History of the United States, from their first settlement as colonies, to the close of the war with Great Britain, in 1815.

Front matter

HISTORY

OF TjaE

UNITED STATES,

Introduction

The continent of America was probably unknown to the ancients. If once known, as some have supposed, to the Carthaginians, the Scandinavians, and the Welsh, all knowledge of it was afterwards lost. The discovery of this extensive region, constituting nearly one half of the habitable globe, was the accidental result of the attempts, made in the fifteenth century, to find a passage by sea from the ports of Europe to the East Indies, whose precious commodities were then transported, over land, by a long, dangerous, and expensive route.

This passage was universally sought by sailing south, along the western coasts of Europe and Africa, in the hope of finding the termination of the continent, when the Indies, it was supposed, might be attained by taking at first an easterly and then a northerly course. The discovery of the Cape of Good Hope, in 1487, encouraged expectation, and gave increased activity to the spirit of adventure.

Among the navigators of that age, Christopher Colum^ bus, a native of the republic of Genoa, was distinguished for experience and skill in his profession, for extensive knowledge, and for a bold and original genius. The shape of the earth, then known to be round, and the fact that pieces of carved wood, a canoe, and two humaii bodies, of a complexion dilSerent from that of Europeans, had been

INTftODUCTieS".

ariven, by long westerly winds, upon the shores of islands contiguous to Europe, suggested to his observing mind the project of seeking the East Indies by sailing directly west. Unable to defray the expenses of an expedition, he sought first the assistance of his native city. His country-^ men, accustomed only to cruising, in frail vessels, along the shores of the continent, treated the project as chimerical, and declined furnishing aid. , . u

A pressing application to the king of Portugal, m whose dominions he had resided, met likewise with ridicule aud rejection. Persevering in his purpose, he then sent his brother, Bartholomew, to England, to apply to Henry Vll. and went himself to Spain, which was then governed by Ferdinand and Isabella, from whom he solicited assistance. For a long time he solicited in vain. At length the queen, persuaded by his representations, became his friend and patron. By her direction, three small vessels were fitted out, and he was authorized to sail with these upon his projected voyage of discovery. On the third of Augu'st, 1492, he departed from Palos, in Spain, directing his course towards the Canary islands.

He stopped there to refit, and on the sixth of September boldly adventured into seas which no vessel had yet enter-^ ed, with no chart to direct him, no guide but his compasSj and without any knowledge of the tides or currents which might interrupt*^his course. He moved rapidly before the trade wind, which blows invariably from the east to the west between the tropics, judiciously conceahng from his ignorant and timid crews the progress he made, lest they might be alarmed at the speed with which they receded from home.

About the fourteenth of September, he was distant nearly six hundred miles from the most westerly of the Canaries, and here the magnetic needle was observed to vary from its direction to the polar star and incline towards the west : an appearance which, although now familiar, had never before been observed.

Columbus and his companions were alarmed. They were far from land, and far from the tracks of other navigators. All before and around them was unknown, and their only guide seemed to be no longer entitled to their confidence. But although alarmed, Columbus lost not bis presence of

INTRODUCTION. O

mind. He assigned a reason for the variation, which , without satisfying himself, silenced the murmurs of hi? companions.

But the interval of quiet and subordination was short. Disaffection soon reappeared among the ignorant and wavering, and, gradually spreading, at length pervaded the whole squadron. The men blamed their sovereign for listening to the schemes of a dreaming adventurer. The indications of land had all proved fallacious. They would be amused and deceived no longer. They agreed that Columbus should be forced to relinquish an undertaking which seemed to promise nothing but destruction ; and some of the more daring talked of throwing him into the sea, as a visionary projector, whose death would cause no regret and produce no inquiry.

Amidst these difficulties, Columbus displayed those traits of character which proved the greatness of his mind, and his peculiar fitness for the arduous duties of his station. He appeared with a steady and cheerful countenance, as if satisfied with what he had done. Sometimes he soothed his companions by holding out to them a prospect of riches and of fame, and by oft'ering a gratuity to him who should first discover land. Sometimes he assumed a tone of authority, threatening them with the vengeance of their sovereign, and everlasting infamy, should they compel him to abandon the undertaking.

