The history of Maine, from the earliest discovery of the region by the Northmen until the present time; including a narrative of the voyages and explorations of the early adventurers, the manners and customs of the Indian tribes, the hardships of the first settlers, the conflicts with the savages, and the gradual advancement of the state to its present aspect of opulence, culture, and refinement

Front matter

374.1

M. L

GENEALOGY COLLECTION

Preface

Maine is the native State of the writer of this volume. Seventy years ago, in the year 1805, he was born in Brunswick, within sound of the roar of the Falls of the Androscoggin.

His childhood was spent in Hallowell, then a small but thriving hamlet upon the banks of the Kennebec. In the halls of Bowdoin he received his collegiate education.

In his maturer years he ever repaired, for recreation, to the parental home, then at Farmington in the beautiful and luxuriant valley of the Sandy River. 1359836

In Maine he found the cradle of his infancy. There are the graves of his fathers. Upon its soil he has spent the happiest years of his life. To give a biographical sketch of his native State, of its birth, growth and maturity, has been with him a labor of love.

It is not the object of this history to search out discoveries which have hitherto eluded the scrutiny of antiquarians, or to settle disputed questions which have arisen in reference to minute details in early days.

He wishes to give a faithful and graphic record of the wondrous past, — such a record as will be read with interest at every fireside. It is indeed an exciting story he has to tell, — of perilous adventures by sea and land, of struggles against the , hardships of the wilderness, of terrible conflicts with a savage foe.

PREFACE.

In the rich libraries of Portland, Boston, and New Haven, the writer has found ample material for his work. He has endeavored to give the reader his authority for every important statement he has made. Where there is irreconcilable discrepancy in the annals of the past, he has endeavored faithfully to give each side.

The history commences with the landing of the Northmen upon our shores about a thousand years ago, and closes with the present grandeur of the State, when our prosperous Republic is about to celebrate the centennial anniversary of its existence as an independent nation.

The writer has only to say, in conclusion, that he feels that this is one of the last labors of his long life. He has spared no pains to make this history as accurate as possible ; and he now commends it to the kindly consideration of the sons and daughters of Maine.

John S. C. Abbott.

Fair Haven, Conn.

Chapter I. Voyages Of The Northmen" And Other Early Explorers

PAGE.

Country of the Northmen — Voyages to Iceland and Greenland — Voyage of Thorwald — His Death — Expedition of Thorfinn and Gudrida — Visit to Buzzard's Bay and Narraganset Bay — First Description of New England — A Mystery of History — Voyage of John Cabot — Voyage of his Son Sebastian Cabot — French and English Claims — Gaspar Cortereal — Verrazano — Interview with the Indians — Este van Gomez — Norumbega — J ohn But . 13

CHAPTER II. k

VOYAGES OP THEVET, PRING, DE MONTS, AND WEYMOUTH.

Journal of Thevet — Pring's Voyage — His Description of Penobscot Bay — De Monts' Patent — His Strange Adventures — Takes Possession in the Name of the King of France— Alarm in England — Weymouth's Expedition Anchors at Mohegan and Pemaquid — Friendly Intercourse with the Natives — Infamous Conduct of "Weymouth — Kidnapping the Natives — Exploration of the Kennebec — Planting the Cross — Homeward Voyage . 29

CHAPTER in.

THE EXPEDITION OF GOVERNOR GEORGE POPHAM.

Fate of Weymouth's Captives — Formation of the Plymouth Company — Disastrous Expeditions — Organization of Popham's Colony — First Sight of Land — Visit of the Indians — The Landing at Pemaquid — Suspicions of the Natives — First Religious Service in Maine — Unavailing Explorations — Ascending the Sagadahock — The Colony located — Search for the Penobscot — Casco Bay — The Androscoggin — Adventures with the Indians . 45

CHAPTER IV.

THE FAILURE OF POPHAM'S COLONY, AND ITS ATTENDANT RESULTS.

Indian Etiquette — Virtues of the Indians — Scenes in the Colony — Popham's Death — Ruin in the Colony — Atrocious Cruelty — Revenge of the Indians— The Explosion — Fears of the Indians — The Colony Abandoned — Private Adventures — Infamy of Poutrincourt — The Scenery of Mount Desert — Monhegan in its Glory — Harlow the Kidnapper — Valor of the Indians — Fate of the French Colonies — Adventures of Epenow — His

Escape— The Battle on Martha's Vineyard 63

CONTENTS.

