School history of the United States

Front matter

Class _ IlJ-JJ: Book . /

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Preface

The writer of this little volume has endeavored to select the leading facts of our nation's history, and present them in a manner suited to the youthful mind. There is nothing of fiction or fable, and great care has been taken to throw around actual events no other interest than such as springs from well-authenticated narrative. On the other hand, she has omitted many minor details, and aimed at lasting impressions without overtaxing the memory. If she has succeeded in tracing a distinct outline and promoting a love for the study, the filling up of that outline will readily follow, as the pupil advances to graver histories. An experience of six years as an instructress in the department of history, has growingly confirmed the writer in this method of pursuing such studies with the young.

The Colonial History is given in three divisions — the New England, the Middle, and the Southern States. The War of Independence is then briefly traced — the several Administrations noticed, and a cursory view of the entire history of the Western States added. A chapter on

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VI PREFACE.

"Progress," comparing early facts with present growth and prospects, closes the volume.

The writer acknowledges the aid received from various standard works upon the subject. For facts, and occasionally for modes of expression, she has been especially indebted to Bancroft's " History of the United States," and to Lossing's "Field-Book of the Revolution;" and the generous permission given for the use she has made of these authorities, is respectfully and warmly appreciated.

The present opportunity is also tek'en for tendering thanks to several experienced instructors, who have with patient kindness rendered essential service, by their valuable advice, during the progress of the work.

The illustrations are all original, and in every instance, have been prepared expressly for this volume, by Mr. S. Merrick, Jr.

This little text-book is now commended to the public, and especially to teachers, in the hope that it may not be without its use in promoting, in the youth of our land, an ardent love for the deeply interesting history of their own country.

West Potnt, August 1, 1855.

TABLE OF CONTENTS,

Chapter I. Introductory

EARLY SETTLEMENTS AROUND MASSACHUSETTS BAY.

TnE country whose history we are to study is called " The United States of America," now consisting of thirty-one States and eight Territories.

This country is bounded on the north by the great Lakes and the British possessions, on the south by the Gulf of Mexico and Mexico, on the east by the Atlantic, and on the west by the Pacific Ocean.

The early inhabitants of this country were the North American Indians, but they as a people have long since passed away, although a remnant yet lingers in some of the States, and a number of small tribes are to be found in the Indian, and other Territories, and beyond the Rocky Mountains. The people whose history we would learn are the European colonists, who, in the providence of God, have been permitted to spread themselves over this broad land, and to make it the prosperous country in which it is our privilege to live.

Of what does the United States consist? — Give the boundaries. — What of the early inhabitants ? — Of what people are you to learn ?

(ix)

You all know the story of Christopher Columbus, who, under the patronage of the good Queen Isabella of Spain, discovered, in 1492, the New World. You may have read, too, of the daring but cruel Cortez and Pizarro, who founded kingdoms in Mexico and Peru ; but these stories belong to the History of America, and we shall begin only with those settlements founded within the present limits of the United States.

The three oldest towns in our country are, St. Augustine, in Florida, founded in 1565 by the Spaniards; Jamestown, in Virginia, in 1607, by the English ; and Plymouth, in Massachusetts, in 1620, also by the English.

At the time of these early settlements, the country was not divided into States as you now find it on your maps ; no English name was given to it, and it was occupied, only by the forests and hunting-grounds, and scattered wigwam villages of the Indians.

The first English name by which it was called was Virginia. This was in the reign of Queen Elizabeth, during which some vain attempts at settlement were made. Afterwards in the reign of King James, the country extending between North Carolina and Nova Scotia, was divided into two portions and named North and South Virginia. Later in the same reign, Captain John Smith made a map of the region of country, now known as the Eastern States, and presented it to Prince Charles, who named the country New England.

We will learn in order something of the history of New England, the Middle States, and the Southern States, up to the time when all these colonies united in resisting England, at which period we shall carry on their history as one.

