Thrilling adventures of American pioneers and heroes

Front matter

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Preface

THE men who perform noble and heroic deeds merit the admiration of all intelligent people. This work contains the brilliant records of our American heroes, and pays them the honor of being the makers of history. It tells the absorbing story of their struggles and sacrifices, their devotion to duty and splendid triumphs.

The work begins with the heroes of the wilderness. Daniel Boone, with only his rifle for a companion, has thrilling adventures with the Indians ; Kit Carson shows himself to be a heroic leader and guide. John C. Fremont plants the Stars and Stripes on the highest peak of the Rockies, and earns the proud title of "The Pathfinder." Lewis and Clarke, under the direction of President Jefferson, explore the great Northwest, make the acquaintance of unknown tribes of Indians, and after encountering incredible hardships and dangers, open the way to the Pacific Ocean. David Crockett, that eccentric hero of many adventures, tells the thrilling story of his famous career, which all readers follow with absorbing interest. These are the heroes of the wild frontiers, our nation's advance guard, preparing the way for civilization.

Our Naval Heroes, the great " Masters of the Sea," are seen through the dark clouds of storm and battle, and graphic accounts are furnished of their heroic achievements. Their personal heroism is the wonder of all readers and the theme of song and story. We hear the roar of their deathdealing guns and are ready to applaud their brilliant victories.

A full account is given of Commodore Decatur, renowned for extraordinary resolution and cool intrepidity, displayed in his daring exploit in the harbor of Tripoli. The valor of Commodore Perry in the battle of Lake Erie has long been our nation's pride and admiration. The story, as told in these pages, is one of the thrilling incidents in our naval history.

4 PREFACE.

McDonougli, on Lake Champlain, added a splendid and decisive victory to his laurels, and this, too, is fully narrated.

The record of Commander Worden's battle with the Merrimac, in which the little David of the navy slew the Goliath of the enemy, forms a part that excites unwonted curiosity and interest in the reader. It was a battle royal, that turned the tide of combat and revolutionized the warships of the world. And then the sturdy Farragut appears on the scene, and we write his name high on the scroll that commemorates our champion heroes. Brave in battle, cool and self-possessed, from his place where he is lashed to the mast of his ship he points the way to victory, and shows that his rank is high among our dauntless heroes.

This very attractive work contains a detailed and glowing account of Cushing's great exploit, which proved him to be the possessor of a personal bravery that belongs to few men. It was a venture that meant life or death. He staked life and won the day. This and other examples of courage must be read before they can be fully understood and appreciated. The pages of this volume are replete with incidents and events that makes the story of our heroes throb in every line.

The thrilling account of John Paul Jones, who has been styled the father of the American Navy, and whose remains have been borne over the sea, to be buried in the soil of the country he honored so illustriously, is given in a masterly manner. In this brilliant array of heroes Sergeant William Jasper claims a place, who immortalized himself by his brave deed at the siege of Charleston.

This magnificent work is a splendid record of our famous heroes. It ought to be the companion of every person in our country. It is worthy of a place in every American home.

CHAPTER I. Daniel Boone

His Early Life — Famous as Sharpshooter — Captive among the Indians — Adventures on the Frontier — Capture of Three Girls by the Savages — Dangers and Trials of the Settlers — Heroism of a Little Garrison — Boone's Life Saved by a Noted Spy — Wounded in a Desperate Fight — Adopted into an Indian Family — Defense of Fort at Boonesborough — Victory after a Fearful Siege — Boone's Last Days — Grand Pioneer 17

CHAPTER II. Kit Carson

Famous Trapper and Guide — Daring Exploits in the West — Encounters with the Indians — A Picturesque Horseman and Hunter — Capture of Large Herds of Cattle — Trading with the Indians — Lucky Escape from Climbing Bears — Receives a Painful Wound in the Neck — Pursuit of Horse Stealers — Deadly Shot in the Nick of Time — • Return to the Home of Boyhood — Enthusiastic Welcome — Fremont Secures Carson for a Guide — Splendid Achievements on the Frontier 62

Chapter III

John C. Fremont.

