Lives of the presidents of the United States of America from Washington to the present time ..

Front matter

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Book.

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Preface

There are few persons who can read this record of the Lives of the Presidents of the United States without the conviction, that there is no other nation which can present a consecutive series of seventeen rulers of equal excellence of character and administrative ability. Probably the least worthy of all our presidents would rank among the best of the kings whom the accident of birth has placed upon hereditary thrones ; and not an individual has popular sufrage elevated to the presidential chair, whom one would think of ranking with those many royal monsters who have in turn disgraced all the courts of Europe. This record settles the question, that popular suffrage, in the choice of rulers, is a far safer reliance than hereditary descent.

With us, the freedom of the press is so unlimited, and political partisanship so intense, that few persons have been able to take really an impartial view of the characters of those who have been by one party so inordinately lauded, and by the other so intemperately assailed. Ikit^^is we now dispassionately review the past, most readers will probably find many old prejudices dispelled.

In writing these sketches, the author has endeavored to be thoroughly impartial, and to place himself in the position which the subject of the sketch occupied, so as to look from his stand-point upon the great questions which he was called to consider. John Adams and Thomas Jefferson were in political antagonism ; but no man can i-ead a true record of their lives, and not be convinced that both were inspired with the noblest zeal to promote the best interests of their country and of the human race.

The writer has not thought that impartiality requires that he should refrain from a frank expression of his own views.

4 PREFACE.

It is an essential part of biography, that faults as well as virtues should be honestly detailed. No man is perfect. There have certainly been errors and wrong-doings in the past administration of this Government. It is not the duty of the impartial historical biographer to ignore such, or to gloss them over. They should be distinctly brought to light as instruction for the future.

The materials from which the writer has drawn these biographical sketches are very abundant. Whatever of merit they possess must consist mainly in the skill which may be exhibited in selecting from the great mass those incidents which will give one the most vivid conception of the individual. The writer has attempted, with much labor, to present a miniature likeness of each character which shall be faithful and striking. If he has failed, he can only say that he has honestly done his best. He has not deemed it expedient to encumber these pages with footnotes, as most of the important facts here stated, it is believedj are unquestioned ; and all will be found substantiated in the memoirs and works, more or less voluminous, of our Chief Magistrates, contained in most of oar large libraries.

We have just passed through one of the most terrible storms which ever desolated a nation. Its surging billows have not yet subsided. Every reader will appreciate the delicacy of the task of writing now, in the midst of all the excitements which agitate our country, an account of the characters, which necessarily involves the administrations, of Presidents Buchanan, Lincoln, and Johnson ; and yet the writer feels such a consciousness that he has endeavored to be just to all, and at the same time to be faithful to the principles of a true democracy, that he cannot doubt that the final verdict will sustain his record. Neither can he doubt that every candid reader must admit that there is no government upon this globe better adapted to promote the great interests of humanity than our own. With these few words, the author submits to the public these results of many months of incessant yet delightful labor.

JOHN S. C. ABBOTT.

New Haven, Co>fN., November, 1866.

A

Chapter I. George Washington

PAGE.

Ancestry of Washington. — His Birth and Childhood. — Anecdotes. — The Youthful Engineer. — The Fairfax Family. — Life in the Wilderness. — War with the Indians.— Domestic Griefs. — The French War. — Washington's Heroism at Braddock's Defeat. — Scenes of Woe. — Marriage. — Inheritance of Mount Vernon. — Domestic Habits. — American Revolution. — Patriotism of Washington. — Appointed Commander-in-chief. — Expulsion of the British from Boston. — Battles of the Revolution. — Perplexities and Sufferings. — Spirit of Self-sacrifice. — Alliance with France. — Capture of Cornwallis. — Attacks upon the Character of Washington. — The Tomahawk and Scalping-knife. — Close of the War. — Washington chosen President. — His Retirement. — Peaceful Life at Mount Vernon. — Sickness and Death

chapti:r il

JOHN ADAMS.