Who discovered America, and when? — What Spaniards founded kingdoms? — Name the three oldest towns in the United States? — Describe the condition of the country at its early settlement. — What were the first English name* given to it ? — In what order are we to proceed ?

NEW ENGLAND.

*' The heavy night hung dark The hills and waters o'er, When a band of exiles moored their bark On the wild New England shore." — Hemans.

The History of New England commences with the landing of the Pilgrim Fathers.

The Pilgrim Fathers were Englishmen, belonging to a sect of Christians called Puritans. In the reign of the Roman Catholic Queen Mary of England, their ancestors had been driven to the Continent, where they had learned a more simple mode of worship than that practised by the English Church. When, therefore, on the accession of Queen Elizabeth they returned to their country, they refused to become members of the Church of England, or to submit to its usages. They would not use its Book of Common Prayer, nor wear the surplice. In those days, men had not learned "as far as in them lieth to live peaceably with all men," and so the Puritans, as they were nicknamed, were persecuted for their non-conformity, as it was called.

They endured these persecutions of greater or less severity for about fifty years, and then, in 1608, a small congregation of them fled to Holland. Here they remained twelve years, at the end of which time they resolved to go to America and form a settlement at the mouth of the Hudson river. They left Holland in a small vessel, called the ".Speedwell," and sailed for England. Here they remained a fortnight, and then, taking leave of their friends, set sail for America. The " Speedwell" proving unseaworthy, they were obliged to put back : this vessel, with those of her company whose courage failed them, were dismissed, and the remainder crowded into the " May Flower."

Repeat the motto. — Who were the Pilgrim Fathers? — Whence did they receive their mode of worship? — How were they treated on their return to England? — Whither did they flee? — What resolution did they form?-- To what country did they first sail ? — What happened to the " Speedwell ?"

At last, on the 6th September 1620, this frail bark, bearing her precious burden, lost sight of English ground. The number of the Pilgrims was one hundred and one. Among them were John Carver, their first Governor, Elder Brewster, their pastor for the time, Miles Standish, their military Captain, William Bradford, Edward Winslow, and William White. There were women too on board. No doubt, during the three months that their little bark was tossed upon the ocean, the sound of prayer was daily, almost hourly, heard among them, and " He who ruleth the raging of the sea, heard their cry and helped them," and because tney honored Him, He has honored them in making them the forefathers of a great and good people.

While on ship-board they drew up a body of laws which they resolved to obey, and chose John Carver as their Governor. This first American constitution was drawn up and signed on the lid of a chest, belonging to Elder Brewster. This chest of Norway pine is preserved in the Athenaeum at Hartford, and has another interesting association. It served in Elder Brewster's family as a table, and during the famine which followed when they were obliged to live solely upon clams, the good old man was wont, when asking a blessing, to thank God, " who had yet given them of the treasures hid in the sand."

Owing to the ignorance of the Captain, the "May Flower" was brought upon the barren coast of Massachusetts. The bitter months of November and December found this little vessel tossing upon the waters of Cape Cod Bay, instead of casting anchor, as the Pilgrims had hoped, in the milder latitude of the harbor of New York.

Many interesting events occurred between the day of their first mooring and their final landing. One of these was the birth of Peregrine White, the first English boy born in the Colony. Mr. White died shortly after his son's birth, and his widow then

How many left England, and when ? — Name some of the Pilgrims. — How lid they acknowledge their dependence upon God ? — What did the passengers adopt? — Relate the anecdote of Elder Brewster's chest. — What coast did the "May Flower" reach, and when? — Mention some events which occurred on ihip-board, in Cape Cod Bay.

married Mr. Edward Winslow. She was thus the first English mother and bride in New England.

