mm 3m mm AMERICAN PROGRESS THE GREAT EVENTS HE GREATEST CENTURY, INCLUDING ALSO LIFE DELINEATIONS OF OUR MOST NOTED MEN. "They love their land because it is their own, And scorn to give aught other reason why." HALLECK. BY HON. R. M. DEVENS, OF MASSACHUSETTS. ILLUSTRATED WITH OVER THREE HUNDRED ENGRAVINGS. PUBLISHED BY C. A. NICHOLS & COMPANY, SPRINGFIELD, MASS. HERBERT S. RKED, TOPEKA, KAN. 1890. Entered according to Act of Congress, in the year 1877, by C A. NICHOLS & CO. In the office of the Librarian of Congress, at Washington. C1UMPTON ACCESSION MMCffOFT LJBRAB "A nation's character is the sum of its splendid deeds." HENBY CLAY. LORIOUS beyond historic parallel have been the achievements of our national career. To worthily record them is the schol- ar's pride. To be familiar with them is the patriot's duty and delight. In presenting this new work the publish- er's aim is to supply the demand for a unique portrayal of a great and eventful century. As the course of a distant mountain chain is indicated by those lofty peaks which rise to meet the sun, so a people's social tendency and political and scientific advance- ment are revealed in those extraordinary names and deeds which rise into the light of immortality. Michael Angelo wrought into nine most wonderful frescoes on the ceiling of the Sistine Chapel all the memorable events of the world's first thousand years. No pen is more charming and educational than that which, like the Florentine's pencil, throws all the greatness of a wonderful past into a series of glowing pictures. This has been our author's endeavor. The result is a gallery of historical frescoes in which may be seen all those splendid deeds and mighty men that have made up our greatness. Our national progress has been most exciting and dramatic. What struggles and triumphs, what discoveries and inventions, what disasters and reforms, what tragedies and comedies, have characterized the greatest century since - 8 DEDICATION. the world began ! Be this our native or adopted land, while we glory in our American citizenship we cannot become forgetful of those supreme characters and superb achievements which "constitute our common patrimony the nation's in- heritance." The page which reflects the glory of our past must be bright and entertaining. The author believes that the proper narration of events is not only more in- structive but also more fascinating than romance. The work is not a mere history. It contains no tedious details of commonplace occurrences, but graphic descriptions of everything notable, the cream of history. The needs of all classes of readers have been consulted. Our American youth, our intelligent farm- ers and artisans, our business and professional men of the land, who need books that are full of the most interesting and useful material for reference, illustra- tion, entertainment, and instruction, will find the present volume adapted to their wants. It is not dry, like an encyclopedia, but in the fullest sense stimu- lating, romantic, true, to charm while it informs the mind. Dryness is not a proof of accuracy. The clearer and more vivid a picture the more faithful it may be to reality. An elevated and spirited style of composition is in harmony with splendid truths and facts. Eleven laborious years have been devoted to the preparation of the volume, and the publisher makes no apology for saying that the author has brought to his work experience, scholarship, and literary taste of the highest order. He has obtained rare and valuable information hitherto inaccessible. State and national archives, libraries and museums, private diaries and journals of public men, have been laid under contribution. From eye witnesses and partici- pants iu thrilling scenes have been secured interesting facts never before in print. The book may be relied upon as authority on the subjects of which it treats. Over twelve thousand dollars has been expended in illustrating the work. Art is a charming instructor it teaches while it entertains. The philosophy of a great life may be revealed in a portrait. A single engraving may convey a clearer idea of a subject than a whole chapter of words. The true value of a book is not commercial, but intellectual. Fenelon said, " If the crowns of all the kingdoms of the earth were laid down at my feet in exchange for my books and my love of reading, I would spurn them all." Our hands must toll for our brains and hearts. Rich is the possessor of a good book. Our own rare Emerson said, "In the highest civilization the book is still the highest delight." That volume in which the great events of our own nation's existence are mirrored with all the colors of reality must challenge the attention of thoughtful men. To our American citizens Liberty's nobility the publisher has the honor to dedicate this work, believing, with Goldsmith, that "in proportion as society refines, new books must ever become more necessary-" THE PUBLISHER. i. MOMENTOUS POLITICAL EVENTS OF ABSORBING INTEREST. BIRTH OF THE NATION. The Grandest Modern Event. The Gauntlet of Defiance thrown 1TT6 at the Feet of the British Realm by Her Youngest Colonies. The whole World looks on Aston- ished. Patrick Henry's Burning Eloquence. Excitement of the King and Court. Lord Chatham's Scorching Speech. Struck Dead while Speaking. Seven Years' Struggle. England Gives Up the Contest, and the World Welcomes the New Nation 25 APPOINTMENT OF OUR FIRST MINISTER TO ENGLAND. John Adams, the Foremost 1785 Enemy of British Tyranny, Fills this High Office. What His Mission Involved. All Europe Watches the Event. Interview between Him and King George, His Late Sovereign. Their Ad- dresses, Temper, Personal Bearing, and Humorous Conversation. Results of this Embassy. . 