Young people's history of the world, containing complete and thrilling accounts of the heroes of history and their marvelous achievements ...

Front matter

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Preface

(sfX' FUIvL and glowing account of the world's wonderful events is ^^ contained in this most instructive and entertaining volume, embracing whatever in history is sublime and glorious. It treats not only of our own great countrj^, but of European and other countries, ignorance of which goes far toward branding one as an ignoramus.

It has often been said that the history of Scotland is full of romance. Something bright and beautiful, or sanguinary and tragic, is written on every page. The very glens echo the heroic deeds of the past. The shaded lakes are mirrors of cloud and sky. But this land of ours is quite as full of interest as any land beyond the sea, and many are the fields that have their tragic tale to tell of heroism and adventure. In the great struggle for human freedom we have patriots whose noble deeds are themes for splendid epics.

Great explorations and discoveries are depicted in this volume, and the daring men who fought their way through dark regions and terrible dangers are commemorated and made immortal. Voyages in the Polar world, and thrilling explorations in the Dark Continent, together wath journeys in other lands, are here described in a manner so captivating that all readers are entranced. There is always a charm about deeds of heroism. They rouse the spirit of emulation ; they inspire the young to grand effort and achievement ; they live in memory when less noble deeds are forgotten, and any volume, put into the hands of the young, that fires tliem with aspiration, has a value that cannot be estimated.

Famous wars and battles are recorded in this very attractive volume.

It throbs with the struggles of nations, and across its pages \vave the

tossing plumes of the great battle heroes. Can the world ever forget the

sri.ci.v.L. iii iv PREFACE.

brilliant career of Napoleon, or Wellington, or Lord Nelson, the hero of the sea ? Can the name of onr own great Washington ever cease to adorn the pages of history? The conflicts of the Revolution, of the war of 1812, and the more recent records of grim and ghastly battles — can these ever be eliminated from the marvelous story of modern times ? From the plains of Austerlitz and Waterloo down to the famous victories of Manila, Santiago, and the hard-fought battles in South Africa, the reader views the bloody drama of war and hears the booming of guns that pronounce the downfall of Emperors and Nations.

We live in an age of wonderful activity, discovery and invention. Our young people should be familiar with the amazing progress the world is making, and this volume, replete with useful information, is an educator that they cannot afford to be without. It is the latest contribution to universal knowledge. It deserves a place in every home. And what better gift can parents make to the young than to furnish them with books that are simply storehouses of learning, and will teach them those grand and inspiring lessons that history affords ?

Chapter I. The Louisiana Purchase

Purchase of Louisiana— Napoleon Threatening Great Britain — Piratical States OF Barbary— Jefferson Re-elected— Treason of Aaron Burr— Blow to American Commerce— Trouble with Great Britain— Arbitrary Decree of Napoleon —Importation of Slaves Forbidden —Robert Fulton's First Steamboat — ^Thf "Clermont" Makes a Voyage from New York to Albany — Sailing Vessels Superceded by Steam — Fulton the First Great Inventor of the Century . 17

Chapter II. Our Second War With Great Britain

James Madison in the White House— England's Big Fleet— Gen. Hull Fortifies Detroit — Base Surrender of the Detroit Garrison — Sharp Battle at Queenstown on THE Canada Border — Brilliant Exploits of Our Navy — Invasion op Canada — Important Events Connected with the War — Some of the Indian Tribes Take up Arms— The Peace Commission of 1813 — Great American Victory ON Lake Champlain— The British Repulsed in Many Engagements— Original Text of the "Star Spangled Banner" — Hartford Convention — War Ended — Indiana Brought into the Union 26

Chapter III. Origin And Growth Of The Mormons

losEPH Smith, Founder of the Sect — The Book of Mormon— Prominent Mormons Swear Falsely — The Book a Historical Romance— Smith Tarred and Feathered—Removal TO Nauvoo— Smith Shot Dead by a Mob — Mormon Temple Db stroyed by Fire— Mormons Move Again and Found Salt Lake City — Outrages by Armed Mormons— Mountain Meadows Massacre —Federal Troops Sent to Utah -John D. Lee Convicted and Executed for the Mountain Valley Massacre-Death OF Brigham Young— Polygamy Suppressed by the Government 42

