The discoverers, pioneers, and settlers of North and South America, from the earliest period (982) to the present time ...

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Contents

THE NORTHMEN IN AMERICA. paor

Chaptbr I. Ancient Northern Chronicles— Early Scandinavian Voyagers — Discovery and Settlement of Iceland — Discovery and Settlement of Greenland by Eirek the Red — Accidental Discovery of North America by Biarni Heriulfson, . . . .17

Chapter II. Voyage of Lief— The Country named Vinland — Voyage and Explorations Thorvald — His Death— Unsuccessful Attempt of Thorstein, . . . .21

Chapter II. The Landing at Vera Cruz — Negotiation with Montezuma — Magnificent

Presents — Alliance with the Totonacs — Destruction of theu- Idols, . . . 174

•Chapter III. The March tw Mexico commenced — War with the Tlascalans — Victories of the Spaniards — Spirited Resolution of Cortes, ...... 181

Chapter IV. Submission of the Tlascalans— Entry into their City — Weak Policy of Montezuma — Massacre of the Cholulans — The March resumed — Entrance into the City of Mexico — Interviews with the Eini)eror Montezuma, ...... 188

(Chapter V. Description of Mexico — The Palaces and State of Montezuma — His Collections of Natuial History — Horrible Rites of Sacrifice — Discovery of Treasure, . . . 197

Chapter VI. Seizure of Montezuma — His Caciques Burned at the Slake — Demeanor of Montezuma— Hostility of the Great Nobles— The Sovereignty of the Spanish Monarch Acknowledged— Immense Tribute of Treasure, ...... 203

Chapter VII. Imprudent Zeal of Cortes— Resentment of the Jlexicans— Critical Condition of the Spaniards— Transactions at the Court of Spain- Expedition dispatched from Cuba under Narvuoz, .......... 211

CONTEXTS. 9

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Chapter VIII. Cortes Marches against Nai-vaez — Pefeats and Takes him Prisoner — Gre:a Accession to his Force, . . . . . . . . .213

Chapter IX. Massacre of the Aztec Chiefs by Alvarado — Tlie Return to Mexico — Hostility of the Aztecs — Furious Fighting for many Days in that City — The Death of Montezuma, 220

Chapter X. The Spaniards Retreat from the City — The "Noche Triste," or Miserable Night — Terrible Loss on the Causeway — Retreat to TJascala — Battle of Otumba — Fidelity of the Tlascalans, ........... 228

Chaptkr XI. The War Renewed — Success of the Spaniards — Great Force of Indian Allies — Accession of Guatemozin to the Aztec Throne — Mai'ch to the Valley of Mexico — Head-quarters Established at Tezcuco, ........ 234

Chapter XII. Commencement of the Campaign against Mexico — Taking of Iztapalapan — Policy of Cortez in Uniting the Natives— Great Accessions to his Power — Vessels Tiansported Overland — Various Battles with the Aztecs — Their Courage and Resolution — March around the Lakes — Great Victory at Xochimilco, ...... 240

Chapter Xllf. Arrival at Tacuba— Grief of Cortes — Conspiracy against him— The Fleet Launched — Execution of Xicotencatl — Defeat of the Mexican Flotilla — Mexico Blockaded — General Assault on the City, ......... 247

Chapter XIV. The Siege of Mexico Continued— Constant Fighting— Attempt to Storm the City— Great Loss of the Spaniards— Terrible Sacrifice of the Prisoners on the Great Temple, 253

Chapter XV. The Siege Continued— Indomitable Courage of the Aztecs— Gradual Destruction of the City— Terrible SutTering of the Besieged— Mexico Taken by Storm— Fearful Massacre— Capture of Guatemozin— Reflections, ...... 259

Chapter XVI. Transactions after the Siege— Torture of Guatemozin — Settlement of the Country— Titles and Offices conferred on Cortes— His Ostentatious State— His Wise Policy, 268

Chapter XVII. Great Acquisitions to the Crown of Spain— Terrible March of Cortes to Honduras — Mui-der of Guatemozin — Usurpation at Mexico — Return of Coites — Vexatious Commission— Cortes Embarks for Spain— Honors bestoweil on him— His Return to Mexico, 270

Chapter XVIII. Enterprise of Cortes — His Second Return to Spain — Campaign against Algiers— Disappointments at Court — His Death— His Chaiacter— Fate of the Conquerors, 275

FERNANDO MAGELLAN.