70 FORMATION AND ADOPTION OF THE FEDERAL CONSTITUTION. Plan of Govern- nw raent to be Framed. Statesmen and Sages in Council. Dignity, Learning, and Eloquence of the Delegates. Various Schemes Discussed. Angry Debates, Sectional Threats. Franklin's Impress- ive Appeal. Patriotism Rules all Hearts. Sublime Scene on Signing the Instrument. The United States no Longer a People Without a Government 77 FIRST ELECTION AND INAUGURATION OF A PRESIDENT OF THE UNITED "89 STATES. Washington, the Nation's Spontaneous, Unanimous Choice. His Farewell Visit to His Mother. His Triumphal Progress from Home, and Solemn Induction into Office. Order of Cere- monies. Elegant Appearance and Dignity when Taking the Oath. Reverentially Kisses the Bible. Distinguished Celebrities Present. Jubilee throughout the Republic, over the August Event 84 FOUNDING AND ESTABLISHMENT OF THE NATIONAL CAPITAL. Named in Honor 1799 of Washington. Bitter Sectional Contest in Deciding the Location. First "Compromise " in Con- gress between the North and the South. Final Removal of the Government and its Archives to Washington. Official Observance of the Event. Magnificent Site and Plan of the City. Splendor of its Public Buildings 112 10 CONTENTS. PASSAGE OF BENTON'S FAMOUS "EXPUNGING RESOLUTION," IN THE UNITED 37 STATES SENATE. Opposition to the United States Bank. Jackson's Message Against it. Con- gress Grants a Charter, and Jackson Vetoes the Bill, Denounces the Bank, and Orders the United States Funds Removed. Secretary Duane Declines to Act, but Taney Succeeds him and Obeys. Fierce Conflict in Congress. Weeks of Strong Debate. Resolution to Censure Jackson Passed. Benton's Motion to Expunge. He Follows it up Unceasingly, and Triumphs after Three Years' Parliamentary Struggle 268 PROCLAMATION OF EMANCIPATION, AS A WAR MEASURE, BY PRESIDENT 18 LINCOLN. More than Three Millions, in Bondage at the South, Declared Forever Free. Most Important American State Paper Since July Fourth, 1776. Pronounced, by the President, " The Great Event of the Nineteenth Century." The Whole System of Slavery Finally Swept from the Republic, by Victories in the Field and by Constitutional Amendment. Public Reception of the Proclamation.- Promulgation at the South. Scenes of Joy Among the Freedmen. Enfranchise- ment Added to Freedom H4 II. BATTLES, SIEGES, AND BRILLIANT NAVAL ENGAGEMENTS. CORNWALLIS SURRENDERS HIS SPLENDID ARMY TO GENERAL WASHINGTON. H" Final Catastrophe to British Arms in America. Consternation and Despair in the Cabinet of King George. Eloquence of Burke, Fox, and Pitt. They Demand that the War Cease. The Voice of Parliament. Last Act in the Military Drama. Washington's Countrymen Everywhere Hail and Extol Him as Their Deliverer 65 ADIEU TO THE ARMY BY WASHINGTON. Record of His Generalship. Scheme to make 1783 Him King. Indignantly Rebukes the Proposal. Last Review of His Troops. Affecting Interview and Parting Words between the Great Chieftain and His Comrades-in-Arms. Solemn Farewell Audience with Congress. He Voluntarily Divests Himself of His Supreme Authority, Returns His Victorious Sword, and Becomes a Private Citizen. Rare Event in Human History 64 DECISIVE BATTLES WITH THE INDIANS. Headlong Flight and Destruction of St. 1791 Clair's Army, in 1791, Before the Trained Warriors of "Little Turtle." This Mortifying Disaster Retrieved by Wayne's Overwhelming Triumph, in 1794. Final and Crushing Blow Dealt by Jack- son, in 1814. The Question of Power Between the Two Races Forever Settled in Favor of the Whites 91 THE FAMOUS WHISKEY INSURRECTION IN PENNSYLVANIA. Violent Resistance H?4 to the United States Excise Laws. Monster Meetings and Inflammatory Appeals. Officials and Loyal Citizen* Whipped, Branded, Tarred, and Feathered. Intense Excitement in all the States. Washington Declares that the Union is in Peril and Heads an Army to Meet the Crisis. Precipi- tate Flight of the Armed Rebels 10 GENERAL JACKSON'S TERRIBLE ROUT AND SLAUGHTER OF THE BRITISH H5 ARMY, AT NEW ORLEANS. British Invasion of Louisiana. Jackson Hastens to New Orleans. His Consummate Generalship in the Order and Conduct of this Campaign The War with England Terminated by a Sudden and Splendid Victory to the American Arms Jackson is Hailed as One of the Greatest of Modern Warriors, and as the Deliverer and Second Savior of His Country. National Military Prestige Gained by this Decisive Battle 171 GENERAL SCOTT IN THE HALLS OF THE MONTEZUMAS, AS THE CONQUEROR nr OF MEXICO Irritation between the United States and Mexico. Points of Boundary. Mexico Refuses to Yield. Declaration of War by Congress Scott's Order, " On to Mexico ! " Doniphan's March of Five Thousand Miles. General Taylor's Unbroken Series of Victorious Battles, from Palo Alto to Buena Vista. Flight of Santa Anna in the Dead of Midnight The Stars and Stripes Float Triumphantly from the Towers of the National Palace First Foreign Capital Ever Occupied by the United States Army S 47 CONTENTS. BOMBARDMENT AND REDUCTION OF FORT SUMTER. Inauguration of Civil War in the United States. First Military Act in the Long and Bloody Struggle to Dismember the Union. Organization of the Southern Confederacy. President Lincoln's Proclamation for 75,000 Volun- teers. Spontaneous Uprising of the Loyal People. Calling the Battle-Roll of the Republic. Su- preme Crisis in the Fate of the Nation. Northern and Southern Variances Slavery the Cause of Contention. Culmination of the Antagonism. Disunion Banner of the South. Secession of Sev- eral States War Wager Boldly Staked. Vaiu Efforts at Reconciliation. Federal Property Seized at the South. Batteries Erected at Charleston. Fort Sumter Closely Besieged. Beauregard De- mands its Surrender. Major Anderson's Flat Refusal Weakness of his Garrison. Attempts to Re-enforce It. Prevented by Confederate Batteries. All Eyes Riveted on the Fort. Opening of the Attack, April Fourteenth. Incessant and Tremendous Fire. Terms of Evacuation Accepted. Southern Rejoicings. The Great Military Outlook Washington the National Key. . . . 502 BATTLE AT BULL RUN, VA., BETWEEN THE FEDERAL ARMY AND THAT OF IMl THE SOUTHERN CONFEDERACY. Three Months Since Sumter Fell " On to Richmond!" the Uuion War-Cry. Severe Fighting for Many Hours. March of McDowell's Army, and Plan of the Movement Re-enforcements for the Confederates Davis's Arrival on the Ground. He Ex- claims, " Onward, My Brave Comrades ! " Their Wild Enthusiasm Most Disastrous Defeat of the Federal Troops. Their Uncontrollable Panic and Headlong Flight First Important Engagement in the Great Civil War. Lessons Taught by this Battle 517 BATTLE OF ANTIETAM, MARYLAND. Bloodiest Day That America Ever Saw. Nearly IM* One Hundred Thousand Men on Each Side. General McClellau Declares on the Field that it ii " the Battle of the War." Four Miles and Fourteen Hours of Fighting and Slaughter. The Shock and " Glory " of War on a Colossal Scale. Obstinate Bravery of the Contending Foes. Some of the Regiments Almost Annihilated. The Union Troops Hold the Disputed Ground and Drive the En- my en Masse The After-Scene of Horror 535 CAMPAIGN AGAINST VICKSBURG, " THE GIBRALTAR OF THE MISSISSIPPI," ?? BY THE UNION FORCES. The Genius, Valor, and Resources of Both Armies Tasked to Their Utmost Final Capitulation of the City by General Pemberton, After a Prolonged and Brilliant Siege Heaviest Blow Yet Dealt the Secession Cause. General McPherson Receives the Formal Surrender. 