History of the United States for the use of common schools ... Illustrated with numerous engravings

Front matter

The Storming of Stony Point, p. 258. A HISTORY OF THE UNITED STATES; TOIL THE USE OF SCHOOLS AND ACADEMIES. BY JOHN FROST. Washington taking leave of the Office™ of the Army, p. 302. NEW EDITION, WITH ADDITIONS AND CORRECTIONS. PHILADELPHIA: THOMAS, CO WPERTH WAIT & CO. 1816-

ADVERTISEMENT.

TO THE SECOND EDITION. As the alterations and corrections in this edition refer chiefly to single words and dates, it will be found to contain nothing which will prevent its being conveniently used in the same class with the first edition. As the work is now stereotyped, its present form, paging, &c. will of course be permanently retained. Entered according to Act of Congress, in the year 1837, by John Frost, in the Office ofthe Clerk ofthe District Court of Ihe Eastern District of Pennsylvania.

Preface

. The utility of history as a branch of school instruction is now so generally admitted, that it is hardly necessary to offer any arguments in its favour ; and the necessity of giving the history of our own country the first place, is equally obvious to the reflecting reader. The manner in which this interesting subject should be presented to the mind of the young student, is the only point of inquiry with writers and teachers. In preparing the following history, the author has pursued that course which appeared to him best adapted to unite sou;id and thorough instruction with entertainment. Beginning with the discovery of the New World, and endeavouring to present the series of events in a clear and connected narrative, rejecting whatever he deemed irrelevant or unimportant, and dwelling chiefly on those striking features ofthe subject which give it vividness and character, he has brought it down to the present day.

Although the considerable period embraced, the multitude of characters and events delineated, and the extent of the field in which they figure, have rendered the preservation of historical unity no easy task, he has laboured to give the work such a degree of compactness as wouio. enable the student to perceive the relation of all it parts, and to grasp the whole without any very difficult exercise of com prehension. Instead of dividing the history into periods, according to an arbitrary arrangement of events, he has chosen to adopt the ordinary system of chapters, founded on the natural divisions of the subject. The table of contemporary sovereigns, instead of being distributed in small portions at the end of each chapter, is thrown into the appendix for more convenient reference ; 1*

PREFACE.

. and a variety of illustrative matter, which could not be em bodied in the text, without disturbing the continuity of the narrative, and distracting the attention of the student, has also been placed at the end of the volume. A leading title at the top of each page has been inserted, with a view to direct the attention of the young reader to the principal events, and to assist him in referring to them ; and questions are placed at the bottom of every page, for those teachers who prefer the use of them to the practice of ex amining the student without any such auxiliary. A number of illustrations, from original drawings, are given, from a conviction of their utility in fixing on the mind of the pupil a lasting impression of the events to which they relate. The aid which is thus afforded to the memory and the imagina tion, will be readily understood by any person who will take the trouble to compare the vivid impressions of historical characters and scenes, which he has been fortunate enough to receive from graphic illustrations, with the faint ones which he may have derived from mere narrative.

Nothing hr»; been omitted in the adaptation of the volume to the purposes of school instruction, which was considered essential to its utility ; and if any deficiencies in this respect should be found, they ought to be referred rather to an error of judgment in the author, than a willingness to spare himself the care and attention requisite for making the work complete. The volume is submitted to the public with profound de ference ; and in the hope that it may meet with the same kind •ndulgence which has been awarded to previous productions of the author, which iiave cost a much smaller expenditure of labour, and whose destiny has been regarded with far less solicitude. CONTENTS.

Chapter I. Discovert Of America

Columbus, p. 13 — Portuguese Discoveries in Africa, 14 — Columbus in Spain, 15 — Columbus's Outfit, 17 — Landing of Columbus at San Salvador 18 — Vespucius, 19 — Fate of Columbus, 20.

Chapter II. North America Discovered And Settled

The Continent discovered by the Cabots, p. 20 — French discoveries, 21- Cartier, 21 — Champlain, 22 — Quebec settled, 23.