Ancestry of John Adams. — Anecdote of his Boyhood. — State of the Country. — Marriage.— British Assumptions. — Riot in Boston. — Adams's Defence of the Soldiers. — Anecdote. — Patriotism of Adams. — The Continental Congress. — His Influence in Congress. — Energy of Mrs. Adams. — The Appointment of V/ashington. — The Declaration of Independence. — Letter from Mrs. Adams. — Interview with Lord Howe. — Journey to Baltimore. — Delegate to France. — The Voyage. — Adams and Franklin. — The Contrast. — Franklin and Voltaire. — Second Trip to Paris. — Successful Mission to Holland. — Conflict with the French Court. — Mission to England. — Presidential Career. — Last Days, and Death 57

Chapter III. Thomas Jefferson

Birth and Childhood. — College-life. — A Law-student. — Earnest Scholarship. — Marriage. — Estate at Monticello. — Interest in Public Affairs. — Action in the Continental Congress. — Governor of Virginia. — Death of his Wife. — His Grief. — Letters to his Children. — Minister to France. — His Popularity. — Political Views. — Scientific Accuracy. — Interest in the French Revolution. — Returns to America. — The two Parties, Federal and Democratic. — Secretary of State. — Monarchical Sentiments. — Letters. — Correspondence with John Adams. — Alexander Hamilton. — Weary of Office. — Vice-President. — President. — Inaugural. — Stormy Administration. — Life in Retirement. — Scenes at Monticello. — Death . . .97

6 CONTENTS.

Chapter IV. James Madison

FADE.

Childhood. — College-life. — Studious Habits. — Enters Public Life. — Mental Characteristics.— Aid in fr.aming the Constitution. — In Congress. — Marriage. — Mrs. Madison. — Alien and Sedition Laws. — Secretary of State. — The White House.

— Life in Washington. — Friendship with Jefferson. — Abrogation of Titles. — Anecdote. — Chosen President. — Right of Search. — War with England. — Re-elected.

— Treaty of Ghent. — Arrival of the News. — Retirement to Montpelier. — Old Age, and Death 148

Chapter V. James Monroe

Parentage and Birth. — Education. — Enters the Army. — A Legislator. — A Senator. — Political Views. — Mission to France. — Bonaparte. — Purchase of Louisiana. — Unfriendliness of England. — Prospective Greatness of America. — Washington's Views of the French Revolution. — Col. Monroe, Governor. — Secretary both of War and of State. — Elected to the Presidency. — Northern Tour. — Purchase of Spain. — Sympathy with Revolutionary Soldiers. — The Monroe Doctrine. — Retirement and Death 169

CHAPTER VL

., JOHNQUINCYADAMS.

Birth and Childhood. — Education in Europe. — Private Secretary. — Enters Harvard College. — Studies Law. — Minister to the Netherlands. — Commendation of Washington.— Other Missions. — Return to America. — Elected to the Massachusetts Senate. — To the National House of Representatives. — Alienation of the Federa?- ists. — Professor of Rhetoric. — Mission to Russia. — Anecdote of Alexander. — Treaty of Ghent. — Secretary of State. — President. — Unscrupulous Opposition. — Retirement. — Returned to the House of Representatives. — Signal Services. — Public Appreciation. — Death 185

CHAPTER VIL

ANDREW JACKSON.

Birth and Education. — A Bad Boy. — Keeps School. — Studies Law. — Emigrates. — Frontier Life. — Low Tastes. — A Representative. — Senator. — Judge. — Shopkeeper.— Major-General. — Quarrels and Duels. — Marriage and its Romance. — Fight with the Bentons. — War with the Indians. — Defence of New Orleans. — Passion and Violence. — President of the United States. — Administration. — Retirement. — Conversion. — Religious Character. — Death 207

CHAPTER VIIL

MARTIN VAN BUREN.

Birth and Childhood. — Studies Law. — Talents and Industry. — Political Principles. — Success as a Lawyer and Politician. — Aids in the Election of Jackson. — Secretary of State. — Mrs. Eaton. — Resigns his Secretaryship. — Minister to England. — Rejected by the Senate. — Attains the Vice-Presidency. — Patronage of Gen. Jackson. — Chosen President. — Retirement and Declining Years 241

CONTENTS. 7

CHAPTER IX.

WILLIAM HENKY HARRISON.

PAOE.

Birth and Ancestry. — Enters United-States Army. — Is promoted. — Resigns his Commission.— Sent to Congress. — Governor of Indiana Territory. — His Scrupulous Integrity. — Indian Troubles. — Battle o'f Tippecanoe. — War with Great Britain. — Gov. Harrison's Perplexities and Labors. — The British repulsed. — Tecumseh slain. — False Accusations. — Speech in Congress. — Reply to Randolph. — Letter to President Bolivar. — Temperance Principles. — Views respecting Slavery. — Duelling. — Elected President. — Death 253

CHAPTER X.

JOHN TYLER.

