; sity, and adopts through passion what
Lhat the intrinsic embarrassment, insep- reason would reject; at other times, it
arable from the selection of the proper makes the animosity of the nation sub-
objects (which is always a choice of dim- servient to projects of hostility instigat-
culties) , ought to be a decisive motive for ed by pride, ambition, and other sinister
a candid construction of the conduct of and pernicious motives. The peace often,
the government in making it, and for a sometimes perhaps the liberty, of nations
spirit of acquiescence in the measures for has been the victim.

obtaining revenue which the public exi- So likewise, a passionate attachment of

gencies may at any time dictate. one nation for another produces a variety

Observe good faith and justice towards of evils. Sympathy for the favorite

all nations; cultivate peace and harmony nation, facilitating the illusion of an

with all. Religion and morality enjoin imaginary common interest in cases where

this conduct; and can it be that good no real common interest exists, and infus-

policy does not equally enjoin it? It will ing into one the enmities of the other,

be worthy of a free, enlightened, and at no betrays the former into a participation in

distant period a great nation, to give to the quarrels and wars of the latter, with-

mankind the magnanimous and too novel out adequate inducement or justification,

example of a people always guided by an It leads also to concessions to the favorite

exalted justice and benevolence. Who can nation of privileges denied to others, which

doubt that in the course of time and is apt doubly to injure the nation making

things the fruits of such a plan would the concessions, by unnecessarily parting

richly repay any temporary advantages with what ought to have been retained,

which might be lost by a steady adherence and by exciting jealousy, ill-will, and a

to it? Can it be that Providence has not disposition to retaliate, in the parties from

connected the permanent felicity of a whom equal privileges are withheld. And

nation with its virtue? The experiment, it gives to ambitious, corrupted, or de-

at least, is recommended by every senti- luded citizens (who devote themselves to

ment which ennobles human nature, the favorite nation) facility to betray

Alas! is it rendered impossible by its or sacrifice the interests of their own

vices? country without odium, sometimes even

In the execution of such a plan, nothing with popularity; gilding with the appear-
is more essential than that permanent, in- ances of a virtuous sense of obligation, a
veterate antipathies against particular commendable deference for public opinion,
nations, and passionate attachments for or a laudable zeal for public good, the
others, should be excluded; and that, in base or foolish compliances of ambition,
place of them, just and amicable feelings corruption, or infatuation,
towards all should be cultivated. The As avenues to foreign influence in iii-
nation which indulges towards another an numerable ways such attachments are par-
habitual hatred, or an habitual fondness, ticularly alarming to the truly enlightened
is in some degree a slave. It is a slave and independent patriot. How many op-
to its animosity or to its affection, either portunitiea do they afford to tamper with
of which is sufficient to lead it astray domestic factions, to practise the arts of
from its duty and its interest. Antipathy seduction, to mislead public opinion, to
in one nation against another disposes each influence or awe the public councils! Such
more readily to offer insult and injury, an attachment of a small or weak towards
to lay hold of slight causes of umbrage, a great and powerful nation dooms the
and to be haughty and intractable when former to be the satellite of the latter.

236

WASHINGTONIAlfA

Against the insidious wiles of foreign part of Europe, entangle our peace and

influence ^1 conjure you to believe me, fel- prosperity in the toils of European

low-citizens) the jealousy of a free people ambition, rivalship, interest, humor, or

ought to be constantly awake, since his- caprice?

tory and experience prove that foreign in- It is our true policy to steer clear of
fluence is one of the most baneful foes of permanent alliances with any portion of
republican government. But that jealousy, the foreign world ; so far, I mean, as we
to be useful, must be impartial; else it are now at liberty to do it; for let me not
becomes the instrument of the very in- be understood as capable of patronizing
fluence to be avoided, instead of a defence infidelity to existing engagements. I hold
against it. Excessive partiality for one the maxim no less applicable to public
foreign nation, and excessive dislike of an- than to private affairs, that honesty is
other, cause those whom they actuate to always the best policy. I repeat it there-
see danger only on one side, and serve to fore, let those engagements be observed in
veil and even second the arts of influence their genuine sense. But, in my opinion, it
on the other. Real patriots who may resist is unnecessary and would be unwise to cx-
the intrigues of the favorite are liable to tend them.

become suspected and odious; while its Taking care always to keep ourselves,

tools and dupes usurp the applause and by suitable establishments, on a respecta-

confidence of the purpose," to surrender ble defensive posture, we may safely trust

their interests. to temporary alliances for extraordinary

The great rule of conduct for us, in emergencies,
regard to foreign nations, is, in extending Harmony, liberal intercourse with all
our commercial relations, to have with nations, are recommended by policy, hu-
them as little political connection as pos- manity, and interest. But even our com-
sible. So far as we have already formed mercial policy should hold an equal and
engagements, let them be fulfilled with per- impartial hand ; neither seeking nor grant-
feet good faith. Here let us stop. ing exclusive favors or preferences; con-
Europe has a set of primary interests suiting the natural course of things; dif-
which to us have none, or a very remote fusing and diversifying by gentle means
relation. Hence she must be engaged in the streams of commerce, but forcing
frequent controversies, the causes of which nothing ; establishing with powers so dis-
are essentially foreign to our concerns, posed, in order to give trade a stable
Hence, therefore, it must be unwise in us course, to "define the rights of our mer-
to implicate ourselves, by artificial ties, chants, and to enable the government to
in the ordinary vicissitudes of her politics, Support them, conventional rules of inter-
or the ordinary combinations and colli- course, the best that present circumstances
sions of her friendships or enmities. and mutual opinion will permit, but tem-
Our detached and distant situation in- porary, and liable to be from time to time
vites and enables us to pursue a different abandoned or varied, as experience and
course. If we remain one people, under an circumstances shall dictate; constantly
efficient government, the period is not far keeping in view that it is folly in one
off when we may defy material injury from nation to look for disinterested favors from
external annoyance; when we may take another; that it must pay with a portion
such an attitude as will cause the neutral- of its independence for whatever it may
ity, we may at any time resolve upon, to accept under that character; that, by such
6e scrupulously respected; when belliger- acceptance, it may place itself in the con-
ent nations, under the impossibility of dition of having given equivalents for
making acquisitions upon us, will not nominal favors, and yet of being reproach-
lightly hazard the giving us provocation; ed with ingratitude for not giving more,
when we may choose peace or war, as our There can ' no greater error than to ex-
interest, guided by justice, shall counsel. pect or calculate upon real favors from
Why forego the advantages of so nation to nation. It is an illusion which
peculiar a situation? Why quit our own experience must cure, which a just pride
to stand upon foreign ground? Why, by ought to discard.

interweaving our destiny with that of any In offering to you, my countrymen, these

237

WASHINGTONIANA

counsels of an old and affectionate friend, violate the relations of peace and amity

1 dare not hope they will make the strong towards other nations. »

and lasting impression I could wish; that The inducements of interest for observ-

they will control the usual current of the ing that conduct will best be referred to

passions, or prevent our nation from run- your own reflections and experience. With

njng the course which has hitherto mark- me a predominant motive has been to en-

ed the destiny of nations. But, if I may deavor to gain time to our country to

even flatter myself that they may be pro- settle and mature its yet recent institu-

ductive of some partial benefit, some occa- tions, and to progress without interruption

sional good; that they may now and then to that degree of strength and consistency

recur to moderate the fury of party spirit, which is necessary to give it, humanly

to warn against the mischiefs of foreign speaking, the command of its own fortunes,

intrigue, to guard against the impostures Though, in reviewing the incidents of my

of pretended patriotism; this hope will be administration, I am unconscious of inten-

a full recompense for the solicitude for tional error, I am nevertheless too sen-

your welfare by which they have been die- sible of my defects not to think it prob-

tated. able that I may have committed many er-

How far, in the discharge of my official rors. Whatever they may be, I fervently be-

duties, I have been guided by the principles seech the Almighty to avert or mitigate

which have been delineated, the public the evils to which they may tend. I shall

records and other evidences of my conduct also carry with me the hope that my coum-

must witness to you and to the world. To try will never cease to view them with in-

myself, the assurance of my own con- dulgence; and that, after forty-five years

science is, that I have at least believed of my life dedicated to its service with an

myself to be guided by them. upright zeal, the faults of incompetent

In relation to the still subsisting war in abilities will be consigned to oblivion, as

Europe, my proclamation of April 22, myself must soon be to the mansions of

1793, is the index of my plan. Sanctioned rest.

by your approving voice, and by that of Relying on its kindness in this as in
your Representatives in both Houses of other things, and actuated by that fervent
Congress, the spirit of that measure has love towards it which is so natural to a~
continually governed me, uninfluenced by man who views in it the native soil of him-
any attempts to deter or divert me from self and his progenitors for several gen-
it. erations, I anticipate with pleasing expec-

After deliberate examination, with the tation that retreat in which I promise

aid of the best lights I could obtain, I was myself to realize, without alloy, the sweet

well satisfied that our country, under all enjoyment of partaking, in the midst of my

the circumstances of the case, had a right fellow-citizens, the benign influence of good

to take, and was bound in duty and in- laws under a free government, the ever-

terest to take, a neutral position. Having favorite object of my heart, and the happy

taken it, I determined, as far as should reward, as I trust, of our mutual cares,

depend upon me, to maintain it with labors, and dangers,

moderation, perseverance, and firmness.

The considerations which respect the The leaders of the Anti-Federal or Re-
right to hold this conduct it is not neces- publican party became more and more
sary on this occasion to detail. I will only violent in their censure of their opponents,
observe that, according to my understand- and finally they indulged in personal abuse
ing of the matter, that right, so far from of Washington, charging him with venal-
being denied by any of the belligerent ity and even with immorality. The chief
powers, has been virtually admitted by vehicle of this abuse was a newspaper
all. called the Aurora, published by Benjamin

The duty of holding a neutral conduct Franklin Bache, a grandson of Dr. Frank-
may be inferred, without anything more, lin. When Washington was about to re-
from the obligation which justice and hu- tire from the Presidency 'in 1797 a writer
manity impose on every nation in cases in in that journal said : " If ever a nation
which it is free to act, to maintain in- has been debauched by a man, the Ameri-

238

WASHINGTONIANA

Can nation has been debauched by Wash-
ington. If ever a nation has been de-
ceived by a man, the American .nation
has been deceived by Washington. Let
his conduct, then, be an example to fut-
ure ages. Let it serve to be a warning
that no man may be an idol. Let the his-
tory of the federal government instruct
mankind that the mask of patriotism may
be worn to conceal the foulest designs
against the liberties of a people." On
the day when he resigned the chair of
state to John Adams (March 4, 1797),
a writer in the Aurora, after declaring
that he was no longer possessed of the
'" power to multiply evils upon the United
Stages," said, " When a retrospect is taken
of the Washingtonian administration for
eight years, it is the subject of the great-
est astonishment that a single individual
should have cankered the principles of
republicanism in an enlightened people,
just emerged from the gulf of despotism,
and should have carried his designs against
the public liberty so far as to put in jeop-
ardy its very existence. Such, however, are
the facts, and with them staring us in the
face this day ought to be a jubilee in
the United States." They also republish-
ed spurious letters of Washington. These
examples will suffice to show the malig-
nity of party spirit in the early days of

measures of the administration, and he
was appointed (July 7) lieutenant-general
and commander-in-chief of all the armies
of the United States — raised and to be
raised. The venerated patriot, then sixty-
six years of age, responded with alacrity.
" You may command me without reserve,"
he wrote to President Adams, qualifying
the remark by the expressed desire that
he should not be called into active service
until the public need should demand it,
and requesting the appointment of his
friend, Alexander Hamilton, then forty-
one years of age, acting commander-in-
chief. Hamilton was appointed the first
major-general, and, in November, Washing-
ton met his general officers in Philadelphia,
and made arrangements for the complete
organization of the regular forces on a
war-footing. Washington believed from
the beginning that the war-clouds would
disperse, and not gather in a tempest, and
events justified his faith. War was averted.
A pamphlet was published in London,
in 1777, containing letters purporting to
have been written by Washington, in the
summer of 1776, to members of his family.
These letters contained sentiments so
totally at variance with his character and
conduct that, whatever effect they may
have had in England, they had none in
this country, where he was known. In

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REDl'CKD F-1C-SIMJLE OF A CHECK DRAWN BY WASHINGTON.

the republic, when even Washington was them Washington was made to deprecate
not spared from the lash of public abuse, the misguided zeal and rashness of Con-
It fell with even more severity on others, gress in. declaring independence, and push-
Both parties were guilty of the offence, ing the opposition to Great Britain to so
In 1798 Washington approved the war perilous an extremity. In the preface it

239

WASHINGTON'S INAUGURATION— WASP

was stated that, when Fort Lee was served quite generally throughout the
evacuated, General Washington's servant country, but nowhere in so imposing a
was left behind sick; that in his posses- manner as in the city in which that inau-
sion was a small portmanteau belonging guration had taken place. The celebra-
te the general, in which, among other tion was opened with a naval parade in
things of trifling value, were the drafts the harbor on the morning of April 29.
of letters to Mrs. Washington, her- son President Harrison, following as nearly
(John Parke Custis), and his manager at as possible the same route of travel as
Mount Vernon, Lund Washington, and President Washington, was conveyed by
that these had been transmitted to Eng- water from Elizabethport to New York,
land by an officer into whose hands they being escorted by a committee of govern-
had fallen. This fiction was contrived to ors, commissioners of State, and other dis-
deceive the public into a belief of their tinguished personages. Upon his arrival in
genuineness. It is well known that Wash- the East River he was transferred to a
ington was not at Fort Lee at the time of barge manned by a. crew of ship-masters
the surprise and evacuation, and that no from the Marine Society of the Port of
servant of his nor a particle of his bag- New York, and by them rowed to the
gage fell into the hands of the enemy shore. The crew of the barge that rowed
during the war. The pamphlet was repub- President Washington from Elizabethport
lished by Rivington, in New York, and ex- to the foot of Wall Street were members
, tensively circulated by the Tories, to injure of the same society. A reception was
the commander-in-chief. The author of afterwards held by the President and the
these spurious epistles was never publicly governors of the States in the Equitable
known. The chief paid no attention to the Building, and in the evening the Centen-
publication, regarding it as beneath his nial Ball was given in the Metropolitan
notice. During his second Presidential Opera-house. On April 30 a special ser-
term, party malignity was carried so far vice of thanksgiving was held in St. Paul's
as to reprint the letters as genuine. Even Chapel, being conducted in the same man-
then he did not notice them; but when he ner as that held in the same place on the
was about to retire from public life he day of Washington's inauguration 100
wrote to the then Secretary of State years before. Literary exercises then took
(Timothy Pickering), under date of place at the corner of Wall and Nassau
March 3, 1797, referring to the letters and streets, the scene of the first inauguration
the motives of their production, saying, ceremonies. These exercises consisted of
" Another crisis in the affairs of America an invocation by the Rev. Dr. Richard S.
having occurred, the same weapon has Storrs, a poem by John Greenleaf Whit-
been resorted to to wound my character tier, an oration by Chauncey M. Depew,
and deceive the people." He then gave the and an address by President Harrison.
dates and addresses of the letters, seven The remainder of the day was given to a
in number, and added, " As I cannot know grand military parade, ending with a free
how soon a more serious event may sue- open-air concert of vocal and instrumental
ceed to that which will this day take music and a general illumination of the
place (his retirement from office), I have city. On May 1 a great industrial and
thought it a duty which I owe to myself, civic parade, under command of Maj.-Gen.
to my country, and to truth, now to detail Daniel Butterfield as chief marshal, took
the circumstances above recited, and to place, and was witnessed by 500,000 spec-
add my solemn declaration that the letters tators. The celebration was conducted with
herein described are a base forgery, and complete success throughout, and not only
that I never saw or heard of them until reflected great credit upon its managers,
they appeared in print." but accomplished great good in strengthen-
Washington's Inauguration, Centen- ing the patriotic sentiment of the people of
nial or. On April 29 and 30, 1889, the New York and of the entire country,
city of New York celebrated the centennial Wasp, The, an American sloop-of-war
of the inauguration of George Washing- of eighteen guns, built in Washington,
ton as the first President of the Unit- D. C, in 1806. On Oct. 13, 1818, under
ed States. The occasion was also ob- command of Capt. Jacob Jones, thorough-

240

WASP, THE

ly manned and equipped, carrying sixteen of the Frolic in killed and wounded was
32-pounder carronades and two long 12- ninety men. The Wasp had only five men
pounders, with two small brass cannon in killed and five wounded,
her tops, she left the Delaware on a cruise. Jones placed Lieutenant Biddle in com-
She was considered one of the fastest mand of the Frolic, with orders to take
sailers in the service, and was furnished her into Charleston, S. C, and when they
with 135 men and boys. She ran off tow- were about to part company the British
ards the West Indies, and, on the night of ship-of-war Poictiers, seventy-four guns,
Oct. 18, Jones saw several vessels, and Capt. J. P. Beresford, bore down upon
ran parallel with them until the dawn, them. The Wasp and her prize were not
when he discovered that it was a fleet of in a condition to flee or fight, and within
armed merchant-vessels convoyed by the two hours after he had gained his victory
British sloop-of-war Frolic, Capt. T. Whin- Jones was compelled to surrender both
yates, mounting sixteen 32-pounder car- vessels. They were taken to Bermuda,
ronades, two long 6-pounders, and two 12- where the American prisoners were ex-
pounder carronades on her forecastle. She changed. The victory of the Wasp over
was manned by a crew of 108 persons, the Frolic caused much exultation in the
The Frolic took a position for battle so United States. Jones was lauded in
as to allow the merchantmen to .escape speeches and songs. The authorities of
during the fight. A severe engagement New York voted him a sword and the
began at 10.30 a.m. Within five minutes freedom of the city. Congress voted
the maintop-gallant mast of the Wasp him thanks and a gold medal, and ap-
was shot away and fell among the "rig- propriated $25,000 to Jones and his com-
ging, rendering a portion of it unmanage- pan y as compensation for their loss of
able during the remainder of the action, prize-money. A silver medal was given
Three minutes afterwards her gaff and to each of his officers. The captain was
maintop-mast were shot away, and at promoted to the command of the frigate
twenty minutes from the opening of the Macedonian, captured from the British by
engagement every brace and most of the Decatur. The legislature of Pennsylvania
rigging were disabled. Her condition was voted Lieutenant Biddle thanks and a
forlorn. sword, and the leading men of Phila-
But while the Wasp was thus suffering, delphia gave him a silver urn. He was
she had inflicted more serious injury to
the hull of the Frolic. The two vessels
gradually approached each other, fell foul,
the bowsprit of the Frolic passing in over
the quarter-deck of the Wasp, and forcing
her bows up in the wind. This enabled
the latter to give the Frolic a raking
broadside with terrible effect. With wild
shouts the crew of the Wasp now leaped
into the entangling rigging, and made
their way to the deck of the Frolic. But
there was no one to oppose them. The
last broadside had carried death and dis-
may into the Frolic, and almost cleared
the deck of effective men. All who were
able had escaped below to avoid the raking
fire of the Wasp. The English officers on
deck, nearly all of them bleeding from
wounds, cast their swords in submission

before Lieutenant Biddle, who led the shortly afterwards appointed to the com-

boarding-party. He sprang into the rig- mand of the sloop-of-war Hornet. This

ging, and with his own hand struck the victory was celebrated by songs, and

colors of the Frolic. The contest lasted also by caricatures. One of the songs

forty-five minutes, and the aggregate loss became very popular, and was sung at

THE BIDDLE URN.