Chapter III. The Spaniards Tare Possession Of Florida

Ponce de Leon, p. 23 — Narvaez, 24 — Soto's Expedition, 26 — Soto in Georgia and Alabama, 26 — In Missouri, 27 — The French in Carolina, 28 — Massacre of the French in Florida, 29 — St. Augustine settled, 29

Chapter IV. England Attempts To Colonise The United States

Drake, p. 31 — Gilbert, 31 — English in North Carolina, 32 — First Settle ment of Roanoke, 32— Virginia Dare, 34 — Gosnold, 34 — Pring, Wey mouth, 35.

Chapter V. Colonisation Of Virginia

A company formed, p. 35 — First Charter of Virginia, 36 — Newport sails, 38 — Settlement of Jamestown, 38 — Adventures of Captain Smith, 39 — The Gold Mania, 41 — Second Charter, 42 — Lord Delaware, 43 — Departure of Captain Smith, 44 — The Starving Time, 45 — Arrival of Lord Delaware, 46 — New patent created, 47 — Marriage of Pocahontas, 47— Tobacco cultivated, 48 — Tyranny of Argall, 49.

Chapter VI. Virginia Acquires Civil Freedom

Governor Yeardly arrives, p. 50 — First colonial Assembly, 50 — The Vir ginians acquire Homes, 50 — Introduction of Slavery, 52 — The Indians, 52 —Great Massacre, 53. •

Chapter VII. Indian War Dissolution Of The London Company

The great Massacre avenged, p. 55 — Dissolution ofthe London Company, 56 -Progress of civil freedom, 57 — Designs of Charles 1,58 — Indian War, CONTENTS. 59— Episcopacy established, 59— Virginia adheres to Charles I, 59—Capi tulates to the Commonwealth, 60.

Chapter VIII. Virginia After The Restoration

The Restoration, p. 61— Restrictions on Commerce, 61 — Discontent of the Virginians, 62— Bacon's rebellion, 64 — Heroism of Berkeley, 65 — Civil War, 65 — Virginia retains her Freedom, 67.

Chapter IX. Settlement Of Maryland

Clayborne's Exploration, p. 67 — Sir George Calvert, 68 — Charter of Maryland, 68 — Settlement of St. Mary's, 70 — Clayborne's Disturbances, 70 — Maryland during the Civil War, 71.

Chapter X. First Settlement Of New England

Raleigh Gilbert, p. 72 — Settlement on Kennebec river, 72 — Smiths Voyages to New England, 72 — The Plymouth Council, 72 — The Brownists, 73 — Voyage ofthe Pilgrims, 73 — Landing, 77 — Massasoit, 80 — Exploit of Standish, 80 — Treachery of Pierce, 81.

Chapter XI. Progress Of The New England Colonies

Gorges and Mason's patent, p. 83 — Settlement of Maine, 83 — Of Salem and Charlestown, 84 — Of Boston, 85 — Banishment of Roger Williams, 86 — Arrival of Peter and Vane, 87 — Aristocracy rejected, 88 — Connecticut settled, 89— The Pequod War, 90.

Chapter XII. The Colonies Of New England United

Attempt to revoke the Charters, 92 — Persecution ofthe Puritans in Eng land, 93 — New England colonies united, 94 — Roger Williams's mission to England, 95 — Maine united with Massachusetts, 96 — Persecution of Quakers, 97.

Chapter XIII. New England After The Restoration

The Restoration announced, p. 98 — Arrival of the Regicides, 98 — The King's Letter, 99 — New Charter granted, 100 — Charters endangered, 101 — King Philip's War, 101 — Administration of Andros, 103 — Revolution of 1688, 103 — Border Wars, 104 — Controversy with the Crown. 106 — Capture of Louisbourg, 108 — Question of Boundaries, 110 — State ofthe New Eng land Colonies in 1754, 111.

Chapter XIV. Colonisation Of New York

Henry Hudson's Voyage, p. Ill — Settlement of New York, 111 — Argall, 112 — The New Netherlands, 112 — Governor Stuyvesant, 113 — Colonel Nichols, 114 — New York acquires civil Freedom, 115 — The Five Nations, 117 — Jacob Leisler, 120 — Burning of Schenectady, 121 — Fall of Leisler, 122 — The Mohawk Warrior, 124 — .Vffiiir of Fletcher and Wadsworth, 124- Piracy — Captain Kidd, 126 — Lord Cornbury, 127 — .Administrations of Hun ter and Burnet, 128 — Of Cosby, 128 — Of Clinton, 129. CONTENTS. 9

Chapter XV. Colonisation Of New Jersey

Settlements of the Swedes and Dutch, p. 129 — New Jersey granted to Berkeley, and Carteret, ]29 — Philip Carteret, 130 — Andros, 131 — Bur lington settled, 132 — New Jersey under James II, 133 — Under William and Mary, 133.

