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

Front matter

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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 twenty 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 suffrage 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. But, as we now dispassionately review the past, most readers will probably find many old prejudices dispelled.

In writing these sketches, the authors have endeavored to be thoroughly impartial, and to place themselves 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 read 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 comitry and of the human race.

The writers have not thought that impartiality requires that they should refrain from a frank expression of their

4 PREFACE.

own views. It is an essential part of biogra}3liy, 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 biogra2:>her 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 writers have 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 writers haA'e attempted, with much labor, to present a miniature likeness of each character which shall be faithful and striking. If they have failed, they can only say that they have honestly done their best. They have not deemed it expedient to encumber these pages with foot-notes, as most of the important facts here stated, it is believed, 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 our large libraries.

Note. — Since the priucipal portion of this book was written, the celebrated author, John S. C. Al)bott, ha^ passed on to his eternal home. But he will long live on, as one of earth's moral powers, in the heart.? of thousands of sincere friends, and in the numerous thrilling volumes of history and liiograpliy whicii he has written.

Russell H. Conwell.

Chapter I. Geokge Washington

PAGE

Ancestry. — Birth and Childhood. — The Youthful Engineer. — Life in the Wilderness.

— War with the Indians. — Domestic Griefs. — The French War. — Heroism at Braddock's Defeat. — Marriage. — Mount Vernon. — Domestic Habits. — Kevolution.

— Patriotism. — Commander-in-Chief. — Expulsion of the British from Boston.

— Battles. — Self-sacrifice. — Alliance with France. — Capture of Cornwallis. — Close of the War. — Chosen President. — Retirement. — Life at Mount Vernon. — Sickness and Death 9

CHAPTER IL

JOHN ADAMS.

Ancestry. — His Boyhood. — Marriage. — Defence of the Soldiers. — Patriotism. — The Continental Congress. — Energy of Mrs. Adams. — The A})pointment of Washington. — The Declaration of Independence. — Delegate to France. — Adams and Franklin. — Franklin and Voltaire. — Mission to Holland. — The French Court. — Mission to England. — Presidential Career. — Last Days, and Death . . .57

CHAPTER in.

THOMAS JKKFEHSOX.

Birth and Childhood. — College-life. — A Law-student. — Marriage. — Estate at Monticc'llo. — Tlie (Continental Congress. — Governor of Virginia. — Death of his Wife.

— Letters to his Children. — Jlinister to France. — Interest in the French Revolution. — Returns to .\merica. — Secretary of State. — Monarcliical Sentiments. — Letters. — Weary of Office. — Vice-President. — President. — Inaugural. — Stormy Administration. — Scenes at Monticello. — Death 97

CHAPTER IV.

JAMES MADISON.

Childhood. — College-life. — Enters Public Life. — Framing the Constitution. — In Congress. — Marriage. — Mrs. Madison. — Secretary of State. — The White House. — Friendship with .Jefferson. — Chosen President. — Right of Search. — War with England. — Re-elected. — Treaty of Ghent. — Old Age, and Death . . . . 148

CHAPTER V.

JAMES MONHOE.

Parentage and Birth. — Education. — Enters the Army. — A Legislator. — A Senator. — Mission to France. — Bonaparte. — Colonel Monroe, Governor. — Secretary both of War and of State. — Elected to the Presidency. — Northern Tour. — The Monroe Doctrine. — Retirement and Death 169

CHAPTER VI.

JOHN QUINCY ADAMS.

Birth and Childhood. — Education in Europe. — Private Secretary'. — Harvard College.

— Studies Law. — Minister to the Netherlands. — Other "Missions. — Return to America. — Massachusetts Senate. — National House of Representatives. — Professor of Rhetoric. — .Mission to Russia. — Secretary of State. — President. — Retirement. — House of Representatives. — Death 183

6 CONTENTS.

CHAPTER Vir.

ANDREW JACKSON.

PAGE

Birth and Education. — A Bad Boy. — Keeps School. — Studies Law. — Emigrates. — Frontier Life. — Low Tastes. — A Representative. — Senator. — Judge. — Shop- Keeper. — 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 tlie United States. — Conversion. — Death . 207

CHAPTER VIH.

MARTIN VAN BUREN.

Birth and Childhood. — Studies Law. — Success as a Lawyer and Politician. — Secretary of State. — Mrs. Eaton. — Minister to England. — Rejected by the Senate. — Attains the Vice-Presidencj'. — Chosen President. — Retirement .... 241

CHAPTER IX.

WILLIAM HENKY HARRISON.

Birth and Ancestry. — Enters United States Army. — Sent to Congress. — Governor of Indiana Territory. — Battle of Tippecanoe. — War with Great Britain. — Perplexities and Labors. — The British Repulsed. — Tecumseh Slain. — Elected President.