These encouragements and threats prevented open and forcible resistance to his authority. Meanwhile the squad' ron proceeded onward ; the indications of land had become frequent, and convinced him that it could not be far distant. But his crew were unconvinced, and their discontent increased. Assembling tumultuously on deck, they demanded to be conducted back to Spain. As a last expedient, he proposed that they should continue on their course three days lonsjer, and if, in that time, land should not be discover* ed, he would then comply with their demand.

They consented. Before the time exjiired, Columbus, on the 1 Ith of October, at midnight, saw a light glimmering at a distance. " A light ! a light !" was the joyful exclamation, which instantly resounded through the squadron. On the approach of morning, all hands stood gazing intently in the direction where land, it was expected, would be dis

4 INTKODUCTIOIJr,

Soon, on board the Pinta, the most forward vessel, was heard the cry of " Land ! land !" which was repeated, frith almost frantic delight, by the crews of the other vessels. Passing from one extreme to the other, they, who a few days before had reviled and insulted their commander, now regarded him as one whom the Deity had endowed with knowledge and penetration above the common lot of mortals.

Atsunrise, Columbus, in a rich and splendid dress, landed, and, with a drawn sword in his hand, and displaying the royal standard, took possession of the island for the crown of Spain, all his followers kneeling on the shore and kissing the ground with tears of joy. The natives who had assembled in great numbers on the first appearance of the ships, stood around the Spaniards, gazing in speechless astonishment.

" The Europeans were hardly less amazed at the scene before them. Every herb,. and shrub, and tree was different from those which flourished in Europe. The inhabitants appeared in the simple innocence of nature, entirely naked. Their black hair, long and uncurled, floated upon their shoulders or was bound in tresses around their heads. Though not tall, they were well shaped and active. They were shy at first, through fear, but soon became familiar with the Spaniards ; from whom, with transports of joy, they received various trinkets, for which in return they gave such provisions as they had, and some cotton yarn, the only commodity of value they could produce."

To this island Columbus gave the name of San Salvador. The natives called it Guanahani, and by that name it is now known. It is one of the Bahama isles, and is above three thousand miles from Gomera, the most western of the Canaries. From the poverty and ignorance of the inhabitants, Columbus was convinced that he had not yet arrived at the rich country which was the object of his search. Leaving Guanahani, he discovered and visited several other islands, and at length arrived at one called Hayti, by the natives, and by him, Hispaniola. Here he remained a few weeks, and then returned to Spain.

The news of his wonderful discovery filled the kingdom with astonishment and joy. His reception at court was accompanied by flattering and splendid ceremonies ordained for the occasion ; and he was honored by many proofs of

INTRODUCTION. b

royal favor. He made three subsequent voyages, and, in 1498, discovered the continent of America, at the mouth of the Oronoco, a river of the third or fourth magnitude in the New World, but far surpassing the largest in the old.

The honor, however, of first discovering the continent must, without diminishing the merit of Columbus, be given to John Cabot and his son Sebastian. They were Venetians by birth, but, soon after the result of the first voyage of Columbus was known, were sent, by the king of England, on an expedition of discovery, in the same direction. In June, 1497, they arrived at the island of Newfoundland, in North America, and, proceeding westward, soon after reached the continent. It being their object also to find a <lirect passage to the East Indies, they first sailed northwardly in search of it, as far as the 57th degree of latitude ; then, returning, cruised along the coast to East Florida ; and thence sailed to England without having made any settlement. Upon the discoveries made in this voyage, the English founded their claim to the eastern portion of North America^

In 1499, Alonzo de Ojeda, a companion of Columbus in his first expedition, sailing under the patronage of several Portuguese merchants, discovered the continent at Paria, in the fifth degree of north latitude. Americus Vespucius, t\ Florentine gentleman who accompanied him, published, on his return, an account of the voyage and a description of the country which they had visited ; and from him it derives the name it bears.