Chapter IV. War Between The United States And Mexico

People from Connecticut Settle in Texas— Moses Austin Obtains a Grant frov the Spanish Government — Large Immigration Pours into Texas— Austin Arrested and Imprisoned -Santa Anna in Power — His Troops Driven Out of Texas— Davy Crockett — Mexican Army Routed— Texas a Republic in 1837 — Movement in Congress for the Annexation of Texas — Proposition Resisted bv Mexico — Bloody Battles Between the Mexican and American Armies — Achievements of General Taylor— General Scott's Expedition— Our Arms Everywhere Victorious — Return of Peace on the 4TH of July, 1848 ... 51 vj CONTENXa

Chapter V. The Great Civil War

A.GITATION UPON THE QUESTION OP SlAVERV—ThE MISSOURI COMPROMISE — STRUGGLE IN

Kansas in 1854— Democratic Party Divided— Election of Abraham Lincoln TO the Presidency— The South Asserts State Sovereignty— Appalling State of Affairs — Many Southern States Secede from the Union— Outbreak of THE War — Major Anderson Attacked at Fort Sumter— Confederate Plan to Destroy Commerce— First Great Battle— Slaves Declared "Contraband of War" — Federal Expeditions to Recapture Southern Harbors— Confederates Seek Recognition Abroad— War of Vast Magnitude — General Grant in the VVest — Terrible Battles and Many Federal Defeats— Fight Between the Merrimac and the Cumberland— " Stonewall Jackson" — General McClellan's Advance— The Capital Threatened c . . . 67

Chapter VI. End Of The Great Civil War

Hard Fighting in Tennessee— Capture of Fort Pulaski — Slavery Question ai the Front— Lincoln Threatens to Free the Slaves— Battles of Chancellorsville— Grant's Victory at Vicksburg— Federals Victorious in Great Battle AT Gettysburg — Riots in New York —Generals Thomas and Bragg — Gen ERAL Longstreet Wounded— Grant Made Commander-in-Chief— Terrible Fighting in the Wilderness— General Sherman's Great March to the Sea — Lincoln Elected to a Second Term— Lee's Situation Desperate— End of the Great Struggle — Assassination of President Lincoln — Death of the Assassins . 82

Chapter VII. From The Restoration Of The Union To Our War With Spain

Opening of the Union Pacific Railway — Our Government Insists upon Great Britain Allowing Damages for Captures by Confederate Cruisers- Court of Arbitration — Great Fire in Chicago — Loss Amounts to 1196,000,000— Discontent in Cuba — Seizure of the Virginius and Execution of Her Crew— Demands OF Our Government upon Spain — Peace Commissioners Murdered by Modoc Indians-— Assassins Followed and Shot or Hanged— Centennial Exhibition of 1876 — Imposing Ceremonies at Its Opening — Garfield Inaugurated President — President Garfield Shot by an Assassin — General Arthur Becomes President — Discovery of Gold in Alaska— Prosperity in 1898 and Following Years . 01

Chapter VIII. The Spanish-american War

Cuba's Struggle for Freedom — Destruction of the Battleship Maine— Message to Congress from the President — Outbreak of War with Spain— Admiral Dewey's Great Victory at Manila — Young Heroes of the War — United States Army Landed in Cuba — Exploits of the " Rough Riders " — Battles of San Juan and El Caney — Admiral Cervera's Fleet Destroyed by American.Squadron Under Command of Commodore Schley — United States Army Landed in Porto Rico- Capture OF the City of Manila — Peace Commissioners Appointed by the United States and Spain— Negotiations for Peace— Peace Treaty Signed by THE Two Governments— Bloody Conflicts with the Insurgents in the Philippines—Great Naval Spectacle in New York Harbor— Sword for Admiral Dewky — Magnificent Reception to Dewey on His Return . ...... US

CONTENTS. Vii

PART 11.

EUROPEAN AND OTHER COUNTRIES.