37,000 Prisoners, Fifteen Generals, Arms and Munitions for 60,000 Men, the Trophies. Geographical Importance of Vicksburg. Its Commanding Fortifications. Farragut's Naval Siege Powerless. Sherman's Attack Repulsed. Grant Assumes Active Command Vigorous Operations Undertaken. His Series of Victorious Battles. Futile Attempt to Storm Vicksburg. Hours of Terrific Cannonading. A Systematic Siege Begun. Thorough Investment at all Points. Federal Sapping and Mining They Mine and Blow up Fort Hill. Awful Spectacle of Blood and Ruin. Deadly Struggle for a Foothold. Success of the Forty-fifth Illinois. Their Colors Surmount the Work. Pemberton Sends a Flag of Truce His Interview with Grant. Grant's Terms : " Uncon- ditional Surrender." The. Victors Enter the City, July Fourth. Curious Reminiscences. . . 554 THREE DAYS' BATTLE BETWEEN THE CONCENTRATED ARMIES OF GENER- 1868 ALS MEADE AND LEE, AT GETTYSBURG, PA. Overwhelming Invasion of Pennsylvania by th Confederate Forces. The Union Army Drives Them with Great Slaughter Across the Poto- mac. Unsuccessful Attempt to Transfer the Seat of War from Virginia to Northern Soil One of the Most Decisive and Important Federal Victories in the Great American Civil Conflict. Lee's Army Impatient to go North. Order of March at Last. Consternation in the Border States. Call for One Hundred Thousand More Men. Advance of Meade's Army. Face to Face with the Foe. Engagement between the Vanguards. Terrific Artillery Contests Movements and Counter Move- ments. Severe Reverses on Both Sides. Carnage at Cemetery Hill. Longstreet's Furious Onset. Most Destructive Cannonade. Gettysburg a Vast Hospital. Crawford's Grand Charge. Stand- ing by the Batteries ! Hand-to-Hand Conflict. Following the Battle-Flag. Deadly and Impetuous Fighting. Forty-one Confederate Standards Taken. Unbounded Joy of the Victors. President Lincoln's Announcement 563 GRAND MARCH OF THE UNION ARMY, UNDER GENERAL SHERMAN, THROUGH W THE HEART OF THE SOUTH. Generals and Armies Baffled : States and Cities Conquered. Display of Military Genius Unsurpassed in any Age or Country. Great Closing Act in the Cam- paign. Sherman'? Qualities as a Commander. Hia Own Story of his Success. A Brilliant Cam- 12 CONTENTS. paigu Planned. Atlanta, Ga., the First Great Prize. Destroys that City : Starts for the Coast. Subsists His Men on the Enemy's Country. Savannah's Doom Sealed. Fall of Fort McAllister. Christmas Gift to the President. Advance into South Carolina. The Stars and Stripes in Her Cap- ital. Battles Fought : Onward to Raleigh. Johnson's Whole Army Bagged. Sherman Described Personally 598 FALL OF RICHMOND, VA., THE CONFEDERATE CAPITAL. The Entrenched City was Closely Encompassed for Mouths by General Grant's Brave Legions and Walls of Steel. Flight of Jefferson Davis, and Surrender of General Lee's Army. Overthrow of the Four Years' Gigantic Rebellion. The JEgis and Starry Ensigns of the Republic Everywhere Dominant. Transports of Joy Fill the Laud. A Nation's Laurels Crown the Head of the Conqueror of Peace. Memorable Day in Human Affairs. Momentous Issues Involved. Heavy Cost of this Triumph. Without It, a Lost Republic. Uuequaled Valor Displayed. Sherman's Grand Conceptions. Sheridan's Splendid Generalship. Onward March of Events Strategy, Battles, Victories. Lee's Lines Fatallv Broken. Approach of the Final Crisis. Richmond Evacuated by Night. Retreat of Lee : Vigorous Pur- luit. His Hopeless Resistance to Grant. Their Correspondence and Interview. The Two Great Generals Face to Face. What was Said and Done. Announcing the Result. Parting of Lee with His Soldiers. President Lincoln's Visit to Richmond. Raising the Uuited States Flag at Fort Sum- ter. Davis a Prisoner in Fortress Monroe 607 OUR FIRST VICTORY ON THE SEA. John Paul Jones Fights and Captures the English mg Ship-of War, Serapis, in British Waters. Crowds of Spectators Line the Coast. The Most Sangui- nary Battle Ever Fought Between Single Ships. Britain's Flag Struck to America. Jones is Hailed as " The Washington of the Sea." World-wide Interest of this Combat 32 AMERICA AND ENGLAND MATCHED AGAINST EACH OTHER FOR THE FIRST TIME IN A SQUADRON FIGHT. Lake Erie the Scene of the Encounter. Sixteen Vessels En- gaged The British, under Captain Barclay, one of Lord Nelson's Veteran Officers, and with a Su- perior Force, are Thoroughly Beaten by the Americans, under Commodore Oliver H. Perry. Every British Vessel Captured. General Harrison Completes the Victorious Work on Laud. American Prowess Invincible 103 EXTRAORDINARY COMBAT BETWEEN THE IRON-CLADS MERRIMAC AND MON- 1562 ITOR, IN HAMPTON ROADS. Sudden Appearance of the Merrimac Among the Federal Frig- ates. Their Swift and Terrible Destruction by Her Steel Prow. Unexpected Arrival of the "Lit tie Monitor " at the Scene of Action She Engages and Disables the Monster Craft in a Four Hours' Fight. Total Revolution in Naval Warfare the World Over by this Remarkable Contest. How the Merrimac Changed Hands. Burned and Sunk at Norfolk, Va Her Hull Raised by the Confeder- ates. She is Iron Roofed and Plated. Proof Against Shot and Shell. A Powerful Steel Beak in Her Prow. Most Formidable Vessel Afloat In Command of Commodore Buchanan Departs from Norfolk, March Eighth Pierces and Sinks the Cumberland. Next Attacks the Congress. The Noble Frigate Destroyed Fight Begun with the Minnesota Suspended at Nightfall Trip of the Monitor from New York. Her New and Singular Build Lieutenant Worden Hears of the Battles Resolves to Grapple with the Monster The Two Together Next Day A Scene Never to be Forgotten. Worden Turns the Tide of Fortune. Repulse and Retreat of the Merrimac. 