X.— Q

241

all public gatherings
following lines:

WASP, THE

In it occurred the of the ravages of the Argus were revived.
On the morning of June 28, while some
distance at sea, the Wasp was chased
The foe bravely fought, but his arms were by two vesse i s . xhey were soon joined by

And'he'fledfrom his death-wound aghast * t hird . which displayed English colors.

In the afternoon, after much manoeuvring,
this vessel and the Wasp came to an en-
gagement, which soon became very severe.
The men of the stranger several times at-

and affrighted
But the Wasp darted forward her death
doing sting,
And full on his bosom, like lightning
alighted

She pierced through his entrails, she mad- tempted to board the Wasp, but were re-

dened his brain,
And he writhed and he groaned as if torn

with the colic ;
And long shall John Bull rue the terriblt

day
lie inet the American Wasp on a Frolic."

I Jimccs butUttte UimifAtsuen dmnnutv*)
\fnsceticatjmytvemcSuc/iaSCuij.'.?

pulsed. Finally, the crew of the Wasp
boardec 1 her antagonist, and in less than
thirty minutes the latter was a prize
to the American vessel. She proved to
be the sloop-of-war Reindeer, Capt. Will-
iam Manners, and was terribly shattered.
Her captain and twenty-four others were
killed and forty-two wounded. The Wasp
was hulled six times, and her loss was
five men killed and twenty-two wounded.
Blakeley put his prisoners on board a
neutral vessel and burned the Reindeer.
For this capture Congress voted him a
gold medal.

He arrived at L'Orient July 8, and on
Aug. 27 departed for another cruise in the
Wasp. On Sept. 1 she had a sharp engage-
ment with the Avon, eighteen guns, Cap-
tain Arbuthnot, in intense darkness. At
the end of thirty minutes the antagonist
of the Wasp ceased firing. " Have you sur-
rendered?" inquired Blakeley. He was
answered by a few shots, when he gave
the Avon another broadside, followed by
the same question, which was answered
in the affirmative, and an officer was about
to leave the Wasp to take possession of
the prize. Just then another vessel was
seen astern, rapidly approaching; then
Among the caricatures was one by Charles, another and another, and Blakeley was
of Philadelphia, under which were the fompelled to abandon the prize so nearly
following words: m his possession. The vessel that first

came to the assistance of the Avon was
the Castilian, eighteen guns. The Avon
was so much shattered in the conflict
that she sank almost immediately. Her
people were rescued by their friends on
So, 'his belly to fill, put a sting In his side." the other vessels. The Wasp continued

her course, capturing several prizes. Near
On May 1, 1814, the Wasp, then un- the Azores she captured (Sept. 21) the
der command of Capt. Johnston Blakeley, Atlanta, a valuable prize that he sent
left the harbor of Portsmouth, N. H., and home in command of Midshipman (after-
soon appeared in the chops of the British wards Commodore) D. Geisinger. On Oct.
Channel, where she spread terror among 9 the Wasp was spoken by a Swedish bark
the British merchant-ships and the people making her way towards the Spanish
of the seaport towns. Painful recollections main. She was never heard of after

242

A WASP ON A FROLIC.

" A Wasp took a Frolic and met Johnny Bull,
Who always fights best when his belly Is

full.
The Wasp thought him hungry by his mouth

open wide.

WATAUGA COMMONWEALTH— WATERBUKY

BLAKELEY'S MEDAL.

wards, nor those who were then on board
of her. She and all her people perished
in some unknown solitude of the sea.

Watauga Commonwealth, The, a
name applied to the first independent
civil government established in North
America. In 1768 the Six Nations, by'
the treaty of Fort Stanwix, agreed to sur-
render all the lands between the Ohio
and Tennessee rivers to the English, and
many backwoodsmen began settling beyond
the mountains before it was known that
the Iroquois Indians had ceded lands to
which they had no legal right. What is
now eastern Tennessee was then western
North Carolina, and this region consisted
of a most tempting valley, with the Cum-
berland River on one side and the Great
Smoky Mountains on the other. The first
settlers in this region were largely from
Virginia. In 1769 the first settlement was
made on the banks of the Watauga Eiver,
the people believing they were still within
the domain of Virginia. Two years later,
however, a surveyor discovered that the
settlement was really within the limits
of North Carolina. This fact led to the
organization of a civil government for the
growing settlement, an act that was con-
summated at about the time the troubles
between the royal governor of North Caro-
lina and the regulators reached their cli-
max. These troubles caused many people
in North Carolina to seek repose and se-
curity beyond the mountains, and they
located among the pioneers on the Watauga

and Upper Holston rivers. The majority
of these settlers were men of sterling
worth, and were influential in forming in
1772 that government which subsequently
grew to be the State of Tennessee. John
Sevier and James Robertson were among
their number, and both of these men were
conspicuous in the novel movement. Under
the title of " Articles of the Watauga As-
sociation " a written constitution was
drafted, the first ever adopted by a com-
munity of American-born freemen. The
settlers elected a representative assembly
of thirteen ,men, which in turn elected a
committee of five vested with judicial
and executive authority. This was the
first free and independent community es-
tablished on the American continent. See
North Carolina; Sevier, John; Tennes-
see.

Watertrary, David, military officer;
born in Stamford, Conn., Feb. 12, 1722.
He took part in the French and Indian
War, being present at the battle of Lake
George in 1755 and the attack on Ticon-
deroga in 1758; was with Gen. Richard
Montgomery in his campaign against
Quebec, in 1775; at the siege of St. John
and the surrender of Montreal. On June
3, 1776, he was appointed a brigadier-
general for the Northern Department by
the General Assembly of Connecticut, and
assigned to the command of the post at
Skeensboro, N. Y., where he remained
during the summer of 1776. In the battle
of Valcour Bay, Oct. 11, 1776, he was

243

WATERMAN— WATSON

captured with his vessel, the Washington, This arsenal was kept busy during th«
but was soon exchanged; and during the Mexican and Civil wars in preparing the
remainder of the war commanded a bri- heaviest kinds of war material, and in re-
gade under Washington. He was a repre- cent years has been noted for its produc-
sentative in the General Assembly in tion of the improved ordnance provided
1783, 1794, and 1705. He died in Stam- for the army and the various defensive
ford, Conn., June 29, 1801. works on the coasts. Population of the

"Waterman, Thomas Whitney, lawyer; city in 1900, 14,321.
born in Binghamton, N. Y., June 28, Watie, Stand, military officer; born of
1821; studied at Yale University; ad- Cherokee Indian parents in Cherokee (now
mitted to the bar in 1848; practised in the city of Rome), Ga., in 1815; held a
New York City in 1848-70; removed to seat in the legislative council of the
Binghamton in the latter year. He was Cherokees; was speaker of the lower
the editor of New System of Criminal branch in 1862-65; joined the Confeder-
Procedure; Murray Hoffman's Chancery ate army in 1861; made colonel of the
Reports, etc., and author of Treatise 1st Cherokee Confederate Infantry in Oe-
on the Civil and Criminal Jurisdiction of tober of that year- and was promoted
Justices of the Peace for the States of brigadier-general, May 10, 1864. He died
Wisconsin and Iowa: Containing Practi- in August, 1877.

cal Forms; Digest of the Reported. De- Watkins, John Elfbeth, naturalist;
cisions of the Superior Court and of the born in Ben Lomond, Va., May 17, 1852;
Supreme Court of Errors of the State of graduated at Lafayette College in 1871;
Connecticut, from the Organization of said curator of the United States National
Courts to the Present Time, etc. He died Museum in 1887-92; became superintend-
in Binghamton, N. Y., Dec. 7, 1898. ent and curator of the technological col-
Waters, Henry Fitz-Gilbert, gene- lections in the Museum in 1895. He wrote
alogist; born in Salem, Mass., March 29, History of the Pennsylvania, Railroad in
1833; graduated at Harvard College in 1846-96; The Evolution of the Railway
1855; taught school; member of the Passenger Car; etc. He died in 1903.
school committee of Salem in 1881-82, Watling Island, one of the Bahamas
and its secretary in 1882-83; has spent group, southeast of Cat Island. In recent
several years pursuing genealogical in- years the belief has become quite estab-
quiries; and traced the family of John lished that Watling, and not Cat, Island
Harvard when other genealogists failed, was the Guanahani Island described by
for which he received the honorary de- Christopher Columbus in his Journal as
gree of A.M. from Harvard in 1885. the first American island seen by him, to
Watervliet, a city in Albany county, which he gave the name of San Salvador.
N. Y., formerly the village of West Troy; One of the strongest components of this
on the Hudson River opposite the city belief is the fact that Watling Island is
of Troy. The city has large commercial the only one in the gToup containing a
interests by reason of its location at the lagoon, a feature particularly pointed out
head of navigation on the river and at an by Columbus in the narrative of his San
entrance of the Erie and Champlain ca- Salvador landfall. Walter Wellman, the
nals into the river, and its direct com- explorer, led an expedition for the Chi-
munication by river and canals with cago Herald in 1891 to locate the exact
lakes Champlain, Erie, and Ontario. It island, and after following the course de-
is best known, however, as the seat of scribed by Columbus himself was satisfied
an extensive arsenal, established by the that the land first seen was Watling Isl-
United States government in 1807, and and, and erected a memorial tablet there
comprising one of the largest plants in ex- bearing an inscription of the fact,
istence for the manufacture of heavy ord- Watson, Sir Brook, military officer;
nance, and shot, shell, and mounts therefor, born in Plymouth, England, Feb. 7, 1735 ;
The arsenal and the large stone magazines entered the naval service early in life,
for powder and ammunition are within a but while bathing in the sea at Havana in
reservation of about 110 acres of ground, 1749 a shark bit off his right leg below
which is bisected by the Erie Canal, the knee, and he abandoned the sea and

344

WATSON

entered upon mercantile business. He ed autobiography, completed by his son,
was with Colonel Monckton in Nova Sco- Winslow Cossoul Watson, was publish-
tia in 1755, and was at the siege of Louis- ed in 1855 under the title of Men and
burg in 1758, having in charge Wolfe's Times of the Revolution. Among his pub-
division, as commissary. In 1759 he set- lished writings were a History of the
tied as a merchant in London, and after- Western Canals of New York; a History
wards in Montreal. Just before the Rev- of the Modern Agricultural Societies;
olutionary War he visited several of the Agricultural Societies on the Modem
colonies, with false professions of politi- Berkshire System, etc.
cal friendship for them, as- a Whig. A Watson, Fokt, Captube of. Upon an
friend of Sir Guy Carleton, he was made ancient tumulus, almost 50 feet high, on
his commissary - general in America in the borders of Scott's Lake (an expansion
1782, and from 1784 to 1793 he was mem- of the Santee River), a few miles below
ber of Parliament for London. He was the junction of the Congaree and Wateree,
sheriff of London and Middlesex, and in the British built Fort Watson, named in
1796 was lord mayor. For his services compliment to Colonel Watson, who pro-
in America, Parliament voted his wife jected it. In April, 1781, it was gar-
an annuity of $2,000 for life. From 1798 risoned by eighty regulars and forty
to 1806 he was commissary-general of Eng- loyalists, . under the command of Lieu-
land. He died Oct. 2, 1807. tenant McKay, when Marion and Lee ap-

Watson, David Kempek, lawyer; born peared before it and demanded its sur-
in Madison county, O., June 18, 1849; render. Colonel Watson was on his way
graduated at Dickinson College in 1871; from Georgetown with a large force to
appointed assistant United States attor- assist McKay, and the latter promptly
ney for the southern district of Ohio ; at- defied Marion and Lee. The latter had no
torney-general of Ohio in 1887-89; mem- cannon, and the stockade was too high to
ber of Congress in 1895-97; appointed by be seriously affected by small-arms. Lieu-
President McKinley on the commission to tenant Maham, of Marion's brigade,
revise and codify "the civil penal laws of planned and built a tower of logs suf-
the United States. He is the author of ficiently high to overlook the stockade,
History of American Coinage; Early Judi- with a parapet at the top for the defence
ciary; Early Laws and Bar of Ohio, etc. of sharp - shooters placed therein. This

Watson, Ebenezeb, editor; born in work was accomplished during a dark

Bethlehem, Conn., in 1744. He was for night, and at dawn the garrison was

several years editor and publisher of The awakened by a shower of bullets from a

Courant; and after his death in Hartford, company of riflemen on the top of the

Conn., Sept. 16, 1777, his second wife, tower. Another party ascended the mound

Hannah Bunce, conducted the paper, and attacked the abatis with vigor. Re-

probably the first woman who edited a sistance was vain. The fort, untenable,

newspaper in this country. was surrendered (April 23), and, with the

Watson, Elkanah, agriculturist; born garrison as prisoners, Marion pushed

in Plymouth, Mass., Jan. 22, 1758; was northward to the High Hills of Santee.

apprenticed in 1773 to John Brown, a mer- Watson, Henry Clay, author; born in

chant in Providence, R. I., who in 1775 Baltimore, Md., in 1831; removed to

sent him with a large quantity of powder Philadelphia, Pa., and engaged in jour-

to Washington for use in the siege of nalism; was connected with the North

Boston. At the age of twenty-one (1779) American, and the Evening Journal; later

he was made bearer of despatches by Con- removed to Sacramento, where he edited

gress to Dr. Franklin, in Paris. He visit- the Times. He wrote Camp-fires of the

ed Michigan and explored the lake region, Revolution; Nights in a Block-house; Old

and also a route to Montreal, with a view Bell of Independence; The Yankee Teapot;

to opening some improved way for its Lives of the Presidents of the United

commercial connection with New York and States; Heroic Women of History, etc. He

Boston. In 1828 he settled at Port Kent, died in Sacramento, Cal., July 10, 1869.

on the^ west side of Lake Champlain, Watson, John Crittenden, naval

where he died, Dec. 5, 1842. His unftnish- officer; born in Frankfort, Ky., Aug. 24,

245

WATSON— WATTERSON

1842; graduated at the United States Tales of the Olden Times m New York

Military Academy in 1860; served in the (1832), and Historic Tales of the Olden

Civil War, being present at the passage Times in Philadelphia (1833). He also

of Fcrts Jackson and St. Philip and the left manuscript annals in the Philadelphia

Vicksburg batteries; took part in the bat- Library. He died in Germantown, Pa.,

tie of Mobile Bay, etc.; promoted lieuten- Dec. 23, 1860.

ant-commander, July 25, 1866; captain, Watson, John Tadwell, military offi-

March 6, 1887; and commodore, Nov. 7, cer; born in London, England, in 1748; en-

1897. On June 27, 1898, he was appointed tered the 3d Foot Guards in 1767; became

chief of the Eastern Squadron, which was lieutenant and captain in 1778. He un-

originally organized for the purpose of dertook the destruction of Gen. Francis

intercepting the Spanish fleet under Ad- Marion's brigade in 1781, and after sev-

miral Camara, which it was supposed had eral skirmishes fled to Georgetown. He

sailed for the United States under orders became colonel in 1783, and general in

to devastate the coast cities and to co- 1808. He died in Calais, France, June 11,

operate with Admiral Cervera. This 1826.