Disputes of Spain and Portugal— Fernando Magellan— His Voyage to the Southward— The Patagonians— Discovery of the Strait of Magellan- Voyage to the Philippine Isles— Death of the Commander — Circumnavigation of the Globe, ..... 281

THE CONQUEST OF PERU.

Chapter I. The Colony of Panama— .Account of Francisco Pizarro— Ahnagro and Luqiic — First Voyage of Pi/.arro— Terrible J,()ss and Suffering— Failure of the Kx|iedilion and .Return — Voyage of Ahnasjro, ........ 288

Chapter 11. Meanness of PedrariiiB— Contract of Pizarro, AIniagro, and Lnque- Second Voyage of Pizarro and Almagro— Ruiz Crosses the Line— Sufferings of Pizarro and his Men— Discovery of Tacamez— Fight with the Indians- Return of Almagro— The Island ofGallo — Daring Resolution of Pizarro and Twelve Com [lanions, .... 293

Chapter III. The Island of Gorgona— Relief from Panama— Disco veiy of Tumbez— Peruvian Treasure— Survey of the Coast— Return to Panama— Pizarro Repairs to Spain- Audience before the Emperor — Grantoftlie Crown, ... . . . 298

Chapter IV. The Brothers of Pizarro— Departure from Spain— Third Voyage to Peru- March along the Coast— Valuable Plunder- Arrival at Puna— Battle with the Indians- Assistance of Saint Michael, ......... 302

Chapter V. The People of Peru— Tradition of their Origin— Government, "A Paternal Despotism "—Their Civilization— Their Religion— Worship of the Sun— Superstitions- Division of the Empire— Defeat of Huascar and Enthrom^inent of Atahuallpa, . 304

Chapter VI. Desertion of Tumbez— March Southward- S:iii Miguel Founded— The Natives enslaved— Pizarro marches in quest of the luca— Crosses the Andes— Arrival at Cax-amalca- Visit to Atahuallpa— His Indian Demeanor— Daring and Treacherous Resolution of Pizarro, •■....... 388

10 CONTENTS.

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Chapter VII. Ambuscade of the Spaniards— Visit of Atahuallpa— Impudeul Speech of the Friar Valverde — Answer of the Inca — Seizure of his Person — Massacre of his Atteudants — Plunder of his Camp — Agreement for his Ransom — His Demeanor — Expedition to Pachacamac — Horses sliod with Silver, ....... 314

Chapter VIII. Spoil of the Temples of Cuzco — Arrival of A Imagro — Division of Immense Plunder — Scheme for the Murder of the Inca — His Trial, Sentence, and Execution — Hypocrisy of Pizarro— Reflections, ........ 330

CuAPTKR IX. Condition of Peru — March to Cuzco — Fight with the Indians — Execution of Challcuchima — Entrance into Cuzco — Fresh Plunder of Treasure — Coronation of the Inca Manco Capac — Foundation of Lima — Reception of Hernando in Spain — Disputes of Almagro and the Pizarros, .......... 326

Chapter X. Escape of the Inca Manco — General Rising of the Penivians — Siege and Burning of Cuzco — Defeats and Massacres of the Spaniards — The Siege of Cuzco raised — The Return of Almagio— Imprisonment of the Pizarros — Battle between the Rival Factions — Defeat and Execution of Almagro — Fate of Hernando, ..... 331

Chapter XI. Renewed Hostility of the Inca— Expedition of Gonzalo Pizarro — Arrival at the Napo — Voyage of Orellana down the Amazon — Terrible Sufferings and Loss of Gonzalo and his People — Their Disastrous Return — Arrogance of the Governor — "The Men of Chili " — Their Poverty and Distress — Their Desperate Resolution — Assassination of Pizarro — His Character — Sequel, . . ...... 337

THE DISCOVERT AND INVASION OF FLORIDA.