52S COMBAT BETWEEN THE ALABAMA, CAPTAIN SEMMES, AND THE REAR- 1864 SARGE, CAPTAIN WINSLOW, OFF CHERBOURG. The Alabama is Sunk after an Hour's Engagement, in Sight of the Two Great Maritime Powers of Europe. Semmes Throws His Sword Away, Jumps Overboard, and Escapes. Relative Equality, in Size and Armament, of the Two Ves- sels The Previous Destructive Career of .the Alabama Against Northern Commerce. Causeless Raid on Marine Property Fault in the Law of Nations British Origin of the Alabama Her Un- mistakable Character. Peculiar Model and Equipment. Adapted to Destroy, Fight, or Run Adroit Shipment of Stores and Guns Ready for a Start All Hands Mustered Aft. Semmes Reads Aloud His Commission Cheers for Davis, Semmes, Etc Salute Fired : Hoisting the Flag. A Long Cruise : Terrible Ravages Puts in at Cherbourg, France The United States Ship Kearsarge on His Track Semmes Boldly Offers to Fight Preliminary Maneuvers of the Ships Seven Circles Round Each Other. Semmes's Rapid and Furious Fire. Superior Gunnery of the Kearsarge. Its Fatal Effect on the Alabama. Incidents of this Renowned Fight. . . . 5il CONTENTS. 13 ADMIRAL FARRAGUTS ACHIEVEMENTS IN 1862 AND IN 1864; AND ADMIRAL ^* PORTER'S IN 1865. Fierce and Sanguinary Contest between the Admiral's Flagship, nd Admiral Buchanan's Monster Ram. The Latter 1'roves Herself, for a Time, a Match for the Whole Union Fleet. Farragut's Overwhelming Victory. Farragnt Pressed to Join the South. His Unswerving Fidelity to the Old Flag. High Trust Committed to Him. Sailing of His Fleet. Bold and Successful Plan of Battle. Admiral Porter's Services. New Orleans Again Under the United States Flag. Forts, Rams, Ironclads, etc., to Fight. Powerful Build of the Tennessee. Makes for Her Antagonist at Full Speed. Farragut's Masterly Maneuvers. Unexpected Feature in His Tactics. Deadly Contact of the Various Craft. The " Glory " and Horrors of War. Stubborn Bravery of the Great Ram. Crippled at Last : The White Flag. The Stars and Stripes on Her Staff. Buchanan Yields His Sword 590 III. SUPERB ACHIEVEMENTS OF ORATORY. THE " GREAT DEBATE " BETWEEN WEBSTER AND HAYNE IN CONGRESS. Vi-l?30 tal Constitutional Issues Discussed. Unsurpassed Power and Splendor of Senatorial Eloquence. Webster's Speech Acknowledged to be the Grandest Forensic Achievement in the Whole Range of Modern Parliamentary Efforts. His Magnificent Personal Appearance. Unprecedented Interest and Excitement Produced in the Public Mind. No Debate Comparable with This. Known as the " Battle of the GiaiiU." Rival Orators ; Pleasant Courtesies. Golden Age of American Oratory. 205 STRUGGLE FOR THE RIGHT OF PETITION IN CONGRESS. John Quincy Adams, the 183S " Old Man Eloquent," Carries on a Contest of Eleven Days, Single Handed, in its Defense in the House of Representatives. Passage of the "Gag Rule." Expulsion and Assassination Threatened. His Unquailing Courage. A Spectacle Unwitnessed before in the Halls of Legislation. Triumph of his Master Mind 252 POLITICAL DEBATE BETWEEN ABRAHAM LINCOLN AND STEPHEN A. DOUG- W LAS, IN ILLINOIS. Cause of this Remarkable Oratorical Contest. Intense Interest in All Parts of the Land The Heart of Every American Citizen Enlisted in the Momentous Issue Involved. Eminent Character of the Combatants. Their Extraordinary Ability and Eloquence Universally Acknowledged. The Discussions Attended by Friends and Foes. Victory, Defeat, Life and Death. Condition of the New Territories. Form of Constitution to be Decided. Domestic Institu- tions : Slavery. Mr. Douglas Advocates " Popular Sovereignty." " Prohibition " Urged by Mr. Lincoln. National Importance of the Question. The Public Mind Divided. Joint Debates Pro- posed. Agreement between the two Leaders. Personal Appearance and Style. Plans, Places, Scenes. Theories and Arguments Advanced. Skill and Adroitness of the Disputants. Immense Concourses. Result Impartially Stated. Mr. Douglas Re-elected Senator. Mr. Lincoln Nominated for President. His Election to that Office. Douglas's Magnanimity. The Olive Branch. Shoulder to Shoulder as Unionists. Sudden Decease of the Great Senator 469 ORATORICAL CHAMPIONSHIP OF AMERICA'S CAUSE IN ENGLAND, BY REV. H. IMS W. BEECHKR. His Olympian Speeches, in Defiance of British Sentiment, in the Great Cities of the Kingdom. Superb Exhibition of Forensic Power in Liverpool. He Wrestles, Single-Handed and Triumphantly, for Three Hours with a Vast Mob in that City. Reception at Exeter Hall, London. Mr. Beecher's Tour Abroad for His Health. Civil Conflict Raging in America. Mr. Beecher Urged to Speak on United States Affairs. Opening Speech in Manchester. Great Audience. Attempts to Silence Him. Powerlessness of the Opposition. Discussions in Glasgow and Edinburgh. Battle Waged by Mr. Beecher in Liverpool. Violent Efforts to Gag Him. Taunts, Curses, Hisses, Fury Stampings, Hootings, Yellings. Beecher's Pluck, and Good Humor. Grand Closing Scene in the Capital 573 IV. WONDERFUL PHENOMENA OF THE EARTH, OCEAN, AND HEAVENS. THE WONDERFUL DARK DAY. One of Nature's Marvels. The Northern States Wrapt in H?? a Dense Black Atmosphere for Fifteen Hours. The Herds Retire to their Stalls, the Fowls to their Roosts, and the Birds Sing their Evening Songs at Noonday. Alarm of the Inhabitants. The Day of Judgment Supposed to have Come. Science at a Loss to Account for the Mysterious Phenome- non. Incidents and Anecdotes 40 14 CONTENTS. TOTAL SOLAR ECLIPSE. The Darkness of Night Falls upon th; Ear;h at Mid-day. Stars 1>B and 1'lauets iu Jb'ull Radiance. Magnificent Spectacle of the Glittering Corona around the Moon and the Brilliant Rosy Protuberances Flaming from the Sun. Business Pursuits Abandoned. Millions of Faces Turned Upward. The Phenomenon Vlewu with Curiosity, Wonder, and Absorbed De- light. Triumphs of Astronomical Science. Reveianons of the Spectroscope. Spots on the Sun Examined. Climax of the Impressive Scene 134 EXTENSIVE AND CALAMITOUS EARTHQUAKE AT THE WEST. Its Convulsive 1811 Force Felt all Over the Valley of the Mississippi and to the Atlantic Coast. The Earth Suddenly Bursts Open and a Vast Region of Country is Sunk and Lost. Awful Chasms and Upheavels. Ruin and Desolation Brought upon the Inhabitants. Account of the More Recent Earthquakes in California, their Characteristics and Destructiveness. Humboldt's Interesting Opinion. . . . 