Chapter XXI. Commencement Of The Old French War

Origin of the French War of 1754, p. 156 — The Ohio Company, 158 — Fort Du Quesne built, 160 — Conquest of Nova Scotia, 160 — Braddock s Defeat, 161 — Victory of Colonel Jonnson, 163 — Campaign of 1756, 164 — Campaign of 1757, 164.

Chapter XXII. Conquest Of Canada

Pitt's Ministry, p. 166 — Campaign of 1758, 166— General Wolfe, 16?- Fall of Quebec, 169 — Results ofthe Campaign of 1760, 170.

Chapter XXIII. The Revolution

Scheme for Taxing the Colonies, p. 172— The Stamp Act, 173— First Continental Congress, 174— Repeal of the Stamp Act, 174— New Taxes imposed, 176 — Opposition to the Taxes, 176 — Affair of the Sloop Liberty, 177 — British troops in Boston, 178 — Boston Massacre, 180— Hutchinson's Letters, 182 — Destruction of the Tea, 183 — Boston Port CONTENTS. Bill, 185 — Proceedings of the Continental Congress, 186 — Approach of War, 188.

Chapter XXIV. Commencement Of The Revolutionary War

Battle of Concord, p. 189— Boston besieged, 193 — Ticonderoga and Crown Point taken, 194 — Battle of Breed's Hill, 195 — Falmouth burnt, 198

Chapter XXV. Expedition Against Canada

Invasion — Montreal taken, p. 201— Escape of Governor Carlton, 201- Arnold before Quebec, 202 — Montgomery before Quebec, 203 — Death of Montgomery, 204 — Arnold's Operations, 204 — The Amencans retreat, 20& — Operations in Upper Canada, 206.

Chapter XXVI. Campaign Of

1776. Attack on Charleston, p. 208 — Defeat of the British, 210 — Indian War, 212 — Declaration of Independence, 213 — Arrival of the British at New York, 217 — Defeat on Long Island, 220 — Washington's Plan of Operations, 222 — Battle of White Plains, 222 — Retreat through the Jerseys, 223 — Washington appointed Dictator, 224 — Battle of Trenton, 225 — BatUe of Princeton, 226 — Washington reconquers the Jerseys, 227.

Chapter XXVII. Campaign Of

1777. The Confederation, p. 228 — American Privateers, 229 — La Fayette, 230 — The Prison Ships, 230 — Capture of General Prescott, 232 — Operations in New Jersey, 232 — Battle of the Brandywine, 233 — Battle of German town, 234 — Battle of Redbank, 235 — Operations in the North, 236 — Loss of Ticonderoga, 238 — Advance of Burgoyne, 238 — Battle of Bennington, 240 — Fort Schuyler invested, 241 — Murder of Miss Macrea, 242 — Bur goyne at Saratoga, 243 — Battles of Stillwater 244 — Burgoyne's Retreat, 244 — Surrender of Burgoyne, 246 — The Army at Valley Forge, 246

Chapter XXVIII. Campaign Of

1778. Conciliatory Offers of England, p. 248 — Death of Chatham, 249 — General Reed, 250 — Retreat of Barren Hill, 251 — Battle of Monmouth, 252 — Attempt to recover Rhode Island, 253 — Massacre at Wyoming, 254— -Defeat of Ge neral Howe, 255 — Loss of the Randolph, 255.

Chapter XXIX. Campaign Of

1779. Virginia ravaged, p. 257 — Putnam's Ride, 257 — Storming of Stony Point, 258 — Operations in the South, 259 — Defeat of General Lincoln, 260 — General Prevost before Charleston, 261 — Siege of Savannah, 262 — Achieve ments of Paul Jones, 263.