Chapter I. Conquest of Porto Rico, by Ponce de Leon— His Voyage in Search of the Fountain of Youth— Discovery of Florida— His Second Expedition and Death— The Attempt of Ayllon — Of Narvaez— Ingenious Ship-building— Destruction of the Expedition, 345

Chapter II. Hernando de Soto — His Return to Spain — Appointed Governor of Cuba and Florida— Sails to Cuba— Expedition to Florida— March into the Countiy— Battle at Vitachuoco— King Tuscaloosa — Desperate Battle at Mauvila— Burning of the Town— Victory of the Spaniards, .......... 349

Chapter III. Discontent of the Cavaliers — Despondency of Soto — He marches Westward — Winters fit Chicaza — Battle and Burning of the Village — Arrival at the Mississippi — The Little Cacique of Chisca— Passage of the River — March to Arkansas— Return to the Mississippi, ........... 356

Chapter IV. Haughty Message of the Cacique Quigualtanqui — Illness and Death of De Soto — His Burial in the Mississippi — Fate of the Survivors — Their Voyage to Mexico — Summary of Spanish Cruelties, . . . . . . . . 360

THE DISCOVERY AND SETTLEMENT OF CANADA.

Chapter I. Early Voyages to North America — The Fisheries — John Verrazano — Voyagea of Jacques Cartier — He Ascends the St. Lawrence— Quebec — The Chief Donnacona — Voyage to Hochelaga (Montreal) — Winter in Canada — Suffering — Return— Disastrous Voyages of Roberval and Cartier — Death of Cartier, ..... 307

Chapter II. Samuel de Champlain — Colony of Port Royal — Quebec Founded — Expedition against the Iroquois — Barbarous Triumph — Montreal Founded — Defeat of Champlain — His Perseverance in Colonization — Illiberality to the Huguenots — Miserable Condition of the Canadian Settlements — Champlain appointed Governor — Increase of the Colonies — Death of Champlain — His Cliai-acter, ....... 373

THE SETTLEMENT OF VIRGINIA.

Chapter I. Tardiness of English Enterprise— Sir Humphrey Gilbert and Sir Walter Raleigh — Their Unsuccessful Expeditions — Death of Sir Humphrey — Expeditions dispatched by Raleigh — All Disastrous — Abandonment of the Attempt to Colonize, . . . 379

Chapter II. Captain John Smith — His Youthful Spirit of Adventure— Serves in Holland — Turns Hermit — His Adventures in France — Distresses — Sails for Italy — Is flung Overboard — Sails to Egypt— Sea-fight— Travels in Italy, &c.— Fights against the Turks— Devices of Fireworks, ........... 384

CONTENTS. . 11

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Chapter III.— Life of Sinitli, continued— Siege of Regall— He kills three Turks ia Single Combat— The Town taken— Battle of Rotenton— Smith a Slave— Sent to Tartaiy- Cruelly treated— Kills his Master and Escapes— Sails for Africa— Sea Fight— Returns to England, 389

Chapter IV. New Scheme for CoUiiiizing Virginia— Ill-assorted Adventurers— The Expedition sails from England— Proceeds up James River— Intercourse with the Indians- Smith 111 treated— Founding of Jamestown— Excursion of Smith— King Powhatan— The Indians of Virginia— Their Customs and Religion, ...... 393

Chapter V. Vindication of Smith— Famine and Great Mortality— Smith's Exertions— He Supports the Colony— His Expeditions and Dealings with th« Indians— Lazy Colonists- Smith Captured by the Indians— Conjurations over him— Carried to Powhatan— Saved by Pocahontas, .,....••••• 40-.