His Parentage. — Education and Scholarship. — Early Distinction. — Success at the Bar and in Political Life. — Democratic Principles. — Course in the Senate. — Elected Vice-President. — Accession to the Pi-esidency. — False Position, and Embarrassments.— Retirement from Office. — Joins in the Rebellion. — Death .... 274

CHAPTER XL

JAMES KNOX POLK.

Ancestry of Mr. Polk. — His Early Distinction. — His Success as a Lawyer. — Political Life. — Long Service in Congress. — Speaker in the House. — Governor of Tennessee.— Anecdote. — Political Views. — Texas Annexation. — Candidate for the Presidency. — Mexican War. — Its Object and Results. — Retirement. — Sickness.

— Death 284

CHAPTER Xn.

ZACHAKY TAYLOR.

Birth. — Emigi'ation to Kentucky. — Neglected Education. — Enters the Army. — Life on the Frontier. — Battles with the Indians. — Campaign in Florida. — The Mexican War. — Palo Alto. — Resaca de la Palma. — Monterey. — Buena Vista. — Nominated for the Presidency. — Sufferings. — Death 299

CHAPTER Xin.

MILLARD FILLMORE.

His Lowly Birth. — Struggles with Adversity. — Limited Education. — Eagerness for Intellectual Improvement. — A Clothier. — A Law-student. — Commencement of Practice. — Rapid Rise. — Political Life. — In Congi-ess. — Vice-President. — President. — His Administration. — Retirement. — The Civil War 324

CHAPTER XIV.

FRANKLIN PIERCE.

Character of his Father. — His Promise in Boyhood. — College-life. — Political Views.

— Success as a Lawyer. — Entrance upon Public Life. — Service in the Mexican War. — Landing in Mexico. — March through the Country. — Incidents of the March.

— Anecdotes. — Nomination for the Presidency. — Election. — Administration. — Retirement 332

S CONTENTS.

CHAPTER XV.

JAMES BUCHANAN.

PAOB.

His Childliood's Home. — Devotion to Study. — Scholarship, and Purity of Character. — Congi-essional Career. — Political Views. — Secretary of State. — Minister to the Court of St. James. — Ostend Manifesto. — Elected to the Presidency. — The New- Haven Corre.«pondence. — Disasters of his Administration. — Retirement. . . 352

CHAPTER XVI.

ABRAHAM LINCOLN.

Life in a Log-cabin. — Excellence of Character early developed. — A Day-laborer. — A Boatman. — A Shopkeeper. — A Student. — A Legislator. — A Lawyer. — A Member of Congress. — A Political Speaker. — The Debate with Douglas. — Eloquence of Mr. Lincoln. — Nominated for the Presidency. — Habits of Temperance. — His Sentiments. — Anecdotes. — Acts of his Administration. — His Assassination . . 375

CHAPTER XVIL

ANDBEW JOHNSON.

His Lowly Origin. — Struggles for Education. — Early Distinction. — Alderman, Mayor, State Rf presentative, State Senator. — Speeches. — Member of Congress. — Governor. — Anecdote. — United-States Senator. — Opposition to Secession. — Speeches. — Gradual Change of Views. — Military Governor of Tennessee. — Address to the Colored People. — Vigorous Administration. — Vice-President. — Speeches. — President. — Political Views. — Agreement with the Republican Party. — Conflict with Congress. — His Policy. — Articles of Amendment. — Peter Cooper. — Future Prospects 436

STEEL-PLATE ILLUSTRATIONS.

I. Group plate of four Presidents, containing likenesses of George Washington, Abraham Lincoln, Andrew Jackson, and Andrew Johnson. Frontispiece.

II. The British Fleet leaving Boston Harbor 32

in. Group plate of six Presidents; viz., John Adams, Thomas Jefferson, James Madison, James Monroe, John Quincy Adams, and Martin Van Buren . . .97

IV. Battle of New Orleans 233

V. Battle of Bnena Vista 319

VI. Group plate of seven Presidents; viz., William Henry Harrison, John Tyler, James K. Polk, Zachary Taylor, MiUard Fillmore, Franklin Pierce, and James Buchanan 253

VII. Abraham Lincoln entering Richmond . . . 430

LIVES OF THE PRESIDENTS.

Chapter I. George Washington

Ancestry of Washington. — His Birth and Childhood. — Anecdotes. — The Youthful Engineer. — The Fairfax Family. — Life in the Wilderness. — War with the Indians. — Domestic Griefs. — The French War. — Washington's Heroism at Braddock's Defeat. — Scenes of Woe. — Marriage. — Inheritance of Mount Vernon. — Domestic Habits. — American Eevolution. — Patriotism of Washington. — Appointed Commander-in-chief

— Expulsion of the British from Boston. — Battles of the Revolution. — Perplexities and Sufferings. — Spirit of Self-sacrifice. — Alliance with France. — Capture of Comwallis.