CHAPTER V.

EXPLORATIONS AND SETTLEMENTS.

PAGE.

John Smith's Career — Exploring the Coast — England and France at War — The War of the Natives, and the Plague — Zeal of Gorges — Vines's Expedition— Conflicting Claims — Damariscotta and its Surroundings — Levett's Expedition — Views of Matrimony — Saco — General Lawlessness — Laconia Company — Various Trading Posts — Pemaquid — Tact of the French — Bagaduce — Scene in the Kennebec — Testimony of Gov. Bradford . . 81

CHAPTER VI.

PROGRESS OF SETTLEMENTS.

Capture at Machias — The Career of Bagnall — The Two Retaliations — Menacing Aspect of Affairs — The Twelve Provinces — Ferdinando Gorges Governor of all New England — Expedition of D'Aulney — Energy of Miles Stanrlish — The Administration of William Gorges — Agamenticus — Population of Maine — The New Grant to Gorges — The Province of Maine — Thomas Gorges — The Constitution — Religious and Political Principles— Woman's Rights 97

CHAPTER VII.

COLONIAL JEALOUSIES AND ALIENATIONS.

Conflict between La Tour and D'Aulney — Its Strange Result — Attack of Wannerton — Madame La Tour — D' Aulney attacks the Fort at St. John — Heroic Defence of Madame La Tour — Her Capture and Death — Treason of La Tour — Gov. Godfrey — Purchases of Indiau Chiefs — Boundary Disputes— Final Settlement — Submission of Godfrey — Ecclesiastical Condition — Sullivan's Testimony — Dutch Settlers — Savage Insolence . . . 1 14

CHAPTER VIII.

THE PROVINCE OF MAINE ANNEXED TO MASSACHUSETTS.

Troubles on the Piscataqua — Career of La Tour — Menaces of War — Measures of Cromwell — Conquest of Nova Scotia — Character of La Tour — Trading Post on the Kennebec — The Oat h Administered — Sale of the Right of Traffic — Boundaries of Kennebec Patent — Political Connection between Maine and Massachusetts — Code of Laws — Northern Limits of Massachusetts — The Articles of Union — Rev. John Wheelwright — Correspondence — Restoration of Charles II. — Petition of Gorges — Duke of York's Charter . 131

CHAPTER IX.

POLITICAL AGITATIONS.

The Duke of York — The Royal Commissioners — Conflict between the Commissioners and the General Court — Their Unfriendly Report — Tyranny of Charles II. — Character of George Cleaves — The Petition — Efforts of the Commissioners — Treaty with the Indians — War between France and England — National Antipathies — Baron Castine — His Character and Career — French Influence over the Indians — Anarchy — Ambition of the Duke of York — War between England and Holland — Jocelyn's Description . .149

CONTENTS.

CHAPTEE X

THE FIRST INDIAN WAR.

PAGE.

The Indians — Their Manners and Customs — Fondness for Intoxicating Drinks — Scenes in the Wigwam — The Catholic Missionaries — Adventures of Rasle — Indian Intelligence — Population — Philip's War — Commencement of Hostilities — Awful Scenes of Blood and Woe — The Truce — Efforts of Mr. Shurte — The War Renewed — The Ambuscades — Folly of the English — Desperation of the Indians . 168

CHAPTER XI.

THE HORRORS OF WAR.

Dispersion of King Philip's Forces — Falmouth Desolated — Scenes of Horror— Arrowsick Plundered — Treachery of Major Waldron — Munjoy's Island captured by the Savages — The Indians ask for Peace — Anecdote of Mugg — The English resume the War — Increased Ferocity of the Indians—The Mohawks Allies of the English — The Ambuscade at Black Point — Its Fatal Results 186

CHAPTER XH.

WARS AND WOES CONTINUED.