Chapter IX. Great Events In English History

PAGE

French Defeated in Egypt— British Naval Victory at Copenhagen— William Pitt IN Power, 1804- Napoleon Determines to Invade England— Great Naval Victory OF THE English Fleet at Trafalgar— Napoleon's Brilliant Successes- Battles of Austerlitz and Jena— The "Iron Doke"— Alliance Against Napoleon—Ireland Independent— George IV. Comes to the Throne— O'Connell in Parliament— William IV. on the Throne -Victoria Inaugurated Queen in 1838 -Anti-Ccrim-Law League— War Between Russia and Allied Armies of England AND France— Desperate Struggle in the Crimea— Franchise Extended in England— Public School System— Mutiny in India— Punishment of Traitors- Struggle OF the Irish for Home Rule— The Queen's Jubilee in 1897 IK

Chapter X

Splendid Triumphs of Napoleon— His Arbitrary Power— Empire Practically Im- CLUDiNG Half of Europe— Defeat of French Navy by Lord Nelson— Emperor Retires to Elba— Reappearance in France and Defeat at Waterloo— Charles X. on the Throne— Trouble in Algiers— Troops Driven from Paris— England's Bold Move— Death of Heir Apparent in 1842— The King Abdicates— France a Republic— President Napoleon III. Afterward Becomes Emperor- Political Agitation and Troubles— French and English Alliance Against Russia— Fall of Sebastopol— France Sends an Expedition to Mexico -Maximilian Captured and Shot— Scheme to Annex Belgium— Outbreak of \^^ar with Prussia— French Armies Defeated and Downfall of Napoleon III.— Escape op Empress Eugenie from Paris— End of the War Famous Dreyfus Trial .... 143

Chapter XI. The New German Empire

'.iERMANV Agitated by Napoleon's Schemes at the Beginning of the Century- German Confederation— New Government Organized— Insurrection Suppressed — Austria and Prussia— War with Austria and Great German Victory — The Treatv of Prague — New Territory Incorporated— Union of German States- France Proclaims War Against Prussia — Battles of Gravelotte and Sedan — Empire of Prussia Under William L— Laws for the Working Classfs— Prussia AND THE Papacy— National A"kMY— Death of Emperor William I. — Death of Emperor Frederick— William II. Comes to the Throne— Prince Bismarck . . 163

Chapter XII. Great Events In The History Of Russia

Fmperor Paul Murdered in 1801— Russian Loss in the Battle of Austerlitz- Coalition WITH France— War with Persia — Powerful Alliance — Cabinet Officer Charged with Treason — Russia Victorious over Persia — Russia Signs the Treaty of London in 1827— Polish Insurrection in 1831— War against England AND France in 1853 — Bloody Battles in the Crimea— Emancipation of nil CONTENTS.

THE Serfs in i86i — Russia Assists Slavonic Christians against the Turks — Dismemberment of Bulgaria — Attempts on the Life of the Emperor- Czar. Alexander Crowned in 1883 — Emperor of Germany Visits the Czar in 1888 — Peace Conference at The Hague in 1899 Called by the Czar of Russia. . . 173

Chapter XIII

iAi'IONS OF NORTHERN EUROPE— DENMARK, SWEDEN AND NORWAY.

Denmark's Wise Ruler— Ascendency of Napoleon— Danish Fleet Surrenders to the British — Norway Ceded to Sweden — Monarchy in Danger — Danish Possessions Defined — Popular Discontent — Conflict with Prussia — Danish Victory Followed by Peace with Prussia — Demant^s made upon Denmark — Heroic Courage of the Danes -Sweden in the Nineteenth Century — Norway Attacked BY GusTAvus— Finland Ceded to Russia— Sweden and Norway United. IM

Chapter XIV. Nations Of Southern Europe— Italy, Greece, Turkey And Spain

Revolution and Conspiracies in Italy — Massacre in Milan — Mazzini's Attempt tc> Establish a Republic in Rome— Revolution a Failure — Garibaldi and His Volunteers— Rome Emancipated by the Liberator — United Italy a Great Continental Power — Greece in the Nineteenth Century— War for Independence IN 1821— Turks Defeated by the Greeks— Civil War — Turkish Fleet Anitihilated in 1827 — President Assassinated Iin 1831 — Italy Under Protection OF Three Great Powers— War Between Greece and Turkey in 1897 — Turkey in the Nineteenth Century — Conflicts with the Greeks — Crete and Syria — Turke\ Bankrupt — Massacre of Christians — Demands of the United States upon Turkey — Spain in the Nineteenth Century — Revolution in 1820 — Royal Marriages— Uprising of the Carlists — Spain a Republic — Spain again a Mon- ,rchy— War with the United States in 1898 19J

CHAPTiiR XV.