Styled " The Pathfinder " — Ignorance of the Public Concerning the Great West — Expedition of Hardy Explorers — Friendly Meeting with the Indians — Crossing the Rocky Mountains — Lakes and Canyons — Interest in Fremont's Discoveries — Terrible Journey of Forty Days — Explorer Becomes Renowned — Promoted for His Grand Achievements — New Routes Discovered to the Pacific Coast — High Honors Bestowed on Fremont — Nominated for President ... 80

6 CONTENTS.

CHAPTER IV. Lewis and Clarke

Unparalleled Expedition — Ordered by President Jefferson — Sketch of the Explorers — The Osage River — Peculiarities and Customs of the Indian Tribes — Religious Beliefs of the Red Men — Courage and Endurance — Burial Customs — Degraded Condition of the Squaws — Tact and Bravery of the Exploring Party — Discovery of the Sources of the Missouri — Journey Across the Rocky Mountains — Return of the Expedition to St. Louis — Death of Captain Lewis .... 97

CHAPTER V. David Crockett

Eccentric Character — In the War of the Creek Indians — His Marriage — Removal to a New Settlement — Backwoods Magistrate — Adventures with Bears and Indians — Member of the State Legislature — Member of Congress — Tour Through the North — Goes to Fight for the Independence of Texas — At the Famous Siege of the Alamo — Killed in A Desperate Encounter 122

CHAPTER VI. Commodore Stephen Decatur

Hero of Tripoli — Son of a Prominent Naval Man — Officer on Shipboard at the Age of Nineteen — Embarks in a Dangerous Undertaking — Enters the Harbor of Tripoli to Rescue an American Ship — Enemy Thrown into a Panic — Great Personal Heroism — Narrow Escape from Death — Our Naval Power a Surprise — Presented by Congress with a Sword — Sad End of a Gallant Career 142

Chapter VII

Commodore Oliver H. Perry.

Hero of Lake Erie — Bom to be a Sailor — Extraordinary Valor in Battle — Offered Services to His Country — Leader of an Important Expedition — Ships in Line of Battle — Murderous Fire by a Whole Batter}' — Almost a Complete Wreck — Gallant Lieutenant Struck Down by a

CONTENTS. T

Shot — Perry Pushes Off in an Open Boat — Loud Cheers All Along the Line — Enemy's Ships Haul Down Their Flag — " Met the Enemy and They are Ours " — Saved by a Woman's Prayers — Perry's Personal Appearance 148

CHAPTER VHL

Commodore Thomas M'Donough.

Hero of Lake Champlain — Young Officer Severely Wounded — Line of Battle Formed — Loud Cheers when a Rooster Crowed — American Ships Badly Damaged — Manoeuvering for Advantages — Lamentable Destruction of Life — Vessel Riddled by Over a Hundred Balls — Gallant Conduct of American Officers — M'Donough's Splendid Skill and Bravery — Victory Receives Universal Praise 168

CHAPTER IX. Buchanan and Worden

Heroes of the Merrimac and Monitor — Great Naval Battle — Monster Fitted to Create Terror — Impenetrable Coat of Mail — Sinking of the Ship Cumberland — On Fire in a Number of Places — Merrimac Unable to Get Near Land — Arrival of the Monitor — Singular Looking Vessel — Commander Worden — Monitor Begins the Attack — Battle Royal Between Giants — David and Goliath Among Warships — Shots that Produced Startling Effects — Little Lion of the Navy — Fight Revolutionized Naval Warfare 183

Chapter X

Admiral David G. Farragut.

Hero of New Orleans and Mobile Bay — At School when a Boy in Washington — Commander in the Mexican War — Master of Details of Seamanship — Established Navy Yard in San Francisco — In Command of the Steam-sloop-of-war Hartford — Battle of Mobile Bay — In the Rigging of the Hartford — Weeps at the Loss of His Men — Splendid Public Reception — Grade of Admiral Created for Farragut — Heroic

Commander — Thorough Scholar 200

8 CONTENTS.

Chapter XI

Commander William B. Cushing.

Birth and Early Training— Story of the Albemarle — Parrot Rifles and Dahlgren Guns — Directions for the Combat — Shot that Went Clear Through — Monster Anchored and Guarded — Bold Attempt to Capture a General — Cushing's Report of His Famous Exploit — Air Thick with Bullets — Conspicuous Bravery of a Naval Officer — Cushing Promoted for Gallant Conduct 207

CHAPTER Xn.