Ravages of the Indians — The Naval Expedition — Peace proclaimed — Losses by the War — The Purchase of Maine by Massachusetts — The Regime of Mr. Danforth — North Yarmouth incorporated — Baptist Church established— Menaces of War — Employment of the Mohawks — Sir Edmund Andros — Thomas D^ungan — Tyrannical Acts — Attack upon Baron Castine — War Renewed — Fate of Waldron — Expeditions to Quebec and Montreal 206

CHAPTER XIII.

CAMPAIGNS IN THE WILDERNESS.

Character of Indian Warfare — Expedition of Captain Church — Battle at Falmouth — The Sack of Berwick — The Massacre at Falmouth — Church at Pejepscot — Incidents of the Campaign — Indian Gratitude — The Truce — Deplorable Condition of Maine — The Disaster at York — Heroic Defence of Wells — Church's Third Expedition — New Efforts for Peace . 224

CHAPTER XIV.

king William's war. — queen anne's war.

Efforts of the French to reduce Fort William Henry — Cruelty of Capt. Chubb — His Fate — Camden Heights — Plunder on the Bay of Fundy — Major Frost — Fearful Tragedies — Consultations for Peace — Assacombuit — Impoverishment of the Province — Cruel Rumors and New Solicitudes— An Intolerant Act — Gov. Dudley — Speech of Simmo — King William's War — Policy of M. Rivieres — Shameful Conduct of Englishmen— Third Indian War — Siege of Winter Harbor — Arrival of Capt. Southack 215

CONTENTS.

CHAPTER XV.

THE RIVAL CLAIMS OF FRANCE AND ENGLAND.

PAGE.

Jocelyn's Visit — The Destruction of Black Point — The Vicissitudes of "War — A Naval Expedition — Merciless Ravages — Destruction at Port Royal — The Expedition to Norridgewock — Exchange of Prisoners — Treason suspected — Incidents of the Conflict — A Renewed Attack upon Port Royal — Rage of Gov. Dudley — The Third Attack and its Failure — Naval Battle at Winter Harbor — The Conquest of Nova Scotia — The Commission to Quebec — Exchange of Menaces 265

CHAPTER XVI.

BBITISH AND INDIAN DIPLOMACY.

Enthusiasm of the British Government — The Fleet for the Conquest of Canada — Utter Failure of the Enterprise — Daily Perils — The Bridal Party — Treaty of Utrecht — The Ravages of War — Character of the Younger Castine — State of the Ministry — The Pejepscot Purchase — Ancient Dominions — Rearing the Forts — The Council at Arrow sic — Gloomy Prospects — Character of Father Rasle . 282

CHAPTER XVLL

THE VICISSITUDES OF WAR.

The War Renewed — Resolve of the British — Westbrook's Attempt on an Indian Village — An Indian Fort — Expedition to Oldtown — Attempt upon Norridgewock — Beauty of the Village — Savage Depredations — Father Rasle and his Chapel — His Letters — Murder of Bomaseen — Slaughter at Norridgewock — Death of Rasle — Tribute to His Memory — Capt. Love well's Achievement — Drake's Narrative 300

CHAPTER XVIH.

THE PROGRESS AND TERMINATION OF LOVEWELL's WAR.

Encampment at Great Ossipee — Serious Contest — Death of Lovewell — Of Frye — Fate of the English in Lovewell's War — Government Measures — Native Honor — Indian Distresses — Incorporation of Orono — Heath's Expedition — Attack upon Young Castine — The Dummer Treaty — Indian Letters — Cost of Indian Wars — Peace concluded 319

CHAPTER XIX.

THE DOOM OF THE INDIAN.

French Influence — Gov. Dummer — His Wise Policy — The Trading-Houses — Life at Falmouth — Govs. Burnet and Belcher — Act against Duelling — Encroachments of the English — Conference at Falmouth — Gov. Shirley — Visit of Whiterield — Council at St. George — The Indians desire Peace — Indians refuse to fight their Brethren — The Capture of Louisburg — War Proclaimed against the Indians — Peace — Subsiding Billows — New Claims of the English — Fort at Teconnet . 337

CONTENTS.

CHAPTER XX.

THE OLD FRENCH WAR, AND THE "WAR OF THE REVOLUTION COMMENCED.

PAGE.