156 THE EVER-MEMORABLE GALE OF SEPTEMBER. Bright Skies in the Midst of the IMS Tempest. Suffocating Current of Hot Air. All New England Desolated 178 SUBLIME METEORIC SHOWER ALL OVER THE UNITED STATES. The Most Grand & and Brilliant Celestial Phenomenon Ever Beheld and Recorded by Man. The Whole Firmament of the Universe in Fiery Commotion for Several Hours. Amazing Velocity, Size and Profusion of the Falling Bodies. Their Intense Heat, Vivid Colors, and Strange, Glowing Beauty. The People Wonder Struck. Admiration Among the Intelligent. Alarm Among the Ignorant. Conflagration of the World Feared 228 MAGNIFICENT AURORA BOREALIS OF 1837. A Vast Canopy of Gorgeous Crimson 18?! Flames Encircles the Earth. Arches of Resplendent Auroral Glories Span the Hemisphere. Innu- merable Scarlet Columns of Dazzling Beauty Rise from the Horizon to the Zenith. The Face of Nature Everywhere Appears, to an Astonished World, as if Dyed in Blood. Uncommon Extent and Sublimity. Millions of Wondering Observers 269 SUDDEN APPEARANCE OF A GREAT AND FIERY COMET IN THE SKIES AT !? NOONDAY. It Sweeps Through the Heavens, for Several Weeks, with a Luminous Train 103,000,000 Miles in Length. Almost Grazes the Sun, and, after Whirling Around that Orb with Prodigious Velocity, Approaches the Earth with a Fearful Momentum. Its Mysterious disappear- ance in the Unknown Realms and Depths of Space. Most Notable of all Comets 300 V. EXTRAORDINARY DISCOVERIES AND INVENTIONS, SCIENTIFIC EXPEDITIONS, AXD THE SPLENDID TRIUMPHS OF MECHANICAL GENIUS. WHITNEY'S COTTON-GIN INVENTION. The Inventor's Obscure Circumstances. His HS Early Mechanical Genius. Determined to get an Education. Goes to the South as a Teacher. Befriended by a Widow. His Inventive Efforts Produce the Cotton-Giu. It Revolutionizes the In- dustrial Prospects and Political Power of the South. How Cotton Became " King." Its Relation to the Great Themes and Events in American History 98 FULTON'S TRIUMPHANT APPLICATION OF STEAM TO NAVIGATION. Fulton's ?* Early Mechanisms. His Experiments and Trials. Discovery of Steam Propulsion at Last. Pub- lic Ridicule of the Scheme. Construction of the First Steamboat. Incidents at the Launch. Sail- ing of the " New-Fangled Craft." Complete Success of the Trip. Fulton's Checkered Fortunes. First Steamboat at the West. The World Indebted to American Ingenuity and Enterprise for this Mighty Agent in Humao Progress and Power. The Whole Scale of Civilization Enlarged. . 150 MORSE'S INVENTION OF THE ELECTRIC TELEGRAPH. Realization of the Highest ! Ideal of a Mechanical Miracle. Principle, Structure and Operation of the Machine. Net-Work of Lines Established Over the Four Continents. The Inventor's Experiments, Labors, Discourage- ments, and Triumphs. " Orders of Glory," Gifts, and Other Honors, Bestowed upon Him by- Crowned Heads 244 FREMONT'S HEROIC EXPEDITION OF DISCOVERY TO THE TJNTRACKED RE- GIONOF THE NORTH- WEST, OREGON, CALIFORNIA, ETC. Fremont a Pioneer of Em- pire. National Objects of this Tear. Enchanting Record of Adventures. Surveys and Researches. -Hi* Exploration of the Sierra Nevada, and of that Wonderful Gateway in the Rocky Mountain*, CONTENTS. 15 the South Pass. Plants the American Flag on the Highest Peak of that Lofty Range. He Enriches Every Branch of Natural Science, and Illustrates a Remote and Boundless Country before Entirely Unknown 285 DISCOVERY OF THE INHALATION OF ETHER AS A PREVENTIVE OF PAIN. 1S Instinctive Dread of Pain. Persistent Search for a Preventive. Discovery of the Long-Sought Se- cret. Honor Due to the Medical Science of America. Curious Religious Objections. Account of the First Capital Demonstration before a Crowded and Breathless Assembly. Its Signal Success. Most Beneficent Boon Ever Conferred by Science upon th Human Race 324 INVENTION OF THAT WONDROUS PIECE OF MECHANISM, THE SEWING- 1846 MACHINE. The Woman's Friend. Romantic Genius and Perseverance Displayed in its Produc- tion. Toils of the Inventor in His Garret. His Ingenuity, Struggles and Triumphs. A Machine at Last. World-Wide Introduction of the Device. The Industrial Interests of the Country Affected to the Amount of 8500,000,000 Annually. The Humble Inventor Becomes a Millionaire. . . 332 EXPEDITION TO THE RIVER JORDAN AND THE DEAD SEA, BY LIEUT. W. F. l| LYNCH, UNDER THE DIRECTION OF THE UNITED STATES GOVERNMENT. Inter- est in the Holy Land. Equipment of the United States Expedition. On Its Way to the Orient. Anchoring Under Mount Carmel. Passage Down the Jordan. The Sacred River Successfully Cir- cumnavigated, Sun-eyed, and Traced to Its Source. Wild and Impressive Scenery. Twenty Days and Nights upon the " Sea of Death." It is Explored, and Sounded, and its Mysteries Solved. Important Results to Science 354 DISCOVERY OF GOLD AT SUTTER'S MILL, CALIFORNIA. First Practical Discovery I* 4 * of the Precious Metal. Simple Accident that Led to It. The Discovery Kept Secret. How it was Disclosed. The News Spreads Like Wild-Fire to the Four Quarters of the Globe. Overwhelming Tide of Emigrants from all Countries. Their Trials. Life Among the Diggers. Nucleus of a Great Empire on the Pacific. California Becomes the El Dorado of the World and the Golden Commonwealth of the American Union 360 DISCOVERY OF PETROLEUM IN PENNSYLVANIA. Discovery of Prodigious Quanti- 1889 ties of Illuminating Oil in the Depths of the Earth. Boring of Innumerable Wells. Fabulous Prices Paid for Lands. Poor Farmers Become Millionaires. The Supply of Oil Exceeds the Wants of the Whole Country. Immense Exportations of the Article. Vast Source of National Wealth and In- dustry. Revolution in Artificial Light. Ancient Knowledge of this Oil. Floating on Ponds and Creeks. Its Collection and Use. Native Sources : Origin 47 THIRTY THOUSAND MILES OF RAILWAY IN THIRTY YEARS, AND EIGHTY 1^8 THOUSAND IN HALF A CENTURY. Curious Chronicles Relating to the Introduction of Im- proved Means of Transit. The Old and the New. Development and Progress. Numerous and Important Advantages. Great Saving of Time and Expense. Initiatory Undertakings in the United States. First American Railway with Steam as the Locomotive Power. Small Beginnings : Great Results. Amazing Growth and Expansion in all Directions. Social and Business Changes. Infancy of Mechanism in this Line. Pioneer Coach and Locomotive. Successive Steps of Advance- ment. Usual Channels of Trade Abandoned. Power of Capital Demonstrated. Distan; Sections and Interests Equalized. Stimulus to Industry. Vast Constructive Works Involved. U. S. Enter- prise not Behindhand. " Breaking the Ground." Less than 20 Miles in 1829. Some 30,000 Miles in 1859. Constant and Rapid Increase. Inventive Genius Displayed. "Improvements" by the Thousands. Steel Rails Substituted for Iron. Luxury on Wheels. Palace and Sleeping Cars. Tremendous Speed Attained. American and Foreign Lines. Railways 16,000 Feet Above the Sea 645 SUCCESSFUL LAYING OF THE TELEGRAPH CABLE ACROSS THE ATLANTIC * OCEAN. The Old World and the New United by Instantaneous Communication. Pronounced the Grandest of Human Enterprises. Ten Years of Difficulty and Failure in the Mighty Task. The Name of Its Indomitable Projector Crowned with Immortal Honor. Illustrations of the Power and Wonders of this New-Born Agent of CivUization. Moral Uses of the Cable 629 COMPLETION OF THE PACIFIC RAILROAD. Spikes of the Richest Gold and a Hammer 1869 of Pure Silver Used in Layiug the Last Rail. The Blows of the Sledge Telegraphed to All the 16 CONTENTS. Great Cities. The Wide Continent Spanned with Iron from the Farthest East to the Golden Gata. Junction of the Atlantic and Pacific Oceans. Seven Days from New York to San Francisco. Greatest Railroad Route on the Face of the Earth. " Manifest Destiny " of the United States. 