Life of General Nathaniel Lyon

Front matter

Tlie Institute of Museum and Library Services through an Indiana State Library LSTA Grant

K. OLL^

C OCL_

Preface

Shortly after the fall of General Lyon at the battle of Wilson's Creek, the writer was requested by the relatives of the deceased to prepare an account of his life and services for publication. For this purpose journals, letters, and numerous other papers written by Gen. Lyon, were placed at his disposal.

The present work, however imperfectly executed, has been in all respects a labor of love. Gen. Lyon's purity of character, his honesty of purpose, and unfaltering devotion to the honor and welfare of his country, will render his name and memory ever precious to his countrymen. No one can become famihar with the life of Nathaniel Lyon, without feehng that in his death the Nation lost one of her noblest as well as bravest sons.

Lyon began his mihtary career by taking an active part in the most vigorous and toilsome campaign of the Seminole war. "We have described the difficulties and incidents of the struggle in general terms, as best showing what he and his comrades were called to endure while hunting the savages through those pathless wilds.

Gen. Lyon left a large amount of manuscripts relating to the Mexican war, upon which we have drawn freely. Numerous extracts have been made from his notes, and much use has been made of his descriptions of the battles, the people, and the country.

VI PEEFACE.

The writer would here tender his thanks to the brothers and sisters of Gen. Lyon, for the promptitude with which they have furnished valuable papers and information.

Thanks are especially due to Capt. Miner Knowlton, U. S. A., and Danford Knowlton, Esq., cousins of Gen. Lyon, for their zealous and active co-operation.

Dr. G. G. Lyon, now surgeon of the " Lyon Regiment," 3d Missouri Volunteers, kindly forwarded to the writer numerous printed documents relating to the campaign in Missouri during the summer of 1861.

Many others also have furnished valuable assistance, to whom the writer would here express his obligations.

Franklin, Conn., March 26th, 1862*

Chapter I

Sorrow of tlie nation at the death of Gen. Lyon. — His important services in Missouri. — Moral value of the early Union victories in Missouri. — Obligations of a nation to the memory of her heroes, — Ancestry of Gen. Lyon. — His paternal grandfather, Ephraim Lyon. — Anecdote of. — His father, Amasa Lyon. — Anecdote of — Maternal ancestry. — Col. Thomas Knowlton. — Lieut. Daniel Knowlton. — Anecdotes of — Birth of Nathaniel Lyon. — His zeal and industry as a school-boy. — Graduation at the Brown School-house. — Adventures at the Brooklyn Academy.— Remarks on a newspaper statement. — Lyon enters the Military Academy at West Point. — Extracts from his correspondence. — The "Calculus."— "Drawing." — Fancy Ball. — Graduation at West Point. — Promoted Second Lieutenant, Second Infantry, . 13

CHAPTER n.

Lyon joins the second regiment of infantry in Florida. — Nature of the war. — Origin of the Seminoles. — Their character. — Causes of Hostilities. — The determination of the settlers to dispossess the owners of the soil. — Appointment of commissioners. Interview between the commissioners and chiefs at Fort Moultrie.— The treaty of September 18th, 1823. — Hardships imposed upon the Indians. — Treaty of Payne's Landing. — Additional treaty signed at Fort Gibson. — The immediate consequences. — ■ Oceola. — Indian cruelties. — Mistakes of the government. —

VIU CONTENTS.

Physical aspect of the country. — Indian method of fighting. — Protraction of the war. — Causes : contractors, friendly negroes, Spaniards. — Lyon's company start to hunt Halleck-Tustenuggee. — Halleck-Tustenuggee. — Persisient efforts of the second infantry to capture this chief — Powis Fixico: almost captured by Lyon. — Battle at Ahapopka Lake. — Halleck voluntarily comes to Col. Worth's camp. — Visits Fort King. — Capture of the gang by stratagem. — Lyon leaves Florida, . . 33

CHAPTER in.

Lyon at Sacket's Harbor. — Use of leisure hours. — His views on the annexation of Texas. — Second infantry sent to Mexico. — Lyon's march from Camargo to Monterey and thence to Tampico, with extracts from his journal. — Positions and plans of the American army at the time. — Sails to Vera Cruz. — Landing of the troops. — Investment of the city. — Its difficulties. — Bombardment of the town. — Its surrender. — Part taken by Lyon's regiment.— March from Vera Cruz. — Extracts from Lyon's journal. — Battle of Cerro Gordo, . . • . 61

CHAPTER IV.