In 1504, several adventurous navigators, from different parts of France, came, in small vessels, to fish on the banks of Newfoundland. In 1524, John Verrazzano, a Florentine, in the employment of the king of France, sailed along the coast of America, from Florida to the 50th degree of north latitude. He is supposed to have entered the harbor of New York. He made, the next year, another voyage, from which he never returned, nor is it known by what disaster he perished.

During the next forty years, frequent voyages were made to the coast of North America. Of some, the object was fishing; of others, trade with the natives. In 1640, the French made an attempt to plant a colony in Canada, which was unsuccessful.

The religious wars which afflicted France in- the six

1* b INTRODUCTIOIf.

teenth century, induced that illustrious statesman, Jasper Coligni, the head of the Protestant sect, to project, in 1502, a settlement, in America, to which his brethren might retire from the persecution of the Catholics. Fitting out two ships, he sent them thither under the command of John Ribaut, who landed at a place supposed to be within the limits of South Carolina, built a forty left a part of his men*, and returned to Frapce.

The men who were left, soon after mutinied, killed their commander, built and equipped a vessel and put to sea. Having been out several weeks and consumed all their provisions, one of their number, who consented to be made a victim to save his comrades, was killed and eaten. A few days afterwards, they were taken up by an English vessel and carried to England.

This was the first attempt to plant a colony within the limits of the United States ; and it is worthy of remark, that to secure an asylum from religious persecution was the object in view. Coligni afterwards sent a party to Florida, who were treacherously massacred by the Spaniards.

In 1583, Sir Humphrey Gilbert, having received from queen Elizabeth a grant of such " remote, heathen, and barbarous lands" as he might discover and occupy, fitted out a squadron of five ships, and sailed for America. On arriving before St. John, in Newfoundland, he found thirty six vessels fishing in the harbor. He landed and took possession of the country in the name of his sovereign. On his return to England, he suffered shipwreck and perished.

The next year, Sir Walter Raleigh, distinguished in the history of England as a gallant knight and as the favorite of the queen, obtained a renewal of the patent granted to Sir Humphrey, who was his half brother, and despatched to America two ships commanded by captains Amidas and Barlow. They first landed on an island in the inlet to Pamplico sound, then proceeded to the isle of Roanoke at the mouth of Albermarle sound, in North Carolina, and at both places were treated with great respect by the natives.

Having freighted their ships with furs, sassafras, and cedar, they returned to England, where they published mar-- vellous accounts of the beauty of the country, the fertility of the soil, the mildness of the climate, and the innocence of the natives. The queen was so charmed with the description that, as a memorial that the country had been dis-

INTRODUCTION. 7

covered during the reign of a virgin queen, she called it Virginia.

The next year, Raleigh sent from England a fleet of seven vessels, commanded by Sir Richard Grenville, and carrying upwards of one hundred persons, destined to begin a settlement. They were left under Ralph Lane,, on Roanoke island. The success of the Spaniards in finding gold in South America, led these adventurers to employ their time in a fruitless search for it here. In I5863 they were visited by Sir Francis Drake, who, at their request, conveyed them back to England. Lane carrying home a quantity of tobacco, the Indian custom of smoking it was adopted by Raleigh, a man of gayety and fashion 3 and introduced at court.

Soon after Drake departed, Grenville again arrived with provisions for the settlement. Finding it abandoned, he left fifteen men to keep possession of the country. In 1687, three other ships were sent to the same place, but the men who had been left could not be found, having probably been murdered by the savages. After remaining a few weeks on the coast, the ships returned to England, leaving one hundred and seventeen men on the island. War then existing between England and Spain, two years elapsed before the const was again visited. In that period the whole number perished ; but in what manner has never been ascertained. Thus ended the exertions of Raleigh to plant a colony in America.

These successive misfortunes withdrew for several 3'ears the attention of the English from these distant regions. In 1602, Bartholomew Gosnold made a voyage to America. Instead of taking the circuitous, but usual route, by the West India islands, he steered directly west from England, shortening the voyage at least one third, and arrived, in May, on the coast of Massachusetts. He discovered a head land, and taking a great quantity of codfish near it, called it Cape Cod. Proceeding southwardly, he passed Gay Head, entered Buzzard's bay, and upon an island within it erected a small fort, the ruins of which were visible so late as 1797. After trading a while with the Indians he returned home.