Chapter XXX. Campaign Of

1780. War in the South, p. 265 — Capitulation of Charleston, 266 — Condition of South Carolina, 267 — Treachery of the British, 267 — Gates's March to the South, 268 — Battle of Camden, 270 — Proceedings of Cornwallis, 273 — Battle of King's Mountain, 273 — General Gates superseded, 274 — Dis contents in the Army, 275 — The Army relieved and reinforced, 276 — —Arrival of the French Fleet, 276 — Arnold's Treason, 277 — Capture of Andre, 278 — Mutiny in the American Camp, CONTENTS. 11

Chapter XXXI. Campaign Of

1781. General Greene in the South, p. 2S2 — Battle of Cowpens, 2S3 — Morgan's Retreat, 2S4 — Greene's Retreat, 285 — Battle of Guilford, 286 — Greene marches for South Carolina, 287 — Siege of Ninety-Six, 2S7 — Battle of Eutaw Springs, 289 — Affair of Colonel Hayne, 2S9 — Cornwallis in Virginia, 290 — Arrival of the French Fleet, 292 — Preparations for the Siege of New York, 292 — Washington marches South, 293 — Capture of Fort Grisvvold, 294 — Siege of Yorktown, 294 — Surrender of Cornwallis, 297 — Its EtTects, 29S — Lord North resigns, 299 — Treaty of Peace, 300 — Discontent of the Army, 301 — New York evacuated, 30-1 — Retirement of Washington, 302 — Character of the Revolutionary War, 304.

Chapter XXXII. Form

VTION OF THE FEDERAL CONSTITUTION. State of the Country, p. 305 — Insurrections, 306 — Shay's Rebellion, 307 — Convention at Alexandria, 308 — Federal Convention, 309 — Federal Constitution, 310 — Formation of Parties, 311 — Washington elected Presi dent, 312.

Chapter XXXIII. Washington's Administration

Washington receives notice of his Election, p. 312 — His Journey to New York, 313 — Proceedings of the first Congress, 316 — Washington's Tour through New England, 316 — Debts ofthe States, 317 — Indian War, 319 — Defeat of General St. Clair, 320 — Washington re-elected President, 321 — Citizen Genet, 322 — Insurrection in Pennsylvania, 323 — Jay's Treaty, 324 — Pacific Policy of Washington, 325 — Proceedings of the French Di rectory, 326 — Washington's Retirement, 327 — His Character, 328.

Chapter XXXIV. Administration Of John Adams

Relations with France, p. 330 — Intrigues of Talleyrand, 330 — Prepa rations for War with France, 331 — Death of Washington, 332 — Election of Jefferson, 334.

Chapter XXXV

Jefferson's administration. Effects of Peace in Europe, p. 336 — Acquisition of Louisiana, 337 — War with Tripoli, 338 — Burr's Conspiracy, 340 — Depredations on American Commerce, 341 — Affair ofthe Chesapeake, 342 — Berlin and Milan Decrees, 343 — Embargo, 344 — Retirement ot Jefferson, 344.

Chapter XXXVI. Commencement Of Madison's Administration

Character of Madison, p. 345 — Repeal of the Embargo Law, 346 — Mis sions of Erskine anjd Jackson, 346 — Affair of the Little Belt, 348 — Indian War — Battle of Tippecanoe, 349 — Henry's Mission, 349 — War declared, 350 — Effects ofthe Declaration of War, 350.

Chapter XXXVII. Campaign Of

1812. Military Force of the Country, p. 352 — The Navy, 352 — General Hull's Expedition, 353 — Governor Brock's Proclamation, 354 — Surrender of Ge neral Hull, 355 — General Smyth's Operations. 357 — Naval Victories, 358. CONTENTS.

Chapter Xxxviii. Campaign Of

1813. Operations on the North Western Frontier, p. 361 — Siege of Fort Melg9, 362 — Capture of York, 363 — Attack on Sackett's Harbour, 364 — Operations on the Niagara Frontier, 365 — Expedition against Montreal, 366 — Battle of Chrystler's Fields, 366 — British Ravages on the Sea-coast, 367 — Sacking of Hampton, 368 — Affair of the Hornet and Peacock, 369 — Defence of Fort Sandusky, 371— Battle on Lake Erie, 372 — Battle of the Thames, 373 —Creek War, 374.