Chapter VI. Condition of the Colony— Kindness of Pocahontas— Second Arrival of Newport— Traffic with Powhatan— His Subtilty— Oveneached by Smith— Blue Beads— A Supposed Gold Mine— Trouble with the Indians— Suppressed by Smith— He Explores the Chesapeake — Intercoui-se with the Indians — His Return, ..... 410

Chapter VII. The Voyage of Survey resumed- Veneration of the Indians for Smith— Skirmishes— Return of the Expedition— Arrival of Newport— Absui-d Instructions— Pocahontas and her Women— Haughtiness of Powhatan— His Coronation — Unsuccessful Expedition of Newport— Activity of Smith— Ingenious Device against Swearing, . . 416

Chapter VIII. Disorders in the Colony— Smith's Letter— His Expedition to Surprise Powhatan— Beguiling Speeches— Flight of Powhatan — Mutual Treachery — Visit from Pocahontas— Transactions at Pamunkey— Fury of Smith — The Indians Quelled, . . . 422

Chapter IX. Accident at Jamestown — Smith Poisoned — Great Supply of Corn — Morality of the Day — Trouble with the Indians— Smith takes the King of Paspahegh— Supposed to Revive the Dead— Wants of the Colony— Lazy Settlers— Speech of Smith- Treachery of the Germans, .......... 428

Chapter X. The New Company— 111 Treatmentof Smith— Large Expedition dispatched — Hurricane — Arrival at Jamestown — Anarchy — Smith Restored — His Troubles with the Settlei-s- Injured by an Explosion— Leaves Virginia— His Services to the Colony— Sufferings after his Departure, .......... 434

Chaptkr XI. Smith's Voyage to New England— Survey of the Coast, &c. — Villany of Thos. Hunt— Smith's Second Expedition — Misfortunes — Pirates — Smith Captured — His Adventures—His Escape— Return to England— His Exertions for the Settlement of New England, 438

Chapter XII. Account of Pocahontas — Her Treacherous Capture by the English — Married to Mr. Rolfe— Sails for England— Smith's Letter in her Behalf— Their Interview- Court Favor— Her Death, ......... 443

Chapter XIII. Smith in England — Massacre in Virginia — His Offers — Answers to the Commission—His Writings— His Death— Character and Services, .... 44b

CAPTAIN HENRY HUDSON.

Chapter I. Account of Henry Hudson — His Voyages in Search of a Northerly Passage to India — Mermaids— Sails for the Dutch in the Half Moon — Lands in Maine — Cruelty to the Indians — Sails below Virginia— Reaches the Bay of New York. .... 455

Chapter II. Entrance into New York Harbor — Hudson ascends the North River — Friendly Intercourse with the Indians— Hostilities— Return to England— Voyage to the North-west — Mutiny of his Crew — Hudson left to Perish, ...... 459

Chapter III. Voyages of the Dutch — Blok and Christiaanse— New Amsterdam (New York) Founded — Settlements on the Delaware — Singular Incident — Massacre of the Colonists — Swedish Settlements— Governor Stuy vesant subdues the Swedes — Claims of the English — Grant of Charles II. — Expedition to New Amsterdam Seizure of the Dutch Settlements, 46C

THE SETTLEMENT OF- NEW ENGLAND.

Chapter 1. Peculiarity of the Puritan Settlement — Persecution of Non-conformists in England — Their Rt^treat into Holland —Rrsolution to seek a Ni'w llotiie — Voyage to America — Arrival at Cape Cod— Instilution of a Ri'publiciin Covfrnnien'., .... 47o

12 CONTKNTS.

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Chapter II. The Indians of New England— Thinned by Pestilence— The Peqnots, Nanagansetts, Pokanokets, Massachusetts, &c.— Their Way of Life— Superstition of the Colonists — Malignity of their Historians, ........ 4f0

Chapter III. Dreary Aspect of New England— The Country Explored— Voyage to Piymouth Harbor— Fight with the Indians— The Landing— Building of Houses— Sufferings and Great Mortality — Lions in New England, ...... -ISo

Chapter IV. Samoset— " Welcome, Englishmen "—Visit fronn Massasoit— Treaty of Friendship—Great Mortality among the Settlers— Death of Governor Carver— Election of Bradford —First Duel in New England— Visit to Massasoit— lyanough— Touching Incident— Challenge from CanonicHS- His Alarm— Fortification of Plymouth, .... 459

Chapter V. Weston's Colony— Its IMlserable Condition— Sickness of Massasoit— Cured by VVinslow— His Gratitude— Conspiracy of the Indians— Daring Expedition of Standish— Killing of the Conspirators— Weston's Colony broken up— Sufferings of the Plymouth Settlers — Seasonable Relief, ......... 495