The report made by Gosnold revived the spirit of adventure. In 1603 and 1605, two voyages were rflade in the «ame direction, and Penobscot bay, Massachusetts bay ami

8 INTRODUCTION.

the rivers between them, were discovered. The accounts given by the last navigators confirmed the report of Gosnold, and led to a more extensive scheme of colonizauon than had yet been attempted.

Of this scheme Mr. Richard Hakluvt was the ?no8i active promoter. By his persuasion an association of gentlemen, in different parts of the kingdom, was formed for the purpose of sending colonies to America. Upon their application to king James, he, by letters patent, dated in 1606, divided the country of Virginia, then considered as extending from the southern boundary of North Carolina to the northern bonndury of Maine, into two districts, and constituted two companies for planting colonies within them.

The southern district he granted to Sir Thomas Gates and his associates, chiefly resident in London, and therefore styled the London company. The northern dUirict he granted to Thomas Hanhan and his associates, who were styled the Plymouth company. The two districts were called South and NorfTi V^irginia. The members of these companies were principally merchants ; their objects were the extension of commerce and the discovery of mines of the precious metals, which were supposed to abound in North as well as in South America.

For the supreme government of the colonies, a grand council was instituted, the members of which were to reside in England, and to be appointed by the king. The subordinate jurisdiction was committed to a council in each colony, the members of which were to be appointed by the grand council in England, and to be governed by its instructions. To the emigrants and their descendants were secured the enjoyment of all the rights of denizens or citizens, in the same manner and to the same extent as if the}' had remamed or been born in England,

Before the date, however, of these letters patent, the king of France granted to the Sieur De Monts all the territory from the 40th to the 46th degree of north latitude, or from New Jersey to Nova Scotia, then called Acadie. By virtue of this grant a settlement was made in 1604, on the south eastern side of the bay of Fundy, and called Port Royal. In 1608, Samuel Champlain, the agent of De Monts, laid the foundation of Quebec, the capital of Canada. From thes% possessions of the French, the colonies of New England and New York were, for more than a century, fre* quently and cruelly annoyed.

Chapter I History Of Virginia

The London company, soon after its incorporation in 1606, despatched to America three ships, having on board one hundred and five persons destined to begin a settlement in South Virginia. Christopher Newport commanded the squadron. He was accompanied by captain Gosnold and other distinguished individuals, some allured by curiosity and some by the prospect of gain, to visit a country said to be inh^ibited by a new race of beings, and to abound in silver and gold.

A sealed box was delivered to Newport^ with directions that it should not be opened until twenty-four hours after the emigrants had landed in America. During the voyage, violent dissentions arose among the principal personages on board the squadron. Of most of them, John Smith, one of the adventurers, incurred the distrust and hatred. His superior talents, and the fame he had acquired by his exploits in war, excited their envy, and probably caused him to claim for himself greater deference than they were willing or bound to yield.

In his youth, he had been a merchant's apprentice. At the age of fifteen, he quitted his master and travelled in France, the Netherlands, Egypt, and Germany. Having joined the army of the emperor of Austria, who was then at war with the Turks, he received, as a reward for a suC' cessful stratagem, the command of a troop of horse.

In three personal combats with Turkish champions, he came off victorious, at each time killing his adversary. In a battle which subsequently took place, he was wounded and taken prisoner. After his recovery he was sent as a slave to Constantinople. He had fallen into the hands of a cruel master ; but his mistress, captivated by his fine ap' pearance and heroic character, and commiserating his fate, sent him, in the absence of her husband, to her brother j who dwelt near the sea of Asoph. He, disregarding her directions, assigned to Smith degrading and laborious tasks, and beat him without mercy whenever he failed to perform them.

Seizing a favorable opportunity, he killed his new master and fled into Russia. After visiting Germany, France, Spain, and Morocco, he returned to England, became acquainted with Gosnold, and was easily persuaded to embark in an expedition to a country he had not yet visited, in search of new scenes and new adventures. Wiiile yet at sea, he was accused of an intention to murder the council, usurp the government, and make himself king of Virginia ; and upon this absurd accusation was put in continement.