Much of the time was spent in exploring the coast for a suitable landing place. During one of these excursions they were in great peril, having broken the rudder and mast of their little shallop. They reached a rocky island, but it cost them the whole of the following day, which was Saturday, to repair the boat. The Sabbath drew on — they were fifteen leagues away from the "May Flower," and they knew the hearts within her must be anxious for their safety, — eighteen inches of snow covered the ground, they had neither tent nor shelter, but "they remembered the Sabbath day to keep it holy." In the deep snow they knelt, and the keen frosty air echoed their hymns of praise. On the following Monday, Plymouth Rock was discovered to be a suitable place for landing ; the " May Flower" was brought round, and on Monday, the 21st of December, these sea-wearied Pilgrims stepped ashore. Tradition says it was the foot of Mary Chilton, a young maiden of the band, that first pressed "Forefather's Rock," as it is still named and honored by their descendants.

Thus commenced, in faith and hope, this first New England Colony. It was named Plymouth from the last place parted from in England. Severe trials surrounded them in their new home. Disease and famine did their fearful work among them; Governor Carver, his wife and child, died during the winter, and by spring only forty-six of the one hundred passengers who came in the " May Flower," were living.

But although exposed to these trials, they were mercifully preserved from the murderous tomahawk of the Indian, a pestilence having the previous year carried off the more dangerous of these savage neighbors. The first Indian they saw, £ met them with the cheering salutation, "Welcome Eng- taoi lishmen ! Welcome Englishmen !" His name was Samoset : he came from what is now Maine, and had learned to speak

Describe the adventures of an exploring party. — When, and where, did they land? — What did they name the place? — Describe their sufferings the first winter. — From what calamity were they preserved? — Describe their first meeting with Indians.

English from the captain of a fishing vessel on the coast. He gave the information that Massasoit, the great Indian chief of that region, was approaching with sixty men. The Governor engaged Samoset as an interpreter, and by means of a few kindly presents, the Sachem's good will was secured, and a treaty made, which was faithfully kept for more than fifty years. Through Massasoit' s influence, ninety less powerful chiefs were brought into treaty with the English ; and the only hostile one, Canonicus, was awed when the Governor returned the arms and rattlesnake skin, which the savage chieftain had sent in token of defiance, stuffing the latter with powder and ball.

During the ten years following the landing of the Pilgrims, 1 fi9fi var i° us individuals and parties settled around the shores

, of Massachusetts Bay ; at Salem, at Charlestown, and at

1630 Cambridge. It would be well to inform you by what

means colonists were enabled to emigrate to this country.

Merchants, residing chiefly in London and in the west of England, formed themselves into companies, and obtained from the King grants to settle particular " Plantations" in America, with certain rights and privileges of government, and commerce. These grants were called charters. The company furnished ships and sent out colonists, who were to cultivate the ground and procure fish and furs. The profits on these articles, it was expected, would repay the company in England for the expense of sending them out. Several members of the Massachusetts Bay company, gentlemen of family and fortune, agreed themselves to go out to New England, provided the charter should be carried to America, and the government not managed by a council of the company in England, as was usually the case.

This privilege being granted, Mr. Winthrop, and many other distinguished men, embarked for New England. They sailed from the Isle of Wight on the 8th of April, 1630. After a somewhat

What information did they gain from Samoset? — What did they obtain from Massasoit? — Name the settlements made between 1620-1630. — How were companies for purposes of emigration formed? — What were charters? — What did these companies expect of the colonists ? — What led Mr. Winthrop to come to New England ?

OP NEW ENGLAND. 15

boisterous voyage, their little fleet of five vessels anchored safely at Charlestown. Here they were kindly received, and began to build, intending to make it their permanent home. But this was not the design of God regarding them. They found but one spring of water, and that so brackish, that disease carried off many of their number.

The new Colony was threatened with destruction, when a deliverer was raised up for them. Mr. William Blackstone, a kind, •but eccentric old man, had built his solitary cottage on a peninsula, on the south side of Charles river. The English called it Trimountain, but the Indians gave it the name of Shawmut, signifying, in their language, "living fountains." To these healthful waters, were Governor Winthrop and his suffering Colony invited, by Mr. Blackstone, and gladly did they remove thither.