Arrival at Jalapa.— Lyon's impressions of the country.— Advance from Jalapa.— Extracts from Lyon's journal.— Arrival at Puebla.— The city.— Losses of the American army from disease, &c.— Its perilous situation.— Arrival of re-inforcements.— Advance from Puebla.— Lyon's journal.— The valley of Mexico.— Its defenses, natural and artificial. — March around Lake Chalco. —Defenses south of the city.— March across the Pedregal or field of lava. — Battle of Contreras. — Cherubusco. — Comments of Lieut. Lyon on the action. — Lyon's promotions for meritorious conduct in these two engagements. . . .01

CONTENTS. IX

CHAPTER V.

The armistice. — Lyon's opinion of it. — Lyon's comments on the* engagement at Molino del Key.— Chapultepec— Entry into the city. — Lyon wounded. — Lyon joins an escort for Vera Cruz. The route.— Puebla.— Santa Anna's operations there.— Santa Anna's overthrow.— Lyon's comments on the recklessness of the Americans ; on affairs at Vera Cruz.— Return to the city of Mexico.— Lyon's account of the quarrel among the American generals in Mexico.— Treaty of Guadalupe Hidalgo.— Peace,— The army starts for Vera Cruz.— Lyon's comments on the Mexican people, ...... 121

CHAPTER VL

Embarkation at Vera Cruz. — Arrival at New Orleans and subsequent movements. — Passage up the Mississippi. — Lyon revisits the east. — Rejoins his regiment at New York. — Departure for California. — Rio Janeiro. — Hospitable entertainment. — Lyon's description of Rio Janeiro. — Cape Horn. — Valparaiso. — Fourth of March. — Mr. Polk. — Gen. Taylor. — Arrival in California.— ^Wonderful development of the territory. — Heterogeneous character of the population. — Struggle in the territory between virtue and vice. — Final triumph of order. — Its lesson of encouragement. — "Manifest Destiny." — Hardships of mihtary service in California. — Universality of desertions. — Gen. Smith's views. — Strength of the gold mania. — Capt. Lyon's company embark for San Diego. — Hardships to which Lyon was subjected in California. — His energy and success. — The United States and the Indians. — San Diego. — Lyon's first experiences at San Diego. — Is transferred to Benicia and thence to "Miller's Camp." — Maj. Miller's command returns to Benicia. — Benicia, . 137

Contents

CHAPTER VII.

Indian outrages. — Efforts to punish the savages. — Fruitless at first. — Lyon appointed to command an expedition against the Indians of Clear Lake. — The march. — Battle of Clear Lake. — Forced march. — Another Battle. — Gen. Smith's report. — Intrigues of Spaniards. — Number and character of the Clear Lake Indians. — March to the sources of Pitf River. — Anecdotes of Lyon. — Search for the remains of Capt. "Warner. — Return to Benicia. — Lyon's remarks on the slavery agitation. — Return to San Diego. — Surveys a new route to Fort Yuma. — History of this station. — ''Vigilance Committee," . . 165

CHAPTER VIIL

Appendix

[A] Genealogy of Gen. Lyon. . • " . 349

[B.] Action of the General Assembly of Connecticut. 357

[C] Obituary Addresses delivered in the U. S. Senate. 358

CHAPTER I.

On the 14tli of August, 1861, millions of hearts were saddened as the telegraph announced far and wide, that Gen. Nathaniel Lyon had fallen in battle, four days before, while cheering on the soldiers of the Union. The nation was looking hopefully to him as one of her stoutest defenders against the power and purposes of rebellious citizens. From the inception of hostilities, extraordinary success had uniformly attended his bold, vigorous, and decisive measures. With a bare handful of men, he guarded the public property at the St. Louis Arsenal, though menanced for weeks by strong bands of open and secret enemies. During the period the spirit of secession held high carnival in the city, vaunting itself with the utmost insolence and self-assurance. But Lyon was not idle. While others slept, his wakeful brain was devising means to save the state from the calamities into which the machinations of the disaffected were rapidly hurrying her. Around the little nucleus at the arsenal, a strong force of volunteers was almost noiselessly gathered. When at length the time for action came, the brilliant exploit at " Camp Jackson " fell with crushing weight upon the astonished plotters of treason. Thenceforth the city of St. Louis was freed from the outward exhibitions of disloyalty. Enemies of the country no longer flauntingiy displayed the insignia of rebellion in conspicuous places, but slunk away into secret corners whence the mutterings of discontent might not be heard.