Spanish fleet for several weeks was vari- Watson, Paul Babbon, author; born

ously reported as being at the Cape Verde in Morristown, N. J., March 25, 1861 ;

Islands and at other points near the graduated at Harvard College in 1881;

American seaboard, and at one time it admitted to the bar in 1885, and prac-

started to go through the Suez Canal and tised in Boston. He published a Bibliog-

to Manila Bay for the purpose of attack- raphy of the Pre - Columbian Discoveries

ing Dewey's fleet. After the destruction °f America.

of Cervera's fleet it was reported in the Watson, Thomas E., lawyer; born in
United States that Commodore Watson Columbia county, Ga., Sept. 5, 1856; ad-
had received orders to proceed with all mitted to the bar in 1875 and practised
haste to the Spanish coast and to begin in Thomson, Ga. ; member of the Georgia
offensive operations there. This avowed legislature in 1882-83; and of Congress
purpose on the part of the United States (as a Populist) in 1891-93. During the
government, taken in connection with the latter period he had a bill passed granting
destruction of Cervera's fleet and the sur- the first appropriation for the free delivery
render of the Spanish army at Santiago, of mail in rural districts. In 1896 he was
led the Spanish government to authorize the Populist nominee for Vice-President,
the French ambassador in Washington to and for President in 1904. He is the
make overtures for peace. He was author of The Story of France; Life of
promoted rear-admiral, March 3, 1899; Thomas Jefferson; The Life of Napoleon;
was commander-in-chief of the Asiatic etc

Station from June 15, 1899, to April 19, Watson, Winslow Cossottl, author;

1900; and was appointed president of the born in Albany, N. Y., Dec. 22, 1803. He

naval examining board, Oct. 15, 1900. published Pioneer History of the Cham-

Watson, JonN Fanning, historian; plain Valley, Giving an Account of the

born in Burlington county, N. J., Juno Settlement of the Town of Willsboro,

13, 1779; was a clerk in the War Depart- by William Gilliland, together with his

nient in 1798, and afterwards went to Journal and Other Papers, and a Memoir;

New Orleans, where, in 1804, he was pur- The History of Essex County, N. Y., and

veyor of subsistence for the United States Military Annals of Ticonderoga and Crown

troops stationed there. Returning to Phil- Point, etc.

adelphia, he was a bookseller there for Watterson, Henry, journalist; born in
many years. From 1814 until 1847 he was Washington, D. O, Feb. 16, 1840; re-
cashier of a bank in Germantown, and ceived a private education; was a staff
afterwards was treasurer of a railroad officer in the Confederate army, during the
company. He was an industrious delver Civil War. After the war he engaged
in antiquarian lore, and in 1830 he pub- in journalism; became editor of the Lou-
lished Annals of Philadelphia. In 1846 isville Courier -Journal. He is the au-
he published Annals of Neu York City and thor of History of the Spanish-American
State. He had already published Historic War; Abraham Lincoln, etc.

246

WATTS— WAUHATCHIE

Watts, Frederick, military officer; Wauhatchie, Battle of. When Gen-
born in Wales, June 1, 1719; emigrated to eral Grant arrived at Chattanooga and
the United States and settled in Cumber- took chief command, Oct. 23, 1863, he
land county, Pa., in 1760. He served in saw the necessity of opening a more direct
the Revolutionary War as lieutenant-colo- way to that post for its supplies. General
nel, and had command of the battalion Hooker, who had been sent with a large
that was assigned to Cumberland county, force under Howard and Slocum from
At the surrender of Fort Washington this Virginia, was then at Bridgeport, on the
division was captured. After his exchange Tennessee, and Grant ordered him to cross
he was made a justice of the peace; a that stream and advance to the Look-
representative in the Assembly in 1779; out Valley and menace Bragg's left. He
sub-lieutenant of Cumberland county in did so, and reached Wauhatchie, in that
1780; commissioned brigadier-general of valley, on the 28th, after some sharp skir-
volunteers in 1782; and was a member of mishing. Being anxious to hold the road
the supreme executive council in 1787- leading from Lookout Valley to Kelly's
90. He died on his farm on Juniata Ferry, Hooker sent General Geary to en-
River, Oct. 3, 1795. camp at Wauhatchie. Hooker's move-
Watts, John, legislator; born in New ments had been keenly watched by Mc-
York City, April 16, 1715; married a Laws's division of Longstreet's corps, then
daughter of Stephen De Laneey in July, holding Lookout Mountain. McLaws
1742; represented New York City in the swept down the fugged hills and struck
Provincial Assembly for many years, and Geary's small force at 1 a.m., on Oct. 29,
was a member of the council eighteen hoping to crush it and capture Hooker's
years (1757-75), when, taking sides with whole army. The attack was made with
the crown, he went to England. His prop- great fury on three sides of the camp, while
erty was confiscated; but the most valu- batteries on the mountain-sides sent down
able part of it was afterwards reconveyed screaming shells.

to his sons, Robert and John, in July, Geary was not surprised. He met the
1784. He died in Wales in August, 1789. assailants with a steady, deadly fire.
Watts, Stephen, lawyer; born about Hearing the noise of battle, Hooker sent
1743 ; graduated at the University of General Schurz's division of Howard's
Pennsylvania in 1762; admitted to the corps to Geary's assistance. The Confed-
bar in Philadelphia in 1769; removed to erates were repulsed after a sharp battle
Louisiana in 1774; later became recorder of three hours. They fled, leaving 150
of deeds of the English settlements on the of their number dead on Geary's front;
Mississippi. He wrote an essay on Be- also 100 prisoners and several hundred
ciprocal Advantage of a Perpetual Union small-arms. The National loss was 416
between Great Britain and Her American killed and wounded. This result secured
Colonies, which was published in 1766. a safe communication for supplies for the
He died in Louisiana in 1788. Nationals between Bridgeport and Chat-
Watts, Thomas Hill, legislator; born tanooga. An amusing incident occurred
in Butler county, Ala., Jan. 3, 1820; grad- during the battle. When it began, about
uated at the University of Virginia in 200 mules, frightened by the noise, dash-
1840; admitted to the bar and began prac- ed into the ranks of Wade Hampton's
tice in his native city; elected to the State legion and produced a great panic. The
legislature in 1842 and to the State Senate incident inspired a mock-heroic poem, in
in 1853; and represented Montgomery imitation of Tennyson's Charge of the
county in the State convention of 1861. Light Brigade at Balaklava, two verses of
He entered the Confederate service as which were as follows:
colonel at the beginning of the Civil War;

resigned his post in 1862 after the battle "™» [° «£ Xtf*™"

of Shiloh, in which he greatly distinguished Mules all behind them—

himself, on being appointed Attorney-Gen- B JS^hitf^dS T^ !

eral in President Davis's cabinet; and was Breaking through LongBtreet's lines,

elected governor of Alabama in 1863. He S&'MS& tT"

died in Montgomery, Ala., Sept. 16, 1892. Stormed the two hundred."

247

WAXHAW— WAYLAND

MAP OP THE REGION OP THE BATTLE OF WAUHATCHIE.

Waxhaw (S. C), Battle op, May 29, Andover Theological Seminary in 1816;

1780, usually known as the Waxhaw Mas- was instructor there for four years; or-

sacre. See Buford, Abraham; Tarleton, dained in the Baptist Church, and be-

Sir Banastre. came pastor of the First Baptist church

Wayland, Francis, educator; born in in Boston, Mass., in 1821; was professor

New York City, March 11, 1796; gradu- in Union College in 1826; president of

ated at Union College in 1813; studied Brown University in 1827-55; pastor of

medicine for three years; entered the the First Baptist church in Providence.

248

WAYNE

R. I., in 1855; and author of Thoughts on
the ^ Present Collegiate System of the
United States; Domestic Slavery Con-
sidered as a Spiritual Institution, etc.
He died in Providence, R. I., Sept. 30,
1865.

Wayne, Anthony, military officer;
born in Easttown, Chester co., Pa., Jan.
1, 1745. His grandfather, who came to
America in 1722, was commander of a
squadron of dragoons under William III.
at the battle of the Boyne, in Ireland.
Anthony, after receiving a good English
education in Philadelphia, was appointed
a land agent in Nova Scotia, where he re-
mained a year. Returning, he married,
and until 1774 was a farmer and sur-
veyor in Pennsylvania. He was a mem-
ber of the Pennsylvania legislature in

Hudson, in July, 1779, was one of the
most brilliant achievements of the war.
In that attack he was wounded in the
head, and Congress gave him a vote of
thanks and a gold medal. In June, 1781,
Wayne joined Lafayette in Virginia, where
he performed excellent service until the
surrender of Cornwallis at Yorktown.

After the surrender, the Pennsylvania
line, under Wayne, marched to South
Carolina, and their commander, with a
part of them, was sent by General Greene
to Georgia. On May 21, 1782, Colonel
Brown marched out of Savannah in
strong force to confront rapidly advancing
Wayne. The latter got between Brown
and Savannah, attacked him at midnight,
and routed the whole party. This event
occurred on the Ogeechee road, about 4

GOLD MEDAL AWARDED BY CONGRESS TO GENERAL WAYNE.

1774-75; and in September of the latter
year he raised the 4th Regiment, of the
Pennsylvania line, and was appointed
colonel in January, 1776. He went with
his regiment to Canada; was wounded in
the battle of Three Rivers; and in Febru-
ary, 1777, was made brigadier-general. In
the battle of Brandywine, in September,
he was distinguished; and nine days after-
wards he was surprised in the night near
the Paoli Tavern, on the Lancaster road,
in Pennsylvania, when his command was
much cut up, but the remainder retreat-
ed in safety. He led the right wing of
the army in the attack at Germantown,
and was slightly wounded. In the battle
of Monmouth he was very distinguished;
and his capture of Stony Point, on the

miles southwest of Savannah, The van-
guard of the Americans was composed of
sixty horsemen and twenty infantry, led
by Col. Anthony Walton White. These
made a spirited charge, killing or wound-
ing forty of the British and making
twenty of them prisoners. The sword and
bayonet did the work. The Americans lost
five killed and two wounded. On June
24 a part of Wayne's army, lying about
5 miles from Savannah, was fiercely at-
tacked by a body of Creek Indians, who
first drove the troops and took two pieces
of artillery; but they were soon utterly
routed by a spirited charge. The brief
battle was fought hand-to-hand with
swords, bayonets, and tomahawks, and
fourteen Indians and two white men were

249

killed. Guristersigo,
chief, was killed. The r<

WAYNE, ANTHONY

famous Creek vention that ratified the national Coiisti-
lyalists coming tution. In April, 1792, he was made gen-
out of Savannah to assist the Indians eral-in-chief of the army,
were driven back, with the loss of a stand- The defeat of Gen. Aethtjb St. Claib
ard and 127 horses with packs. The men (q. v.) spread alarm along the frontiers
fled back to the city, and soon afterwards and indignation throughout the country,
evacuated it. Wayne took possession of General Wayne was appointed his succes-
sor. Apprehend-
ing that pending
negotiations with
the Indians, if
they failed, would
be followed by im-
mediate hostilities
against the fron-
tiers, Wayne
marched into the
Northwestern Ter- ,
ritory in the
autumn of 1793
with a competent
force. He spent
the winter at
Greenvile, not far
from the place of
St. Clair's dis-
aster, and built a
stockade, which he
named Fort Re-
covery. The fol-
lowing summer he
pushed on through
the wilderness
towards the Mau-
mee, and at its
junction with the
Auglaize he built
Fort Defiance. On
the St. Mary's he
built Fort Adams
as an intermediate
post; and in Au-
gust he went down
the Maumee with
1,000 men and en-
camped near a
British post at the
foot of the Mau-

the city, and of the province of Georgia, mee Rapids, called Fort Miami, or
which had been held by the British mili- Maumee. Wayne, with a force ample to
tary commanders about four years. It destroy the Indians in spite of British
was estimated that Georgia lost in the influence, willing to spare bloodshed,
war 1,000 of its citizens and 4,000 of its offered them peace and tranquillity if they
slaves (see Georgia; Savannah, Evacua- would lay down their weapons. They re-
tion of). In 1784-85 Wayne served in the fused. Wayne then advanced to the head
Pennsylvania Assembly, and in the con- of the rapids, and at a place called

250

DRAWING-ROOM OF GENERAL WAYNE'S HOUSE.

HHpjpP^*^'' '.=*flH

..■-.;. Vi;'- ; .'..V./-;- ■*■ ■ ■■ .-,

■ ■'■Jk-JkB

p— — jg «*■ ( «

si ■

Y- '^\

\ 3g3Prs2

i/'/^m\

MAJOR-GENERAL ANTHONY WAYNE

WAYNE

GENERA! TTATNE'S GRAVE.

Fallen Timbers, not far above
Maumee City, he attacked and
the Indians on Aug. 20. Al-
most all the dead warriors
were found with British arms.
Wayne laid waste their coun-
try, and at the middle of
September moved up to the
junction of the St. Mary's
and St. Joseph's rivers, near
the (present) city of Fort
Wayne, Ind., and built a
strong fortification which he
named Fort Wayne. The little
army wintered at Greenville.
The Indians perceived their
own weakness and sued for
peace. The following sum-
mer about 1,100 sachems
and warriors, representing
twelve cantons, met (Aug. 3,
1795) commissioners of the
United States at Greenville,
and made a treaty of peace.

Brave to the verge of rashness, Wayne
received the name of "Mad Anthony."
Yet he was discreet and cautious, fruitful
in resources, and prompt in the execution
of plans. After his successful campaign
against the Indians, he returned to Fort
Presque Isle (now Erie), Pa., where he
died, Dec. 15, 1796. His body was after-
wards removed by his son and buried in
Radnor church-yard, in his native county.
Over his remains the Pennsylvania Society
of the Cincinnati caused a neat marble
monument to be erected in 1809.

Wayne, Fort, Attack on. Forts Wayne
and Harrison, the former at the junction
of the St. Joseph's and St. Mary's rivers,
where they formed the Maumee, and the
latter on the Wabash, were strongholds of
the Americans in the Northwest in 1812.
General Proctor, in command at Fort
Maiden, resolved to reduce them, with the
assistance of Tecumseh, whom Brock had
commissioned a brigadier-general. Major
Muir, with British regulars and Indians,
was to proceed up the Maumee Valley to
co-operate with other Indians, and Sept. 1
was appointed as the day when they should
invest Fort Wayne. The garrison con-
sisted of only seventy men under Capt.
James Rhea. The Indians prosecuted raids
in other directions to divert attention from
Forts Wayne and Harrison and prevent
(present) their being reinforced. A scalping-party
defeated fell upon the " Pigeon-roost Settlement "

^*? FIGHT BETWEEN MILITIA
"^ .-saAND INDIANS

MAP OF FORT WATNB AND VICINITY.

251

WAYNE— WEATHER BUREAU

in Scott county, Ind. ( Sept. 3 ) , and during
the twilight they killed three men, five
women, and sixteen children. Similar
atrocities were committed by these allies
of the British preparatory to the invest-^
ment of Fort Wayne. For several days
the Indians had been seen hovering in the
woods around the fort, and on the night
of Sept. 5 they attacked the sentinels.
The treacherous Miamis, who, since the
massacre at Chicago, had resolved to join

Wayne, James Moore, jurist; born in
Savannah, 6a., in 1790; graduated at
Princeton College in 1808; admitted to
the bar in 1810, and began practice in his
native city; was judge of the Georgia
Supreme Court in 1824-29; member of
Congress in 1829-35; and in the latter
year was appointed an associate justice
of the United States Supreme Court,
where he sat till his death in Washington,
D. C, July 5, 1867.

FORT WAYXK.

the British, kept up a zealous pretence of
friendship for the Americans, hoping by
this to get possession of the fort by sur-
prise. They joined the other Indians in
an attack on the fort on the night of the
6th, supposed to have been 600 strong.
They attempted to scale the palisades, but
were driven back. Then, under the direc-
tion of a half-breed, they formed two logs
into the shape of cannon, and demanded
the instant surrender of the fort, which
would be battered down in case of a re-
fusal. The troops were not frightened.
They knew friends were on their way to
relieve them. The besiegers kept up as-
saults until the 12th, when they fled pre-
cipitately on the approach of a deliver-
ing force that night which saved the fort.
The Indians had destroyed the live-stock,
crops, and dwellings outside of the fort.
The city of Fort Wayne stands near the
spot.

252

Wayne's Indian Campaign. See Ohio ;

Wayne, Anthony.

Weather Bureau. The United States
weather bureau, from its organization in
1870 until June 30, 1891, when it was
transferred to the Department of Agri-
culture, was a division of the United
States signal service under the War De-
partment. It was organized by Chief
Signal Officer Brig. -Gen. Albert J. Myer,
under act of Congress, Feb. 9, 1870, the
first legislation of the United States for
a national weather service. Meteorologi-
cal reports had been collected and maps
sent out daily by Professor Henry at the
Smithsonian Institution in 1854, and
European governments had issued storm
warnings in Holland, France, and Eng-
land; but Prof. Cleveland Abbe, meteo-
rologist, of Cincinnati, originated the
present system of weather forecasts. Pro-
fessor Abbe began the publication of the

WEATHER BUREAU— WEATHERSFORD

Weather Bulletin of the Cincinnati Ob- transferred to the signal service at the

servatory, for the benefit of the Cincinnati instance of Prof. Joseph Henry

chamber of commerce, Sept. 1, 1869. His Feb. 2, 1874

success led Professor Lapham, of Mil- Meteorological reports of army post sur-

waukee, to cause memorials for a nation- geons ordered by the surgeon-general to

al system, to be endorsed by all chambers be sent to the chief signal office

of commerce and boards of trade, and pre- June 19, 1874

sented to Congress with a bill by Gen. Daily publication of Bulletin of Inter-

H. E. Paine, resulting in the act of national Simultaneous Meteorological 06-

1870. The great value of the service servations of the Northern Hemisphere

lies in simultaneous weather observations begun at Washington Jan. 1, 1875

throughout the United States, trans- Publication of graphic synoptic Inter-
mitted, twice daily by telegraph to Wash- national Weather Maps of Simultaneous
ington, from which are made synoptic Observations begun by General Myer
weather maps and press reports telegraph- July 1, 1878
ed to all points. Cautionary storm-sig- Brig.-Gen. W. B. Hazen appointed chief

nals are displayed for the shipping at signal officer Dec. 6, 1880

all seaport and lake stations, and spe- Gen. A. W. Greely appointed chief sig-

cial flood reports at river stations. For nal officer March 3, 1887

the benefit of agriculture, special farmers' Weather bureau transferred to the De-
bulletins are issued from the Washington partment of Agriculture, and Prof. Mark
office at 1 a.m., and distributed by the W. Harrington appointed chief
" railway weather bulletin service," so June 30, 1891
that, in the remotest sections, the farmer Weatliersford, William, Indian chief;
may know at an early hour the " proba- born on the Hickory Ground, in the
bilities" for the day. The title "Old Creek nation, Ala., about 1770. His fa-
Probabilities," familiarly applied to the ther was an itinerant white peddler, sordid,
head' of the weather bureau, was first treacherous, and revengeful. His mother
given in 1869 to Professor Abbe, chosen was a full-blooded Creek, of the tribe of
in 1870 by General Myer to prepare the Seminoles. Weathersford inherited the
"probabilities," or storm-warnings. bad qualities of each, but honor and hu-

Chronology. — First weather bulletins of manity predominated in his character,

simultaneous observations issued and tele- He was possessed of rare eloquence and

graphed to more than twenty cities courage, and these, with his good judg-

Nov. 4, 1870 ment, procured for him the respect of the

First storm-warning bulletins along the old among his countrymen; while his

lakes issued about Nov. 10-15, 1870 vices made him the idol of the young and

Systematic tri-daily weather predictions unprincipled. He was of a commanding

begun Feb. 12, 1871 person — tall, straight, and well propor-

Display of cautionary signals on the tioned; his eyes black, lively, and pene-

sea-coasts and lakes begun.. Oct. 24, 1871 trating in their glance; his nose promi-

Signal service changed to extend its re- nent and thin, but elegant in formation,

searches in the interest of agriculture, Passionately devoted to wealth, he had

by act approved June 10, 1872 appropriated a fine tract of land, im-

Signal - service stations established at proved and settled it, and had embellish-

light-house and life-saving stations on the ed it from the profits of his father's pack.

lakes and sea-coast, by act of He entered fully into the views of Tecum-

March 3, 1873 seh (q. v.), and if there had been no

Monthly Weather Review first publish- delay in perfecting the confederacy and

ed 1873 opening war he might have overrun the

System of international co - operative whole Mississippi Valley. He led in the
simultaneous weather observation, pro- attack upon Fort Mims, and used all his
posed by General Myer at the congress of power and persuasion to prevent the mas-
meteorologists convened at Vienna, is sacre of the women and children, but
begun September, 1873 without success. That massacre aroused

All Smithsonian weather observers all the white people of the great valley

253

WEATHERSEORD, WILLIAM

against the Creek nation, and the sons of
all Tennessee marched to their country
and in the course of a few months de-
stroyed the nation.