Chapter VI. Formation of New Settlements— Dissolute Community of Merry Mount- Broken up— May-pole cut down— Settlement of the Massachusetts— Boston— Character of the Emigrants — Amusing Regulations and Penalties — Intolerance, . . . 500

Chapter VII. Roger Williams— His Liberality and Boldness— Persecuted by the Authorities of Massachusetts— Banished— Takes Refuge with the Indians— Lays the Foundation of Providence— Procures the Grant of Rhode Island, ..... 506

Chapter VIII. Settlementof Connecticut— Pequot War— Expedition of Mason— Destruction of the Pequot Fort— Massacres and Subjection of the Race— Bigotry of Early Chroniclers, 510

Chapter IX. Increase of the New England Colonies— Success of the Puritans in England — Persecution of the Quakers— Philip the Wampanoag— Commencement of "Philip's War" —Captain Benjamin Church— His Influence with the Indians— Fights and Skirmishes — Philip retreats Westward— Rouses the Tribes— Destruction of Villages, . . .515

Chapter X. Success of the Indians— Attack on Hadley— Goffe, the Regicide— Many Towns Burned— Destruction of the Narragansett Fort— Great Cruelty to the Indians— Their Revenge and Triimiph — Capture of Canonchet — His Heroic End, .... 520

Chapter XI. Philip's War, continued— Fighting— Gradual Reduction of the Indians — Church Commissioned — He enlists Indian Soldiers — Pursues Philip— Defeats him — Flight of Philip— His Distress, ......... 525

Chapter XII. Philip Retreats to Mount Hope — Slain in a Skirmish— Disgraceful Usage of his Remains— Church pursues Annawon — Takes him — Singular Scene — Philip's Regalia — The Wai' ended — Its Result — Treatment of Prisoners — Philip's Son — Reflections, . 531

THE MISSISSIPPI VALLEY.

I hapter I Discovery of the Mississippi — Father Marquette and M. Joliet— Their Expedition — Friendly Indians— Sail down the Wisconsin — Enter the Mississippi — The Illinois Indians— Discovery of the Missouri— The Ohio— " Painted Monsters"— Danger from Savages — They approach the Sea — Return by the Illinois— Death of Marquette, . . 539

Chapter II. La Salle— Undertakes to Survey the Mississippi — Delayed by Mutiny — Completes the Enterprise — Sails from France — Misses the Outlet — Enters the Hay of St. Bei-- „„,.(} — Unsuccessful Attempt to found a Colony — La Salle murdered by his Followers — Discoveries of Father Hennepin — His Lies— La Hontan, ..... 544

Chapter III. Fate of La Salle's Colony — Enterprise of Tonti — D'Iberville's Settlements — Great Distress and Mortality — Gradual Survey of the Country — Law's " Mississippi Scheme" Its Failure — Great Destruction of Life — Founding of New Orleans — War with the Natchez and Chickasaws — Later Indian Wars of the West, ..... 543

Pontiac'a War— The Confederacy of Michikinaqua— Tecumseh and the Prophet, . 552

WILLIAM PKN"M.

Chapter I. Early Life of Penn — His Religious Impressions— Joins the Sect of Quakers- Is turned out of Doors, and becomes a Preacher— Persicntions-Death of his Fatlier— His Fijat Connection with Anierican <.'<il.iiiizatii)n, ...... 555

COXTENTS. 13

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CiiAHiKR II. Tlie First Charter of Pennsylvania — Conditions of Settlement — Peon's First Visit to America — His Celebrated Treaty with the Indians — Progress of Colonization — Penu's Second and Last Visit to the Colonies — His Retiwn and Death, . . . 559

DANIEL BOONE.