The area of active operations now widened. Throughout Missouri, thousands were in sympathy with the disruptionists of the South. Gov. Jackson secretly aided their schemes, endeavoring at the same time, by craft and fair professions, to circumvent the Federal officers, and thus commit the state, without molestation, to the fortunes of rebellion. Men of assured and uncompromising loyalty seemed to be in a hopeless minority. Surrounded by defection and perfidy, the defenders of the Union labored under the gravest embarrassment that can befall the conductors of a military campaign.

In the face of innumerable difficulties, Gen, Lyon succeeded in organizing a small but effective army.

With this he moved rapidly into the heart of the State, crushing the growth of treason and raising the symbol of American Liberty over the homes of faithful citizens. On the twelfth of June, Gov. Jackson published an insurrectionary proclamation from the capital of Missouri. Ere the close of the week, he was driven forth a fugitive. Without allowing the enemy time to rally, Gen. Lyon swept over the country with wind-like velocity, making long marches in the hottest months of the year, and destroying the germs of rebellion at points widely distant, almost simultaneously. No where were the adversaries of the Union suffered to organize or gather strength. In places of supposed security, they were taken by surprise. So swift were the movements of this little army, and so uniform its success, that the country begun to regard it as ubiquitous and invincible.

Hurrying forward with incredible rapidity, he reached Springfield, a town of importance in the south-western corner of the state, one hundred and twenty miles beyond the terminus alt the nearest railroad. In this vicinity the routed secessionists of Missouri were joined by large reinforcements from Arkansas, Louisiana and Texas. Emboldened by great superiority in numbers, and anxious to wipe out the stain of numerous defeats, they prepared for battle. Gen. Lyon's small force seemed entirely inadequate to defend the city against such overwhelming hordes. But he could not endure the apparent humiliation of turning back from an enemy, nor could he abandon the unionists dependent on him for protection, to be insulted, pillaged and murdered by lawless gangs of banditti. He determined to hold the position until relieved by reinforcements. Earnest and reiterated appeals for aid were sent to St. Louis and to Washington. The country listened with intense anxiety to the voice from that remote but important quarter. Yet the calls brought no response in men. Gen. Lyon, left to cope with a force quadrupling his own, was induced, by the desperate posture of affairs, to plan a night attack upon the enemy. The little army, full of faith in its leader, went boldly and even gaily forth to the banquet of Death. On the bloody battle-field of Wilson's Creek, that leader fell, while achieving the most brilliant but costly triumph ever won by American arms.

The interval since the death of Gen. Lyon is so brief that the sorrow of the nation is still fresh, nor has the magnitude of the loss diminished in popular estimation. Devoted patriotism, far-reaching foresight, judicious boldness, and uniform success, superadded to many noble qualities of heart, made him the idol of his soldiers and a favorite with tlie people.

Our victories in Missouri, aside from local importance, were of great moral value in relieving the depression consequent on the unfortunate issue of our efforts elsewhere. In many places a succession of reverses seemed to attend the Union cause. A valuable part of our navj had been sacrificed to the foul hand of treason in the navy yard at Norfolk. Privateers were preying upon our commerce with impunity. The magnificent army of the Potomac, which millions confidently expected was about to trample the last breath of vitality from the prostrate trunk of rebellion, had fled in disorder without accomplishing forty miles of the "road to Richmond." But in Missouri, as in We-stern Yirginia, brilliant successes crowned our arms in every encounter, raising the despondent spirits of the loyal, and despite our disasters, causing the heart of the nation to beat high with hope.

It is fitting that we remember the heroes who have placed their lives as voluntary offerings upon the altar of our country. While we raise the granite shaft to mark the burial spot consecrated by their dust, we should also strive to embalm the precious words and glorious deeds which have made their names immortal.

Gen, Lyon* sprang from a worthy, brave and patriotic ancestry. Epliraim Lyon, his grandfather, served for twelve months in the war of Independence, and afterwards became a successful farmer and lawyer in the town of Ashford, Conn. The community reposed great confidence in his legal acumen, which was called into requisition in many knotty cases. From the anecdotes handed down traditionally among tlie people of the neighborhood, we select the following to illustrate the shrewdness and sagacity of " Lawyer Lyon," as he was generally called.