The Upper Kennebec Explored — New Forts Built — War with the Indians Renewed — English Atrocities — War between France and England — Feebleness of the Indians — Incorporation of Towns — Efforts of England to enslave America— The Stamp Act — The Tea Tax — Battle of Lexington— Patriotism of the People of Maine — Scenes in Falmouth — Visit of the British Sloop-of- War — Capture of Capt. Mowatt — His Threats . . 354

CHAPTER XXI.

THE WAR OF THE REVOLUTION: FALMOUTH IN ASHES.

The British Fleet — The Doom Announced — The Conference — The Bombardment—The Expedition to Quebec — The Repulse — Frendliness of the Indians — New Towns Incorporated — The British Repulsed at Machias — Anecdote of John Adams — Arrival of the French Fleet — The Foe established at Biguyduce — Terrible Naval Disaster to the Americans — Barbarism of the English— Capture of Gen. Wadsworth — His Brave Defence — His Escape 377

CHAPTER XXH.

THE WAR OF 1812, AND THE SEPARATION.

Expenses of the War — The Question of Separation — Increase of Towns — Counties Formed — Bowdoin College Chartered — The Farmington Schools — Lewiston — Augusta and its Institutions — Waterville — Gardiner — The War of 1812 — Causes of the War — Incidents of the Conflict — Increase of Population and Towns — The Penobscot Valley Ravaged — General Alarm — Scenes in Castine — Peace — The "Ohio Fever" — The Separation — Maine an Independent State 397

CHAPTER XXHI.

PEACE AND PROSPERITY.

William King — William D. Williamson — The Maine of Half a Century Ago — A Journey to Boston — Succeeding Governors — The Aroostook War — Origin of the Difficulty — Warlike Measure — Interesting Incidents — The Truce— Final Settlement 426

CHAPTER XXIV.

THE SCANDINAVIAN IMMIGRATION.

Origin of the Movement — The Plan Adopted — Mission of Mr. Thomas to Sweden — Wise Measures triumphantly Successful — The Voyage of the Immigrants — Their Hospitable Reception — New Sweden — The Primeval Forest — Labors of the Colonists — Their Industry and Prosperity — Increasing Immigration — Interesting Letter from Sweden — Present State of the Colony — Future Prospects 436

CONTENTS.

CHAPTER XXV.

THE PICTURESQUE ATTRACTIONS OF MAINE.

PAGE.

Portland and Casco Bay — Seashore Resorts — Isles of Shoals — The Beaches — Cape Arundel and Old Orchard — Bath to Rockland, and up the Penobscot— Mount Desert — Lake Sebago — Mt. Pleasant and the Saco — The Valley of the Androscoggin — Rangeley Lakes and Sandy River — The Kennebec Valley — Moosehead Lake and the Aroostook 446

CHAPTER XXVI.

MAINE IN THE WAR OF THE REBELLION.

Military Condition of Maine — Proclamation of the President — Prompt Action — The Greeting in New York — Welcome in Washington — Stove-pipe Artillery — Testimony of Gen. Sickles — Gen. Hiram G. Berry — The Liquor Shops — The Seventh Maine Complimented — Sufferings of Camp- Life — Colored Regiments — Testimony of Gen. Naglee — Gen. Dow — Toils of a Campaign — The Sharp-shooters — Lieut. Hill — Batteries of Light Artillery — Courage of New Recruits 468

CHAPTER XXVH.

MAINE IN THE WAR OF THE REBELLION, CONTINUED.

Battle of Cedar Mountain — Bivouacking in the Rain — Testimony of Gen. Burnside — Scenes at Port Hudson — Arlington Heights — Campaigning in the South — Patriotism of the Twenty-Seventh Regiment — Toilsome March — Battle at Marianna — Ravages of Sickness — Summary of the Efforts of Maine — Major-Gen. O. O. Howard at Gettysburg — Major-Gen. Joshua L. Chamberlain at the Surrender of Lee 483

CHAPTER XXVLTI.

AGRICULTURE AND MANUFACTURES.

Maine, its Location and Size — Mountains — Katahdin — Temperature — Agricultural Products — Various Industries — Ship-Building — Railroads — Slate Quarries — Little Blue Quarry — Water-Power — Annual Rain -Fall — Manufacturing Facilities — The Saco Basin — The Androscoggin — The Kennebec—The Penobscot Valley — The St. Croix — The St. John — The Salubrious Climate — Prospects of Emigration 499

CHAPTER XXIX.