They named their new settlement Boston, in honor of the Rev. Mr. Colton, a much-beloved pastor of Boston, England, who afterwards joined the Colonies, and was highly honored there.

One of the first acts of the Colony, was to draw up a " Confession of Faith," and enter into a church covenant : this was done with the utmost solemnity, after a day of fasting and prayer. Mr. Blackstone, who was an Episcopalian, was invited to join this church, but he replied very quaintly, " I came from England because I did not like the Lord Bishops; but I cannot join with you because I would not be under the Lord Brethren."

And now the little village of Boston grew rapidly. Industry, sobriety, and honesty, marked its character. The Governor himself set a good example, by discouraging the drinking of toasts, and forbidding cards and gaming tables. A man was whipped for stealing a loaf of bread, and another for shooting fowl on Sunday. Carpenters and masons worked diligently at their trades, and stone houses began to rise. Vessels too were built to traffic with other settlements on the coast; and one

Describe his voyage. — Where and how were they received? — Why did they not remain at Charlestown ? — Whither were they invited? — What name was given to their settlement? — Into what did the colonists enter? — Who was invited to join them, and how did he reply? — What of Boston at this time? — What of their trades and ship-building ?

launched on the 4th of July, 1631, was called "The Blessing of the Bay " Education was not neglected: in eight years after the landing of this Colony, Harvard College was founded, and named in honor of Mr. John Harvard, who, dying in 1638, left to this Institution the sum of £800. In this College, the year of its foundation, a printing-press was set up by a man named Glover, but we hear little of the progress of this art during the first forty years of New England history

The year after the Colony was established, Mrs. Gov. Winthrop joined her husband; and in the same vessel came out Mr. John Eliot, the first Missionary to the Indians. He settled at Roxbury, and here began his labors among the heathen, which were carried on for sixty years. He visited them in their wigwams, teaching them to read and to pray, and he translated the Bible into their language. A copy of this old book is still preserved, in Eliot's handwriting, but only the title, "Up Biblum God/' signifying " The Book of God/' can now be read. The language in which it is written has perished with the race. We may not read it, but

" Hearts are in Heaven -which understand it well."

So successful were this good man's labors, that after his death the number of " praying Indians," as those who became Christians were called, amounted to five thousand.

Between the years 1630 and 1636, we find the settlements belonging to the Massachusetts Bay company, rapidly increasing. Persecution in England was sending many wise and able men to the Colonies. Among them came Sir Henry Vane, a ' friend of the poet Milton. He so won the hearts of the people, that at one time they made him governor. But though an earnest and good man, he was not a very safe one, and becoming the supporter of- the party of Mrs. Ann Hutchinson, he led himself and the Colonies into serious difficulties. This Mrs. Hutchinson held many strange and unscriptural doctrines. She

When was Harvard College founded ? — What Missionary came to New England in 1631 ? — Where did he settle ? — Describe his labors and success. — What drove many from England to the Colonies? — Who arrived in 1635?

OP NEW ENGLAND. 17

believed, for instance, that equally with "holy men of old," she and her followers were favored wi^h special divine revelations. This party, opposing the ministers and magistrates of the Colony, created great disturbances. At length, Sir Henry Yane returned to England, and Mrs. Hutchinson and her followers were banished from Massachusetts.

The Puritans were too earnest in their faith to live in peace with those who differed from them. Not only were the followers of Mrs. Hutchinson persecuted and banished, but the Quakers and Baptists also were cruelly treated, four of the former being put to death on account of their opinions.

We shall now leave, for a time, the Colonies of the Massachu' setts Bay company, which already numbered twenty settlements, and turn to other parts of New England.

What doctrines did Mrs. Hutchinson teach? — What became of her and her followers? — Who were persecuted by the Puritans? — Number of settlements in 1636.

Review Questions. — Describe the boundaries of the United States.— Who were its original inhabitants, and what has become of them ? — Name the three oldest towns in the United States, and describe the condition of the country at the time of its discovery.