637 " MIRACLES OF SCIENCE," OR FOUR NEW WONDERS OF THE WORLD. The 18? e Electric Light, or Brilliant and Abundant Illumination by Means of Electricity. The Telephone, or Instantaneous Articulate Communication between Distant Points. The Phonograph, or Talking Machine, Reproducing and Preserving Human Utterances, whether of Speech or Song, in all their Characteristics. The Microphone, or Prodigious Magnifier of Sound, however Slight or Remote. Splendor of the Electric Rays. Former Inventions in this Line. Prof. Farmer's Early Success. Ed. ison's Improved Device. Its Special Characteristics. Sanguine Expectations Entertained. Interest Excited by the Telephone. Encomiums from English Sources. Principles of Construction and Use. Simplicity and Serviceableness. Tens of Thousands in Operation. How the Phonograph was Developed. Other Inventions Fairly Eclipsed. Its Appearance, Form, Outcome. Words and Tones Recorded. Astonishment and Delight. Its Five Chief Features. Marvels of the Micro- phone. A Touch or Tick Audible for Miles. Arrangement of the Apparatus. Curious Feats Accomplished. Explanation of this Property 681 VI. APPALLING PUBLIC CALAMITIES, DISASTERS, PANICS, ETC. DEATH OF GEORGE WASHINGTON. His Sudden and Brief Illness, Last Hours and Dying Words. Fortitude and Serenity Through all His Sufferings. He Calmly Announces His Approach- ing Dissolution Without a Murmur. The Whole World does Honor, by Eulogy and Lamentations, to His Exalted Worth and Immortal Fame. He Anticipated an Early Death. His Invariably Good Health. Exposure in a Snow-storm. Takes a Fatal Cold. Last Letter Written by His Hand. Reads the Papers in the Evening. Characteristic Reply to His Wife. Passes a Restless Night. Alarming Condition the Next Day. Medical Treatment of no Avail. Calls for His Two Wills, Burns One. Affecting Scene at His Bedside. Last Words, " 'Tis Well ! "Only One Day's Sick- ness. Acute Laryngitis His Disease. Burial in the Old Family Vault. Tidings of His Death. Tributes from Peoples and Kings. A Man Without a Parallel. Last Page In His Journal. Re- entombment in 1837. Appearance of His Remains 119 AWFUL EXPLOSION OF COMMODORE STOCKTON'S GREAT GUN, THE "PEACE- W MAKER." Stockton's High Enthusiasm. His Vast and Beautiful Ship. Styled the Pride of the Navy. Invitations for a Grand Gala Day. President Tyler Attends. Array of Female Beauty. Music, Toasts, Wit and Wine. Firing of the Monster Gun. " One More Shot ! " and it Bursts. The Secretaries of State and of the Navy, and Other Eminent Persons, Instantly Killed. Miracu- lous Escape of the President. Sudden Transition from the Height of Human Enjoyment to the Fxtreme of Woe 315. AWFUL VISITATIONS OF THE " ANGEL OF DEATH." Yellow Fever and Cholera Epi- 1^9 demies at Differeat Periods. Frightful Mortality and Panic. Business Abandoned, Churches Closed, Streets Barricaded, Cities Deserted. Proclamation by the President of the United States. The Virtues, Passions, and Vices of Human Nature Strikingly Illustrated. Tens of Thousands Swept at Once from the Face of the Earth. Eras of American Epidemics. Wide and Ghastly Ravages. Self-Preservation the First Law. Social Intercourse Suspended. Ties of Affection Sundered. Parents Forsake Children. Husbands Flee from Wives. Rich Men Buried Like Paupers. Money and Rank Unavailing. Rumble of the Dead Carts. Activity in the Graveyards. They Look as if Plowed Up. Women in Childbirth Helpless Their Screams for Succor. Care of a Lunatic Pa- tient. The Tender Passion Still Alive. Courageous Marriages. Death in the Bridal Chamber. Anecdotes of the Clergy. Crime, Filth, and Disease. Quacks and Nostrums Rife. The Celebrated "Thieves' Vinegar." 368 LOSS OF THE SPLENDID COLLINS STEAMSHIP ARCTIC OF NEW YORK, BY IM* COLLISION WITH THE IRON STEAMER VESTA. Occurrence of the Disaster in Mid- Ocean, at Noonday, in a Dense Fog. Sinking of the Noble Ship Stern Foremost. Hundreds of Souls Engulfed in a Watery Grave. Experiences Crowded Into that Awful Hour. The Wail of Agony and Despair from the Fated Throng. Her Non- Arrival, Painful Suspense. The Dreadful News at Last. Shock to the Public Mind. Strong Build of the Arctic. Prestige of the ("oiling Line. A Casualty Undreamed of. Surging Crowd in Wall Street. Names of Lost and Saved Read. Hope, Joy, Grief, Anguish. The Sad Tale on all Lips. Captain Luce in the Hour of Woe. Manliness of His First Order. Ship Deserted by the Crew. " Every Man for Himself " 429 CONTENTS. 17 TERRIBLE CRISIS IN THE BUSINESS AND FINANCIAL WORLD. Known as " The 1WT Great Panic." A Suddeu Universal Crasli in the Height of Prosperity. Caused by Wild Speculations and Enormous Debt. Suspension of Banks all over the Country. Failure of the Oldest and Wealth- iest Houses. Fortunes Swept Away in a Day. Prostration of Every Branch of Industry. Pro- longed Embarrassment, Distrust, and Suffering. The Panic of 1837 : A Comparison. . . . 