POPULAR EDUCATION.

Normal School in Farmington — Normal School in Castine — Maine Central Institute — Oak Grove Seminary — Commei'cial College — State College of Agriculture — Winthrop Grammar School — Kittery District School — Intellectual, Social, and Physical Advantages of Maine 518

ILLUSTEATIOm

PAGE.

Portrait of Author . ... . . . . Frontispiece.

Old Stone Tower, Newport 20

Pejepscot Falls, Brunswick . 229

Garrison House at York 234

Monument of Rasle, Norridgewock 316

Sergeant Larrabee's Garrison, Kennebunk 318

Oldtown Falls 328

Ticonic Falls, Water ville . 362

Battle of Lexington . . . 371

Last Blockhouse of Fort Halifax 376

Lower Falls, East Machias . .- 385

View of Portland 396 ;

Maine Wesleyan Seminary . 399

Bowdoin College, Brunswick 402

Western Normal School, Farmington 404

Scenery at Abbott Family School, Farmington .... 405 Mansion, Abbott Family School, Farmington . . . . 406 Family School for Girls, at "The Willows," Farmington . 408

Lewiston Falls 410

Kennebec Dam, Augusta 413>

Cobbossee Contee Falls, Gardiner 416

State House, Augusta 428

Insane Hospital, Augusta 430'

Portland Observatory . . . 447

City Hall, Portland .......... 448

Custom House, Portland 449'

Post Office, Portland ......... 450'

The Cliffs, Cape Arundel . . . . . . . " . 451

Boston and Maine Railroad Bridge, Saco . . . . . 452'

Old Orchard Beach 454

Whitehead Cliffs . . 455;

Lake Sebago 459

Bonny Eagle Falls, Buxton . 4601

ILLUSTRATIONS.

PAGE.

Lisbon Falls 461

Upper Falls, Rumford 463

Lower Falls, Rumford 464

Livermore Falls 465

Cascade at West Waterville 466

The National Home for Disabled Soldiers 496

Cumberland Mill Falls 509

North Channel Dam 511

Madison Bridge Falls 512

Carratunk Falls 513

Upper Dam, Ellsworth 514

Westbrook Seminary 522

Residences of Col. Ebenezer Webster and Others . . . 524

District Schoolhouse 525

State Agricultural College . 526

Grammar Schoolhouse 527

Maine General Hospital • 529

THE HISTORY OF MAINE.

CHAPTER I.

VOYAGES OF THE NORTHMEN 1 AND OTHER EARLY EXPLORERS.

Country of the Northmen — Voyages to Iceland and Greenland — Voyage of Thorwald — His Death — Expedition of Thorfinn and Gudrida — Visit to Buzzard's Bay and Narraganset Bay —First Description of New England — A Mystery of History — Voyage of John Cahot — Voyage of his Son, Sebastian Cabot — French and English Claims — Gaspar Cortereal — Verrazano — Strange Interview with the Indians — Estevan Gomez — Norumbega — John Rut.

EVENTS contemplated through the lapse of a thousand years must be dim. In ancient times the region of northern Europe, which now comprehends Denmark, Sweden, and Norway, was called Scandinavia. The hardy people who dwelt in that frigid clime were called Northmen. They were a seafaring people, regarded mainly as pirates. Shores far distant were ravaged by their plundering expeditions.

It is said, that, ten centuries ago, one of these Northmen, Naddod, who was called the sea-king, driven by storms, discovered Iceland. It was, ere long, settled by a colony from Denmark. It is said, that, about seventeen years after the discovery of Iceland, a storm drove another vessel from that island across to Greenland, a distance of but about four hundred miles. This was in the extreme north-eastern portion of the North Ameri-

1 For the following account of the voyages of the Northmen, I am mainly indebted to the celebrated work entitled, " Antiquitates Americans, Hafnie. Copenhagen, 1839. By C. C. Bafn." So far as it is possible to obtain any accuracy upon this subject, the authority of Mr. Kafn is unquestionable.