— Death 253

CHAPTER X.

JOHN TYLER.

His Parentage. — Education and Scholarship. —Early Distinction. — Success at the Bar and in Political l^ife. — Democratic Principles. — Course in the Senate. — Elected Vice-President. — Accession to the Presidency. — Joins in the Rebellion. — Death . 274

CHAPTER XI.

JAMES KNOX POLK.

Ancestry of Mr. Polk. — His Early Distinction. — His Success as a Lawyer. — In Congress. — Speaker in the House. — Governor of Tennessee. — Candidate for the Presidency. — Mexican War. — Retirement. — Sickness. — Death 284

CHAPTER XII.

ZACHARY TAYLOR.

Birth. — Emigration to Kentucky. — Neglected Education. — Enters the Army. — Battles with the Indians. — Campaign in Florida. — The Mexican War. — Palo Alto.

— Resaca de la Palma. — Monterev. — Buena Vista. — The Presidency. — Sufferings. —Death . . . . ' '. , .299

CHAPTER XIII.

MILLARD FILLMORE.

Low]}- Birth. — Struggles. — Limited Education. — Eagerness for Intellectual Improvement. — A Clothier. — A Law Student. — Commencement of Practice. — Rapid Rise. — In Congress. — Vice-President. — President. — His Administration. — Ketirement. — 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. ^The Presidency. — Retirement 332

CONTENTS. 7

CHAPTER XV.

JAMES BUCHANAN.

His Childhood's Home. — Devotion to Study. — Purity of Character. — Congressional Career. — Secretary of State. — Minister to the Court of St. James. — Ostend Manifesto. — Presidency. — Retirement 302

CHAPTER XVI.

ABRAHAM LINCOLN.

Life in a Log Cabin. — A Day Laborer. — A Boatman. — A Shop-Keeper. — A Student.

— A Legislator. — A Lawyer. — A Member of Congress — The Debate with Douglas. — The Presidency. — Habits of Temperance. — His Assassination . . .375

CHAPTER XVH.

ANDREW JOHNSON.

His Lowly Origin. — Struggles. — State Representative, State Senator. — Congress. — Gorernor. — United States Senator. — Opposition to Secession. — Military Governor of Tennessee. — Vice-President. — President. — Conflict with Congress..—

— His Policy 43G

CHAPTER XVHL

ULYSSES S. GRANT.

Birth and Childhood. —At West Point. — On the Frontiers. —Mexican War. —Battle of Belmont. — Capture of Fort Donelson. — Shiloh and Pittsburg Landing. — Siege of Vicksburg. — Campaign of Chattanooga. — Lieuteuant-General. — Campaign of the Wilderness. — Capture of Lee's Army. — President 481

CHAPTER XIX.

RUTHERFORD B. HAYES.

Birth. — Ancestry. — Childhood. — College Days. — Cambridge Law School. — Practice of the Law. — City Solicitor. — Military Services, Battles, and Wounds. — Election to Congress. — Governor of Ohio. — Administration 517

CHAPTER XX.

JAMES A. GARFIELD.

Parentage. — Birth. — Wilderness. — Death of his Father. — Youthful Occupations. — Attempts to obtain an Education. — School Life. — College Days. — Marriage. — In State Senate. — Enters the War. — His Campaigns. — His Election to Congress. — His Legislative Career. — Fleeted to United States Senate. — Nomination for President. — Election. — Inauguration 542

CHAPTER XXI.

ONE HUNDRED YEARS' PROGRESS.

Territory. — Population. — Rapid Growth. — Public Buildings. — The Navy. — The National Flag. — The Armv. — The Declaration of Independence. — The Steamboat. — The Railway. —Cotton.— Coal. — The Telegraph. — India-Rubber. — Anesthetics. — Matches. — Gas. — The Printing-Press. — Metallic Pens. — Daguerreotypes. — Sewing-Machines. — Manufacturers in General. — The Telephone, Phonograph, and Electric Light. — The Centennial Jubilee. — Statistics of Progress.

— Wonderful Development in Art, Sciences, Agriculture, and Manufactures. — The Influence of the United States on other Nations 542

LIST OF ILLUSTRATIONS.

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

III. Group Plate of Six Presidents, namely: 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 Buena Vista 319

VI. Group Plate of Seven Presidents, namely: William Henry Harrison, John Tyler, James K. Polk, Zachary Taylor, Millard Fillmore, Franklin

Pierce, and James Buchanan 3^o

VII. Abraham Lincoln entering Richmond 43C

VIII. Portrait of General U. S. Grant 485

IX. Portrait of Rutherford B. Hayes 517

X. Portrait of James A. Garfield 542

WOOD-CUT ILLUSTRATIONS.