447 ASSASSINATION OF PRESIDENT LINCOLN, AT FORD'S THEATER, WASHING- 1MB TON, BY J. WILKES BOOTH. Conspiracy to Murder, Simultaneously, All the Chief Officers of the Government. The Most Exalted aud Beloved of Mortal Rulers Falls a Victim. A Universal Wail of Anguish Poured Forth from the National Heart. Darkest Page in the History of the Country. Fuuer.il Cortege Through Fifteen States. Tragical Fate of the Conspirators. Object of this Most Infamous of Crimes. Singular Time of Its Perpetration. Virtual End of the War. Dawn of Peace : Universal Joy. President Lincoln's Happy Frame of Mind. How He Passed Hi Last Day. Booth's Swift aud Bloody End. Trial of His Accomplices. . . . .617 BURNING OF THE CITY OF CHICAGO, ILL., THE COMMERCIAL METROPOLIS OF iwi THE NORTH-WEST. Most Destructive Conflagration in the History of Civilized Nations. A Thirty Hours' Tornado of Fire in all Directions. Vast Billows of Inextinguishable Flame. Up- Wards of Two Thousand Acres, or Seventy-Three Miles of btreets, with 17,450 Buildings, Destroyed: Loss, $200,000,000 . , . ,653 ASSASSINATION OF PRESIDENT GARFIELD, AT THE BALTIMORE AND POTO- i? MAC RAILWAY STATION, IN WASHINGTON, JULY 2. His Departure from the White House with Secretary Elaine on a Brief Tour of Recreation. Excellent Health and Spirits. Arrival at the Depot. A Lurking Assassin, C. J. Guiteau, Approaches in the Rear. A Startling but Harm- less Shot, followed by Another which Enters the Body. The President Sinks to the floor. A Hideous Tragedy. Capture of the Murderer. The Wounded Victim Conveyed to the Executive Mansion. The Nation Horrified, and the Whole Civilized World Shocked. Condolences from the Remotest Courts and Governments. Unaffected Sympathy from all Political Parties. Past Differences Hushed and Forgotten. Eleven Weeks of Suffering. Heroism and Resignation of the Patient. Devotion aud Fortitude of the President's Wife. Removal to Long Branch, N. J. Temporary Relief. Hover- ing between Life and Death. Solemn Prayers for his Recovery. Sudden and Fatal End of the Struggle. A Pall over Four Continents. Tributes from Sovereigns and Peoples the World Over. The Wail and Lamentation of Mankind. Funeral Procession and Ceremonies. Queen Victoria's Floral Offering on the Bier. At Rest, in Lake v iew Cemetery, Cleveland, Ohio 705 VII. CELEBRATED CRIMINAL CASES, TRAGEDIES AND CONSPIRACIES, ETC. TREASON OF MAJOR-GENERAL BENEDICT ARNOLD. Darkest Page in American Rev- "80 olutionary History Plot to Deliver West Point, the Gibraltar of America, Over to the British. Movements of the Guilty Parties. Discovery and Frustration of the Crime. Major Andre, the Brit- ish Spy, is Captured, and Swings from a Gibbet. Escape of Arnold to the Enemy. Is Spurued and Isolated in England. Arnold's Unquestioned Bravery. Commended by General Washington In- famous Personal Transactions Reprimanded by His Chief. Determines on Revenge Correspond- ence with the Foe. Ingratiates Washington's Favor Again. Obtains Command of West Point. Midnight Conference with Andre. Andre Seized while Returning. Astounding Evidence Against Him Attempts to Bribe His Captors Carried to American Head-Quarters. Arnold Apprised of the Event. A Hurried Farewell to His Wife. Quick Pursuit of the Traitor. He Reaches a British Man-of- War. Washington's Exclamation at the News. His Call on Mrs Arnold. Andre's Trial an'' Conviction Arnold's Reward for His Crime. His Unlamented Death 48 FATAL DUEL BETWEEN MR. BURR AND GENERAL ALEXANDER HAMILTON. !*>4 Fall of Hamilton at First Fire. His Death in Thirty Hours. Profound Sensation and Solemn Obsequies in all Parts of the Land. Mourned as One of the Founders of the Republic. Indictment of the Assassin for the Crime of Murder. Hamilton's Brilliant Public Life. Washington's Right- hand Man Champion of the Federalists. Burr's Career in the Revolution His Notorious De- bauchery. Finally Dismissed by Washington Becomes Vice-President in 1800 Deadly Personal Hatreds. Criticisms on Burr by His Opponents. Challenge Sent to Hamilton. Pacific Explana- tions Spurned Forced to Meet Burr. Makes His Will in Anticipation. Sings at a Banquet the Day Before. Arrival of the Fatal Hour. Hamilton's Mortal Wound. What He Said of the Event. Conversation before Dying. Partake* of the Communion. His Testimony against Dueling. Heartless Conduct of Burr. A Fugitive and an Outlaw 127 18 CONTEXTS. CONSPIRACY ANT) TRIAL OF AARON BURR. Lawless Scheme of Conquest and Domin- I?* ion at the South-west. A New Empire Contemplated, with Burr as Sovereign Seizure of His Flo- tilla and Dispersion of His Men when Ready to Embark, by the Federal Forces. Capture and Ar- raignment of Burr for High Treason. Melancholy End of the Conspirator. " Theodosia, the Beloved." Reckless Character of Burr. His Unscrupulous Ambitions. Enlists Blennerhassett in His Plans Their Expedition Arranged. Mexico the Ultimate Point. Discovery of the Whole Plot. Its Complete Frustration. Burr Flees in Disguise. Scene at His Arrest. Attempt to Es- cape. The Iron-Hearted Man ia Tears His Social Fascination. Preparations for the Trial Its Legal and Forensic Interest. Acquittal on Technical Grounds. Shunned as Man of Infamy. De- votion of His Daughter Theodosia Lifelong and Unalterable Love. Her Mysterious Fate. Burr's Anguish and Agony. A Moral Wreck and Warning 142 DUEL BETWEEN HENRY CLAY, SECRETARY OF STATE, AND JOHN RANDOLPH, ' UNITED STATES SENATOR FROM VIRGINIA. Randolph's Bitter Insult to Clay on the Floor of the Senate Accuses Him of Falsifying an Official Document The Puritan and "Black- leg" Taunt. Clay Challenges the Senator to Mortal Combat. Words and Acts of these Two Fore- most Men of their Times, on the " Field of Honor." Result of the Hostile Meeting. Fame of these Party Leaders. Ancient Political Antagonists. Origin of the Present Dispute. Randolph's Gift of Sarcasm. Applies it Severely to Clay. Clay Demands Satisfaction Reconciliation Refused Bladensburg the Dueling Ground. Pistols the Weapons Chosen. Colonel Benton a Mutual Friend. Incidents the Night Before. Randolph's Secret Resolve. Going to the Field of Blood. View of this Shrine of " Chivalry." Salutations of the Combatants. Solemn Interest of the Scene. Dis- tance Ten Paces. A Harmless Exchange of Shots. Clay Calls it " Child's Play ! " Another Fire. No Injury. " Honor " Satisfied Pleasant Talk with Each Other 196 CAREER, CAPTURE, AND EXECUTION OF GIBBS, THE MOST NOTED PIRATE '831 OF THE CENTURY. His Bold, Enterprising, Desperate, and Successful War, for Many Years, Against the Commerce of all Nations. Terror Inspired by His Name as the Scourge of the Ocean and the Enemy of Mankind. Scores of Vessels Taken, Plundered and Destroyed. Their Crews and Passengers, Male and Female, Instantly Murdered. His Capture and Execution 222 ATTEMPTED ASSASSINATION OF PRESIDENT JACKSON AT THE UNITED 183B STATES CAPITOL IN WASHINGTON, BY RICHARD LAWRENCE. Failure of the Pis- tols to Discharge. The President Rushes Furiously upon His Assailant, and is Restrained from Executing Summary Vengeance only by His Friends. Political Hostility Supposed to have Insti- gated the Act. Lawrence Proves to be a Lunatic without Accomplices. His History and Trial 288 MUTINY ON BOARD THE