THE HISTORY OF MAINE.

can Continent. Thus, according to this report, the Northmen discovered America more than six hundred years before Columbus approached our shores.

About ten years after this, another Northman, by the name of Biarne, seeking Greenland, was driven by fierce gales far to the south. It is surmised, from his vague descriptions, that he must have caught sight of Cape Cod, and that he thence coasted north-easterly, back along the shores of Maine and Nova Scotia, to Greenland.

As the story goes, four years after this, in the }~ear 1000, a man by the name of Leif took another vessel, and set out on an exploring expedition. He touched at dreary, desolate Newfoundland ; leaving the coast of Maine unseen far away on his right, he directed his course south-west, till he reached the head of Cape Cod. Sailing around the Cape, and turning to the west, he entered a large bay, which it is supposed was Narraganset, and landed, probably not far from the present site of Newport in Rhode Island.

They found the climate so mild, the region so delightful, the fruit so abundant, that they decided to spend the winter there. As rich grapes abounded, they named the country Vineland. In the shortest day of winter they recorded that the sun rose at half past seven, and set at half past four. This would quite decisively indicate that they were in the region of southern New England.

In the year 1002 a brother of Leif, by the name of Thorwald, set out on another exploring tour to these newly discovered and attractive realms. Following his brother's track, he reached the same bay in which Leif had wintered, and occupied the same cabins which he had reared. In the spring he sent out the long boat with a party of sailors, to examine the coast west and south. We know nothing of the results of this expedition.

It is inferred, from the accounts which are still quite vague, that Thorwald spent another winter in Narraganset Bay, and that he named the spot Leifsbuder, or Leifshouse. In the spring •he set sail in his ship, to follow the coast back to Greenland. :Sailing around Cape Cod, which he named Naeset, he turned

THE HISTORY OF MAINE.

the bows of bis ship due west, towards the main land, and came to anchor not improbably in what is now Boston Harbor. He was so delighted with the aspect of the wooded hill, and the green vales, and the charming expanse of the bay studded with islands, that he exclaimed, " Here it is beautiful ; here I should like to spend my days ! "

While at anchor here, they discovered three small canoes, each containing three natives. These barbarian Northmen, with cruelty which would have disgraced savages, pursued the harmless natives, and killed eight of them. One only escaped. The fiend-like deed roused the tribe. Soon a fleet of canoes, filled with Indian warriors, seemed to cover the bay. But their puny arrows could make no impression upon the oak-ribbed ship of their foes. The Northmen, sheltered by planks, could bid defiance to the assaults of these justly exasperated natives. The assailants, seeing the futility of their efforts, retired.

They knew not that one barbed arrow, God-directed, had entered the vitals of Thorwald, piercing him just beneath the arm. He was the only one injured. As the deeply imbedded arrow adhered to the wound, and the blood gushed forth, he had only time to say, —

" This is my death-blow. I advise you to depart as soon as possible ; but first take my body to the shore, and bury it upon the promontory before you. There I had intended to make my abode : I shall now dwell there forever. Place two crosses at my grave, — one at the head and one at the foot ; and let the spot, in all future time, be called Krossanaes." 1

This event took place, as is supposed, near Boston Harbor. It was the first conflict between the native Americans and the Europeans. In this encounter the Europeans were palpably and outrageously in the wrong. Thorwald's men returned to Narraganset Bay, where they spent the winter. We have no account of their having any intercourse with the Indians. They probably set traps for beaver and other animals. It is stated that in the spring they set sail for Greenland with a cargo of wood and furs.

It would seem, from this account, that Thorwald and his men

1 The Promontory of the Crosses.

THE HISTORY OF MAINE.

were upon the Rhode Island shore for two years. They made sundry explorations, both east and west. The remarkable headland, now called Cape Cod, they minutely described. They gave it the name of Naeset, or the Nose. It is worthy of notice, that when oar Puritan fathers landed at the head of the Cape, after the lapse of eight hundred years, the Indians called it Nauset, there being the change of but a single letter in the name.

Erik had a third son, Thorstein. With fraternal affection, the young man decided to fit out an expedition to Vineland, as the country was then called, that he might obtain the remains of his brother, and bury them by the graves of his fathers. He fitted out the same ship in which Thorwald had sailed, and took with him a crew of twenty-five picked men. His wife, Gudrida, who is represented as a woman of remarkable prudence and energy, accompanied him.