A bag of grain had been stolen from a mill, and the owner, thinking that the sack might be returned in the course of time with another grist, directed the miller to keep a look-out for the thief. After a while a quantity of grain was brought to the mill, inclosed in a sack exactly corresponding in appearance with the one purloined several months before. The unfortunate possessor was speedily confronted by an officer, armed with a warrant for his arrest. Being a quiet, inoffensive, and excessively timid old man, he was so overcome and confused by the charge that his perturbation was accepted as a sure evidence of guilt. Public opinion, at least, was convinced. As the day of trial drew near, the accused

* Vide Appendix A.

became deeply dejected, so that he was in no situation to lend personal aid to the refutation of the charge. But a friend, who believed him innocent notwithstanding the unpromising aspect of the case, sent for "Lawyer Lyon," confident that in his hands the mystery would be unraveled, if such a thing were possible.

In those days, all the coarse cloth in use was of domestic manufacture. The accuser produced several sacks in court and testified that they were all woven in the same web with the one which had been stolen. When the bag in dispute was compared with the others, it was found to correspond exactly in width, color, and general aspect. Lyon now requested the court to adjourn for an hour, and although the judge objected on the ground that the guJlt of the party was indubitable, the favor was reluctantly conceded. He immediately employed three experienced women to rip the sacks in pieces and count the threads in the warp of each. Those produced in evidence were found to contain the same number, but the one alleged to have been stolen contained thirteen threads more. The women accordingly testified that this could not have been woven in the same web with the others, and the innocence of the man became so clear that the jury returned a verdict of " Not Guilty " without leaving tlieir seats.

Amasa Lyon, father of the General, was also a substantial farmer of Ashford. In early manhood he took great interest in politics, entering zealously into the ardent contest which resulted in the elevation of Thomas Jefferson to the presidency. While that memorable election was pending, and both parties were making prodigious efforts to muster every voter, a young man wished to be admitted to the privileges of an elector in Ashford, but was fearful of rejection by the board of judges on the ground that he did not have the property qualification required by the laws of Connecticut at the time. The town was then controlled by a large Federal majority, which materially damaged the prospects of the candidate, as he was suspected of sympathizing with the opposite side. In this dilemma, Lyon advised him to go without reserve to the leader of the Federalists and solicit his aid, agreeing to cooperate himself by strenuously opposing his admittance. The ruse was entirely successful. Objections from a partisan so well acquainted with the political proclivities of the different members of the community, seemed to be sufficient proof of the orthodoxy of the applicant. His claims were acknowledged without further questioning, and he had the satisfaction of voting for Mr. Jefferson.

In the maternal line, the family of Gen. Lyon acted a conspicuous and highly honorable part in the Revolutionary War.

Col. Thomas Knowlton, a brilliant officer and devoted patriot, was uncle to Gen. Lyon's mother. While yet a boy he became distinguished for sagacity and valor in the struggles of the colonies against the French. Years later, when the battle-notes of Lexington aroused the American people to resist the aggressions of the British crown, he led a company of stalwart men from Ashford to Boston. This was the first organized body of troops that went from a sister colony to the aid of Massachusetts.

At the battle of Bunker's Hill, Col. Knowlton commanded the left wing of the provincial army, stationed on a strip of hard upland between the eminence and Mystic river — the key to the American works on the peninsula. He extemporized a novel kind of breastwork, by planting two rows of rail-fence parallel to each other, and packing the interval with freshly mown hay. Older officers ridiculed the contrivance as worthless ; but subsequent developments showed the superior judgment of the projector. Gen. Howe twice led the flower of the British army against this position, and twice the British were repulsed with terrible slaughter-. An impassable slough in front protected the breastwork from the approach of cannon, and to musketry it proved wholly impervious. The casualties behind the fence, from both attacks, were trifling. No further demonstration was made against the American left. In the third attempt to dislodge the Provincials, Gen. Clinton threw his force upon the front and right. Failure of ammunition now compelled the main body on the hill to retire. As it passed the position of Col. Knowlton, he joined in with the four companies under his command, covering the retreat. Fortunately, they had brought into action a much larger number of cartridges than the other troops, and still had a supply left. Eetiring with deliberation, and obstinately contesting every foot of ground, they prevented the enemy from overwhelming the other divisions, now almost defenceless, on the retreat.