PAGE

Washington in a Perilous Situation . . IG

Mount Vernon 50

Residence of John Adams 65

John Adams the Ambassador .... 82 Monticello, Residence of Thomas Jefferson 97

Jefferson's Return to Monticello . . . 120 Residence of James Madison .... 148

British Right of Search 162

Residence of James Monroe .... 169

The Barge 181

Residence of John Quincy Adams . . 185 John Quincy Adams in the House of

Representatives 203

Residence of Andrew Jackson . . . 207

The Duel 222

Residence of Martin Van Buren . . . 241

Burning of the Caroline 251

Residence of William Henry Harrison . 253 Harrison's Interview with Tecumseh . 262

Residence of John Tyler 274

Residence of James K. Polk .... 284 Residence of Zachary Taylor .... 299 General Taj'lor on the Rio Grande . . 307 Residence of Millard Fillmore .... 324

PAGE

The United States Senate 330

Residence of Franklin Pierce .... 332 General Pierce Landing in Mexico . . 335 Residence of James Buchanan . . . 352

Invasion of Kansas 359

Residence of Abraham Lincoln . . . 375

Assassination of Lincoln 432

Residence of Andrew Johnson . . . 436

Riot at New Orleans 473

Residence of U. S. Grant 481

Grant's Interview with Pemberton . . 490

Residence of James A. Garfield . . . 543

Hiram College 547

The White House 571

Carpenters' Hall, Philadelphia . . . 574 Independence Hall, Philadelphia . . . 574

Liberty Bell, Philadelphia 575

Faneuil Hall, Boston 576

Battle of Lexington 578

Centennial. (Agricultural Hall.) . . 585 Centennial. (Main Exhibition Building.) 587

Centennial. (Art Gallery.) .... 588 Centennial. (Horticultural Building.) . 589

LIVES OF THE PRESIDENTS.

CHAPTER I.

GEORGE WASHINGTON.

Ancestry of Washington. — His Birth and Childhood. — Anecdotes. — The Youthful Ei> gincer. — 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.

Two centuries ago, Virginia was almost an unexplored 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 young brothers, 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

2 9 waters of that river which the name of Washington was subse* quentlj to render so renowned. The unbroken forest in all ita primeval grandeur swept sublimely over hill and valley. The birch canoes of the Indian paddled by warriors in their pictii resque attire of paint a^^- feathers, glided buoyant as bubbles over the waves. Distanoo 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 aboui 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 d(^aths ; 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 hib 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 '^very 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 that 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 lias not had a good mother.

In this respect, George Washington was very highly bierjsed. 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 io 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 curled up from the forest, the flash from the paddle of the Indian canoe glanced over the waves, and occasionally the sails of the white man'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 cherry-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, Augustino Washington died, leaving George and five other children father* less. 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 t2 LIVES OF THE PRESIDENTS.

child of Jane Butler, inherited Mount Yernon, 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 R.1 one of the most beautiful girls in Virginia. Her figure was commanding, her features lovely, and her demeanor dignified and cGiirtly. Life's severe discipline developed a character simple, sincere, grave, cheered with earnest and unostentatious piety. Hei 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, Ya. When the ohurch-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 they retired. We must not, however, fail to record that Mrs. Hamil. ton admits, that, after George had seen his mother safely home, he returned to tht party.

There was then, as now, in Yirginia, 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 nntil the horse broke a i^lood-vessel, and dropped beneath him.

GEOllGE WASHINGTON. 13

Covered with foam, and gasping for breath, the poor creature almost immediately died. George was greatly alumed, --nd hastened to his mother to tell her what he had done. Her o^^ri an-' 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 liavo despised you."

There was a common school in tlie neighborhood, wliich Gciorga attended, and where he acquired the rudiments of a good Flngi^slj 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, land-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, iu his secluded rural home, wis pondering the great mygteries 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 whicli 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 rapidlj-growing countiy, there was great demand for such ser^vices, 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 accomplishec' 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 fiwell 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. Aliout 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 v.'itli 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 William. 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

GEORGE WASHINGTON. lb

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 morasses 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 upon 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, which 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, 33 they call it, when, to ray surprise, I found it to be nothing but a little straw matted together, without sheet or any thing olse^ but only one threadbare blanket, with double its weight of verxnin. [ was glad to get up and put on my clothes, and lie as d?7 companions did. Had we not been very tired, I am sure we should not have slept much that night. I made a promise to sbep so no more in a bed, choosing rather to sleep in the open air be^Lre 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 j)reserved by one of our men awaking when it v/as in a flamo. We have run ofi" 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 leuter of the 2d instant afforded me unspeakable pleasure, as it convinces me that I am still in tho 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 slepj on them, except the few nights I have been in Fredericksburg."'