Chapter XXXIX. Campaign Of

1814. Russian Offer of Mediation, p. 375 — Battle of Chippewa, 377 — Siege of Fort Erie, 378 — New York invaded, 379 — Battle on Lake Champlain, 379 — Flight of General Prevost, 380 — Arrival of the British in the Chesapeake, 383 — Capture of Washington City, 383 — Maryland invaded, 384 — Battle of Baltimore, 385 — Connecticut and Maine invaded, 386 — Hartford Conven tion, 387 — The British expelled from Florida, 388 — Attack on New Orleans, 390— Defeated, 392— Peace of Ghent, 393 — United States Bank Chartered, 394.

Chapter XL. Administration Of James Monroe

Relations with Florida and Spain, p. 394 — Amelia Island taken, 394 — Seminole War, 395 — Acquisition of Florida, 395 — Admission of Missouri into the Union, 396 — La Fayette's Visit — Vote of Congress respecting his Services, 396.

Chapter XLI. Administration Of John

Q.UINCY ADAMS. Inaugural Address, 397 — La Fayette at Bunker's Hill, 398 — Indian Trea ties, 398 — Treaty with Denmark, 399 — Death of Jefferson and Adams, 399 — The Tariff, 399.

Chapter XLII. Administration Of Andrew Jackson

Commercial Treaty with Great Britain, 400 — Indian War, 401 — Tariff, 402 — Nullification, 402 — Compromise Bill, 403 — Bank Question, 403 — French War threatened, 404 — Florida War, 404 — Public Debt extinguished, 404.

Appendix

. Declaration of Independence, ------- 406 Constitution of the United States, ..... 408 Amendments to the Constitution, ...... 414 Population of the American Colonies, - - - - - 416 Expense of the Revolutionary War, - - - - -416 Troops employed during the Revolution, - -■*** - 416 Standing Army of the United States in 1836, .... 417 Navy of the United States in 1836, 418 Indian Tribes in the United States, ----- 419 Troops furnished by the respective States, from 1775 to 1783, - 421 Population of the United States, ...... 422 Commerce of the United States, ..... 423 Table of contemporary Sovereigns, ..... 424 Chronological Table, ...... 426 List of Authorities, ...... HISTORY or THE UNITED STATES.

Chapter I. Discovery Of America

Several of the European nations have laid claim to the discovery of America, prior to the expedition of Columbus. The Welsh historians affirm that Madoc, a prince of their country, embarked from his native land as early as 1 1 70, and, sailing westward, discovered those regions to which the name of America was afterwards given. But this claim rests upon remote and unfounded traditions, and is, there fore, entitled to no credit. Similar pretensions are urged in favour ofthe Norwegians and Icelanders ; but a careful examination of all the authori ties on the subject has led recent historians to the conclusion that the discoveries of these nations extended no farther than Greenland ; to the more southern portion of which territory they gave the name of Vinland. To Christopher Columbus, therefore, belongs the glory of having made the first discovery of the western world.

At a time when geographical science had long slept in Eu rope, when distant voyages were rare, and discoverers were few, timid, and ignorant, this extraordinary man formed the noble design of crossing the Atlantic Ocean in search of new regions. His opinion, that such an enterprise would be attended with success, was not unsupported by plausible facts and reasonings. Though, in the fifteenth century, the information of geographers was incorrect as well as scanty, certain observations had been recorded which supported Who have laid claim to the discovery of America ? I Are these claims well founded f | Who was the discoverer ? 2 .3 THE I'ORTL'CUESE DISCOVERIE" his theory. From the form of the earth's shadow on the moon in an eclipse it had been inferred that its shape was globular ; and tolerably accurate ideas had been conceived of its magnitude.

It was, therefore, apparent that Europe, Asia, and Africa could occupy but a small portion of its surface, and it seemed highly improbable that the remaining portion was one vast ocean.: Travellers in the east had reported that Asia extended very far in that direction, and the rotundity of the earth being known, it was inferred that the East Indies might be reached by holding a course directly west from Europe. These reasonings were not unsupported by striking facts. Pieces of wood, nicely carved, and apparently borne from a far country, had been thrown on the western coast of the Madeiras. A tree of an unknown species had been taken out of the ocean near the Azores ; and the bodies of two men, of strange colour and unusual appearance, had been found upon the coast. From these circumstances Columbus inferred the existence of the regions which he afterwards discovered, and the possibility of reaching them by sailing to the west.