Captain John Paul Jones.

Hero of a Desperate Fight — Captured Valuable Prizes — Severe Gale — Exploit of a Cutter — Gallant Young Lieutenant Dale — Warning Given of a Hostile Force — Brave Crew — Killed by Bursting Guns — Runs Ship on the Enemy — Vessel Badly Shattered — Brave Reply of the American Commander — Ships Supposed to be Sinking — Great Loss of Life on Both Sides — Medal Awarded to Jones by Congress — Astonishing Deeds 220

CHAPTER XHL

Sergeant^ William Jasper.

Hero of Fort Moultrie — Curious Fort — Regiment of Famous Riflemen — British Fleet in Charleston Harbor — Furious Engagement — Standard Shot Away — Flag Replaced by Jasper — Storm of Shot and Shell — American Shots Very Destructive — Jasper Presented by Governor Rutledge With His Own Sword — Gallant Services Under General Marion 248 p. & H

PRESIDENT LINCOLN ON INAUGURATION DAY, MARCH 4, 1861

Chapter I. Daniel Boone

HIS EARLY LIFE — HOME IN THE WILDERNESS — DANGERS AND HARDSHIPS. BATTLES WITH THE INDIANS — WONDERFUL ESCAPES FROM HIS FOES. HEROIC LEADER OF CIVILIZATION — HIS ROMANTIC HISTORY.

THE name of Daniel Boone, as one of the pioneers, has gone around the world. Long ago it was celebrated wherever men admired courage, or loved to read stories of individual sacrifice and daring. Captain Cook had sailed around the globe, bringing home with him accounts of men that were scarcely known in the popular imagination ; but Boone set out with calmness, as if he were obeying a religious inspiration, and buried himself in the wilderness. It required great resolution to do what he did ; and yet it seemed to come to him as easily as play to a child.

Daniel Boone was born in Bucks County, Pennsylvania, in the year 1735, on the nth of February, and was nearly three years youngei than Washington, at the time of the Revolution. He was a boj of remarkably good constitution, which was about the best inheritance his parents could leave him. At three years of age he removed, with the family, to what is now the city of Reading, Berks County — then, however, but a meagre and exposed post on the outskirts of the wilderness. The Indians threatened the peace of the settlement at all times. It was not safe to go out of the reach of the dwelling, unless precautions were taken against sudden attacks from the red men. Ambushes were likely to be sprung upon the settlers on every side.

It was in a school of danger like this that Boone, then scarcely more than a child, received his first lessons in life ; and it may be 2APH IT believed they were rugged and lasting ones. There he learned all about the tricks and traits of the Indians. The talk was chiefly upon them and their wily habits. He learned the dangers of the life his parents led, and was, at the same time, taught to love perfect simplicity.

FAMOUS AS A SHARPSHOOTER.

Of course he learned to use the gun as soon as he had the strength to carry it about with him. He became an expert marksman very early. Sharp shooting, in fact, was necessary almost to his existence ; and if not so at the time, it became so in a great many startling adventures afterwards. As he grew up, his love of hunting and solitude became more and more noticeable.

'^ He would go off alone in the woods, with nothing but his gun for company, all day. Many a story is told of his wonderful feats, such as the number of animals he brought down with his unerring bullets, or the fierce and successful encounters he was wont to have with the denizens of the forest. The whole settlement looked upon him with pride, if not with hope ; for they saw in him those shining qualities that give lasting fame to the frontiersman and pioneer.

Having acquired the fame of a hunter, it was natural enough that he should think of no other occupation in life. So he soon began to grow restless under the restraints of home, and finally went out from beneath his father's roof and built a little hut in the forest, where he played the hermit and woodsman to his heart's content. The wild beasts roamed all around him by day, and their bowlings made a dismal concert for him at night. He was alone ; 3'et the solitude never, became oppressiv-e to him. He had yearned for just such a life since he began to know what life was worth. The walls of his hut were hung around with skins of animals, trophies of his skill and faring.