Who were the Puritans ? — Relate the history of the Pilgrim Fathers to tho time of their coming to America. — What is said of their voyage ? — Of their landing? — Of their interview with the Indians?

Relate the settlement of Boston. — What of its prosperity and morality? — What of Eliot ?

Relate what is said of Sir Henry Vane and Mrs. Hutchinson ? — Who were persecuted in the Massachusetts Bay Colonies.

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18 COLONIAL ni STORY

Chapter II. Rhode Island, Connecticut, And Union Of The New England Colonies

"And can we deem it strange That from their planting such a branch should bloom As nations envy ?"

Sigourhey.

RHODE ISLAND.

The history of Rhode Island is so nearly connected with that of Roger Williams, its founder, that a sketch of his interesting biography will be sumcient to introduce you to his Colony.

Roger Williams was born in the year 1598, in Wales. He was educated at the University of Oxford, in England, but afterwards became a Puritan and a non-conformist. He possessed a pure, noble mind, and a, heart filled with that charity which " suffereth long and is kind." {Ie had thought long and seriously about the evils of intolerance, and* had come to the conclusion that u the doctrine of persecution is most lamentably contrary to the doctrine of Christ Jesus," and determined very earnestly never to submit to those who practised it. With this determination, however, he united the grace of an overflowing charity towards all men. He hated persecution, but he loved his persecutors, and we shall presently see how he proved his sincerity, by returning good for evil.

In the year 1631, when little more than thirty years of age, he came to Massachusetts, and was invited to Salem as a religious teacher. His listeners became warmly attached to him, but hi enlarged views, so far beyond those of the age and Colony in which he lived, alarmed the Boston Puritans, and made him ene-

Repeat the motto. — When, and where, was Roger Williams born, and where educated? — Describe his character. — How did he regard persecution? — When did he come to Massachusetts, and where did he settle ?

i mies. They were much shocked at his saying that civil magistrates were bound to protect the life and property of peaceful citizens, of whatever name or creed ; that it was their duty to restrain crime, but not to control opinion. The number of those who opposed Roger Williams increased. Even his wife was for a time influenced by his enemies, and his home was made unhappy

At last, the sentence of banishment was pronounced. .

Williams hoped to remain until spring, but the prospect of losing him awakened all the affection of his people, and the General Court, fearing his influence, commanded him to embark for England. Officers were sent to convey him to the vessel, but Roger Williams had fled from Salem. For fourteen weeks he was a wanderer in the wilderness, " sorely tost in a bitter iror >* season, not knowing what bread or bed did mean." He found kind friends in the Indians, whose language he had learned, and to whom he was ever a patient missionary. Massasoit and the chief of the Narragansetts received him as their guest, and "thus," he says, "the ravens fed me in the wilderness/'

In the midst of all these persecutions, Roger Williams showed a kindly spirit towards his oppressors : he says, " I did eve? from my soul honor and love them, even when their judgment lfj them to afflict me." He settled first at Seekonk, but this being within the limits of the Plymouth Colony, he was advised by Governor Winslow, to " steer his course to the Narragansett Bay," which was as yet unclaimed by any Englisn patent. Regarding this as u a voice from God," he emferked in his Indian canoe, and with a few companions, crossed the stream. The spot on which they landed he named Providence, in grateful acknowledgment of the Hand which had guided his wanderings. " I desired it might be a shelter for persons distressed for conscience," was the Christian motto which this good man chose for his Colony.

Williams met our old friend Mr. Blackstone of Boston, in the new colony. The latter had planted the first apple-orchard there,

What opinions procured him enemies ? — How far did they proceed against him ? — Describe his wanderings in the wilderness. — Where did he first settle? —What spirit did he manifest towards his enemies ? — Why did he remove, and Inhere did he go ? — What did he name his new home, and what design it for?

and was nusily employed in cultivating " yellow-sweetings," and preaching to the Indians He was too odd a man to agree with Roger Williams in all things, but he often visited him and preached for him at Providence. In their love and labor for the Indians, these Christian men were truly united.