Chapter I. Parentage and Youth of Boone — His Passion for Hunting and Adventure — Removes to the Yadkin — His Marriage — Troubled by New Settlers — His Expedition to Kentucky — Adventures there — Solitary Life — His Return, and Attempt to form a Settlement — Its Failure— His Final Success — Perilous Incident, ..... 565

Chapter II. The Settlement of Kentucky — Indian War — Attacks on Boonesborough, &c. — Boone taken Captive — Adopted by the Indians — His Escape — Desperate Siege of Boonesborough — The Indians repulsed — Defeat of the Whites — Reprisals by General Clarke — Disastrous Campaign of General Harmar — Defeat of St. Clair with Great Slaughter — Emotion of Washington — General Wayne's Campaign — Peace restored — Boone moves Westward — Settles in Missoiu-i — His Old Age and Death, • • . . . 570

LEWIS AND CLARKE.

Cession of Louisiana by France — Fitting out of an Exploring Party undt^r Lewis and Clarke — Passage up the Missouri — Mandan Villages — Winter Encampment — Further Progress up the River — Uncertainty at the Mouth of Maria's River — Gates of the Rocky Mountains — The Forks of the Missouri : its Source — The Shoshonees — Horseback Journey through the Mountains — Descent of the Columbia — Winter-quarters — Return, .... 578

TEXAS.

Chapter I. Spanish Grant to Moses Austin— Settlement commenced by Stephen F. Austin — Mexican Revolution — Speculation in Mexican Gi'anls — Aggressions of Bustamente — First Texan Campaign — Santa Anna's Usurpation — Forces sent into Texas — Cunimencement of Hostilities, .......... 586

Chapter II. Storming of Goliad and San Antonio — General Success of the Patriots — Independence Declared — Invasion by Santa Anna — Fall of the Alamo — Capture and Massacre of Fannin's Detachment — General Sam. Houston — Battle of San Jacinto — EstabUshmeut of Texan Independence, ......... 591

OREGON.

Voyage of Juan de Fuca — The Columbia Discovered by Heceta — American Trading Entci^ prises in the North-west Territory — Foundation of Astoria — Destruction of the Tonquin and her Crew — War with England — Treaties of 1818 and 1846 relative to Jurisdiction — Emigration, ........... 597

CALIFORNIA Discovery and Settlement of the Peninsula of Old California — Establishment and Progress of Spanish Missions in the Californias — Effects of the Mexican Revolution — Acquisition of New California by the United States — Gold Discoveries, ... . 603

COLONEL FREMONT'S EXPLORATIONS.

The Expedition of 1842 to the Great South Pass— That of 1843-4 to the Columbia River, and the Return through Altu California— Explorations of a Southern Route across the Rocky Mountains, .......... 612

THE MORMON SETTLEMENTS,

Mormonism — Nauvoo— Persecution — Emigration to the West— Patriotic Conduct — Sufferings—Great Salt Lake Valley — Settlements — Increase — Provision for Immigration — Number <if the Morm.ins — Their IVwer — Governnteiit — Polygamy— Relleclions, . . 617

14 CONTENTS.

THE NORTH-WEST PASSAGE. tags

Chapter I. .Ancient Kipeditions—'Embruchis Notices of the Voyattcs of Frobisher, Columbus, Hudson, Sir Humphrey Gilbert, Davis, Weymouth, Kuight, Button, Gibbons, Bylol, Buffln, and otiiers, ......... 0^0

Chapter II. Murlrni F.jpeditions—'Emhi-.ic'inK Incidents connected with the Exploring Voyages of Oaptaitis Sir John Ross, Sir William Edward Parry, Sii- John Franklin, Back, Hood, Hepburn, Richardson, mid other Distinguished Navigators, . . .634

INTRODUCTION, CONTENTS,.

THE DISCOVERERS, PIONEERS, AND SETTLERS

OF

NOHTH AID SOUTH AMERICA

NORTH AND SOUTH AMERICA.

THE NORTHMEN IN AMERICA.

CHAPTER I.

ANCIENT NORTHERN CHRONICLES EARLY SCANDINAVIAN VOYAGERS

DISCOVERY AND SETTLEMENT OF ICELAND DISCOVERY AND SET- TLEMENT OF GREENLAND BY EIREK THE RED ACCIDENTAL

DISCOVERY OF NORTH AMERICA BY BIARNI HERIULFSON.