Thinking to better their condition, the Boone family, in 1753. moved to North Carolina. Here young Daniel Boone lived until he arrived at manhood. About this time great events were transpiring in the world, and grander ones were preparing. The French and Engiisa were at war with each other, and the contest was transferred to this continent, where it was waged with terrific fury. It was along through these years that Israel Putnam was getting his valuable experience as a soldier in the neighborhood of Lake George, fighting bravely against the French and Indians. Washington, too, was schooling under Braddock in the Western wilderness, having already acquired the quick eye and firm foot, in his perilous enterprises as a surveyor in the depths of the forest.

Daniel married Rebecca Bryan, the daughter of a worthy neighbor, and with his young bride set out to make a home for himself in the wilderness, some distance from the place where the Boone family resided. Here they lived a life of solitude, surrounded by Indians and wild beasts, their cabin being the only one for a long time in that part of the Yadkin Valley. Boone's love of the wilderness not being sufficiently gratified here, he planned an expedition into Kentucky, then almost unknown. In June, 1769, he halted with five companions on the Red River, a branch of the Kentucky.

PARTED IN THE WILDERNESS NEVER TO MEET AGAIN.

For a long time, matters went on swimmingly. They were becoming more and more accustomed to their new life, and even began to calculate upon the propriety of returning to North Carolina for their families. Fearing nothing from the approach of the red man, the}- presently forgot to take those precautions which were, in fact, essential to their daily safety, and so invited dangers when they might just as well have repelled them. It was a fatal mistake for this little party of pioneers to separate ; yet they were thoughtless enough to do so, and the most disastrous consequences followed. They divided up — one party being composed of Stewart and Boone ; the other four men went exploring in another direction. Henceforth their ways diverged forever. Neither party saw the other again.

As Boone has himself narrated, the Indians surprised him and his companion when they ought to have been on the watch, and carried them off prisoners. This was au entirely new phase of life for our forest hero. A ^an who, all his life, has had the free range of forest and field, would not be likely to keep quiet in a state of sudden imprisonment. His spirit would chafe sorely, and he would find himself impatient once more to be free. But Daniel Boone was a philosopher, and could see at a glance what was most prudent and safe. As soon as he comprehended his novel and dangerous situation, he made up his mind to keep calm and resign himself to his fate. By this means he would disarm the suspicions of the savages, and have more abundant opportunities to make his escape. Patience is a rare virtue, all the books and moralists tell us ; and few men would have had the sagacity, as Boone had, to see that his fate hung entirely on his practice of that one quality.

A CAPTIVE AMONG THE INDIANS.

He was a captive for seven days. At the end of that time, they lay down at night in the midst of their tawny guard, and disposed themselves for sleep. At the still midnight hour, when the silence of the wilderness is indeed awful, Boone raised his head and looked around him. By the deep and steady breathing of his savage captors, he knew they were fast locked in slumber. Then, he felt, his opportunity had come. Cautiously awakening his companion, they both regained their feet, took their rifles from the keeping of the Indians, and crept out of the little camp. They both felt that discover}'' would have been certain death ; and therefore they pushed forward in the midnight gloom with redoubled courage and energy. But they succeeded in eluding their captors, and commenced their wanderings together again.

They went to their old camp ; but their former companions were gone. Everything betokened disappointment and desolation. The camp had been broken up, and appearances indicated violence and plunder. From this point they never again found traces of those four men. Their fate remains to this day a sealed mystery. Whether they fell victims to the bloody rage of the Indians, who had surprised them in their fancied security, or they had wandered away in different directions, and, weary m

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SCENE ON THE JAMES RIVER IN THE EARLY HISTORY OF VIRGINIA

AN ARROW OF THE PURSUING INDIANS HAS JUST MISSED THE GIRL'S SHOULDER AND PLUNGED INTO THE SNOW-COVERED BANK

DANIEL HOON'E. 21

and despairing, had laid their bones in the undiscovered solitudes of the wilderness, no man lives that can tell. And thus sadly ended the career of the discoverer and early eulogist of Kentucky, John Finley ; that man whose vivid reports of this new western paradise kindled enthusiasm in so many bosoms on the banks of the peaceful Yadkin.