And now an Indian war drew on : the country between the Connecticut river and Narragansett Bay, was thickly peopled by Indian tribes. Of these, the Pequods, Mohegans, and Narragansetts, were the most powerful. The Pequods, dreading the power of the English, endeavored to form a league with the other tribes, to drive the white man from their land. The Indians were urged by every motive of interest to join in this attempt. Who was

Roger Williams before the Sachem of the Narragansetts there to intercede for the English with the savage foe ? One man could do it: he knew their language; they loved and honored

Where were the Indians most numerous? — What Indian league threatened the settlements I — Relate the means by which this league was prevented.

OP NEW ENGLAND. 2J

him, but would he do it ? Would .Roger Williams plead for his persecutors ? Yes ! he had learned the beautiful lesson, " to overcome evil with good." Alone, in a frail canoe, in a storm, and at the risk of his life, he visited the Sachem of these tribes. The Pequod messengers were there. They were fresh from the murder of one Colonist; — would they spare him who had come to thwart their designs of revenge ? God restrained their wrath, and put a word in his mouth to which the savages listened, and the colonists were saved.

In the spring of 1638, the time of the Hutchinson difficulties, a number of her 'followers, headed by John ■ LUO °- Clark and William Coddington, left Massachusetts, and being kindly received by Roger Williams, they obtained from the Indians the large island in Narragansett Bay, settled there, and called it Rhode Island, because of a fancied resemblance to the little Island of Rhodes, in the Mediterranean Sea, so celebrated for its beauty. Such was the early settlement of

" Rhode Island, the land where the exile sought rest, The Eden where wandered the Pilgrim oppressed."

CONNECTICUT.

The founders of the busy little State of Connecticut were of the excellent of the earth, and between the years 1633 and 1636, four flourishing villages had sprung up on the banks of its beautiful river. The earliest was at Windsor; others followed at Hartford, Saybrook, and Wethersfield, and in 1638, on the shores of Long Island Sound, New Haven, now one of the loveliest cities in all New England, was founded by a Puritan pastor.

One of the most interesting migrations to Connecticut from the Bay colonies, was conducted by the Rev. Thomas Hooker. He

What led to the settlement of Rhode Island? — Why so named? — Mention the earliest settlements in Connecticut. — Who was the Rev. Thomas Hooker ?

was an English minister, of such persuasive eloquence, that his preaching attracted crowded congregations in England. Induced by Governor Winthrop to come to the Colonies, he was received in Massachusetts by some of his own people, who had preceded him. They thronged the beach to testify their welcome, and springing ashore, he embraced them with open arms, exclaiming, in the words of St. Paul, " Now I live if ye stand fast in the Lord."

An old writer says of Hooker, " He is the one rich pearl, with which England more than repaid America for the treasures from her coast."

This good man, with one hundred of his flock, left Cambridge in the April of 1636, for the rich and beautiful valley of " the Connecticut river, — " the pleasant country," as it was called by the Indian Sachem, who first invited the Plymouth people to settle there. The little band travelled on foot over the hills and streams and through the forests, which lay between them and their new strange home. They lived chiefly on the milk of the herds and flocks, which they drove before them, and were cheered and sustained by the fervent piety of their excellent pastor. The great proportion of the people settled at Hartford, whilst others went to Wethersfield j and a few from Roxbury sailed higher up the Connecticut river, and founded Springfield, in Massachusetts.

The Colony of New Haven is remarkable for the religious spirit which marked its laws. The first congregation assembled under a branching oak, and in framing their government, determined that " all of them would be ordered by the rules which the Scripture held forth to them." They prospered, and planted many a pleasant village along the Sound and on the shores of Long Island. This Colony was distinct from the Connecticut Colony. The latter included the settlements at Hartford, Windsor, "Wethersfield, &c. New Haven had its own governor,