It was made a condition of peace with
the Creeks by Jackson that they should
bring to him Weathersford, their great
leauer, for he could not pardon him. He
then Knew neither the great Creek chief
nor his own plasticity. Weathersford did
not wait to be caught and dragged like
a felon to the feet of the leader of the
pale-faces. He saw in the events at the
Horseshoe Bend that all hope for his nation
was gone. He mounted his fine gray
horse, which had saved his life, and rode
to Jackson's camp, where he arrived at
sunset. He entered Jackson's tent and
found the general alone. Drawing himself
up to his full height and folding his
arms, he said : " I am Weathersford, the
chief who commanded at Port Mims. .1
have nothing to request for myself. You
can kill- me if you desire. I have come
to beg you to send for the women and
children of the war-party, who are now
starving in the woods. Their fields and
cribs have been destroyed by your peo-
ple, who have driven them to the woods
without an ear of corn. I hope that you
will send out parties who will conduct
them safely here, in order that they may
be fed. I exerted myself in vain to save
the women and children at Fort Mims.
I have come now to ask peace for my
people, but not for myself." Jackson
expressed astonishment that one so guilty
should dare to appear in his presence
and ask for peace and protection. " I
am in your power; do with me as you
please," the chief haughtily replied. " I
am a soldier. I have done the white peo-
ple all the harm I could. I have fought
them, and fought them bravely; and if
I had an army I would yet fight and
contend to the last. But I have none.
My people are all gone. . I can now do
no more than to weep over the misfortunes
of my nation." Here was a man after
Jackson's own heart — a patriot who
fought bravely for his people and his
land, and fearlessly expressed his patriot-
ism in the presence of one who had power
over his life. He was told that absolute
submission and the acceptance of a home
beyond the Mississippi for his nation was

the only wise policy for him to pursue.
" If, however," said Jackson, " you desire
to continue the war, and feel prepared
to meet the consequences, you may depart
in peace and unite yourself with the war-
party if you choose." Half scornfully,
half sorrowfully, Weathersford replied: " I
may well be addressed in such language
now. There was a time when I had a
choice and could have answered you; I
have none now — even hope is ended. Once
I could animate my warriors to battle ; but
I cannot animate the dead. My warriors
can no longer hear my voice. Their bones
are at Talladega, Tallushatchee, Emuc-
faw, and Tohopeka. I have not surren-
dered myself thoughtlessly. While there
was a chance for success I never left
my post nor supplicated peace. But my
people are gone, and I ask it for my
nation, not for myself. On the miseries
and misfortunes brought upon my country
I look back with deepest sorrow, and
wish to avert still greater calamities. If
I had been left to contend with the Geor-
gia army I would have raised my corn
on one bank of the river and fought them
on the other. But your people have de-
stroyed my nation. You are a brave man ;
I rely upon your generosity. You will ex-
act no terms of a conquered people but
such as they should agree to. Whatever
they may be, it would now be folly and
madness to oppose. If they are opposed,
you will find me among the sternest sup-
porters of obedience. Those who would
still hold out can be influenced only by a
mean spirit of Tevenge, and to this they
must not and shall not sacrifice the last
remnant of their country. You have told
our nation where we might go and be safe.
This is good talk, and they ought to listen
to it. They shall listen to it." Thus spoke
Weathersford for his nation. Words of
honor responded to words of honor, and
Weathersford was allowed to go freely
to the forest to search for his scattered
followers and counsel peace.

The chief returned and became a re-
spected citizen of Alabama. He settled
on a farm in Monroe county, well sup-
plied with negro slaves, where he main-
tained the character of an honest man.
Soon after his return he married, and
Gen. Samuel Dale, with whom he had
several encounters, was his groomsman

254

WEATHER SIGNALS— WEBB

He said he could not live there, for his in command of the prize slaver Ardennes;
old comrades, the hostile Creeks, ate his served through the Civil War, winning
cattle from starvation, the peace party distinction in the actions at Plaquemine,
ate them for revenge, and the white squat- La., Donaldsonville, and in those which
ters because he was a " damned red-skin " ; occurred below that place after the fall
so he said, " I have come to live among of Port Hudson. In 1865, while in com-
gentlemen." Weathersford died from the mand of the monitor Mahopac he took
effects of fatigue caused by a desperate part in the capture of Port Fisher, and
bear-hunt in 1824. with the same vessel was present at the

Weather Signals. Gen. Albert J. surrender of Richmond. He commanded
Myek {q. v.), the originator of the sig- the iron-clad Dictator in Cuban waters
nal service of the United States, also in- during the threatened war with Spain on
vented and organized a weather signal account of the Virginius affair in 1873;
service, which has been the means of con- promoted captain in 1876; commodore in
f erring great benefits upon agriculture and 1886 ; and rear-admiral, June 27, 1893 ;
commerce especially. This system, as ar- and was retired Sept. 26 following,
ranged by General Myer, was established Weaver, James B., lawyer; born in
by Congress in 1870, and for twenty years Dayton. O., June 12, 1833; graduated at
was a part of the signal service of the the Law School of the Ohio University in
United States army. The Fifty-first Con- 1854; served in the National army in
gress passed an act providing that while 1861-65; was promoted colonel of vol-
the signal service should remain as a unteers and brevetted brigadier-general;
branch of the army, the forecasting of the member of Congress in 1879-81 and in
weather should become one of the duties 1885-89. In 1880 he was the candidate
of the Agricultural Department and be of the Greenback party for President and
conducted by a special bureau. This law received 307,306 popular votes; and in
went into effect on July 1, 1891, and all 1892 was the candidate of the People's
the duties connected with the system of party for the same office, and received
weather signals were transferred to the 1,041,028 popular and twenty-two electoral
new bureau. The first chief of the bureau votes.

was Prof. Mark W. Harrington, of Michi- Webb, Alexander Stewart, military
gan. Simultaneous weather reports from officer; born in New York City, Feb. 15,
simultaneous observations, taken at differ- 1835; son of James Watson Webb; grad-
ent places are transmitted to the bureau uated at West Point in 1855. Entering
at Washington. Three of these simultane- the artillery, he served against the
ous reports are made in each twenty-four Seminoles in Florida in 1856, and from
hours, at intervals of eight hours; and 1857 to 1861 was assistant Professor of
warnings are given by signals, maps, bul- Mathematics at West Point. In May,
letins, and official despatches, furnished by 1861, he was made captain of infantry,
the bureau, three times a day, to nearly all and in June, 1863, brigadier-general of
the newspapers in the land. So thorough- volunteers. He was one of the defenders
ly is this work done, by means of the tele- of Fort Pickens ; fought at Bull Bun and
graph, the perfect organization of the sys- through the campaign on the Peninsula;
tern, and the discipline of the operators, was chief of staff of the 5th Corps at An-
that it is estimated one-third of all the tietam and Chaneellorsville ; served with
families in our country are in possession, distinction at Gettysburg, and commanded
each day, of the information issued from a brigade in the 2d Corps, in Virginia,
the weather bureau. Fully 90 per cent, from October, 1863, to April, 1864. He
of the predictions is verified by actual re- commanded a brigade in the campaign
suits. against Richmond in 1864-65, and in Janu-

Weaver, Aaron Ward, naval officer; ary, 1865, was General Meade's chief of
born in the District of Columbia, July 1, staff. In March he was brevetted major-
1832; graduated at the United States general, United States army, and was dis-
Naval Academy in 1854; commissioned charged in 1870. In 1869-1903 he was
lieutenant in 1855; cruised along the coast president of the College of the City of
of Africa in 1858-59 and returned home New York. His publications include The

255

WEBB— WEBBER

Peninsula: MeClellan's Campaign of about the same time. In 1767 he went

1862; and a number of articles relating to New York City, and there aided Philip

to the Civil War in the Century Mag- Embury in the work of the Methodist So-

azine. ciety. After being retired from the army

Webb, James Watson, journalist; with the rank- of captain, he devoted his

born in Claverack, N. Y., Feb. 8, 1802; time to missionary work in New Jersey,

entered the army in 1819, was first lieu- Delaware, and Maryland. In 1767 he es-

tenant irr 1823, and resigned in 1827, when tablished the first Methodist Society in

he became a journalist, soon taking a lead- Philadelphia, Pa. He visited England sev-

ing position in that profession as editor eral times, and permanently settled there

and proprietor of the New York Courier at the outbreak of the Revolutionary War.

and Enquirer. In 1850 he waB appointed He died in Bristol, England, Dec. 20,

chargi d'affaires at the Court of Vienna, 1796.

but the Senate did not confirm the Webb, William Henby, ship-builder;
nomination. In 1861 he was appointed born in New York City, June 19, 1816;
minister to Brazil, where he settled long- received a private education; learned the
pending claims against that government; ship-builders' trade in his father's yard,
and he was chiefly instrumental, through and started in business for himself in
his personal intimacy with Napoleon III., 1843. He built over 150 vessels; devised
in procuring the withdrawal of the French a new model for navy vessels; and con-
troops from Mexico. For many years he structed many vessels of great speed and
exerted a powerful influence in the politics capacity. He built and endowed the Webb
of the United States. Among his special Academy and Home for Ship-builders,
publications are Altowan, or Incidents of Fordham Heights, N. Y. He died in New
Life and Adventure in the Rocky Moun- York City, Oct. 30, 1899.
tains; Slavery and Its Tendency; and a Webber, Chables Wilkins, journalist;
treatise on 'National Currency. He died born in Eusselville, Ky., May 29, 1819.
in New York City, June 7, 1884. He went to Texas when that Territory was

Webb, Samuel Blatchley, military struggling for independence (1838); was

officer ; born at Weathersfield, Conn., Dec. for several years connected with the Texan

15, 1753; father of the preceding and Rangers; returned to Kentucky, where he'

step-son of Silas Deane; was thanked for studied medicine; later entered Princeton

his gallantry in the battle of Bunker Theological Seminary; and subsequently

(Breed's) Hill, where he was wounded, settled in New York and engaged in

and in June, 1776, was appointed aide-de- literary work. He contributed to The

camp to Washington. In the battle of New World, The Democratic Review, and

White Plains he was again wounded; also The Sunday Despatch; and was asso-

at Trenton. He was in the battle of ciate editor and joint proprietor of The

Brandywine, and in 1778 raised and took Whig Review. In 1849 he attempted to

command of the 3d Connecticut Regiment, lead an exploring and mining expedition,

In 1779 he, with most of his men, were but failed; in 1855 went to Central Amer-

captured by the British fleet while cross- ica, where he joined William Walkeb

ing to Long Island with General Parsons, {q. v.) in Nicaragua. He was killed in

and was not released until 1780, when he a skirmish, April 11, 1856. He wrote

took command of the light infantry, with Old Hicks the Guide, or Adventures in

the brevet rank of brigadier-general. He the Comanche Country in Search of a

lived in New York City after the war, Qold Mine; The Oold Mines of the Gila,

until 1789, when he removed to Claverack, etc.
N. Y., where he died, Dec. 3, 1807. Webber, Samuel, educator; born in

Webb, Thomas, clergyman; born in Byfield, Mass., in 1759; graduated at

England in 1724; was an officer in the Harvard College in 1784; entered the

British army; served with the Royal ministry; and became a tutor in Harvard

American forces, being wounded at Louis- in 1787 ; was Professor of Mathematics

burg and Quebec; became a Methodist in and Natural Philosophy there in 1789-

1765, and was licensed to preach; and was 1804, and then became president. He was

made barrack master at Albany, N. Y., one of the commissioners appointed to set-

266

WEBSTER, DANIEL

tie the boundary-line between the United on President Willard; and reviser of

States and the British provinces; vice- Jedidiah Morse's American Universal

president of the American Academy; au- Geography. He died in Cambridge, Mass.,

thor of System of Mathematics; Eulogy July 17, 1810.

WEBSTER, DANIEL

Webster, Daniel, statesman; born in
Salisbury (now Franklin), N. H., Jan. 18,
1782; graduated at Dartmouth in 1801,
defraying a portion of his expenses by
teaching school. After teaching in Maine
he studied law, and was admitted to the
bar in 1805. He soon rose to eminence in
his profession at Portsmouth, N. H., and
was a member of Congress in 1813—17,
where he soon took a foremost rank in
debate. In 1816 he settled in Boston, and,
by his services in the Dartmouth College
case, which was carried to the Supreme
Court (1817), he was placed in the front
rank in his profession. In that court he
ably argued many important cases, in
which he exhibited superior skill and
ability. In 1820 he was a member of the
Massachusetts constitutional convention.
He again entered Congress in 1823, when
he made a famous speech on the Greek Rev-
olution, and, as chairman of the judiciary
committee, effected measures for a com-
plete revision of the criminal law of the
United States. While John Quincy Adams
was President he was the leader of the
friends of the administration, first in the
House and afterwards in the Senate, of
which he was a member in 1827-39.

His celebrated speech in reply to Hayne,
of South Carolina, delivered in the Senate
in 1832, is considered the most correct and
complete exposition ever given of the
true powers and functions of the national
government (see below). In 1839 he
visited Europe, and in March, 1841, Presi-
dent Harrison appointed him Secretary of
State, which office he held until May,
1843, when he retired from President
Tyler's cabinet. Again in the United
States Senate, in 1845, he strongly opposed
the annexation of Texas and the war with
Mexico, and in 1850 he supported the Com-
promise measure (see Omnibus Bill,
The). By his concessions to the demands
of the slave-holders, in a speech, March 7,
1850, he greatly weakened his influence in
the free-labor States. He was called to the

cabinet of Mr. Fillmore the same year as
Secretary of State, which post he filled,
with great distinction, until his death.
Mr. Webster delivered many remarkable
orations on occasions, notably on laying
the corner-stone of the Bunker Hill monu-
ment (June 17, 1825), and on the comple-
tion of the monument (June 17, 1843).
He paid much attention to agriculture at
Marshfield, and was fond of hunting and
fishing. His last great effort in the courts
was in January, 1852, when he argued an
important India-rubber patent case at
Trenton, N. J. He died in Marshfield,
Mass., Oct. 24, 1852.

Webster's Reply to Hayne. — The follow-
ing is the text of Senator Webster's reply
to the speech of Senator Robert Y.
Hayne (q. v.) :

Mr. President, — When the mariner has
been tossed for many days in thick
weather and on an unknown sea, he nat-
urally avails himself of the first pause
in the storm, the earliest glance of the
sun, to take his latitude, and ascertain
how far the elements have driven him from
his true course. Let us imitate this
prudence, and before we float farther re-
fer to the point from which we departed,
that we may at least be able to conjecture
where we now are. I ask for the reading
of the resolution.