Col. Knowlton was killed in battle at Harlem Heights, Sept. 16th, 1776. Gen. Washington, in the general orders of the next day, says : " The gallant and brave Col. Knowlton, who would have been an honor to any country ^ having fallen yesterday while gloriously fighting, Capt. Brown is to take command of the party lately led by Col. Knowlton."

Thus fell, in the prime of early manhood, one of the most brilliant and promising of our Eevolutionary officers.

Lieut. Daniel Knowlton, an elder brother of Col. Thomas, was the maternal grandfather of Gen. Lyon. Coolness, resolution, and bravery, were characteristic of the family. Lieut. Daniel served through the French and Indian wars, participating in many desperate enterprises. He was often sent in command of small parties, to scout in the forests,— a kind of service for which his courage and sagacity eminently fitted him. No duty connected with the long and bloody wars on the frontier, required more tact or skill than that of reconnoitering among the native wilds of the red man, where the slightest indiscretion might betray the venturesome explorer to the cruelty of the pitiless savage. From long practice some of the provincials acquired a marvelous degree of skill in tracking and eluding the enemy, almost rivaling the Lidian himself in interpreting the signs which to the ordinary eye are either invisible or meaningless.

On one of these perilous scouting expeditions, Lieut. Knowlton captured three men belonging to a gang of blood-thirsty desperadoes, whose numerous atrocities had made them extremely odious as well as terrible. With a small force on hostile territorj, it was unsafe either to retain or dismiss the prisoners. Duly impressed with the claims of selfpreservation, the captors decided that the crimes of the miscreants entitled them to halters, and that the pressing exigences of the case justified no delay. Halters were accordingly made from the bark of hickory saplings, from which the culprits were soon dangling between heaven and earth.

Gen. Putnam, the companion of Lieut. Knowlton during several of the French and Indian campaigns, said of him, " Such is his courage and want of fear, I could order him into the mouth of a loaded cannon."

When Col. Thomas Knowlton led the Ashford company to the American Head Quarters near Boston, shortly after the battle of Lexington, Gen. Putnam asked the Colonel where his brother Daniel was. Being informed that he had gone in another direction, the General remarked, " I am very sorry you did not bring him with you ; he alone is worth half a company."

Daniel Knowlton served from the opening to the close of the Revolutionary war. For about two years he was a prisoner in the hands of the enemy, being confined a part of the time on a ship in New York harbor. On one occasion, when pacing back and forth, with eyes bent on the deck, a British officer impertinently and pompously inquired why lie did not hold up his head, like a man and a soldier. Knowlton quietly replied, " In passing through fields of grain, I have noticed that the valuable heads bow toward the earth ; only the empty and worthless stand erect." The questioner thereupon showed a proper appreciation of the answer, by bowing his own head and leaving the prisoner to pursue his meditations undisturbed.

Gen. Nathaniel Lyon was born in Ashford,* Conn., July 14th, 1818, the seventh child and fourth son of Amasa and Kezia (Knowlton) Lyon.

Several teachers who instructed Lyon in boyhood still survive, retaining vivid and pleasant recollections of the amiable and generous qualities, which even then made him a common favorite. They all testify that the early proficiency of the youth gave abundant promise of success and honor for tlie man. When very young he formed the plan of going to West Point, and from that time worked with a steady and unfaltering purpose. An intellect naturally vigorous, was improved by industrious application. Often while companions of equal years were at play or asleep, he was bending diligently over books, lay-

*Ashford was divided in the year 1847, the eastern portion, embracing the homestead of the Lyon family, being constituted a new town and called Eastford.

ing the foundations for the varied and extensive information of later life. The study of mathematics was prosecuted with zeal, partly from intense fondness for the pursuit, and partly from the conviction that the science of quantity afforded the most efficient means for disciplining the mind. In numerous ways, the qualities which suddenly blazed forth thirty years later, attracting the admiration and love of millions, were foreshadowed then. Stories of the Eevolution — of the privations and sufferings patiently endured to achieve national independence — ^listened to over and over again from a mother's lips, produced a profound impression of the value of our blood-bought liberties. Lessons of patriotism were daily instilled at the parental fire-side. In such an atmosphere and under such training, love of country grew with his growth and strengthened with his strength, till it became a far stronger passion than love of life.