At this period the favourite object of discovery was a passage to the East Indies by sea. The Venetians had, by their advantageous position, and their great commercial activity, hitherto engrossed the profitable trade of that country ; and thus excited the envy and jealousy of the other nations of Europe. Their communication with the East Indies was principally over land. Others were attempting a passage by sea. From the commencement of the fifteenth century, the Portuguese had been extending their discoveries along the western coast of Africa towards the south, and had nearly doubled the Cape of Good Hope. They were destined soon to attain this grand object, and establish a lucrative trade in the rare productions of the East. To find a shorter and more direct route to India was the Immediate object of Columbus in proposing to undertake a voyage of discovery.

The rich returns of oriental com merce formed the chief inducement which he urged upon those sovereigns, to whom he submitted his project, with a view to gain their support and patronage. What led him to the undertaking ? What facts supported his opinions ? What was the grand object of discovery in Columbus's time ? What is said of the Venetians f The Portuguese ? What was Colambus's immediate ob ject ? COLUMBUS IN SPAIN. 15 He first applied to the government of Genoa, his native country ; but here his offer was rejected, probably in consequence of the decline of commercial enterprise among the Genoese. He then made application to King John II, of Portugal, a monarch who had liberally encouraged voyages of discovery. Here he met with no better success ; for the king, having referred the matter to his counsellors, was by them discouraged from lending his support to a project which they represented as extravagant and visionary.

This wise opinion did not, however, prevent the Portuguese government from secretly fitting out an expedition, which was intended to deprive Columbus of the glory of his discovery. The return of this expedition, without success, having ap prized Columbus of the treachery designed against him, he left the country in disgust. It was about this period that he despatched his brother, Bartholomew Columbus, to Eng land, for the purpose of gaining the patronage of Henry VII in support of his project. The voyage, however, was attended with so much delay, that that sovereign was not enabled to complete his arrangements, and make known his favourable disposition to Christopher Columbus, until the discovery had actually been effected. Disappointed in his applications to other courts, Colum bus, in 1486, applied to that of Spain.

The sovereigns of this country, Ferdinand and Isabella, were at that time en gaged in expelling the Moors from Granada, their last strong hold on the peninsula ; and it was not until the war was terminated that Columbus was enabled to obtain a favourable hearing. He had been for upwards of six years urging his suit without success, and was about quitting the country for England, when, by order of Isabella, he was desired to relinquish his intention of applying to other courts, and invited into her presence, with distinguished marks of con descension and respect. ' The character and disposition of Columbus,' observes a recent writer,* ' were such as highly recommended him to the rulers of Spain. To that quickness and decision which are the usual indications of genius, he added that solemnity What was his success ?

To whom did he first apply ? With what success ? To whom did Columbus next apply . What was the result ? To whom next ? Of what treachery were the Portuguese guilty ? Who was sent to England ? What were Columbus's character av deportment ? * In the Edinburgh Encyclopedia. COLUMBUS IN SPAIN. of aspect, and gravity of manners, which the Spanish cul tivate with so much care, and which serve to distinguish them from the other nations of Europe. His appearance was dignified, and his behaviour respectful ; he was resolute in his purposes, and firm in his demands.' At his interview with Isabella, he relaxed in nothing of what he had originally proposed : the conditions on which he declared himself willing to undertake the expedition were still the same : — ' that he should be appointed admiral of all the seas which he might explore, and governor of all the continents and islands which he might visit ; that these offices should be hereditary in his family ; and that the tenth of every thing bought, bartered, found, or got, within the bounds of his admiralship, abating only the charge of the conquest, should be settled upon him, and should descend to his heirs in case of his death.' He desired that a small fleet should be equipped, and put under his command, for the proposed discovery ; and, to show his own confidence in the undertaking, he offered to advance an eighth part of the money which would be neces sary for building the ships, provided he should be allowed a proportionate share of the profits resulting from the enterprise.