[The secretary read the resolution, as
follows:

"Resolved, that the committee on pub-
lic lands be instructed to inquire and re-
port the quantity of the public lands re-
maining unsold within each State and
Territory, and whether it be expedient to
limit, for a certain period, the sales of
the public lands to such lands only as
have heretofore been offered for sale and
are now subject to entry at the minimum
price. And, also, whether the office of
surveyor-general, and some of the land
offices, may not be abolished without det-
riment to the public interest; or whether

X. — B

267

■VTEBSTEB, DANIEL

DANIEL WEBSTER.

it be expedient to adopt measures to two days, by which the Senate has been

hasten the sales, and extend more rapidly now entertained by the gentleman from

the surveys of the public lands."] South Carolina. Every topic in the wide

We have thus heard, sir, what the reso- range of our public affairs, whether past

lution is, which is actually before us for or present — everything, general or local,

consideration ; and it will readily occur whether belonging to national politics or

to every one that it is almost the only party politics — seems to have attracted

subject about which something has not more or less of the honorable member's

been said in the speech, running through attention, save only the resolution before

2S8

WEBSTEB, DAUIEL

ue. He has spoken of everything but the able member. Some passages, it is true,
public lands. They have escaped his had occurred, since our acquaintance in
notice. To that subject, in all his ex- this body, which I could have wished
cursions, he has not paid even the cold might have been otherwise; but I had used
respect of a passing glance. philosophy, and forgotten them. When

When this debate, sir, was to be re- the honorable member rose, in his first
sumed, on Thursday morning, it so hap- speech, I paid him the respect of attentive
pened that it would have been convenient listening; and when he sat down, though
for me to be elsewhere. The honorable surprised, and I must say even astonished,
member, however, did not incline to put at some of his opinions-, nothing was
off the discussion to another day. He had further from my intention than to' com-
a shot, he said, to return, and he wished mence any personal warfare; and through
to discharge it. That shot, sir, which it the whole of the few remarks I made in
was kind thus to inform us was coming, answer, I avoided, studiously and care-
that we might stand out of the way, or fully, everything which I thought possible
prepare .ourselves to fall before it, and to be construed into disrespect. And, sir,
die with decency, has now been received, while there is thus nothing originating
Under all advantages, and with expecta- here, which I wished at any time, or now
tion awakened by the tone which pre- wish, to discharge, I must repeat, also,
ceded it, it has been discharged, and has that nothing has been received here, which
spent its force. It may become me to rankles or in any way gives me annoyance,
say no more of its effect than that, if I will not accuse the honorable member of
nobody is found, after all, either killed violating the rules of civilized war — I will
or wounded by it, it is not the first time not say that he poisoned his arrows. But
in the history of human affairs that the whether his shafts were, or were not,
vigor and success of the war have not dipped in that which would have caused
quite come up to the lofty and sounding rankling if they had reached, there was
phrase of the manifesto. not, as it happened, quite strength

The gentleman, sir, in declining to post- enough in the bow to bring them to their
pone the debate, told the Senate, with the mark. If he wishes now to find those
emphasis of his hand upon his heart, that shafts, he must look for them elsewhere;
there was something rankling here, which they will not be found fixed and quiver-
he wished to relieve. [Mr. Hayne rose ing in the object at which they are aimed,
and disclaimed having used the word The honorable member complained that
" rankling."] It would not, Mr. President, I had slept on his speech. I must have
be safe for the honorable member to ap- slept on it, or not slept at all. The moment
peal to those around him, upon the ques- the honorable member sat down, his friend
tion whether he did, in fact, make use of from Missouri rose, and, with much
that word. But he may have been uncon- honeyed commendation of the speech, sug-
scious of it. At any rate, it is enough gested that the impressions which it had
that he disclaims it. But still, with or produced were too charming and delight-
without the use of that particular word, ful to be disturbed by other sentiments or
he had yet something here, he said, of other sounds, and proposed that the
which he wished to rid himself by an im- Senate should adjourn. Would it have
mediate reply. In this respect, sir, I have been quite amiable in me, sir, to interrupt
a great advantage over the honorable this excellent good-feeling? Must I not
gentleman. There is nothing" here, sir, have been absolutely malicious, if I could
which gives me the slightest uneasiness; have thrust myself forward to destroy
neither fear nor anger, nor that which is sensations thus pleasing? Was it not
sometimes more troublesome than either — much better and kinder, both to sleep
the consciousness of having been in the upon them myself, and to allow others,
wrong. There is nothing either .origi- also, the pleasure of sleeping upon them 1
nating here or now received here by the But if it be meant, by sleeping upon his
gentleman's shot — nothing original, for speech, that I took time to prepare a
I had not the slightest feeling of dis- reply to it, it is quite a mistake; owing
respect or unkindness towards the honor- to other engagements, I could not employ

259

WEBSTER, DANIEL

even the interval between the adjournment notice. It was put as a question for me
of the Senate and its meeting the next to answer, and so put as if it were dif-
morning in attention to the subject of ficult for me to answer, whether I deemed
this debate. Nevertheless, sir, the mere the member from Missouri an overmatch
matter of fact is undoubtedly true — I did for myself in debate here. It seems to
sleep on the gentleman's speech, and slept me, sir, that is extraordinary language,
soundly. And I slept equally well on and an extraordinary tone for the dis-
his speech of yesterday, to which I am now cussion of this body,
replying. It is quite possible that, in this Matches and overmatches! Those terms
respect also, I possess some advantage are more applicable elsewhere than here,
over the honorable member, attributable, and fitter for other assemblies than this,
doubtless, to a cooler temperament on my Sir, the gentleman seems to forget where
part ; for, in truth, I slept upon his speeches and what we are. This is a senate ; a sen-
remarkably well. But the gentleman in- ate of equals; of men of individual honor
quires why he was made the object of such and personal character, and of absolute
a reply. Why was he singled out? If an independence. We know no masters; we
attack had been made on the East, he, acknowledge no dictators. This is a hall
he assures us, did not begin it — it was the for mutual consultation and discussion,
gentleman from Missouri. Sir, I an- not an arena for the exhibition of cham-
swered the gentleman's speech because I pions. I offer myself, sir, as a match
happened to hear it; and because, also, I for no man; I throw the challenge of de-
chose to give an answer to that speech, bate at no man's feet. But then, sir,
which, if unanswered, I thought most since the honorable member has put the
likely to produce injurious impressions, question in a manner that calls for an
I did not stop to inquire who was the answer, I will give him an answer; and
original drawer of the ■ bill. I found a I tell him that, holding myself to be the
responsible endorser before me, and it humblest of the members here, I yet know
was my purpose to hold him liable, and nothing in the arm of his friend from Mis-
to bring him to his just responsibility souri, either alone or when aided by the
without delay. But, sir, this interroga- arm of his friend from South Carolina,
tory of the honorable member was only in- that need deter even me from espousing
troductory to another. He proceeded to whatever opinions I may choose to espouse,
ask me whether I had turned upon him in from debating whenever I may choose to
this debate from consciousness that I debate, or from speaking whatever I may
should find an overmatch if I ventured see fit to say on the floor of the Senate,
on a contest with his friend from Mis- Sir, when uttered as matter of commenda-
souri. If, sir, the honorable member, ex tion or compliment, I should dissent from
gratia modestia;, had chosen thus to defer nothing which the honorable member
to his friend, and to pay him a compli- might say of his friend. Still less do I
ment, without intentional disparagement put forth any pretensions of my own. Bui
to others, it would have been quite ac- when put to me as matter of taunt, I
cording to the friendly courtesies of de- throw it back, and say to the gentleman
bate, and not at all ungrateful to my that he could possibly say nothing less
own feelings. I am not one of those, sir, likely than such a comparison to wound
who esteem any tribute of regard, whether my pride of personal character. The anger
light and occasional, or more serious and of its tone rescued the remark from inten-
deliberate, which may be bestowed on tional irony, which otherwise, probably,
others as so much unjustly withholden would have been its general acceptation,
from themselves. But the tone and man- But, sir, if it be imagined that by this
ner of the gentleman's question forbid mutual quotation and commendation; if
me thus to interpret it. I am not at it be supposed that, by casting the charac-
liberty to consider it as nothing more ters of the drama, assigning to each his
than a civility to his friend. It had an part — to one the attack, to another the
air of taunt and disparagement, a little of cry of onset — or if it be thought that hy
the loftiness of asserted superiority, which a loud and empty vaunt of anticipated
does not allow me to pass it over without victory any laurels are to be won here*

260

WEBSTER, DANIEL

if it be imagined, especially, that_any or less press. Incapable of further mischief,
all these things will shake any purpose of it lies in the sewer, lifeless and despised,
mine, I can tell the honorable member, It is not now, sir, in the power of the
once for all, that he is greatly mistaken, honorable member to give it dignity or
and that he is dealing with one of whose decency, by attempting to elevate it, and
temper and character he has yet much to introduce it into the Senate. He can-
to learn. Sir, I shall not allow myself, not change it from what it is — an object
on this occasion — I hope on no occasion of general disgust and scorn. On the
— to be betrayed into a loss of temper; contrary, the contact, if he choose to touch
but if provoked, as I trust I shall never it, is more likely to drag him down, down,
allow myself to be, into crimination and to the place where it lies itself,
recrimination, the honorable member may, But, sir, the honorable member was
perhaps, find that in that contest there not, for other reasons, entirely happy in
will be blows to take as well as blows to his allusion to the story of Banquo's mur-
give; that others can state comparisons der and Banquo's ghost. It was not, I
as significant, at least, as his own; and think, the friends, but the enemies of
that his impunity may, perhaps, demand the murdered Banquo at whose bidding
of him whatever powers of taunt and sar- his spirit would not down. The honorable
casm he may possess. I commend him gentleman is fresh in his reading of the
to a prudent husbandry of his resources. English classics, and can put me right
But, sir, the coalition! The coalition! if I am wrong; but according to my poor
Ay, "the murdered coalition!" The gen- recollection, it was at those who had
Ueman asks if I were led or frightened^ begun with caresses, and ended with foul
into this debate by the sceptre of the and treacherous murder, that the gory
coalition. " Was it the ghost of the mur- locks were shaken. The ghost of Banquo,
dered coalition," he exclaims, " which like that of Hamlet, was an honest ghost.
haunted the member from Massachusetts, It disturbed no innocent man. It knew
and which, like the ghost of Banquo, where its appearance would strike ter-
would never down?" "The murdered ror, and who would cry out, "A ghost!"
coalition!" Sir, this charge of a coali- It made itself visible in the right quar-
tion, in reference to the late administra- ter, and compelled the guilty, and the
tion, is not original with the honorable conscience - smitten, and none others, to
member. It did not spring up in the start, with,

Senate. Whether as a fact, as an argu- ,..,., , ... .

x _i. in _-i„ 4. ;+ ;„ oil "Prithee, see there! behold! — look! Io !

ment, or as an embellishment, it is all „ j st ^ n(J herej j gaw him ,„

borrowed. He adopts it, indeed, from

a very low origin, and a still lower pres- Their eyeballs were seared — was it not

ent condition. It is one of the thousand so, sir? — who had thought to shield them-

calumnies with -which the press teemed selves by concealing their own hands, and

during an excited political canvass. It laying the imputation of the crime on

was a charge of which there was not only a low and hireling agency in wickedness ;

no proof or probability, but which was, who had vainly attempted to stifle the

in itself, wholly impossible to be true, workings of their own coward consciences

No man of common information ever be- by ejaculating, through white lips and

lieved a syllable of it. Yet it was of that chattering teeth, " Thou canst not say I

class of falsehoods which, by continued did it!" I have misread, the great poet if

repetition through all the organs of de- it was those who had in no way partaken

traction and abuse, are capable of mislead- in the deed of the death, who either found

ing those who are already far misled, and that they were, or feared that they should

of further fanning passion already kind- be, pushed from their stools by the ghost

ling into flame. Doubtless it served its of the slain, or who cried out to a spectre

day, and, in a greater or less degree, the created by their own fears, and their own

end designed by it. Having done that, it remorse, "Avaunt! and quit our sight!"

has sunk into the general mass of stale There is another particular, sir, in which

and loathed calumnies. It is the very the honorable member's quick perception

cast-off slough of a polluted and shame- of resemblances might, I should think, have

2G1

WEBSTER, DANIEL

seen something in the story of Banquo,mak- I had supposed. Let me tell him, however,

ing it not altogether a subject of the most that a sneer from him at the mention of

pleasant contemplation. Those who mur- the name of Mr. Dane is in bad taste. It

dered Banquo, what did they win by it? may well be a high mark of ambition,

Substantial good? Permanent power? Or sir, either with the honorable gentleman

disappointment, rather, and sore mortifi- or myself, to accomplish as much to make

cation — dust and ashes — the common fate our names known to advantage, and re-

of vaulting ambition overleaping itself 1 membered with gratitude, as Mr. Dane has

Did not even-handed justice, ere long, com- accomplished. But the truth is, sir, I

mend the poisoned chalice to their own suspect that Mr. Dane lives a little too

lips? Did they not soon find that for far north. He is of Massachusetts, and

another they had "filled their mind"? — too near the north star to be reached

that their ambition, though apparently for by the honorable gentleman's telescope. If

the moment successful, had but put a bar- his sphere had happened to range south of

ren sceptre in their grasp? Ay, sir, — Mason and Dixon's line, he might, prob-
ably, have come within the scope of his

" A barren sceptre in their gripe, vision !

Thence to be wrenched by an unlineal hand, j k j f th ordinance of 1787

No son of theirs succeeding." , . , , ., .. , , . ™ . .

which prohibited slavery in all future

Sir, I need pursue the allusion no times northwest of the Ohio, as a measure
further. I leave the honorable gentleman of great wisdom and foresight, and one
to run it out at his leisure, and to derive which had been attended with highly
from it all the gratification it is cal- beneficial and permanent consequences. I
eulated to administer. If he finds him- supposed that on this point no two gentle-
self pleased with the associations, and pre- men in the Senate could entertain differ-
pared to be quite satisfied, though the ent opinions. But the simple expression
parallel should be entirely completed, I of this sentiment has led the gentleman,
had almost said I am satisfied also — but not only into a labored defence of slavery
that I shall think of. Yes, sir, I will in the abstract, and on principle, but also
think of that. into a warm accusation against me, as

In the course of my observations the having attacked the system of domestic

other day, Mr. President, I paid a pass- slavery now existing in the Southern

ing tribute of respect to a very worthy States. For all this there was not the

man, Mr. Dane, of Massachusetts. It so slightest foundation in anything said or

happened that he drew the ordinance of intimated by me. I did not utter a single

1787 for the government of the Northwest- word which any ingenuity could torture

era Territory. A man of so much ability, into an attack on the slavery of the

and so little pretence; of so great a ca- South. I said only that it was highly

pacity to do good, and so unmixed a wise and useful in legislating for the

disposition to do it for its own sake; a Northwestern country, while it was yet a

gentleman who acted an important part, wilderness, to prohibit the introduction

forty years ago, in a measure the in- of slaves; and added that I presumed, in

fluence of which is still deeply felt in the neighboring State of Kentucky, there

the very matter which was the subject was no reflecting and intelligent gentle-

of debate, might, I thought, receive from man who would doubt that, if the same

me a commendatory recognition. prohibition had been extended, at the same

But the honorable member was inclined early period, over that commonwealth,

to be facetious on the subject. He was her strength and population would at this

rather disposed to make it a matter of day have been far greater than they are.

ridicule that I had introduced into the If these opinions be thought doubtful, they

debate the name of one Nathan Dane, of are, nevertheless, I trust, neither extraor-

whom he assures us he had never heard dinary nor disrespectful. They attack no-

before. Sir, if the honorable member had body and menace nobody. And yet, sir,

never before heard of Mr. Dane, I am sor- the gentleman's optics have discovered,

ry for it. It shows him less acquainted even in the mere expression of this senti-

with the public men of the country than ment, what he calls the very spirit of the

262

WEBSTER, \DANIEIi

Missouri question. He represents mft as there were those who imagined that the
making an onset on the whole South, and powers of the government which it pro-
manifesting a spirit which would inter- posed to establish might, perhaps, in some
fere with and disturb their domestic con- possible mode, be exerted in measures tend-
dition. Sir, this injustice no otherwise ing to the abolition of slavery. This sug-
surprises me than as it is here done, and gestion would, of course, attract much at-
done without the slightest pretence of tention in the Southern conventions. In
ground for it. I say it only surprises me that of Virginia, Governor Randolph said:
as being done here ; for I know full well " I hope there is none here who, consider-
that it is and has been the settled policy ing the subject in the calm light of phi-
of some persons in the South for years to losophy, will make an objection dishonor-
represent the people of the North as dis- able to Virginia — that, at the moment
posed to interfere with them in their own they are securing the rights of their citi-
exclusive and peculiar concerns. This is zens, an objection is started that there is a
a delicate and sensitive point in South- spark of hope that those unfortunate men
ern feeling, and of late years it has always now held in bondage may, by the operation
been touched, and generally with effect, of the general government, be made free."
whenever the object has been to unite the At the very first Congress petitions on
whole South against Northern men or the subject were presented, if I mistake
Northern measures. This feeling, always not, from different States. The Pennsyl-
kept alive, and maintained at too in- vania Society for Promoting the Abolition
tense a heat to admit discrimination or of Slavery took a lead and laid before Con-
refleetion, is a lever of great power in our gress a memorial, praying Congress to pro-
political machine. It moves vast bodies, mote the abolition by such powers as it
and gives to them one and the same direc- possessed. This memorial was referred,
tion. But the feeling is without adequate in the House of Representatives, to a
cause, and the suspicion which exists select committee, consisting of Mr. Foster,
wholly groundless. There is not, and' of New Hampshire; Mr. Gerry, of Massa-
never has been, a disposition in the North chusetts; Mr. Huntington, of Connecti-
to interfere with these interests of the cut; Mr. Lawrence, of New York; Mr.
South. Such interference has never been Sinnickson, of New Jersey; Mr. Hartley,
supposed to be within the power of of Pennsylvania, and Mr. Parker, of Vir-
government, nor has it been in any way ginia; all of them, sir, as you will ob-
attempted. It has always been regarded serve, Northern men, but the last. This
as a matter of domestic policy, left with committee made a report, which was com-
the States themselves, and with which the mitted to a committee of the whole House,
federal government had nothing to do. and there considered and discussed on
Certainly, sir, I am, and ever have been, several days; and being amended, although
of that opinion. The gentleman, indeed, in no material respect, it was made to
argues that slavery in the abstract is no express three distinct propositions on the
evil. Most assuredly I need not say I differ subjects of slavery and the slave-trade,
with him altogether and most widely on First, in the words of the Constitution,
that point. I regard domestic slavery as that Congress could not, prior to the year
one of the greatest evils, both moral and 1808, prohibit the migration or importa-
political. But, though it be a malady, tion of such persons as' any of the States
and whether it be curable, and if so, by then existing should think proper to
what means; or, on the other hand, admit. Second, that Congress had au-
whether it be the vulnus immedieabile of thority to restrain the citizens of the
the social system, I leave it to those whose United States from carrying on the Afri-
right and duty it is to inquire and to can slave-trade for the purpose of sup-
decide. And this I believe, sir, is, and plying foreign countries. On this propo-
uniformly has been, the sentiment of the sition our early laws against those who
North. Let us look a little at the history engage in that traffic are founded. The
of this matter. third proposition, and that which bears
When the present Constitution was sub- on the present question, was expressed in
mitted for the ratification of the people, the following terms:

263

WEBSTER, DANIEL

"Resolved, that Congress have no au- of their own governments. It is their
thority to interfere in the emancipation of affair, not mine. Nor do I complain of the
slaves, or in the treatment of them in any peculiar effect which the magnitude of
of the States: it remaining with the sev- that population has had in the dis-
eral States alone to provide rules and tribution of power under this federal gov-
regulations therein, which humanity and ernment. We know, sir, that the repre-
true policy may require." sentatipn of the States in the other House

This resolution received the sanction is not equal. We know that great ad-
of the House of Representatives so early vantage, in that respect, is enjoyed by the
as March, 1790. And now, sir, the honor- slave-holding States; and we know, too,
able member will allow me to remind that the intended equivalent for that ad-
him that not only were the select vantage — that is to say, the imposition
committee who reported the resolution, of direct taxes in the same ratio has be-
with a single exception, all Northern come merely nominal; the habit of the
men, but also that of the members then government being almost invariably to
composing the House of Representatives, collect its revenues from other sources
a large majority, I believe nearly two- and in other modes. Nevertheless, I do
thiids, were Northern men also. not complain, nor would I countenance

The House agreed to insert this resolu- any movement to alter this arrangement
tion in its journal; and from that day to of representation. It is the original bar-
this it has never been maintained or con- gain, the compact — let it stand; let the
tended that Congress had any authority advantage of it be fully enjoyed. The
to regulate or interfere with the condition Union itself is too full of benefit to be
of slaves in the several States. No hazarded in propositions for changing its
Northern gentleman, to my knowledge, has original basis. I go for the Constitution
moved any such question in either House as it is, and for the Union as it is.
of Congress. But I am -resolved not to submit, in

The fears of the South, whatever fears silence, to accusations, either against
they might have entertained, were allayed myself individually or against the North
and quieted by this early decision; and — wholly unfounded and unjust accusa-
so remained till they were excited afresh, tions which impute to us a disposi-
without cause, but for collateral and in- tion to evade the constitutional compact,
direct purposes. When it became neces- and to extend the power of the govern-
sary, or was thought so, by some political ment over the internal laws and domestic
persons, to find an unvarying ground for condition of the States. All such accusa-
the exclusion of Northern men from con- tions, wherever and whenever made, all
fidence and from lead in the affairs of the insinuations of the existence of any such
republic, then, and not till then, the cry purposes, I know and feel to be ground-
was raised and the feeling industriously less and injurious. And we must con-
excited that the influence of Northern fide in Southern gentlemen themselves; we
men in the public councils would endanger must trust to those whose integrity of
the relation of master and slave. For heart and magnanimity of feeling will
myself I claim no other merit than that lead them to a desire to maintain and
this gross and enormous injustice towards disseminate truth, and who possess the
the whole North has not wrought upon means of its diffusion with the Southern
me to change my opinions or my political public; we must leave it to them to dis-
conduct. I hope I am above violating abuse that public of its prejudices. But,
my principles, even under the smart of in the mean time, for my own part, 1
injury and false imputations. Unjust shall continue to act justly, whether those
suspicions and undeserved reproach, what- towards whom justice is exercised receive
ever pain I may experience from them, it with candor or with contumely,
will not induce me, I trust, nevertheless, Having had occasion to recur to the
to overstep the limits of constitutional ordinance of 1787, in order to defend my-
duty or to encroach on the rights of self against the inferences which the hon-
others. The domestic slavery of the South orable member has chosen to draw from
I leave where I find it — in the hands my former observations on the subiect

264 J

^WEBSTER, DANIEL

i am not willing now entirely to take North Carolina, moved to strike out this

leave of it without another remark. It paragraph. The question was put, ac-

need hardly be said that that paper ex- cording to the form then practised : " Shall

presses just sentiments on the great sub- these words stand as part of the plan,"

ject of civil and religious liberty. Such etc. New Hampshire, Massachusetts, Rhode

sentiments were common, and abound in Island, Connecticut, New York, New Jer-

all our state papers of that day. But sey, and Pennsylvania — seven States —

this ordinance did that which was not voted in the affirmative; Maryland, Vir-

so common, and which is not, even now, ginia, and South Carolina in the negative,

universal; that is, it set forth and de- North Carolina was divided. As the con-

clared, as a high and binding duty of sent of nine States was necessary, the

government itself, to encourage schools words could not stand, and were struck

and advance the means of education; on out accordingly. Mr. Jefferson voted for

the plain reason that religion, morality, the clause, but was overruled by his col-

and knowledge are necessary to good gov- leagues.

ernment and to the happiness of mankind. In March of the next year (1785), Mr.
One observation further. The important King, of Massachusetts, seconded by Mr.
provision incorporated into the Consti- Ellery, of Rhode Island, proposed the for-
tution of the United States, and several merly rejected article, with this addition:
of the States, and recently, as we have " And that this regulation shall be an
seen, adopted into the reformed consti- article of compact, and remain a funda-
tution of Virginia, restraining legislative mental principle of the Constitution be-
power, in questions of private right, and tween the thirteen original States and
from impairing the obligation of con- each of the States described in the re-
tracts, is first introduced and established, solve," etc. On this clause, which pro-
as far as I am informed, as matter of ex- vided the adequate and thorough security,
press written constitutional law, in this the eight Northern States at that time
ordinance of 1787. And I must add, also, voted affirmatively, and the four South-
in regard to the author of the ordinance, em States negatively. The votes of nine
who has not had the happiness to attract States were not yet obtained, and thus
the gentleman's notice heretofore, nor to the provision was again rejected by the
avoid his sarcasm now, that he was chair- Southern States. The perseverance of the
man of that select committee of the old North held out, and two years afterwards
Congress, whose report first expressed the the object was attained. It is no deroga-
strong sense of that body, that the old tion from the credit, whatever that may
confederation was not adequate to the be, of drawing the ordinance, that its
exigencies of the country, and recommend- principles had before been prepared and
ing to the States to send delegates to the discussed in the form of resolution. If
convention which formed the present Con- one should reason in that way, what would
stitution. become of the distinguished honor of the
An attempt has been made to transfer author of the Declaration of Indepen-
from the North to the South the honor of dence? There is not a sentiment in that
this exclusion of slavery from the North- paper which had not been voted and re-
western Territory. The journal, without solved in the assemblies, and other popu-
argument or comment, refutes such at- lar bodies in the country, over and over
tempt. The session of Virginia was held again.

March, 1784. On April 19, following, a But the honorable member has now

committee, consisting of Messrs. Jefferson, found out that this gentleman, Mr. Dane,

Chase, and Howell, reported a plan for a was a member of the Hartford Convention,

temporary government of the Territory, However uninformed the honorable mem-

in which was this article: "That after ber may be of characters and occurrences

the year 1800 there shall be neither sla- at the North, it would seem that he has

very nor involuntary servitude in any of at his elbows, on this occasion, some high-

the said States, otherwise than in punish- minded and lofty spirit, some magnani-

ment of crimes, whereof the party shall mous and true-hearted monitor, possessing

have been convicted." Mr. Speight, of the means of local knowledge, and ready

265

WEBSTER, DANIEL

to supply the honorable member with ev- have thought me routed and discomfited,
erything, down even to forgotten and as the gentleman had promised. Sir, a
moth - eaten twopenny pamphlets, which breath blows all this triumph away. There
may be used to the disadvantage of his is not the slightest difference in the sent' - -
mvn country. But, as to the Hartford nients of my remarks on the two occasions.
Convention, sir, allow me to say that the What I said here on Wednesday is in ex-
proceedings of that body seem now to be act accordance with the opini'ons expressed
less read and studied in New England by me in the other House in 1825. Though
than farther south. They appear to be the gentleman had the metaphysics of
looked to, not in New England, but else- Hudibras — though he were able

where, for the purpose of seeing how far ., ., ..

to S6V6F and Qiviu6

they may serve as a precedent. But they A halr - twlxt north and nort hwest side,"

will not answer the purpose — they are

quite too tame. The latitude in which he could not yet insert his metaphysical

they originated was too cold. Other con- scissors between the fair readings of my

ventions, of more recent existence, have remarks in 1825 and what I said here last

gone a whole bar's length beyond it. The week. There is not only no contradiction,

learned doctors of Colleton and Abbeville no difference, but, in truth, too exact a

have pushed their commentaries on the similarity, both in thought and language,

Hartford collect so far that the original to be entirely in just taste. I had myself

text writers are thrown entirely into the quoted the same speech; had recurred

shade. I have nothing to do, sir, with the to it, and spoke with it open before

Hartford Convention. Its journal, which me; and much of what I said was little

the gentleman has quoted, I have never more than a repetition from it. In order

read. So far as the honorable member to make finishing work with this alleged

may discover in its proceedings a spirit contradiction, permit me to recur to the

in any degree resembling that which was origin of this debate and review its course,

avowed and justified in those other con- This seems expedient, and may be done

ventions to which I have alluded, or so as well now as at any time. Well, then,

far as those proceedings can be shown its history is this: The honorable member

to be disloyal to the Constitution, or tend- from Connecticut moved a resolution,

ing to disunion, so far I shall be as ready which constituted the first branch of that

as any one to bestow on them reprehen- which is now before us — that is to say,

sion and censure. a resolution instructing the committee

Having dwelt long on this convention, on public lands to inquire into the ex-

and other occurrences of that day, in the pedieney of limiting, for a certain period,

hope, probably (which will not be grati- the sales of public lands to such as have

fied), that I should leave the course of this heretofore been offered for sale; and

debate to follow him at length in those whether sundry offices connected with the

excursions, the honorable member return- sales of the lands might not be abol-

ed, and attempted another object. He re- ished without detriment to the public

ferred to a speech of mine in the other service.

House, the same which I had occasion to In the progress of the discussion which
allude to myself the other day; and has arose on this resolution, an honorable
quoted a passage or two from it, with member from New Hampshire moved to
a bold though uneasy and laboring air of amend the resolution so as entirely to-
confidence, as if he had detected in me reverse its object — that is, to strike it all
an inconsistency. Judging from the gentle- out, and insert a direction to the corn-
man's manner, a stranger to the course mittee to inquire into the expediency of
of the debate, and to the point in dis- adopting measures to hasten the sales and
cussion, would have imagined, from so extend more rapidly the surveys of the
triumphant a tone, that the honorable lands.

member was about to overwhelm me with The honorable member from Maine

a manifest contradiction. Any one who (Mr. Sprague) suggested that both these

heard him — and who had not heard what propositions might well enough go for

I had, in fact, previously said — must consideration to the committee: and in

266

WEBSTER, DANIEL

this state of the question the member from remembered only to be oppressed. Cai-
South Carolina addressed the Senate in ried away again by the appearance of
his first speech. He rose, he said, to give analogy, or struck with the eloquence of
us his own free thoughts on the public the passage, the honorable member yes-
lands. I saw him rise with pleasure, and terday observed that the conduct of gov-
listened with expectation, though before ernment towards the Western emigrants,
he concluded I was filled with surprise, or my representation of it, brought to
Certainly I was never more surprised than his mind a celebrated speech in the Brit-
to find him following up, to the extent he ish Parliament. It was, sir, the speech
did, the sentiments and opinions which of Colonel BarrS. On the question of the
the gentleman from Missouri had put Stamp Act, or tea tax, I forget which,
forth, and which it is known he has long Colonel BarrS had heard a member on the
entertained. treasury bench argue that the people of

I need not repeat, at large, the general the United States, being British colonists,
topics of the honorable gentleman's speech, planted by the maternal care, nourished by
When he said, yesterday, that he did not the indulgence, and protected by the arms
attack the Eastern States he certainly of England, would not grudge their mite
must have forgotten not only particular to relieve the mother-country from the
remarks, but the whole drift and tenor of heavy burden under which she groaned,
his speech; unless he means by not attack- The language of Colonel Barre, in reply to
ing that he did not commence hostilities, this, was, " They planted by your care ?
but that another had preceded him in the Your oppression planted them in America,
attack. He, in the first place, disap- They fled from your tyranny, and grew
proved of the whole course of the govern- by your neglect of them. So soon as you
ment for forty years in regard to its dis- began to care for them, you showed your
positions of the public land; and then, care by sending persons to spy out their
turning northward and eastward, and liberties, misrepresent their character,
fancying he had found a cause for alleged prey upon them, and eat out their sub-
narrowness and niggardliness in the " ac- stance."

cursed policy " of the tariff, to which he And now does the honorable gentleman
represented the people of New England as mean to maintain that language like this
wedded, he went on for a full hour with is applicable to the conduct of the gov-
remarks the whole scope of which was to ernment of the United States towards the
exhibit the results of this policy in feel- Western emigrants, or to any representa-
ings and in measures unfavorable to the tion given by me of that conduct? Were
West. I thought his opinions unfounded the settlers in the West driven thither
and erroneous, as to the general course of by our oppression? Have they flourish-
the government, and ventured to reply to ed only by our neglect of them? Has
them. the government done nothing but to

The gentleman had remarked on the prey upon them; and eat out their sub-
analogy of other cases, and quoted the stance? Sir, this fervid eloquence of the
conduct of European governments towards British speaker, just when and where it
their own subjects settling oil this con- was uttered, and fit to remain an exercise
tinent, as in point to show that we had for the schools, is not a little out of place,
been harsh and rigid in selling when we when it was brought thence to be applied
should have given the public lands to here, to the conduct of our own country
settlers. I thought the honorable member towards her own citizens. From America
had suffered his judgment to be betrayed to England it may be true; from Ameri-
by a false analogy; that he was struck cans to their own government it would
with an appearance of resemblance where be strange language. Let us leave it to
there was no real similitude. I think so be recited and declaimed by our boys
still. The first settlers of North America against a foreign nation; not introduce it
were enterprising spirits, engaged in here, to recite and declaim ourselves
private adventure, or fleeing from tyranny against our own.

at home. When arrived here they were But I come to the point of the alleged
forgotten by the mother - country, or contradiction. In my remarks on Wednes-

267.

WEBSTER, DANlElJ

day, I contended that we could not give v The real question between me and him
away gratuitously all the public lands; is, Where has the doctrine been advanced,
that we held them in trust; that the at the South or the East, that the popu-
government had solemnly pledged itself lation of the West should be retarded, or,
to dispose of them as a common fund for at least, need not be hastened, on account
the common benefit, and to sell and settle of its effect to drain off the people from
them as its discretion should dictate, the Atlantic States? Is this doctrine,
Now, sir, what contradiction does the as has been alleged, of Eastern origin?
gentlemen find to this sentiment in the That is the question. Has the gentleman
speech of 1825? He quotes me as having found anything by which he can make
then said that we ought not to hug these good his accusation? I submit to the
lands as a very great treasure. Very Senate that he has entirely failed; and,
well, sir. Supposing me to be accurately as far as this debate has shown, the only
reported in that expression, what is the person who has advanced such sentiments
contradiction? I have not now said that is a gentleman from South Carolina, and
we should hug these lands as a favorite a friend to the honorable member him-
source of pecuniary income. No such self. The honorable gentleman has given
thing. It is not my view. What I have no answer to this; there is none which
said, and what I do say, is that they can be given. This simple fact, while it
are a common fund — to be disposed of for requires no comment to enforce it, defies
the common benefit — to be sold at low all argument to refute it. I could refer to
prices, for the accommodation of settlers, the speeches of another Southern gentle-
keeping the object of settling the lands as man, in years before, of the same general
much in view as that of raising money character, and to the same effect, as that
from them. This I say now, and this 1 which has been quoted; but I will not con-
have always said. Is this hugging them sume the time of the Senate by the read-
as a favorite treasure? Is there no dif- ing of them.

ference between hugging and hoarding So then, sir, New England is guiltless
this fund, on the one hand as a great of the policy of retarding Western popu-
treasure, and on the other of disposing lation, and of all envy and jealousy of
of it at low prices, placing the proceeds the growth of the new States. Whatever
in the general treasury of the Union ? My there be of that policy in the country, no
opinion is that as much is to be made of part of it is hers. If it has a local
the land as fairly and reasonably may habitation, the honorable member has
be, selling it all the while at such rates as probably seen, by this time, where he is to
to give the fullest effect to settlement, look for it; and if it now has received a
This is not giving it all away to the name, he himself has christened it.
States, as the gentleman would propose; We approach, at length, sir, to a more
nor is it hugging the fund closely and important part of the honorable gentle-
tenaciously, as a favorite treasure; but man's observations. Since it does not ac-
it is, in my judgment, a just and wise cord with my views of justice and policy
policy, perfectly according with all the to vote away the public lands altogether,
various duties which rest on government, as mere matter of gratuity, I am asked
So much for my contradiction. And what by the honorable gentleman on what
is it? Where is the ground of the gentle- ground it is that I consent to give them
man's triumph ? What inconsistency, in away in particular instances. How, he in-
wor.d or doctrine, has he been able to de- quires, do I reconcile with these professed
tect? Sir, if this be a sample of that sentiments my support of measures ap-
discomfiture with which the honorable propriating portions of the lands to par-
gentleman threatened me, commend me to tieular roads, particular rivers, and par-
the word discomfiture for the rest of my tieular institutions of education in the
,ife - West? This leads, sir, to the real and

But, after all, that is not the point wide difference in political opinions be-
of the debate; and I must bring the tween the honorable gentleman and myself,
gentleman back to that which is the On my part, I look upon all these objects
point, as connected with the common good', fairly