CANADA, MEXICO AND SOUTH AMERICA.

jpPER AND Lower Canada— Internal Dissension in the Early Part of the Century — Canadian Rebellion — Defective System of Government — Invasion of Canada BY the Fenians — Confederation of 1867— Dominion of Canada — Purchase op Territory — Vast Wealth of Moines in British Columbia and Elsewhere— Mexico IN the Nineteenth Century — Popular Discontent — Regency Established in 1822 — President Overthrown— Disorder and Violence — Succession of Revolutions—The French in Mexico— Execution of Maximilian — South America in the Nineteenth Century — History of Peru— History of Chili— United States OF Colombia — British Guiana — Bolivia and Argentine Republic 214

CHAPTER XVi, ASIA AND AFRICA IN THE NINETEENTH CENTURY

China and Japan— Privileges Granted by Ch^na to British East India Company — Famous Opium War — China's Disregard of Treaties - Great Rebellion - Cold Blooded Massacre of Europeans — War Between China and Japan— Great Hattle of Yalu— Japan in* the Nineteenth Century — The Yankees of the '2ast — Admission of Foreign Vessels to Japanese Ports — Radical Changes in THE Government -Feudal System Destroyed— Adopting New Ideas— Republics IN South Africa — President Kruger and the Transvaal — War Between the British anp the Boers ...,-, . 23*

CONTENTS. ix

Chapter XVII. Voyages In The Polar World

PAGE

Captain John Ross — Doctor Rae's Discoveries — Story of Sir John Franklin— Expedition Sent for His Relief— Death of Franklin and His Party — Discovery of Northwest Passage — Many Expeditions Sent to the Polar World — Doctor Kane and Lieutenant DeLong in the North — Captain Nare's Expedition — Voyage of Lieutenant Greely — Doctor Nanson in Greenland — Expedition BY Lieutenant Peary of the United States Navy — Futile Attempt to Reach THE Pole in a Balloon by Andree 247

Chapter XVIII

LIVINGSTONE AND STANLEY IN CENTRAL AFRICA. Brave Old Missionary— His Start for Zanzibar— Plunges into Wild and Inhospitable Regions— Picturesque African Scenery — An Unbounded Forest — Remarkable Travels by Stanley — Adventure with an Elephant — In Dai/ger of a Massacre — A Frightened Negro — Great Freshet in the River— Arrival at Bagamoyo 265

Chapter XIX. Stanley's Great Journeys Across Africa

How Stanley Found Livingstone— Determines to Explore Africa— First Stage of His Journey — Many Adventures — Hostile Natives — Invitation from a King- Fantastic Parade — Big War-Boat — Famous TipO'-^ipo —The Terrible Dwarfs — Passing THE Rapids— Mutiny in Camp— Deserted by the Guides — Stanley's Expedition IN Terrible Straits — His Successful Journey Across Africa— Return TO England and the United States — Public Honors for the Great Explorer- Feted IN England and America — Remarkable Success of One of the Greatest Expeditions on Record 276

Chapter XX. Travels And Adventures Of Vambery In Central Asia

The Modern Capital of Persia — Shrines of Moslem Saints— Groves of Orange AND Lemon Trees— Verdant Plains on Every Side— Caravan in Great Peril — The Route Lost— Warm Reception for Vambery— Travelling in a Fertile Country— Scarcity of Water— City of Bokhara - A Strange Traveller— Caravan Shut Out of the City — Dazzling Eastern Splendor— The Emirs Parade — " Mother of Cities " — The Traveller's Means Exhausted— Welcome from a Prince 298

Chapter XXI. Downfall Of Napoleon At Waterloo

Extraordinary Military Genius — Immense Array of Forces for a Great Battle —Chain of Fortresses on the Belgian Frontier— Wellington in Command of content:^ f»am

THE AtLrED Army — Blucher with 80,000 Men — Blucher Attacked and Defeated BY Napoleon — The Emperor Decides to Give Battle — Choosing Position for THE Great Struggle — Disposition of Troops on Each Side — Armies Face to Face— Terrific Cannonade—Disgraceful Panic — Heroic Defense— Charge on British Centre— The "Iron Duke" at the Front — Ney's Superb Bravery — Veterans Hurled Back — Magnificent Charge of the Old Guard — "Nine Deadly Hours" — Waterloo Compared with Gettysburg ..,.,,. ^ ,.■ • 310