— Attacks upon the Character of Washington. — The Tomahawk and Scalping-knife. — Close o^ the War. — Washington chosen President. — His Retirement. — Peaceful Life at Mount Vernon. — Sickness and Death.

Two centuries ago, Virginia was almost an unexjplored wilderness ; but, even then, the beautiful realm had obtained much renown from the sketches of chance tourists. The climate, the soil, the rivers, bays, mountains, valleys, all combined to render it one of the most attractive spots upon our globe. Two youngbrothers, of wealth, intelligence, and high moral principle, — Lawrence and John Washington, — were lured by these attractions to abandon their home in England's crowded isle, and seek their fortunes in this new world. They were both gentlemen. Lawrence was a fine scholar, a graduate of Oxford : John was an accomplished man of business.

After a dreary voyage of four months, they entered that magnificent inland sea, Chesapeake Bay, and from that ascended the beautiful Potomac. It was a scene as of Fairyland, which was spread around them that bright summer morning, when their vessel, propelled by a favoring breeze, glided over the mirrored waters of that river which the name of Washington was subsequently to render so renowned. The unbroken forest in all its primeval grandeur swept sublimely over hill and valley. The birch canoes of the Indian, paddled by warriors in their picturesque attire of paint and feathers, glided buoyant as bubbles over the waves. Distance lent enchantment to the view of wigwam villages in sunny coves, with boys and girls frolicking on the beach and in the water.

The two brothers had purchased a large tract of land about fifty miles above the mouth of the river, and on its western banks. John built him a house, and married Miss Anne Pope. Years rolled on, of joys and griefs, of smiles and tears, of births and deaths ; and the little drama, so trivial, so sublime, of that family life, disappeared, ingulfed in the fathomless sea of the ages. Augustine, the second son of John, who, like his father, was an energetic, wise, good man, remained in the paternal homestead, cultivating its broad acres. Life, if prolonged, is a tragedy always. Augustine's wife, Jane Butler, as lovely in character as she was beautiful in person, died, leaving in the house, darkened with grief, three little motherless children. The disconsolate father, in the course of years, found another mother for his bereaved household.

He was singularly fortunate in his choice. Mary Ball was every thing that husband or child could desire. She was beautiful in person, intelligent, accomplished, energetic and prudent, and a warm-hearted Christian. Augustine and Mary were married on the 6th of March, 1730. On the 22d of February, 1732, they received into their arms their first-born child. Little did they dream, as they bore their babe to the baptismal font and called him George Washington, that tliat name was to become one of the most memorable in the annals of time. Explain it as we may, there is seldom a great and a good man to be found who has not had a good mother.

In this respect, George Washington was very highly blessed. Both of his parents were patterns for a child to follow. The birthplace of George, though very secluded, was one of the most picturesque spots 'on the banks of the Potomac. His parents were wealthy for those times, and his home was blessed with all substantial comforts. A beautiful lawn, smooth and green, spread in gentle descent from the door-stone of their one-story cottage to the pebbly shore of the river, which here spread out into a magnificent breadth of nearly ten miles. On the eastern bank, there extended, as far as the eye could reach, the forest-covered hills and vales of Maryland. A few islands contributed their charm to this view of surpassing loveliness. The smoke of Indian- fires Qurled up from the forest, the flash from the paddle of the Indian canoe glanced over the waves, and occasionally the sails of the white inan's ship were seen ascending the stream.

From earliest childhood, George developed a very noble character. He had a vigorous constitution, a fine form, and great bodily strength. In childhood, he was noted for frankness, fearlessness, and moral courage ; and yet he was as far removed as possible from manifesting a quarrelsome spirit, or from displaying any of the airs of the bravado. He never tyrannized over others^ and none in his peaceful, rural, virtuous home were found to attempt to tyrannize over him. We must not omit the story, though the world has it by heart, of his cutting the cherrj^-tree. His reply to his indignant father, whose impetuous nature was roused by the outrage, " Father, I cannot tell a lie, I cut the tree," was but the development in boyhood of the character of his manhood. The father was worthy of the child. " Come to my heart," said he, as he embraced him with flooded eyes : "I had rather lose a thousand trees than find falsehood in my son."