The ship encountered a series of terrible storms, and was driven far away to sea, they scarcely knew where. Turning homewards, they did not reach the ice-bound shores of Greenland until early in December, 1005. They landed at one of these cheerless settlements, greatly exhausted by the tempests against which they so long had struggled. Here Thorstein was taken sick and died, with many others of his crew. It is probable that the ship was frozen in, for she did not leave her dreary anchorage until the spring. The heart-stricken widow then returned to her friends.

A year passed away, and Gudrida was married again to a gentleman of Iceland, by the name of Thorfinn. He was a wealthy man, of illustrious birth, and distinguished for his virtues and his energy. Our own New England, the Vineland of the Icelanders, was to them, in comparison with their icy abode, the land of fruits and flowers, of genial clime and sunny skies. Thorfinn, influenced, it is said, by the glowing description he had received from the lips of his wife, of these favored realms, fitted out another exploring expedition. It was probably his intention to establish a colony, for he took three ships and one hundred and sixty men.

The expedition set out from one of the southern ports in

THE HISTORY OF MAINE.

Greenland, in the summer of 1008. They sailed along the coast of Nova Scotia, then called Markland ; and then, keeping the land, of what is now called Maine, ever in sight, cruised along the shore until they reached Cape Cod. It does not appear that they landed at any point.

They sailed around Cape Cod, being much impressed with its long and sandy beaches. Passing the group of the Elizabeth Islands, with which they were much charmed, and where they saw water-fowl in such wonderful abundance that they could scarcely step upon the shore without treading upon their eggs, they cast anchor in Buzzard's Bay.

From this point a small party was sent out on an exploring tour to the north. The ships, with the remainder of the men, sailed westward, and again entered the beautiful sheet of water which their countrymen had previously visited, the Narraganset Bay. It may be doubted whether there is anywhere a more genial climate than that of southern New England. Farther north the winters are too cold; farther south the summers are too hot. In this temperate region there is perhaps as desirable a blending of heat and cold as can anywhere else be found.

Thorfinn was delighted with the spot. He found grapes in rich clusters, wheat growing wild. Through the winter no snow fell, and the cattle fed in the open fields. The natives, who may not have heard of the infamous assault of Thorwald in Massachusetts Bay, gathered around in large numbers and with the most friendly feelings. They brought in furs and skins, which they were eager to exchange for the knives, hatchets, and beads, which the strangers brought. The little hamlet of log huts which Thorfinn erected on the shore, he called Thorflnn's Buder, or Thorfinn's Building.

The Icelandic chronicler of this enterprise writes that the natives valued very highly the red cloth the strangers brought. They would give furs of the richest fibre for a piece not broader than a finger's breadth, which they bound around their heads like a crown.

We have mentioned, that, at Buzzard's Bay, an exploring party had been sent out to visit the region north and east. This company consisted of eight men, led by an Icelander of very 2

THE HISTORY OF MAINE.

enterprising spirit, named Thorhall. He is represented as a man of very dark complexion, of stout build, and great physical strength. They embarked in a large boat, sailed along the eastern coast of Cape Cod, and then struck across Massachusetts Bay, north-westerly towards the coast of Maine.

On this passage he encountered a north-west wind of such fury and continuance, that, according to the almost incredible statement, he was driven entirely across the Atlantic Ocean to the coast of Ireland. As the story goes, he and his men, upon landing, were made slaves.

At the Narraganset settlement dissensions arose between the Northmen and the natives. Battles ensued. The Northmen were worsted in the conflict, as probably they deserved to be. Impartial history must declare, that, perhaps without exception, in the battles waged in this countiy between the Europeans and the natives, the Europeans were the aggressors. The natives seem invariably to have fought to avenge some wrongs previously received.

The Northmen, who were but little better armed than the • natives, and far outnumbered by them, found their position very perilous. Thorfinn decided to break up his colony and return to Greenland, but he had heard no tidings from Thorhall : he therefore took one of his ships, and sailed in search of him. The rest of his company he left on the shore at Buzzard's Bay.