Chapter XXII. Db.oisive Battles Of Austerlitz And Jena

Striking Figure of Napoleon— French Host Crosses the Rhine— Guard Driven Back — Daring Strategy — An Impregnable Fortress— Setting a Trap — Matchless Marshal Murat — Napoleons Strategy -Dashing Cavalry Charge— Russians Hurled Back— A Bloody Struggle — Valor was in Vain — Fierce Battle OF Jena— Napoleon in the Ranks— Terrific Combat — Two Gallant Charges — Scene of Carnage— Thousands of Bloody Swords— Napoleon at Jena — The Emperor Caring for the Wounded on the Field 328

Chapter XXIII. Brilliant Victories Of Commodore Perry And General Jackson

Famous Battle of Lake Erie — Strong Array of English Ships— Brisk Firing — Hand to Hand Combat— Rousing Cheers— Perry Leaving His Ship and Cross ing to Another in an Open Boat — British Vessels Trying to Escape — Heavy Casualties -Glory for the American Navy — Battle of New Orleans— Formid ABLE British Fleet — American Forces Commanded by "Old Hickory" — Brilliant Fighting on Both Sides — British Valor and Fortitude— British Advance Slow and Wearisome — Americans Behind Cotton Bales — British Infantry Hurled Back— Fatal Errors — A Withering Fire — Desperate Assault by the British — Death of the British Commander and Victory for the Americans- Battle Fought Before News of Peace Reached the Combatants — ^Jackson the Hero of the Hour 352

Chapter XXIV. Great Battle Of Gettysburg

Three Days Fight that Turned the Tide of War— General Lee's Successes in THE South— Bold Attempt to Invade the North — Two Gallant Commanders — General Meade's Plan of Battle— How the Fight Began^Death of the Gallant Reynolds— Thunder of Artillery— Mad Rush of Federals — Heavy Cavalry Battle— Lee's Hopes Fatally Shattered — Brilliant Repulse of Pickett's Brigade — Crisis Battle of the Great Civil War — Lee and the Confederates IN Retreat— Union Successes all Along the Line 378

Chapter XXV. Battle Of Inkerman And Capture Of The Malakoff

British Pluck and Courage — A Slow Siege— Great Russian Host — Daring Bravery of the French Army — Russian Prince on the Field of Conflict Russian CoL' umn Shattered— Reserves Brought into Action — Fierce Fighting on Botk Sides— Critical Moment of the Battle— Invincible Strength of the Allied Forces Heavy Russian Losses — Awaiting the Final Attack - Outpost Taken ft.ND Retaken — Fall of the Citadel — One of the Longest Sieges in History Ended — Results of the Long-Continued Struggle 390

CONTENTS. xi

Chapter XXVI. Overthrow Of The French Empire At Sedan

PACi

1'hree Armies on the Field - German Host of More Than a Million Men — Emperor William and Napoleon III.— Von Moltke's Trap for the Mouse- Women IN THE Fight — French Scattered — Fierce Assaults by the Germans — A Field of Slaughter — Grand Cavalry Charge— French Hurled Back — Brave Marshal McMahon Wounded— White Flag Goes Up — Furious Artillery Fire — Meeting OF THE Two Emperors— A Sealed Letter — William to Napoleon — The Frenchman's Reply — Loud Huzzas Greet the King— Terms of Surrender — Downfall of the French Empire 408

Chapter XXVII. American Victories In The War With Spain

Colonel Roosevelt, Assistant Secretary of the Navy — Admiral Dewey Sent to Asiatic Waters— American Fleet Sails from Hong Kong — Harbor of Manila the Scene of the Great Naval Battle — Relative Strength of the Combatants—The Battle Opens at Daybreak — Terrible Fire of the American Guns- Deadly Aim of' Skilled Artillerymen — Destruction of Admiral Montojo's Flagship- Great American Naval Victory — War in Cuba — Military Operations Around Santiago — Rough Riders in Battle— Exploits of the Regulars— Bravery of the Volunteers — Spaniards Driven Back upon Santiago -Admiral Cer- VERA Attempts to Escape from the Harbor of Santiago— His Vessels Destroyed — Another Great American Victory 426

Chapter XXVIII. War Between The British And The Boers

Difficulties of Long Standing Between England and the South African Republic—War Threatened — Ultimatum of the Boers to Great Britain— Outbreak OF Hostilities— Battles in Northern Natal— Capture of General Cronje and His Force — British Army at Bloemfontein — A Costly Struggle 435

Chapter XXIX. War Between Russia And Japan

Beginning of Hostilities — Movements of the Japanese Fleet — Repulse of the Russians— Explosion of a Magazine— Attacks on Port Arthur — A Three Days' Battle — Desperate Fighting Immense Losses on Both Sides— Great Battle OF LiAU Yang — Frightful Sl.\ughter — Fighting Around Mukden — Results of the Battle — Warships Bombarded — Downfall of Port Arthur — Great Suffering in the Fortress 437

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Part I. Great Events

IN

The History of the World.