Man is born to mourn. After twelve happy years of union with Mary Ball, when George was but ten years of age, Augustine Washington died, leaving George and five other children fatherless. The grief-stricken mother was equal to the task thus imposed upon her. The confidence of her husband in her judgment and maternal love is indicated by the fact, that he left the income of the entire property to her until her children should respectively come of age. Nobly she discharged the task thus imposed upon her. A nation's homage gathers around the memory of the mother of Washington. George never ceased to revere his mother. He attributed to the principles of probity and religion which she instilled into his mind much of his success during the eventful career through which Providence led him.

In the final division of the estate, the oldest son, Lawrence, the child of Jane Butler, inherited Mount Vernon, including twenty-five hundred acres of land. George received the paternal mansion, which was some distance farther down the river, with the broad acres surrounding it. The other children were also amply provided for. Lady Washington, before her marriage, was regarded as one of the most beautiful girls in Virginia. Her figure was commanding, her features lovely, and her demeanor dignified and courtly. Life's severe discipline developed a character simple, sincere, grave, cheered with earnest and unostentatious piety.. Her well-balanced mind gave her great influence over her noble son, which she retained until the hour of her death.

Mrs. Alexander Hamilton tells the story, that, when George Washington was in the meridian of his fame, a very brilliant party was given in his honor at Fredericksburg, Va. When the church-bell rang the hour of nine. Lady Washington rose, and said, " Come, George, it is nine o'clock : it is time for us to go home." George, like a dutiful son, offered to his mother his arm, and thej^ retired. We must not, however, fail to record that Mrs. Hamilton admits, that, after George had seen his mother safely home, he returned to the party.

There was then, as now, in Virginia, great fondness for splendid horses. Lady Washington had a span of iron-grays, very spirited, and very beautiful. With much pride she sat at her window, and gazed upon the noble creatures feeding upon the lawn, and often gambolling like children at play. One of these fiery colts, though accustomed to the harness with his companion in the carriage, had never been broken to the saddle. Some young men, one day, companions of George, in a frolic endeavored to mount the fiery steed. It could not be done. George, who was then about thirteen years of age, approached, soothed the animal by caresses, and, watching his opportunity, leaped upon his back. The horse, half terrified, half indignant, plunged and reared, in the vain attempt to free himself of his rider, and then, with the speed of the winds, dashed over the fields. George, exultant, sat his horse like a centaur, gave him free rein, and, when he flagged, urged him on.

Fearless, ardent, imprudent, he forgot the nervous energy of the noble steed, and was not aware of the injury he was doing until the horse broke a blooa-vessel, and dropped beneath him.

GE6rGE WASHINGTON. 13

Covered with foam, and gasping for breath, the poor creature almost immediately died. George was greatly alarmed, and hastened to his mother to tell her what he had done. Her calm and characteristic reply was, —

" My son, I forgive you, because you have had the courage to tell me the truth at once. Had you skulked away, I should have despised you."

There was a common school in the neighborhood, which George attended, and where he acquired the rudiments of a good English education. He was a diligent scholar, without developing any great intellectual brilliance. He possessed strong common sense, and a remarkably well-balanced mind. There is now extant a manuscript in his plain, legible handwriting, in which, in those boyish days, he had carefully written out several forms of business-papers, that he might be ready on any emergency, without embarrassment, to draw up correctly such documents. The manuscript contains promissory-notes, bills of sale, laud-warrants, leases, deeds, and wills. His serious, devotional character was developed in those early years. Several hymns, expressing earnest religious sentiments, he had carefully transcribed. Another manuscript-book, which he had evidently collated with great care and sedulously studied, contained a record of " Rules of Behavior in Company and in Conversation."

" The boy is father of the man." This lad of thirteen years, in his secluded rural home, wis pondering the great mysteries of the present and the future life, and was, with careful study, cultivating his mind, his manners, and his heart. He could hardly have made better preparation for the career which was before him had some good angel whispered into his ear the immense responsibilities which were to be laid upon him, and the renown he was to acquire. It was this early training, to which he was undoubtedly in some degree stimulated by the mind of his mother, to which he was indebted for much of his subsequent success in life.

At sixteen years of age, George, then a man in character, and almost a man in stature, left school. He excelled in mathematical studies, and had become familiar with the principles of geometry and trigonometry and of practical surveying. It was then his intention to become a civil engineer. At that time, in this new and rapidly-growing country, there was great demand for such services, and the employment was very lucrative. There were then in the colonies but few men who were proficients in those sciences. George Washington came from school an accomplished man. He had formed his character upon the right model. Every thing he did, he did well. If he wrote a letter, every word was as plain as print, with spelling, capitals, punctuation, all correct. His diagrams and tables were never scribbled off, but all executed with great beauty. These excellent habits, thus early formed, were retained through life.