[The principal authority for the following narration is found in two ancient Icelandic Manuscripts, entitled "An account of Eirek the Red, and of Greenland,'' and an " Account of Thorfinn Karisefni " (the Achiever). The authenticity of these documents is indisputable, and their contents, in addition to strong interna] evidence of truth, are corroborated by many allusions, in other and conlemporaneous works, to the localities, the persons, and the adventures which they commemorate. The whole subject has been recently laid before the world in that admirable work, tlie " Antiquitates Americana;," published by the learned "Society of the Northern Antiquarians of Copenhagen;" and its claims have been fortified by Mr. J. T. Smith and other American writers with much ingenious argument and illustration. " That America was visited early in the tenth century," says Mr. Schoolcraft, perhaps the least romantic and most fastidious of American antiquaries, "by the adventurous Northmen from Greenland, and that its geography and people continued to be known to them so late as the twelfth century, is admitted by all who have examined with attention, the various documents \\hich have been published, during the last twelve years, by the Royal Society,"' &c.

The restricted intercourse of Iceland with Europe, for many centuries, prevented these interesting facts from becoming generally known ; though by tiie intelligent nations of that island they were always considered, as now by the historical world, to be proved by uncjuestionable evidence. The most skeptical mind could hardly fail, on examinatiun, of being convinced of the main truths of these narrations, by the abundance of ^Uhal internal testimony, consisting in undesigned coincidences, existing between diJJ'erent parts of tlie same

18 NORTH AND SOUTH AMEKICA.

narrative, and the like coincidences existing between parts of distinct narratives, originating in different individuals, without on£ having knowledge of or reference to the existence of the other.''']

The stormy and inhospitable coasts of Scandinavia were, in tlie tenth century, the nurseries of a race of mariners, the most daring and adventurous which the world has ever seen. Without compass or quadrant, or any of the aids which modern science has lent to navigation, they explored the northern seas, founded colonies, and pushed their researches far into tlie terrors of the Arctic zone. Their roving excursions, in which commerce, ph-acy, and discovery were strangely interwoven, contributed greatly to the geographical knowledge of their day. In the year 801, the wandering bark of one of these adventurers, Naddodd by name, had lighted on the shores of Iceland, till then unknown or lost to western Europe. Fourteen years afterwards, that island was colonized by Ingolf, a Norwegian, who, with his followers, removed to this yet more desolate and uninviting region, and founded a prosperous settlement.

A century later, one Thorvald and his son, the famous Eirek the Eed, flying from Norway to escape the consequences of a homicide, took refiige in Iceland. Here Thorvald died, and Kirek, having killed another man in a quarrel, found it necessary once more to betake himself to the ocean, lie fitted out a vessel, and with his adherents set sail in quest of some islands in the western sea, called, from their discoverer, the Eocks of Gunnbionn. (These islands, fi-om the gradual obstruction of those seas by ice, have now for several centuries been lost to Geography.) Sailing westward, he soon fell upon the shores of Greenland, (982,) and coasting to its southern extremity, fixed liis residence at a harbor called, fj-om its discoverer, Eireksfiord — (l^Jrik's creek). To the whole region which he had discovered he gave the name of Greenland, trusting by such an inviting title to allure settlers to his new colony. lie returned to Iceland, and, with twenty-five ships and a large number of colonists, in 985 set sail for his residence. Of these vessels, only eleven reached their destination, the remainder being lost or driven back to Iceland. The bold and enterprising genius of these hardy mariners may be conjectured from the fact that, within two centuries after their establishment, they had made extensive discoveries and surveys in the icy recesses of the Polar Seas. Their monuments and inscriptions have been found as far north as latitude 73^, and it is related that they explored Baffin's Bay, and even Welling-ton Channel.