The place of their destination was the disastrous position at Roanoke. A storm fortunately drove them to the mouth of Chesapeake bay, which they entered on the 26th of April, 1607. Discovering a large and beautiful river, they gave it the name of James River, ascended it, and on its banks had several interviews with the natives.

In one of these a chief came forward, holding in one hand his bow and arrows, in the other a pipe of tobacco, and demanded the cause of their coming. They made signs of peace, and were received as friends. Paspiha, another chief, when informed of their wish to settle in the country, oflfered them as much land as they wanted, and sent them a deer for their entertainment.

On the 13th of May, they debarked at a place which they called Jamestown. On opening the sealed box, it was found to contain the names of the council and instructions for their guidance. In the list were the names of Gosnold, Smith, VVingfield, and Newport. Wingfield was elected president, and a vote was passed excluding Smith from his seat at the board. He was, however, released from confinement.

The whole country was then a wilderness, in which a few Indians roamed in pursuit of their enemies, or of wild beasts for food. In color they were darker than the European, but not so black as the negro. They possessed all the vices and virtues of the savage state ; were cunning in stratagem, ferocious in battle, cruel to their conquered enemies, kind and hospitable to their friends. They had no written language ; they were unacquainted with the use of

VmciNIA, 11

iron and the other metals ; their weapons of war were a bow and arrows, a stone hatchet, which they called a tomahawk, and a club. They lived principally by hunting, but sometimes cultiyated small patches of Indian corn.

From such neighbors the emigrants could expect but little aid or comfort. Yet they took no care to provide for their future subsistence or preservation. They planted nothing the first year. The provisions brought from England were soon consumed. In four months, famine and the diseases of a hot and damp climate swept away fifty of their number.

These dreadful distresses led them to reflect upon their situation and conduct. Having become sensible of their injustice to Smith, they, at his request, had granted him a trial, which resulted in an honorable acquittal. His personal talents and activity now enforced, in adversity, the same regard and deference which, in prosperous times, are yielded only to vested authority and official station.

By his advice, a fort was erected, to protect them from the attacks of the Indians. To procure provisions and explore the country, he made frequent and distant excursions into the wilderness. In one of these, he seized an Indian idol, made with skins stuflfed with moss, for the redemption of which as much corn was brought him as he required. Sometimes he procured supplies by caresses, sometimes by purchase, and when these means failed of success, he scrupled not to resort to stratagem and violence.

But in the midst of his activity and usefulness, he was, while exploring the source of the river Chickahominy, surprised and attacked by a party of Indians. He defended himself bravely until his companions were killed, when he turned to flee. Running at hazard, he sunk to his neck in a swamp and was taken prisoner.

The exulting savages conducted him in triumph through several towns to their king, Powhatan. At the end of six weeks, their chiefs assembled to deliberate on his fate. They decided that he should die. He was led forth to execution ; his head was placed upon a stone, and an Indian stood near with a club, the instrument of death. At this instant Pocahontas, the young and favorite daughter of the king, appeared, and rushing between the executioner and the prisoner, folded his head in her arms and entreated

12 vifedisu,

her father to spare his life. Powhatan relented, directed Smith to be conducted to his wigwam or hut, and soon afterwards sent him, escorted by twelve guides, to Jamestown.

On his arrival there, he found the number of settlers reduced to thirty eight, and most of these had determined to abandon the country. By persuasions and threats, he induced a majority to relinquish their design. The remainder, more resolute, went on board a small vessel in the river. Against these he instantly directed the guns of the fort, when, to avoid the danger of being sunk, they hastened back to their companions.

Sustaining now a high reputation among the Indians, he obtained from them occasional supplies of provisions, which preserved the colony from famine. The princess Pocahontas also, remembering him whose life she had saved, frequently sent him such articles as were most needed. The settlers were thus enabled to subsist until Captain Newport, who had returned to England, again arrived at Jamestown, with a quantity of provisions, and one hundred and twenty persons, who came to reside in the colony.