Upon leaving school, George went to spend a little time with his elder half-brother, Lawrence, at Mount Vernon, Then, as now, that was an enchanting spot. The house was situated upon a swell of land, commanding an extensive view of the Potomac and of the surrounding country. It was nearly one hundred miles above the birthplace of the two children and the home of George. About eight miles from Mount Vernon, an English gentleman, Mr. William Fairfax, resided. He was rich, with highly cultivated mind and polished manners, and a model for imitation in all private and social virtues. Lawrence Washington had married one of his daughters. George became intimate with the family, and derived much advantage from his association with these ladies.

Lord Fairfax, a near relative of William, a man of large fortune and of romantic tastes, had been lurod by the charms of this delightful region to purchase a vast territory, which extended far away, over the Blue Mountains, to an undefined distance in the interior. It was a property embracing rivers and mountains, forests and prairies, and wealth unexplored. Lord Fairfax was at that time visiting Wilham. He was charmed with young Washington, his frankness, his intelligence, his manliness, his gentlemanly bearing, — a boy in years, a man in maturity of wisdom and character.

Lord Fairfax engaged this lad, then but one month over sixteen years of age, to explore and survey these pathless wilds, a large portion of which was then ranged only by wild beasts and savage men. It may be doubted whether a lad of his age ever before undertook a task so arduous. With a few attendants, the boy entered the wilderness. It was the month of March, cold and blustering. Snow still lingered on the tops of the mountains, and whitened the sunless ravines. The spring freshets had swollen the rivers. The Indians were friendly, hospitable, and willing to act as guides. Frontiersmen, a rough and fearless set of men, were scattered about among the openings in the wilderness.

Through these solitudes the heroic boy was to thread his way, now following the trail of the Indian, now floating in the birch canoe upon the silent rivers, and now climbing mountains or struggling through mora'sses which the foot of the white man had perhaps never yet pressed. Often the cabin of the settler afforded him shelter for a night. Frequently he slept in the open air, with his feet to the fire. Again the wigwam of the Indian was hospitably open to receive him. It must have been a strange experience to this quiet, thoughtful, adventurous boy, to find himself at midnight, in the forest, hundreds of miles from the haunts of civilization. The cry of the night-bird, the howl of the wolf, or perhaps the wailings of the storm, fell mournfully upoi) his ear. He gazed upon the brands flickering at his feet, on the ground-floor of the hut. The Indian warrior, his squaw, and the dusky pappooses, shared with him the fragrant hemlock couch. We have some extracts from the journal which he kept, whicli' give us a vivid idea of the life he then led. Under date of March 15, 1748, he writes, —

" Worked hard till night, and then returned. After supper, we were lighted into a room ; and I, not being so good a woodman as the rest, stripped myself very orderly, and went into the bed, as they call it, when, to my surprise, I found it to be nothing but a little straw matted together, without sheet or any thing else, but only one threadbare blanket, with double its weight of vermin. I was glad to get up and put on my clothes, and lie as my companions did. Had we not been very tired, I am sure we should not have slept much that night. I made a promise to sleep so no more in a bed, choosing rather to sleep in the open air before a fire."

On the 2d of April he writes, " A blowing, rainy night. Our straw, upon which we were lying, took fire ; but I was luckily preserved by one of our men awaking when it was in a flame. We have run off four lots this day,"

LIVES OF THE PRESIDENTS.

AVASHINGTON THE SURVEYOR IN A PERILOUS SITUATION.

The following extract from one of his letters, written at this time, develops his serious, thoughtful, noble character, and also the adventurous life into which he had plunged : —

'^ The receipt of your kind letter of the 2d instant afforded me unspeakable pleasure, as it convinces me that I am still in the memory of so worthy a friend, — a friendship I shall ever be proud of increasing. Yours gave me more pleasure, as I received it among barbarians and an uncouth set of people. Since you received my letter of October last, I have not slept above three or four nights in a bed ; but, after walking a good deal all the day, I have lain down before the fire on a little hay, straw, fodder, or bear-skin, whichever was to be had, with man, wife, and children, like dogs and cats ; and happy is he who gets the berth nearest the fire. I have never had my clothes off, but have lain and slept on them, except the few nights I have been in Fredericksburg."