LIVED BY HUNTING GAME.

Boone and Stewart were therefore left alone Their sole reliance, both for subsistence and defence, was on their unerring rifles. They built a hut to protect themselves against the influence of the wintrjweather, and hunted and watched, waiting patiently for the spring to open. In the month of January, they espied a couple of men coming towards them. Looking closer they saw they were white men. What must have been the feelings of our hero to find that one of them was Squire Boone, his youngest brother ! Squire brought news from Daniel's wife and children ; and Stewart was rejoiced to get intelligence from the settlement. The circumstances that led to the discovery of Boone's little camp by the new comers, were never described ; but it seems, at least, like the most marvelous piece of good fortune on record.

A second time this little party separated. Daniel Boone and Stewa^^ pursued one course, and Squire Boone and his friend — whose name even is not known — followed another. One would think they had already learned a better lesson. The consequence was, Stewart was surprised and slaughtered by the Indians, while Daniel Boone made his escape; and his brother Squire's companion becoming alarmed, probably thought, in a fit of desperation, to find his way back alone to Carolina, and was never heard of again alive. It is said that a skeleton was long afterward'' found in the region, which was believed to have told the tale of his dark and mysterious fate. Thus were the brothers Boone left the only white occupants of that vast territor}^, the real pioneers in the march of civilization that has been going forward to the West, from that trying and doubtful day to these jubilant and prosperous days of our own.

In order to effect a real settlement in that region, it was necessary

DANIEL BOONE.

tured.

THE

Daniel to bring foi-\vard recruits, animals and provisions.

The question was how was tliis best to be done? During tlieir winter discussions at the fire, the Boone brothers had canvassed it very freely, and concluded at last what was best to be attempted. The powder was low, and bullets were scarce for the rifles ; if these two items failed, all was lost.

Hence it was important that something should be done as soon as possible. Daniel Boone was all ready for the sacrifice, and his brother Squire was quite as willing to perform his part.

PIONEER HERO. DANIEL BOONE. The plan was ma-

would remain where he was, and Squire would travel back alone to North Carolina, to obtain recruits and supplies. It was a distance of many hundred miles. A bolder project was never undertaken than that which makes the names of these two devoted Boone brothers immortal.

Young Squire Boone came back. He had traversed that long distance, to and fro, without a companion, and at last he stood by his brother's side again. He had faithfully kept his promise to return. He brought along with him a pair of horses, with provisions. He brought welcome news from the brave hunter's wife and famil}-. He brought tidings ot the murmur of the people at the foreign rule that oppressed them, and possibly of the recent Boston Massacre, which sent a thrill of horror through the country. The horses were invaluable, and yet a source of the greatest anxiety ; for they were j ust what would be most likely to betray them into the hands of the Indians. They could not be hidden, as the brothers could hide themselves. They would not fail to testify their presence at any and at all times to the Indian. For eight months these two men roamed over the tract of territory upon which they had entered, and were net once molested.

BOONE RECEIVED HOME WITH WONDER AND DELIGHT.

The brothers then made a slow and tiresome journey back to North Carolina, with the intention of inducing as many families as possible to emigrate and found a settlement in Kentucky. After his long absence, Daniel Boone was received with delight and wonder by his family and old acquaintances. At length a little party was made up to migrate to the wilds of Kentucky. It consisted of only the two Boone families — those of Daniel and Squire ; those who had thought they would go, not feeling quite ready when the time really came. The Boones, however, determined to set the example, and to leave that, and their description ot the new country westward, to do their own work upon the minds of the people in the Yadkin settlements. They set forth on the 25th day of September, 1773, taking along with them some cattle and horses.

Courage generally makes its own conquests ; and by the time this

DANIEL BOONE. 2o

little party reached Powell's Valley, they found, to their astonishment and delight, that the stories of the new country had persuaded five more families to join the projected expedition, together with a band of some forty strong and determined men, all well armed for the enterprise and its dano-ers. It was truly a great accession. At the head of this band of pioneers Daniel Boone was placed, by virtue of his character and experience, and at once led them out into the western wilderness, across the long dreaded mountains.

A BRUTAL MASSACRE BY THE SAVAGES.