Juan Perez, guardian of the monastery of La Rabida, near the town of Palos, one of the earliest friends of Co lumbus in Spain, had obtained for him the honour of an interview with Isabella. Perez was the queen's confessor, and an ecclesiastic of great influence and respectability. By his representations, together with those of Alonzo de- Quintanilla and Luis de St. Angel, officers of distinction under the Spanish crown, a favourable hearing was granted to the propositions of Columbus. They stated to the queen that he was a man of commanding talents and high integrity, well informed in geography, and skilled in navigation , they spoke to her of the glory which would result from the enterprise, and which would for ever attach to her reign ; and of the extension of the Christian religion, which would be disseminated in the countries to be discovered.

These representations of Quintanilla and St. Angel, and the favourable state of the kingdom, just freed from the last remnant of the Moorish invaders, afforded prevailing motives with the queen for engaging Columbus in her service on his own terms. A fleet was ordered to be fitted out from the What terms (lid he offer to the queen ? I Who were his friends at court > | What was their success ? Describe Columbus's outfit. COLUMBUs's OUTFIT. 17 port of Palos. It consisted of three vessels of inconsiderable size, such as would by no means be deemed suitable for a voyage across the Atlantic at the present day. They were victualled for twelve months, and had on board ninety mari ners, with several private adventurers and servants ; amounting in all to one hundred and twenty persons. The whole expense ofthe expedition was but about twenty thousand dol lars.

But even this was considered by the statesmen of the time too great an expenditure for so uncertain an enterprise. When the squadron was ready for sailing, Columbus, with his officers and crew, went in solemn procession to the monastery of La Rabida, and after confessing their sins and partaking of the communion, they committed themselves to the protection of Heaven, and took leave of their friends, whom they left full of gloomy apprehensions with respect to their perilous undertaking. It was on the morning of the 3d of August, 1492, thai Columbus set sail from the harbour of Palos, in the Santa Maria, the largest vessel of his squadron. The others were called the Pinta and the Nina : the former commanded by Martin Alonzo Pinzon, and the latter by Vincent Yanez Pin zon, his brother. On the 6th of August they came in sight of the Canaries.

Among these islands they were detained more than three weeks, endeavouring to procure another vessel to supply the place of the Pinta, which had suffered some injury in her rudder. The Pinta was finally repaired, and on the 6th of September, Columbus set sail from Go mera, one of the Canaries, and began his voyage on the unknown deep. On the 13th of September, the squadron was distant nearly 200 leagues from the most westerly of the Canaries. Here the magnetic needle was observed to vary from its direction towards the polar star, a phenomenon which had not before been observed ; and which, of course, filled the mariners with alarm, since it appeared to withdraw from them their only guide upon the pathless ocean. Columbus was by no means disheartened by this appearance. He invented a plausible reason for it ; and succeeded in reconciling his crew to their further progress.

Their discontent, however. speedily broke forth anew, and all the self-possession and How did Columbus prepare for embarking ? Where was he detained ? Where was he on the 13th of Septem- What alarmed the crew ? How were they reconciled to Vis further progress ? What followed > ber? 2* COLUMBUS AT SAN SALV/ >K. address of tlie admiral were scarcely sufficient to preserve his ascendency and ensure the completion of his voyage. When their patience was nearly exhausted, the signs of land began to appear. The water had become more shallow ; flocks of strange birds were observed ; a curiously wrought staff was taken up by the men of the Pinta ; and weeds were seen floating in the water, of a kind different from any which were known to the voyagers. During the night of the 11th of October, a light was observed by Columbus himself, at a distance, moving as if carried by some fisherman or traveller.

This last appearance was considered by him as decisive evidence of land ; and, moreover, that the land was inha bited. They continued their course till two o'clock in the morning, when a gun from the Pinta gave the signal that land was in sight. It proved to be one of the Bahama islands. On the morning of the 12th of October, Columbus, richly attired in scarlet, and bearing the royal standard, entered his own boat, accompanied by the other commanders in their boats, and landing on the island took possession of it on behalf of the Castilian sovereigns, giving it the name of San Salvador. The landing was accompanied with ever)- demonstration of joy and gratitude to Heaven. The admiral and his fol lowers knelt on the shore, and kissed the ground, with tears and thanksgiving. The natives, who had assembled in great numbers on the first appearance of the ships, were struck speechless with astonishment.