CHAPTER I. The Louisiana Purchase

(*) I HE Revolution, which resulted in * I the irdependence of the United States, was ended by the surrender of Lord Cornwallis and his army of 7,000 men at Yorktown, Va., on October ipth^ 1 78 1. The patriots who had won the great struggle then united their efforts in the formation of a new government and a Constitution in line with the principles so boldly asserted in the Declaration of Independence. In 1787 the new Constitution was signed by a convention of the States and was ratified during the following year.

The new government was organized by the election of George Washington as President. As we glance back at that stormy period in our history his majestic figure stands out as the chief of the illustrious founders of our Republic. After twice administering the affairs of the government he died December 14th, 1799. His honored name, embalmed in the hearts of his countrymen, is destined to be venerated so long as our nation endures. One of his distinguished compatriots, Benjamin Franklin, whose important services form some of the brightest pages of our early history, ended his illtistrious career on April 17th, 1790. 2

The administration of John Adams, second President, closed on Marcf 4th, i8oi, and on the same date he was succeeded by Thomas Jefferson, au'^hor of the "Immortal Declaration." Aaron Burr, regarded by many af only a clever adventurer, was indicted into the office of Vice-President- The new administration made Was)\mgton the seat of government, the c^ipitol having been removed to that ci"y during the preceding year.

The Purchase of Louisiana.

The new chief magistrate was soon involved in a transaction of very great importance. Intelligence was received that Napoleon had extorted from Spain the cession of Louisiana, granting in compensation the succession of the Duke of Parma, a Spanish prince, to the grand-duchy of Tuscany. That court had, however, yielded with much reluctance, and only from being overawed by the superior power of France. This intelligence excited great alarm in the American cabinet.

The possession of this territory by Spain, a weak and sluggish power, had been sufficiently harassing; what then might be expected on its transference

ADMINISTRATION OF PRESIDENT JEFFERSON.

CO the most stirring and active nation in Europe? Jefferson, knowing the French government to be embarrassed as to funds, conceived the hope, that, for a large sum, they might be induced to part with the territory; and, viewing the object as of the deepest importance, he was disposed not to be sparing in the amount.

A (jrreat Possession.

lyivingston, Pinckney, and Monroe were appointed a commission for carrying on this delicate negotiation. On arriving at Paris, they found their republican profession in bad odor with Napoleon, who, having determined to establish absolute power, regarded them with dislike as demagogues and anarchists. They did not scruple to obviate this by declaring that they ccnsidered the present system the most desirable for France after her severe recent agitations. They found the acquisition of Louisiana disapproved in the political circles, yet a favorite object with Napoleon himself He looked to it as a great colonial possession, which might rival those of England ; as a new Egypt — a place of reward for meritorious officers, and of exile for those he suspected.

Mr. King, the ambassador to E:^gland, endeavored to stir that court against it ; but though dissatisfaction was expressed, no right was there felt to interfere. An expedition of five to seven thousand men was prepared, and Bernadotte appointed to command it. As, however, Napoleon began to contemplate hostile relations with Britain, ./is mind opened to the American proposals. He could not hope to maintain this transatlantic possession against her superior navy ; while a large sum of money would be extremely convenient. King, indeed, was warned by Mr. Addington, that the British goverment would, in that event, take possession of the country.

This was a new ground of alarm ; but he gave assurance, that they sought only to keep it from France, and would be quite satisfied with its acquisition by the United States. As hostilities became certain, Napoleon began seriously to negotiate on the subject. The treaty had been opened only with respect to New Orleans, and the territory west of the Mississippi ; but he intended that the eastern must also be included, which, indeed, by itself could be of little value to him. This proposal being unexpected, the envoys were unprovided with any instructions ; yet, rightly appreciating the great advantage of possessing both banks, they readily consented—a conduct highly approved by the President.

Worth Much More than the Cost.

After a good deal of discussion, the price was fixed at sixty millions of francs, 1 2, 500,000 dollars, and the States were besides to pay twenty millions of francs, 4,000,000 dollars, of indemnity for injurious captures ; making in al 16,500,000 dollars. The sum, though considerable, bore little proportion to the vast advantages which have since been reaped from the acquisition.