But a cloud rested upon them ere long, whose shadow served to obscure all their plans. They had proceeded safely on their journey till the loth day of October, seeing nothing of the Indians, so much dreaded by all, when a most sad fatality overtook them, rending the heart of the leader with grief. It seems that a part of the company, seven in number, had gone back a little way to collect together some of the cattle that had wandered a little from the main body ; and, fearing no danger because they had hitherto met with none, they became in a degree thoughtless about keeping the usual watch. In an unguarded moment they were set upon by a party of savages, who had stealthily tracked them along, and, without the slightest warning, six out of the seven were cruelly butchered! Of these six, a young son of Daniel Boone, only seventeen years of age, was one. The main body of the pioneers heard the sounds proceeding from the fight while it was going on, and at once rushed to the scene ; but they reached the spot only to find that all had been slain but one, and the young and brave son of Boone among them. The seventh had managed to make his escape.

Here was a sorrowful beginning indeed. Slaughter on the very threshold of the undertaking. They did not dare to think of going on. for the forest might be swarming with bloodthirsty savages.

It was resolved to fall back to the settlements on the Clinch River. Here Boone remained six months, patiently w^aiting for the time when he could carry out his cherished project. At length he was engaged as

^^ DANIEL BOONE.

the agent of a Carolina company in purchasing the land on the south side of the Kentucky River. A company of surveyors and settlers went forward with him, his own family remaining behind, and in 1775 he built a stockade fort on the site now occupied by Boonesborough.

BUILDING A STRONG FORT.

Having planned the fort, the party sprang to the work with earnest vigor, feeling how important its completion was to their own safety. The structure was built close by the river, one end resting on the bank, and the whole extending back for a distance of two hundred and sixty feet. It was a hundred and fifty feet wide. The style of it is as follows ; large pieces of timber were sharpened and one end driven into the ground, very much like common pickets, and within the enclosure thus formed were the several cabins and huts of the party. It may not seem as if such a defence could amount to a great deal, but it did, for all that ; the Indians knew nothing of the hiding places that might be stowed away in this rude fort, while, at the same time, it afforded the settler a better advantage over his artful enemy ; the forest and the cane-brake were well understood by the savage, who there had everything on his side ; but the fort was a puzzle whose key he did not know how to get hold of. Still, there was one strong objection to this fort : it was close by the woods at one end, thus affording the savage every chance to approach the settlers, and still be concealed from them.

At each corner of this great enclosure was built a strong log hut, with its hewn ends projecting outwardly, thus making the whole a more enduring defence than before. The cabins, or huts, were likewise constructed side by side, with rough and heavy logs, making it next to impossible to overcome their united strength. Then the few gates needed were stout and heavy, difficult to be moved at all, and capable of successfully resisting any assault, even from overwhelming numbers.

To build this fort required from the istof April till the 14th of June. In other words, it was begun just before the battle of Lexington, and completed just before the battle of Bunker Hill. Important events were p transpiring, at that time, as well on tlie seaboard as far back in the wilderness. One man lost his life at the hands of the Indians, while the work was going on, and that was all. The natives of the forest could not but regard the building of this fort among them, in the very heart of their noble hunting-grounds, with greater jealousy even than the laying out of the road ; hence they were aroused to making concerted movements to destroy it and its white inmates together. To have lost but one man by them, during the progress of the work, therefore, was a great deal less misfortune than might reasonably have been expected.

HIS JOURNEY BACK TO VIRGINIA.

Boone, by this time, felt as if he would like to go back and see his wife and children again. To this end, he determined to leave the garrison where they were, duly cautioning them against surprises at the hands of the savages, and impressing on them the necessity of having a certain amount of cleared land close by.

We have not the particulars of this journey of Boone back to Virginia ; it is enough to know that it was made in safety, and that his heart was gladdened once more to find himself in the arms of his beloved wife and children. He resolved, this time, to be separated from them no more. He meant, when he returned, to take them along with him. Now that the new fort at Boonesborough was completed, and defended by an armed and watchful garrison, he felt secure in the thought of taking his little brood out into the forest wilds, and knew, too, what a blessed influence the presence of wife and children would have over him. The path westward was now open ; men and women could go forward in it and people the country.