268

WEBSTER, DANIEL

embraced in its objects and its terms. He, and mountains, and lines of latitude, to
on the contrary, deems them all, if good find boundaries beyond which public im-
at all, only local good. This is our differ- provements do not benefit us. We do come
ence. The interrogatory which he proceed- here as agents and representatives of those
ed- to put at once explains this difference, narrow-minded and selfish men of New
"What interest?" asks he, "has South Car- England, consider ourselves as bound to
olina in a canal in Ohio?" Sir, this very regard, with equal eye, the good of the
question is full of significance. It de- whole, in whatever is within our power
velops the gentleman's whole political sys- of legislation. Sir, if a railroad or a ca-
tem; and its answer expounds mine. Here nal, beginning in South Carolina, and
we differ toto ccelo. I look upon a road ending in South Carolina, appeared to me
over the Alleghany, a canal round the to be of national importance and national
falls of the Ohio, or a canal or railway magnitude, believing, as I do, that the
from the Atlantic to the Western waters, power of government extends to the en-
as being objects large and extensiye couragement of works of that description,
enough to be fairly said to be for the if I were to stand up here and ask, " What
common benefit. The gentleman thinks interest has Massachusetts in a railroad
otherwise, and this is the key to open hia in South Carolina?" I should not be will-
construction of the powers of the govern- ing to face my constituents. These same
ment. He may well ask, upon his sys- narrow-minded men would tell me that
tern, What interest has South Carolina they had sent me to act for the whole
in a canal in Ohio? On that system, it country, and that one who possessed too
is true, she has no interest. On that little comprehension, either of intellect
system, Ohio and Carolina are different or feeling — one who was not large
governments and different countries, con- enough in mind and heart to em-
nected here, it is true, by some slight and brace the whole — was not fit to be in-
ill-defined bond of union, but in all main trusted with the interest of any part,
respects separate and diverse. On that Sir, I do not desire to enlarge the powers
system, Carolina has no more interest in a of the government by unjustifiable con-
canal in Ohio than in Mexico. The gentle- struction, nor to exercise any not within
man, therefore, only follows out his own a fair interpretation. But when it is be-
principles; he does no more than arrive lieved that a power does exist, then it is,
at the natural conclusions of his own doc- in my judgment, to be exercised for the
trines; he only announces the true results general benefit of the whole; so far as
of that creed which he has adopted him- respects the exercise of such a power, the
self, and would persuade others to adopt, States are one. It was the very object
when he thus declares that South Carolina of the Constitution to create unity of in-
has no interest in a public work in Ohio, terests to the extent of the powers of the
Sir, we narrow-minded people in New Eng- general government. In war and peace
land do not reason thus. Our notion of we are one; in commerce one; because
things is entirely different. We look upon the authority of the general government
the States, not as separated, but as united, reaches to war and peace, and to regu-
We love to dwell on that Union, and on lation of commerce. I have never seen
the mutual happiness which it has so any more difficulty in erecting light-houses
much promoted, and the common renown on the lakes than on the ocean, in im-
which it has so greatly contributed to proving the harbors of inland seas than
acquire. In our contemplation, Carolina if they were within the ebb and flow of
and Ohio are parts of the same country — the tide; or of removing obstructions in
States united under the same general gov- the vast streams of the West, more than
ernment, having common interests, associ- in any other work to facilitate commerce
ated, intermingled. In whatever is within on the Atlantic coast. If there be power
the proper 'sphere of the constitutional for one, there is power also for the other;
power of this government, we look upon and they are all and equally for the
the States as one. We do not impose country.

geographical limits to our patriotic feel- There are other objects, apparently more

ings or regard; we do not follow rivers local, or the benefit of which is less gen-

269

WEBSTER, DANIEL

eral, towards which, nevertheless, I have from New England. Those who have a
concurred with others to give aid by do- different view of the powers of the gov-
nations of land. It is proposed to con- eminent, of course, come to different con-
struct a road in or through one of the elusions on these as on other questions,
new States in which this government pos- I observed, when speaking on this sub-
sesses large quantities of land. Have the ject before, that if we looked to any
United States no right, as a great land measure, whether for a road, a canal, or
untaxed proprietor — are they under no anything else intended for the improve-
obligation — to contribute to an object ment of the West, it would be found that
thus calculated to promote the common if the New England ayes were struck oul
good of all the proprietors, themselves in- of the list of votes, the Southern noes
eluded? And even with respect to edu- would always have rejected the measure,
cation, which is the extreme case, let the The truth of this has not been denied, and
question be considered. In the first place, cannot be denied. In stating this, I thought
as we have seen, it was made matter of it just to ascribe it to the constitutional
compact with these States that they scruples of the South, rather than to any
should do their part to promote educa- other less favorable or less charitable
tion. In the next place, our whole sys- cause. But no sooner had I done this
tem of land laws proceeds on the idea than the honorable gentleman asks if I
that education is for the common good; reproach him and his friends with their
because, in every division, a certain por- constitutional scruples. Sir, I reproach
tion is uniformly reserved and appropri- nobody. I stated a fact, and gave the
ated for the use of schools. And, finally, most respectful reason for it that occurred
have not these new States singularly to me. The gentleman cannot deny the
strong claims, founded on the ground al- fact — he may, if he choose, disclaim the
ready stated, that the government is a reason. It is not long since I had oc-
great untaxed proprietor in the owner- casion, in presenting a petition from his
ship of the soil? It is a consideration of own State, to account for its being in-
great importance that probably there is trusted to my hands by saying that the
in no part of the country, or of the world, constitutional opinions of the gentleman
so great a call for the means of education and his worthy colleague prevented them
as in those new States, owing to the vast from supporting it. Sir, did I state this
number of persons within those ages in as a matter of reproach? Far from it.
which education and instruction are usu- Did I attempt to find any other cause
ally received, if received at all. This is than an honest one for these scruples?
the mutual consequence of recency of set- Sir, I did not. It did not become me to
tlement and rapid increase. The census doubt, nor to insinuate that the gentle
of these States shows how great a pro- man had either changed his sentiments
portion of the whole population occupies or that he had made up a set of constitu-
the classes between infancy and manhood, tional opinions accommodated to any par-
These are the wide fields, and here is the ticular combination of political occur-
deep and quick soil for the seeds of knowl- rences. Had I done so, I would have
edge and virtue; and this is the favored felt that while I was entitled to little
season, the spring-time for sowing them, respect in thus questioning other people's
Let them be disseminated without stint, motives, I justified the whole world in sus-
Let them be scattered with a bountiful pecting my own.

broadcast. Whatever the government can But how has the gentleman returned

fairly do towards these objects, in my this respect for others' opinions? His

opinion, ought to be done. own candor and justice, how have they

These, sir, are the grounds, succinctly been exhibited towards the motives of

stated, on which my votes for grants of others, while he has been at so much

land for particular objects rest, while pains to maintain — what nobody has dis-

I maintain, at the same time, that it is all puted — the purity of his own? Why, sir,

a common fund, for the common benefit, he has asked, when, and how, and why

And reasons like these, I presume, have New England votes were found going for

influenced the votes of other gentlemen measures favorable to the West; h« has

270

WEBSTER, DANIEL

demanded to be informed whether all this believe, at least; probably much more-
did not begin in 1825, and while the were relinquished by this law. On this bill
election of President was still pending. New England, with her forty members, gave
Sir, to these questions retort would be more affirmative votes than the four South-
justified; and it is both cogent and at em States with their fifty-two or three
hand. Nevertheless, I will answer the members. These two are far the most im-
inquiry not by retort, but by facts. I will portant measures respecting the public
tell the gentleman when, and how, and lands which have been adopted within the
why New England has supported meas- last twenty years. They took place in
ures favorable to the West. I have al- 1820 and 1821. That is the time when,
ready referred to the early history of the And as to the manner how, the gentleman
government — to the first acquisition of already sees that it was by voting in
the lands — to the original laws for dis- solid column for the required relief. And,
posing of them and for governing the lastly, as to the cause why, I tell the
Territories where they lie ; and have shown gentleman it was because the members
the influence of New England men and from New England thought the measures
New England principles in all these just and salutary; because they enter-
leading measures. I should not be par- tained towards the West neither envy,
doned were I to go over that ground hatred, nor malice; because they deemed
again. Coming to more recent times, it becoming them, as just and enlightened
and to measures of a less general char- public men, to meet the exigency which
after, I have endeavored to prove that had arisen in the West with the appro-
everything of this kind designed for West- priate measure of relief; because they
ern improvement has depended on the felt it due to their own characters, and the
votes of New England. All this is true characters of their New England prede-
beyond the power of contradiction. cessors in this government, to act towards
And now, sir, there are two measures the new States in a spirit of liberal,
to which I will refer, not so ancient as to patronizing, magnanimous policy. So
belong to the early history of the public much, sir, for the cause why; and 1
lands, and not so recent as to be on this hope that by this time, sir, the honor-
side of the period when the gentleman able gentleman is satisfied. If not, I do
charitably imagines a new direction may not know when, or how, or why he ever
have been given to New England feeling will be.

and New England votes. These measures, Having recurred to these two important

and the New England votes in support of measures, in answer to the gentleman's in-

them, may be taken as samples and speci- quiries, I must now beg permission to go

mens of all the rest. In 1820 — observe, back to a period still something earlier,

Mr. President, in 1820 — the people of the for the purpose still further of showing

West besought Congress for a reduction how much, or rather how little, reason

'n the price of lands. In favor of that re- there is for the gentleman's insinuation

duction, New England, with a delegation that political hopes, or fears, or party as-

of forty members in the other House, gave sociations were the grounds of these New

thirty- three votes, and only one against it. England votes. And, after what has been

The four Southern States, with fifty mem- said, I hope it may be forgiven me if I

bers, gave thirty-two votes for it and allude to some political opinions and votes

seven against it. Again, in 1821 — observe of my own, of very little public impor-

again, sir, the time — the law passed for tance, certainly, but which, from the time

the relief of the purchasers of the public at which they were given and expressed,

lands. This was a measure of vital im- may pass for good witnesses on this oc-

portance to the West, and more especially casion.

to the Southwest. It authorized the re- This government, Mr. President, from

linquishment of contracts for lands which its origin to the peace of 1815, had been

had been entered into at high prices, and too much engrossed with various other

a reduction, in other cases, of not less than important concerns to be able to turn its

37% per cent, on the purchase money, thoughts inward, and look to the develop-

Many millions of dollars — six or seven, I ment of its vast internal resources. In

971

WEBSTER, DANIEL

the early part of President Washington's
administration it was fully occupied with
organizing the government, providing for
the public debt, defending the frontiers,
and maintaining domestic peace. Before
the termination of that administration
the fires of the French Revolution blazed
forth as from a new-opened volcano, and
the whole breadth of the ocean did not
entirely secure us from its effects. The
smoke and the cinders reached us, though
not the burning lava. Difficult and agi-
tating questions, embarrassing to govern-
ment and dividing public opinion, sprung
out of the new state of our foreign rela-
tions, and were succeeded by others, and
yet again by others, equally embarrassing,
and equally exciting division and discord,
through the long series of twenty years,
till they finally issued in the war with
England. Down to the close of that war
no distinct, marked, and deliberate atten-
tion had been given, or could have been
given, to the internal condition of the
country, its capacities of improvement, or
the constitutional power of the govern-
ment in regard to objects connected with
such improvement.

The peace, Mr. President, brought about
an entirely new and most interesting state
of things; it opened to us other prospects,
and suggested other duties; we ourselves
were changed, and the whole world was
changed. The pacification of Europe, after
June, 1815, assumed a firm and perma-
nent aspect. The nations evidently mani-
fested that they were disposed for peace;
some agitation of the waves might be ex-
pected, even after the storm had subsided;
but the tendency was, strongly and
rapidly, towards settled repose.

It so happened, sir, that I was at that
time a member of Congress, and, like others,
naturally turned my attention to the con-
templation of the newly altered condition
of the country and of the world. It ap-
peared plainly enough to me, as well as
to wiser and more experienced men, that
ihe policy of the government would neces-
sarily take a start in a new direction, be-
cause new directions would necessarily be
given to the pursuits and occupations of
the people. We had pushed our commerce
far and fast under the advantage of a
neutral flag. But there were now no longer
flags, either neutral or belligerent. The

harvest of neutrality had been great, but
we had gathered it all. With the peace of
Europe it was obvious there would spring
up, in her circle of nations, a revived ar>d
invigorated spirit of trade, arid a new
activity in all the business and objects of
civilized life. Hereafter our commercial
gains were to be earned only by success in
a close and intense competition. Other
nations would produce for themselves, and
carry for themselves, and manufacture for
themselves to the full extent of their
abilities. The crops of our plains would
no longer sustain European armies, nor
our ships longer supply those whom war
had rendered unable to supply themselves.
It was obvious that under these circum-
stances the country would begin to survey
itself and to estimate its own capacity of
improvements. And this improvement,
how was it to be accomplished and who
was to accomplish it?

We were ten or twelve millions of
people, spread over almost half a world.
We were twenty-four States, some stretch-
ing along the same seaboard, some along
the same line of inland frontier, and
others on opposite banks of the same vast
rivers. Two considerations at once pre-
sented themselves in looking at this state
of things, with great force. One was that
that great branch of improvement, which
consisted in furnishing new facilities of
intercourse, necessarily ran into different
States, in every leading instance, and
would benefit the citizens of all such
States. No one State, therefore, in such
cases, would assume the whole expense,
nor was the co-operation of several States
to be expected. Take the instance of the
Delaware breakwater. It will cost several
millions of money. Would Pennsylvania
alone have ever constructed it? Certainly
never while this Union lasts, because it is
not for her sole benefit. Would Pennsyl-
vania, New Jersey, and Delaware have
united to accomplish it, at their joint ex-
pense? Certainly not, for the same reason.
It could not be done, therefore, but by the
general government. The same may be
said of the large inland undertakings, ex-
cept that in them government, instead of
bearing the whole expense, co-operates
with others who bear a part. The other
consideration is that the United States
have the means. They enjoy the revenues

273

"WEBSTER, DAMlEf,

derived from commerce, and the States lina votes. But for these votes it could
have no abundant and easy sources of not have passed in the form in which it
public income. The custom-houses fill the did pass; whereas, if it had depended on
general treasury, while the States have Massachusetts votes it would have been
scanty resources except by resort to heavy lost. Does not the honorable gentleman
direct taxes. well know all this? There are certainly
Under this view of things I thought it those who do full well know it all. I do
necessary to settle, at least for myself, not say this to reproach Carolina; I only
some definite notions with respect to the state the fact, and I think it will appear
powers of government in regard to internal to be true, that among the earliest and
affairs. It may not savor too much of self- boldest advocates of the tariff, as a meas-
commendation to remark that with this ure of protection, and on the express
object I considered the Constitution, its ground of protection, were leading gentle-
judicial construction, its contemporane- men of South Carolina in Congress. I did
ous exposition, and the whole history of not then, and cannot now, understand
the legislation of Congress under it; and I their language in any other sense. While
arrived at the conclusion that government this tariff of 1816 was under discussion in
has power to accomplish sundry objects, the House of Representatives an honor-
01 aid in their accomplishments, which are able gentleman from Georgia, now of this
now commonly spoken of as internal im- House — Mr. Forsyth — moved to reduce
provements. That conclusion, sir, may the proposed duty on cotton. He failed by
have been right, or it may have been four votes, South Carolina giving three
wrong. I am not about to argue the votes — enough to have turned the scale —
grounds of it at large. I say only that it against his motion. The act, sir, then
was adopted, and acted on, even so early as passed, and received on its passage the
in 1816. Yes, Mr. President, I made-up my support of a majority of the representa-
opinion, and determined on my intended tives of South Carolina present and voting-
course of political conduct, on these sub- This act is the first in the order of those
jects in the Fourteenth Congress, in 1816. now denounced as plain usurpations. We
And now, Mr. President, I have further see it daily in the list by the side of those
to say that I made up these opinions and of 1824 and 1828, as a case of manifest op-
entered on this course of political eon- pression justifying disunion. I put it
duct Teucro duoe. Yes, sir, I pursued in home to the honorable memher from
all this a South Carolina track. On the South Carolina that his own State was
doctrines of internal improvement, South not only " art and part " in this measure,
Carolina, as she was then represented in but the causa causans. Without her aid
the other House, set forth in 1816 under this seminal principle of mischief, this
a fresh and leading breeze; and I was root of upas, could not have been planted,
among the followers. But if my leader I have already said — and it is true — that
sees new lights, and turns a sharp corner, this act proceeded on the ground of pro-
unless I see new lights also I keep straight tection. It interfered directly with exist-
on in the same path. I repeat that lead- ing interests of great value and amount.
ing gentlemen from South Carolina were It cut up the Calcutta cotton trade by the
first and foremost in behalf of the doc- roots. But it passed, nevertheless, and it
trines of internal improvements when passed on the^principle of protecting man-
those doctrines first came to be considered ufactures, on the principle against free-
and acted upon in Congress. The debate trade, on the principle opposed to that
on the bank question, on the tariff of which lets us alone.