All danger being in appearance over, the emigrants no longer submitted to the authority, nor listened to the advice of Smith. Disorder and confusion followed ; and about this time, that raging passion for gold, which first impelled Europeans to resort to this country, was again excited. In a stream north of Jamestown, a glittering earth was discovered which was supposed to be golJ dust. " Immediately," says Stith, in his history, " there was no thought, no discourse, no hope, and no work, but to dig gold, wash gold, refine gold, and load gold." And notwithstanding the remonstrances of Smith, a ship was freighted with this worthless commodity and sent to England.

Finding he could not be useful at Jamestown, and unwilling to be idle. Smith set out upon an expedition to explore the coasts of the Chesapeake. With great labor and fatigue, he examined every inlet, river, and bay, as far as the mouth of the Rappahannock ; whence, his provisions being exhausted, he returned home.

He found the people turbulent and discontented. They charged the president with squandering the p«btie property, and imposing upon them unnecessary fatigue, by compeUing them to build for himself a house of pleasure in the woods. He was deposed ; Smith was chosen to succeed him ; he refused to accept the office, but no other person was appointed.

Having procured a supply of provisions, he again depart- €d to complete the survey of the Chesapeake. He visiter all the countries on both shores ; he traded with some tribes ; he fought with others ; and left, among all, the highest admiration of the beneticence or valor of the English.

Returning after an absence of six weeks, he was agaiii chosen president. Yielding to the general wish, he cortsented to accept the office. Under his administration, habits of industry and subordination were formed, and peace and plenty smiled upon the colony.

In 1609, the London company having obti».ined a new charter, conferring greater powers and privileges than the former, despatched to Virginia nine ships, carrying live hundred emigrants, and certain officers appointed to supersede the existing government. The ship in which these officers embarked, was driven ashore on the island of Bermu<las. The settlers who came in the others were licentious, profligate, and disorderly. Assuming the power of disposing of the government, they conferred it sometimes on one, and sometimes on another.

In this confusion. Smith hesitated but a short time in deciding what course to pursue. He determined that his authority was not suspended until the arrival of the persons appointed to supersede him, and resumed, with a strong liand, the reins of government. He boldly imprisoned the leaders of the sedition, and restored for a time regularity and obedience.

The Indians, jealous of the increasing power of the strangers who had invaded their country, concerted a plot to destroy them. Pocahontas, the constant friend of Virginia, hastened, in a dark and dreary night, to Jamestown, and informed Smith of his danger. Measures of precaution were instantly taken. The Indians, perceiving that their design was discovered, again brought presents of peace to the English.

Soon after. Smith, having received by accident a severe wound, returned to England to procure the aid of a surgeon. Disastrous consequences followed. The Indians.

learning that the man whom they dreaded most had left the colony, attacked it with united forces. A dreadful famine ensued. To such extremity were the settlers reduced, that they devoured the skins of the horses, the bodies of the Indians whom they had killed, and at last those of their own companions, who had sunk under accumulated miseries. These tremendous sufferings were recollected long afterwards with horror, and the period was remembered and distinguished by the name of the " starving time.'*

In six months, the colony, from five hundred persons, was reduced to sixty ; and these were exceedingly feeble and dejected. In this situation they were visited by those who were shipwrecked at Bermudas. All immediately determined to return to England. For this purpose the remnant of the colony embarked on board the ships just arrivedand sailed down the river. Fortunately they were met by Lord Delaware, who had been appointed governor of Virginia, and who, having brought with him a supply of pro-* visions, persuaded them to return to Jamestown,

This nobleman, by the mildness of his temper and his assiduity in business, restored order and contentment ; and the Indians were again taught to respect and fear the English. After a short administration, he was succeeded by Sir Thomas Dale, by whom, on the recurrence of disorderly conduct, martial law was proclaimed and rigidly enforced. In the same year, (1611,) Sir Thomas Gates was appointed governor. He brought with him to Virginia a reinforcement of settlers, by whom new towns were founded. And another charter was granted by the king, conferring additional privileges.