With Eirek went one Heriulf, a man of authority, who had a son named Biarni, a youth of great courage and enterprise. This son was absent in Norway at the time of their departure, and on his return to Iceland found that his father had sailed for the newly-discovered land. He was troubled in his mind, and refused to disembark, alleging that he was determined to spend the winter with his father, as he had done heretofore. Accordingly, with his mariners, he again set sail, on the bold and hazardous enterprise of finding the little Icelandic settlement on the vast, desolate, and unexplored coasts of Greenland. Hardly was the land out of sight, when a strong north-easterly wind arose, accompanied by thick fogs, and for many days the vessel was compelled to scud before it, unable to bear up for the desired coast. At last the fog cleared off, and after sailing another day, land appeared to the westward. It was not mountainous, but woody, with some rising ground.*

The ship was now put about, and, leaving the land on the left hand, they steered northerly for two days, with a favorable wind. They then came upon a land low and level, and overgrown with woods, f The sailors asked ^arni Heriulfson if this was the expected country. He answered "no, for they told me that there are great mountains of ice in Greenland." Refusing to land here, despite the complaints of the mariners, he sailed on for three days longer with a south-west wind, and found a great island, high, mountainous, and covered with ice.:{; The aspect of the place was too forbidding to invite a landing, and, for four days, with a furious wind from the south-west, the

* Probably Long Island, Nantucket, or Cape Cod.

f Probably Cape Sable, Nova Scotia. J Probably Newfoundland.

20 KOnTII AXD SOUTH AMERICA.

adventurous keel sped nortlierlj. At the end of this time, by a rare piece of good fortune, Biarni came upon the very promontory, (Ileriulfness) in Greenland, where his father had fixed his residence (985).

Besides the corroboration received from subsequent expeditions, it appears almost certain, from internal evidence, that the various headlands successively seen in this remarkable voyage, were those of north-eastern America. A ship driven by a long continued north-easterly gale, yet endeavoring to head to the westward, might well bring up on the coast as far south as the great promontory formed by the southern New-England States and Long Island. The wooded and hilly shores first seen, were probably those of Nantucket and Cape Cod. From the latter to Cape Sable on Nova Scotia the distance is but little over two hundred miles, which, with a favorable wind, might easily be accomplished in two days. From this point, accurately described as level, and covered with forests, tlirec days, with a south-west wind, such as tlicy had, would readily take the vessel to Newfoundland, whose icy mountains and precipices, overlooking the sea, are particularly mentioned. The six hundred miles intervening between that island and the southern extremity of Greenland, might certainly be passed in four days by a vessel running directly before a favorable gale. It would be difficult to point out any other tract of coast in the vicinity of Greenland, to which the particulars of the narrative would so accurately apply. America then, in all probability, was first made known to the European world, by the accidental voyage of Biarni Heriulfson, in the year 985.

CHAPTER II.

VOYAGE OF LEIF THE COUNTRY NAMED VINLAND VOYAGE AND

EXPLORATIONS OF THORVALD HIS DEATH UNSUCCESSFUL

ATTEMPT OF THORSTEIN.

About the year 995, Biami Heriulfson made a visit to Norway, wliere the account of his singular voyage excited great interest. Four years afterwards, Leif, the eldest son of Eirek the Red, also went to that country on a visit to the king, Olaf Tryggvason. This sovereign "exhorted him," says the ancient narrative, "as he did all pagans who came to him, to embrace Christianity. To which request Leif consented without any difficulty ; and he and all his sailors were baptized." Thus was Christianity first introduced to the remote shores of Greenland.

During this visit, Leif heard much talk of the adventures of Biarni, who was greatly blamed for having neglected to explore the country. His emulation was excited, and he returned to Greenland, and discoursed much with that commander concerning his adventures. Determined to prosecute the discovery, he purchased the ship of the latter, and manned it with five and thirty men, some of whom may probably have sailed on the former voyage. The aged Eirek had intended to accompany him, but, his horse stumbling on his way to the vessel, was deterred by an omen of such evil augury. Leif accordingly sailed without him, in the year 1000, and soon came in sight of the mountainous and dreary country last seen by Biarni. He cast anchor, and put out a boat. — " Having landed, they found no herbage. All above were frozen heights ; and the whole space between these and the sea was occupied by bare flat rocks; whence they judged this to be a barren land. Then said Leif, ' we will not do as Biarni did, who never set foot on shore: I will give a name to this land, and will call i1 Hellu-land.' " This term signifies the land of broad stones, and is strikingly descriptive of the shores of Newfoundland.