Jefferson, although gratified by this arrangement, felt a good deal embarrassed in laying it before Congress. No power to conclude such a treaty was conveyed by the Constitution, and he was one who specially deprecated the general government going a step beyond its

ADMINISTRATION OF PRESluiiNT JEFFERSON.

assigned functions. Congress, however, with the exception of a small minority, showed too much satisfaction at the event to be at all disposed to criticise its legality. Spain only, who still held possession of tlie country, and had certainly been treated with very little ceremony, made a strong remonstrance, that she had ceded it under the engagement of its never being alienated, and that the terms even had not been strictly fulfilled. She gave in afterwards a solemn protest to the same efifect.

The American government turned a deaf ear to such representations, and even prepared to assert the claim by arms. Napoleon, on hearing of this dispute, intimated, that unless the Spanish government yielded, he would join America in compulsory measures. This was enough for that court, who, on the loth of February, 1804, intimated, through her minister, Don Pedro Cevallos, that her opposition was withdrawn.

American Prisoners at Tripoli.

Public attention "'as now called to another subject, which had long caused uneasiness and irritation. The piratical states of Barbary, whose career had hitherto encountered no serious check, had been committing extensive depredations on American commerce. They had even intimated an intention not to discontinue them without a tribute, to which the nation was little inclined. As Tripoli had been particularly active. Commodore Preble, in 1803, was sent against it with a fleet of seven sail.

On his arrival, Captain Bainbridge, with the frigate Philadelphia, was employed to reconnoitre the harbor ; but proceeding too far, his vessel grounded, and fell into the hands of the enemy. He and his crew were made prisoners, and treated with the usual barbarity.

The expedition was thus at a full stand, when Captain Eaton, consul at Tunis, intimated that the throne of Tripoli was disputed by Hamet Caramalli, a brother of the bashaw who had found refuge and been well received in Egypt. He proposed and was permitted to join this prince, commanding the co-operation of the fleet. Eaton soon obtained Hamet's concurrence, and, early in 1805, was invested with the command of a body of troops which the latter had succeeded in raising.

"My Head or Yours."

He marched across the desert of Marmorica, summoned tlie frontier fortress of Derne, and, though the commander made the defying reply, ' ' My head or yours," overpowered him after a few hours of desperate fighting. On Ma}- 8th, the reigning bashaw came up with a strong force, and attempted to recover the place, but was repulsed ; and on June loth he sustained another defeat. Immediately after, the American fleet was reinforced by the frigate Constitution. While affairs thus wore a triumphant aspect, and the capital was in alarm of immediate attack. Colonel Lear, the consul, thought it most prudent to listen to overtures from the enemy and conclude a peace. It comprehended the delivery of the prisoners on both sides ; there being a balance of two hundred in favor of the bashaw, for which sixty thousand dollars were to be paid. All co-operation was to be withdrawn from Hamet, in whose favor it was only stipulated, that his wife anc children should be released.

'20

That prince made loud complaints, under which Jefferson evidently felt considerable uneasiness. He urged, indeed, that no pledge had been given for his restoration to power ; and that his force, though so far successful, was not adequate to that achievement. Concerted movements may take place against a common enemy without any mutual guarantee of each other's objects ; yet, where both have effectively co-operated, each seemingly may claim a share of the advantage ; and that of Hamet, on the present occasion, appeared exceedingly slender.

Jefferson Re-elected.

In the end of 1804, Jefferson's first term of office expired. His conduct having been altogether approved, and the democratic spirit being still predominant, he was re-elected by one lumdred and sixty- two votes out of one hundred and seventy-six. Burr, who had disgusted the ruling party by his conduct at the last election, was thrown out, and Clinton of New York, a Democrat so decided that he had even opposed the formation of the Union, was elected in his place. ■«^

Burr, disappointed in this quarter, sought compensation by standing as candidate for governor of New York. He was supported by a large body of the Federals ; but Hamilton, a man of high and honorable mind, despising him as a reckless adventurer, opposed and defeated his election. The disappointed candidate, taking advantage of some violent language said to have been used by his opponent, sent him a challenge. The parties met, and at the first fire Hamilton fell. No event ever excited a more general feeling of regret throughout the States, where, in the party most adverse to him, his high bearing, splendid talents, and political consistency, commanded general respect.