1816, and on the direct tax will show who Such, Mr. President, were the opinions

was who, and what was what, at that time, of important and leading gentlemen of

The tariff of 1816, one of the plain cases of South Carolina on the subject of internal

oppression and usurpation, from which, improvement, in 1816. I went out of Con-

if the government does not recede, indi- gress the next year, and, returning again

vidual States may justly secede from the in 1823, thought I found South Carolina

government, is, sir, in truth, a South where I had left her. I really supposed

Carolina tariff, supported by South Caro- that all things remained as they were,
x.— s 273

WEBSTER, DANIEL

and that the South Carolina doctrine of delivered about the period to which I
internal improvements would be defended now refer, and printed with a few intro-
by the same eloquent voices and the same ductory remarks upon consolidation; in
strong arms as formerly. In the lapse which, sir, I think he quite consolidated
of these six years, it is true, political the arguments of his opponents, the radi-
associations bad assumed a new aspect cals, if to crush be to consolidate. I give
and new divisions. A party had arisen you a short but substantive quotation
in the South hostile to the doctrine of in- from these remarks. He is speaking of a
ternal improvements, and has vigorously pamphlet, then recently published, en-
attacked that doctrine. Anti-consolida- titled Consolidation; and having al-
tion was the flag under which this party luded to the question of rechartering the
fought, and its supporters inveighed former bank of the United States, he
against internal improvements, much after says: "Moreover, in the early history of
the same manner in which the honorable parties, and when Mr. Crawford advocated
gentleman has now inveighed against the renewal of the old charter, it was con-
them, as part and parcel of the system sidered a Federal measure; which inter-
of consolidation. nal improvement never was, as this author

Whether this party arose in South Caro- erroneously states. This latter measure
Una herself, or in her neighborhood, is originated in the administration of Mr.
more than I know. I think the latter. Jefferson, with the appropriation for the
However that may have been, there were Cumberland road; and was first proposed,
those found in South Carolina ready to as a system, by Mr. Calhoun, and carried
make war upon it, and who did make through the House of Representatives by
intrepid war upon it. Names being re- a large majority of the Republicans, in-
garded as things, in such controversies, eluding almost every one of the leading
they bestowed on the anti-improvement men who carried us through 'the late war."
gentlemen the appellation of radicals. So, then, internal improvement is not
Yes, sir, the name of radicals, as a term one of the Federal heresies.
of distinction applicable and applied to One paragraph more, sir:
those who denied the liberal doctrines of " The author in question, not content
internal improvements, originated, accord- with denouncing as Federalists General
ing to the best of my recollection, some- Jackson, Mr. Adams, Mr. Calhoun, and
where between North Carolina and the majority of the South Carolina dele-
Georgia. Well, sir, those mischievous gation in Congress, modestly extends the
radicals were to be put down, and the denunciation to Mr. Monroe and the whole
strong arm of South Carolina was stretch- Republican party. Here are his words:
ed out to put them down. About this ' During the administration of Mr. Mon-
time, sir, I returned to Congress. The roe, much has passed which the Repub-
battle with the radicals had been fought, lican party would be glad to approve, if
and our South Carolina champions of the they could! But the principal feature,
doctrines of internal improvement had and that which has chiefly elicited these
nobly maintained their ground, and were observations, is the renewal of the system
understood to have achieved a victory, of internal improvements.' Now this meas-
They have driven back the enemy with dis- ure was adopted by a vote of 115 to
comfiture; a thing, by-the-way, sir, which 86, of a Republican Congress, and sanc-
is not always performed when it is tioned by a Republican President. Who,
promised. A gentleman, to whom I have then, is this author who assumes the
already referred in this debate, had come high prerogative of denouncing, in the
into Congress, during my absence from it, name of the Republican party, the Re-
from South Carolina, and had brought publican administration of the country —
with him a high reputation for ability, a denunciation including within its sweep
He came from a school with which we Calhoun, Lowndes, and Cheves, men who
had been acquainted, et noscitur a sociis. will be regarded as the brightest orna-
I hold in my hand, sir, a printed speech ments of South Carolina, and the strong-
of this distinguished gentleman — Mr. est pillars of the Republican party, as
McDuffle — " on internal improvements," long as the late war shall be remembered,

274

Webster, Daniel

aii<i talents and patriotism shall be re- no maintaining these votes but upon the

garded as the proper objects of the ad- power of internal improvement, in its

miration and gratitude of a free people!" broadest sense. In truth, these bills for

Such are the opinions, sir, which were surveys and estimates have always been
maintained by South Carolina gentlemen considered as test questions. They show
in the House of Representatives on the who is for and who is against internal
subject of internal improvement when I improvement. This law itself went the
took my seat there as a member from whole length, and assumed the full and
Massachusetts in 1823. But this is not complete power. The gentleman's votes
all ; we had a bill before us, and passed sustained that power in every form in
it in that House, entitled " An act to which the various propositions to amend
procure the necessary surveys, plans, and presented it. He went for the entire
estimates upon the siibject of roads and and unrestrained authority, without con-
canals." It authorizes the President to suiting the States, and without agreeing
cause surveys and estimates to be made of to any proportionate distribution. And
the routes of such roads and canals as he now, suffer me to remind you, Mr. Presi'
might deem of national importance in a dent, that it is this very same power, thus
commercial or military point of view, for sanctioned, in every form, by the gentle-
the transportation of the mail, and ap- man's own opinion, that is so plain and
propriated $30,000 out of the treasury to manifest a usurpation, that the State
defray the expense. This act, though pre- of South Carolina is supposed to be jus-
liminary in its nature, covered the whole tified in refusing submission to any laws
ground. It took for granted the complete carrying the power into effect. Truly, sir,
power of internal improvement, as far as is not this a little too hard? May we not
any of its advocates had ever contended crave some mercy, under favor and protec-
for it. Having passed the other House, the tion of the gentleman's own authority 1
bill came up to the Senate, and was here Admitting that a road or a canal must be
considered and debated in April, 1824. written down flat usurpation as ever was
The honorable member from South Caro- committed, may we find no mitigation in
lina was a member of the Senate at that our respect for his place, and his vote, as
time. While the bill was under considera- one that knows the law?
tion here, a motion was made to add the The tariff which South Carolina had
following proviso: an efficient hand in establishing in 1816,

" Provided, that nothing herein con- and this asserted power of internal im-

tained shall be construed to affirm or ad- provement — advanced by her in the same

mit a power in Congress, on their own year, and, as we have now seen, approved

authority, to make roads or canals within and sanctioned by her representatives in

any of the States of the Union." 1824 — these two measures are the great

The yeas and nays were taken on this grounds on which she is now thought to be

proviso, and the honorable member voted justified in breaking up the Union, if she

in the negative. The proviso failed. sees fit to break it up

A motion was then made to add this I may now safely say, I think, that we

provision — viz: have had the authority of leading and

" Provided, that the faith of the United distinguished gentlemen from South Caro-

States is hereby pledged that no money lina in support of the doctrine of internal

shall ever be expended for roads or canals, improvement. I repeat that, up to 1824,

except it shall be among the several I, for one, followed South Carolina; but

States, and in the same proportion as when that star in its ascension veered off

direct taxes are laid and assessed by the in an unexpected direction, I relied on its

provisions of the Constitution." light no longer. (Here the Vice-President

The honorable member voted against said, Does the chair understand the gentle-

this proviso also, and it failed. man from Massachusetts to say that the

The bill was then put on its passage, person now occupying the chair of the

and the honorable member voted for it, Senate has changed his opinions on the

and it passed and became a law. subject of internal improvement?) From

Now it strikes me, sir, that there is nothing ever said to me, sir, have I had

275

WEBSTER, DANIEL

reason to know of any change in the tinuance of the debt. I repeated thi»
opinions of the person filling the chair caution, and repeated it more than once—
of the Senate. If such change has taken but it was thrown away,
place, I regret it; I speak generally of On yet another point I was still more
the State of South Carolina. Individuals unaccountably misunderstood. The gentle-
we know there are who hold opinions man had harangued against "consolida-
favorable to the power. An application tion " I told him, in reply, that there was
for its exercise in behalf of a public work one Kind of consolidation to which I was
in South Carolina itself is now pending, I attached, and that was the consolidation
believe, in the other House, presented by of our Union; and that this was precise-
members from that State. ly that consolidation to which I feared

I have thus, sir, perhaps not without others were not attached; that such con-
some tediousness of detail, shown that solidation was the very end of the Con-
if I am in error on the subject of inter- stitution — the leading object, as they had
nal improvements, how and in what com- informed us themselves, which its framers
pany I fell into that error. If I am had kept in view. I turned to their corn-
wrong, it is apparent who misled me. munication, and read their very words—

I go to other remarks of the honorable " the consolidation of the Union " — and
member — and I have to complain of an expressed my devotion to this resort of
entire misapprehension of what I said consolidation. I said in terms that I wish-
on the subject of the national debt — ed not, in the slightest degree, to augment
though I can hardly perceive how any one the powers of this government, that my
could misunderstand me. What I said object was to preserve, not to enlarge; and
was, not that I wished to put off the that, by consolidating the Union, I under-
payment of the debt, but, on the contrary, stood no more than the strengthening of
that I had always voted for every meas- the Union and perpetuating it. Having
ure for its reduction, as uniformly as the been thus explicit; having thus read, from
gentleman himself. He seems to claim the printed book, the precise words which
the exclusive merit of a disposition to re- I adopted, as expressing my own senti-.
duce the public charge; I do not allow it ments, it passes comprehension how any
to him. As a debt, I was, I am, for pay- man could understand me as contending
ing it ; because it is a charge on our for an extension of the powers of the gov-
finances, and on the industry of the coun- ernment, or for consolidation in that
try. But I observed that I thought I odious sense in which it means an ac-
perceived a morbid fervor on that subject; cumulation in the federal government of
an excessive anxiety to pay off the debt; the power properly belonging to the States,
not so much because it is a debt simply, I repeat, sir, that in adopting the sen-
as because, while it lasts, it furnishes one timents of the framers of the Constitution,
objection to disunion. It is a tie of a I read their language audibly, and word
common interest while it lasts. I did for word; and I pointed out the distinc-
not impute such motive to the honorable tion, just as fully as I have now done, be-
member himself; but that there is such tween the consolidation of the Union and
a feeling in existence I have not a par- that other obnoxious consolidation which
tide of doubt. The most I said was, that I disclaimed, and yet the honorable gentle-
if one effect of the debt was to strengthen man misunderstood me. The gentleman
our Union, that effect itself was not re- had said that he wished for no fixed
gretted by me, however much others might revenue — not a shilling. If, by a word,
regret it. The gentleman has not seen how he could convert the Capitol into gold, he
to reply to this otherwise than by sup- would do it. Why all this fear of
posing me to have advanced the doctrine revenue? Why, sir, because, as the gentle-
that a national debt is a national bless- man told us, it tends to consolidation.'
ing. Others, I must hope, will find less Now, this can mean neither more nor
difficulty in understanding me. I dis- less than that a common revenue is a
tinctly and pointedly cautioned the hon- common interest, and that all common in-
orable member not to understand me as terests tend to hold the union of the States
expressing an opinion favorable to the con- together. I confess I like that tendency;

276

WEBSTER, DANIEL

if the gentleman dislikes it, he is right in refrained from expressing the opinion that
deprecating a shilling's fixed revenue. So the tariff laws transcended constitutional
much, sir, for consolidation. limits, as the gentleman supposes. What

As well as I recollect the course of his I did say at Faneuil Hall, as far as I now
remarks, the honorable gentleman next remember, Was, that this was originally
recurred to the subject of the tariff. He matter of doubtful construction. The gen-
did not doubt the word must be of unpleas- tleman himself, I suppose, thinks there
ant sound to me, and proceeded with an is no doubt about it, and that the laws
effort neither new nor attended with new are plainly against the Constitution. Mr.
success, to involve me and my votes im Madison's letters, already referred to, con-
inconsistency and contradiction. I am hap- tain, in my judgment, by. far the most
py the honorable gentleman has furnish- able exposition extant of this part of the
ed me an opportunity of a timely remark Constitution. He has satisfied me, so far
or two on that subject. I was glad he as the practice of the government had left
approached it, for it is a question I enter it an open question.

upon without fear from anybody. The With a great majority of the represent-
strenuous toil Of the gentleman has been atives of Massachusetts, I voted against
to raise an inconsistency between my dis- the tariff of 1824. My reasons were then
sent to the tariff in 1824 and my vote in given, and I will not now repeat them.
1828. It is labor lost. He pays unde- But notwithstanding our dissent, the great
served compliment to my speech in 1824; States of New York, Pennsylvania, Ohio,
but this is to raise me high that my fall, and Kentucky went for the bill, in almost
as he would have it, in 1828 may be unbroken column, and it passed. Con-
the more signal. Sir, there was no fall gress and the President sanctioned it, and
at all. Between the ground I stood on in it became the law of the land. What,
1824 and that I took in 1828 there was then, were we to do? Our only option
not only no precipice, but no declivity, was either to fall in with this settled
It was a change of position to meet new course of public policy, and to accommo-
circumstances, but on the same level. A date ourselves to it as well as we could,
plain tale explains the whole matter. In or to embrace the South Carolina doctrine,
1816 I had not acquiesced in the tariff and talk of nullifying the statute by State
then supported by South Carolina. To interference.

some parts of it, especially, I felt and This last alternative did not suit our
expressed great repugnance. I held the principles, and, of course, we adopted the
same opinions in 1821, at the meeting in former. In 1827 the subject came again
Faneuil Hall, to which the gentleman has before Congress, on a proposition favor-
alluded. I said then, and say now, that, able to wool and woollens. We looked
as an original question, the authority of upon the system of protection as being
Congress to exercise the revenue power, fixed and settled. The law of 1824 re-
with direct reference to the protection of mained. It had gone into full operation,-
manufactures, is a questionable authority, and in regard to some objects intended
far more questionable, in my judgment, by it, perhaps most of them, had pro-
than the power of internal improvements, duced all its expected effects. No man
T must confess, sir, that, in one respect, proposed to repeal it — no man attempted
some impression has been made on my to renew the general contest on its prin-
opinions lately. Mr. Madison's publioa- ciple. But owing to subsequent and ra-
tion has put the power in a very strong foreseen occurrences, the benefit intended
light. He has placed it, I must acknowl- by it to wool and woollen fabrics had not
edge, upon grounds of construction and been realized. Events not known here
argument which seem impregnable. But, when the law passed had taken place,
even if the power were doubtful, on the which defeated its object in that particu-
face of the Constitution itself, it had been lar respect. A measure was accordingly
assumed and asserted in the first revenue brought forward to meet this precise de-
law ever passed under the same Oonsti- ficiency, to remedy this particular defect,
tation ; and, on this ground, as a matter It was limited to wool and woollens. Was
settled by contemporaneous practice, I had ever anything more reasonable? If the

277

WEBSTEB; DANIEL

policy of the tariff laws had become estab- to allege against it an inconsistency with
lished in principle as the permanent policy opposition to the former law.
of the government, should they not be re- Sir, as to the general subject of the
vised and amended, and made equal, like tariff, I have little now to say. Another
other laws, as exigencies should arise, or opportunity may be presented. I remark-
injustice require? Because we had doubt- ed, the other day, that this policy did not
ed about adopting the system, were we begin with us in New England; and yet,
to refuse to cure its manifest defects, after sir, New England is charged with vehe-
it became adopted, and when no one at- mence as being favorable, or charged with
tempted its repeal? And this, sir, is the equal vehemence as being unfavorable; to
inconsistency so much bruited. I had the tariff policy, just as best suits the
voted against the tariff of 1824, but it time, place, and occasion for making some
passed, and in 1827 and 1828 I voted to charge against her. The credulity of the
amend it in a point essential to the inter- public has been put to its extreme ca-
est of my constituents. Where is the in- pacity of false impression relative to her
consistency? Could I do otherwise? conduct in this particular. Through all

Sir, does political consistency consist the South, during the late contest, it was
in always giving negative votes? Does it New England policy, and a New England
require of a public man to refuse to con- administration, that was afflicting the
cur in amending laws because they passed country with a tariff policy beyond aJ!
against his consent? Having voted against endurance, while, on the other side of the
the tariff originally, does consistency de- Alleghany, even the act of 1828 itself —
mand that I should do all in my power the very sublimated essence of oppression,
to maintain an unequal tariff, burden- according to Southern opinions — was pro-
some to my own constituents in many nouneed to be one of those blessings for
respects, favorable in none? To consist- which the West was indebted to the "gen-
ency of that sort I lay no claim ; and erous South."

there is another sort to which I lay as With large investments in manufactur-

little, and that is a kind of consistency ing establishments, and various interests

by which persons feel themselves as much connected with and dependent on them,

bound to oppose a proposition after it has it is not to be expected that New Eng-

become the law of the land as before. land, any more than other portions of the

The bill of 1827, limited, as I have said, country, will now consent to any meas-
to the single object in which the tariff ure destructive or highly dangerous. The
of 1824 had manifestly failed in its duty of the government, at the present
effect, passed the House of Eepresenta- moment, would seem to be to preserve,
tives, but was lost here. We had then not to destroy; to maintain the position
the act of 1828. I need not recur to which it has assumed ; and, for one, I shall
the history of a measure so recent. Its feel it an indispensable obligation to hold
enemies spiced it with whatsoever they it steady, as far as in my power, to that
thought would render it distasteful; its degree of protection which it has under-
friends took it, drugged as it was. Vast taken to bestow. No more of the tariff,
amounts of property, many millions, had Professing to be provoked by what he
been invested in manufactures, under the chose to consider a charge made by me
inducements of the act of 1824. Events against South Carolina, the honorable
called loudly, as I thought, for further member, Mr. President, has taken up a_
regulations to secure the degree of pro- new crusade against New England. Leav-
tection intended by that act. I was dis- ing altogether the_ subject of the public
posed to vote for such regulations, and lands, in which his success, perhaps, had
•iesired nothing more; but certainly was been neither distinguished nor satisfac-
not to be bantered out of my purpose by tory, and letting go, also, of the topic of
a threatened augmentation of duty on mo- the tariff, he sallied forth in a general
lasses, put into the bill for the avowed assault on the opinions, politics, and par-
purpose of making it obnoxious. The vote ties of New England, as they have been
may have been right or wrong, wise or exhibited in the last thirty years. This
unwise, but it is little less than absurd is natural. The "narrow policy" of the

278

WEBSTEB, DANIEL

public lands had proved a legal settlement fiture," indeed, for any one, whose taste did
in South Carolina, and was not to be re- not delight in that sort of reading, to be
moved. The " accursed policy " of the obliged to peruse. This is his war. This
tariff, also, had established the fact of its is to carry the war. This is to carry the
birth and parentage in the same State, war into the enemy's country. It is in an
No wonder, therefore, the gentleman wish- invasion of this sort that he flatters hijn-
ed to carry the war, as he expressed it, self with the exp