Says a teacher, Lyon showed his predilections when a school-boy, by always selecting for declamation, pieces of a patriotic and martial character, which he delivered with a degree of heartiness and effect that attracted universal commendation.

His affections as a son and brother were warm, rich, and active, and lent a bright coloring to the whole of his after life.

Lyon graduated at the old brown school-house in his native district a few months before entering West Point, and during a part of the interim that ensued, attended the academy at Brooklyn, Conn.

Always kind and considerate, he spurned whatever bore the appearance of imposition or cruelty, and was strongly averse to quarreling, or participating in rude demonstrations of any kind.

Retiring and studious habits do not form the surest passport to the favor of boisterous youth. School boys are sometimes disposed '' to make game " of companions of gentler manners, and occasionally commit grave blunders in the estimate of consequences. When Lyon first went to the Brooklyn Academy, several old hands at the sport undertook to play upon him the usual practical jokes supposed to be essential to initiate new comers into the mysteries of such institutions. For a day or two the annoyance was borne without apparent notice. Inferring tameness as well as greenness, from the quietude of the '' victim," they ventured beyond the point where forbearance ceases to be a virtue. As the first intimation of a change of tactics, two or three found themselves suddenly prostrate, with a pair of fists vigorously at work in uncomfortable and dangerous proximity to their persons. It is needless to remark that further eiForts to expedite the cure of " verdancy " were dispensed with. Invariably courteous toward others, his nature rigorously demanded like treatment in return.

A story has been extensively circulated in the newspapers, with a view to illustrate Gen. Lyon's opposition to the dueling code, that he once tamely submitted to the indignity of a blow on the face, given for the purpose of either calling forth a challenge or convicting him of cowardice. It is manifestly impossible to disprove a statement, coming like this one in utter nakedness, with no allusion to time, place, or concomitants. But if a fact, it is nevertheless inconsistent with the general character of the man. It is true that he regarded the duel as a relic of barbarism, not less absurd than wicked. A determination, however, never to meet a brother mortal in single combat, by no means necessitates the patient endu.rance of a grievous insult. Nor does the training of the soldier inculcate a sentimental regard for the precept requiring us to turn the other cheek to him who smites us on the one. Gen. Lyon possessed great physical strength and agility, which no scruples of conscience could have deterred him from using at the cost of the individual who might venture upon such temerity.

Gen. Holt, then member of Congress from the third district of Conn., procured for young Lyon the appointment as cadet at West Point, to fill a vacancy opportunely occurring in the western part of the state, there being none at the time in his native district.

He entered the Military Academy in the autumn of 1837, distrustful of his own abilities, but with full determination to employ his opportunities and talents to the utmost. From the first, devoted love of country was a controlling motive. Whether a student in academic halls, or a soldier on the field of battle, it was a cardinal purpose to be ever faithful to her interests.

We give a few extracts, taken almost at random^ from his correspondence during this period.

Writing in August, 1838, he is induced by circumstances of a personal nature," to speak of the advantages enjoyed by the members of a family who spend the days of childhood and youth beneath the parental roof.

"At home one finds an experienced and affectionate father to guide ; a loving mother to cheer ; and brothers and sisters to share in the bounteous gifts of nature. Where it does not conflict too much with interest, a young man should delight to remain with his parents, conferring and receiving happiness from the interchange of kindly offices."

J

In March, 1839, lie expatiates on the mysteries of the Calculus^ having, like many others, found that branch of study to be a grievous stumbling block in the way of knovs^ledge.

'' The inventors of the Differential and Integral Calculus, have claimed that this branch of so called science, belongs to the department of mathematics ; and laboring under that delusion have introduced it into the course of academical instruction for the torture of students. Such classification is obviously incorrect, because the principles of mathematics fall within the scope of the reasoning faculty. The Calculus, on the contrary, lies without the boundaries of reason, having originated in the vagaries of some remarkable but erratic genius, who must have discovered its outlines in the flights of a wild and disordered imagination. Enthusiasts afterwards collected the fragmentary materials thus furnished, and by an ingenious arrangement, sought to dignify them with a place in the temple of science. The imposture being too complicated for easy exposure, has at length succeeded in establishing its claims, much to the sorrow of the unfortunate students thereby made to suffer."