UNITED STATES BRIG-OF-WAR SOMERS, CAPTAIN A. 18a S. MACKENZIE Deep Laid Plot to Seize the Vessel, Commit Wholesale Murder of Her Men, Raise the Black Flag, and Convert Her into a Pirate. All Prizes to be Plundered, Burnt, Their Drews Butchered, and Women and Girls Ravished. Midshipman Spencer, Son of a United States Cabinet Officer, the Ringleader The Chief Conspirators Hung at the Yard-Arm First Mutiny in the United States Navy. Spencer's Hold upon His Comrades. Death the Penalty of Disclosure. Confidence Fortunately Misplaced. A Man of Houor Tampered With. Captain Mackenzie In- formed of the Plot. Treats it as Wild and Improbable Confronts and Questions Spencer. Orders Him to be Ironed. Plan Found in His Razor Case. Alarming Disaffection of the Crew. None of the Officers Implicated. Close Investigation of the Case. Spencer, Cromwell, and Small, to Die Their Fate Announced to Them. Spencer's Account of His Life. They Meet on their Way to be Hung. Treatment of Each Other. Spencer Begs to Give the Last Signal. Closing Scene of the Tragedy -All Hands Cheer the Ship Raising the Banner of the Cross 291 MURDER OF DR. GEORGE PARKMAN, A NOTED MILLIONAIRE OF BOSTON, BY !? PROF. JOHN W. WEBSTER, OF HARVARD COLLEGE. High Social Position of the Par- ties. Instantaneous Outburst of Surprise, Alarm, and Terror, in the Community, on the Discovery of the Deed. Remarkable Chain of Circumstances Leading to the Murderer's Detection. Solemn and Exciting Trial. Account of the Mortal Blow and Disposal of the Remains. Similar Crse of Colt and Adams. Parkman's Wealth and Fame. His Mysterious Disappearance. Arrest of Web- ster at Night Behavior in Court He Boldly Addresses the Jury. Hung Near the Spot of Hia Birth. ' 76 CONTENTS. 19 REIGN OF THE VIGILANCE COMMITTEE IN CALIFORNIA. Revolution in the Admin- 1851 istration of Justice Powerlessness aud Indifference of the Regular Authorities. Robbery, Arson, and Murder, Alarmingly Prevalent The Committee's Secret Chamber of Judgment. Sudden Seiz ure and Trial of Noted Criminals Solemn Tolling of the Signal Bell. Swift and Terrible Execu- tions. Renovation of Society, 395 ASSAULT ON THE HON. CHARLES SUMNER, BY HON. PRESTON S. BROOKS. 1886 Brought about by Sumner's Great Kansas Speech for Free Soil and Free Labor. Twenty Sndden and Terrible Blows, with a Solid Gutta Percha Cane, Dealt upon Mr. Snmner's Bare Head. He Staggers and Falls, Senseless, Gashed, and Bleeding. His Three Years' Illness. Recovery. Illus- trious Career, 437 ANARCHY IN THE UNITED STATES. Anarchy. Its Avowed Principles and Aims It 1886 struggles Against Law and Order in Chicago, III., and Milwaukee, Wis., and, for the First Time in die Western World, Tests the Strength of Republican Institutions. Transplanting the Social Dis- ease from Europe to America. Foreign Agitators Seek a Congenial Field in " Freedom's Land." Their Theories, Aims, aud Methods. Anti-Government Principles Loudly Proclaimed. Destruc- tion of the State, Church, and Society Defiance of all Legal Restraint. Red-Handed Schemes and Plottings. Dynamite aud Violence to be Employed. How and Where the Bombs were Made. Murderous Appeals to Workingmen. Fatal Scene of Conflict Precipitated. Dynamite Bombs Thrown Into the Police Ranks. Their Heroic Fidelity to Duty. Day and Night of Blood and Terror. Horror and Indignation Throughout the Country. Harvest of Death and Mu- tilation. Arrest of Some of the Most Noted Leaders. Their Conviction After a Two Months' Trial. Incidents Stated by Mr. Reid, a Deputy Sheriff. Vindication of Law and Justice. Justice of the Sentence Questioned by Some. Life Imprisonment Urged. Executions Amidst a Tumultu- ous Throng, 727 VIII. REMARKABLE REFORMS, DELUSIONS, AND EXCITEMENTS IN THE MORAL, EDUCATIONAL, AND RELIGIOUS WORLD, ETC. RISE AND PROGRESS OF THE MORMONS, or "LATTER DAY SAINTS," UNDER 1830 JOSEPH SMITH, THE " PROPHET OF THE LORD." Smith the " Mohammed of the West." His Assumed Discovery of the Golden Plates of a New Bible. Secret History of this Transac- tion. Organization of the First Church. Apostles Sent Forth and Couverts Obtained in all Parts of the World. Founding and Destruction of Nauvoo, the "City of Zion." Smith's Character and Bloody Death. Brigham Young His Successor. Removal to Utah, the "Promised Land," . 214 BREAKING OUT OF THE TEMPERANCE REFORMATION. First Temperance Society 1840 in the United States. Origin, Rapid Spread, Influence, and Wonderful History of the Movement. Enthusiasm Attending the " Washingtoniau " Era. Its Pioneers Rise from the Gutter to the Ros- trum and Sway Multitudes by their Eloquence Father Mathew's Visit His 600,000 Converts. Career of Hawkins, Mitchell, Gongh, Dow, and Others. Anecdotes of Washington. General Tay- lor's Whiskey-Jug. Farragut's Substitute for Grog, 276 EXPECTED DESTRUCTION OF THE WORLD. Miller as a Man and Preacher. His Ex- 1843 citing Prediction of the Second Advent of Christ. The Speedy Fulfillment of the Latter-Day Bible Prophecies Boldly Declared. Zealous Promulgation of ;lis Views. Scores of Thousands of Con- verts. Public Feeling Intensely Wrought Upon. Preparations by Many for the Coming Event. The Passing of the Time. Miller's Apology and Defense. His Calm and Happy Death, . 307 TWO HUNDRED YEARS OF FREE POPULAR EDUCATION. An Experiment in Behalf 1844 of the Highest Civilization. Condition of the Country Previous to such Efforts. Early Scenes and Customs. Public Law Invoked and Applied. Impulse Given to the Work Progress and Results. America in the Van. Most Enlightened and Successful System in the World. Female Educa- tion. Colleges, Universities, etc. A Very Modern Idea. No National System of Education. Un- dertaken by the Individual States Effect of Wise Legislation. State Vieing with State. School-houses in "ye olden time." The East and the West. Wonderful Changes in Public Opinion, 667 SPIRITUAL KNOCKINGS AND TABLE-TIPPINGS. Familiar Intercourse Claimed to be 1847 Opened Between Human and Disembodied Beings. Alleged Revelations from the Unseen World. Singular and Humble Origin, in a Secluded New York Village, of this Great Modern Wonder. Its Development Among all Nations in all Lands. Astonishing and Inexplicable Character of the Manifestations. Theories of Explanation Investigations and Reports. Views of Agassiz, Her- Bchel, and Other Scientists. Press and Pulpit Discussions. Tendency of the Phenomena. Thirty Years' History, 340 20 CONTENTS. THE "GREAT AWAKENING" IN THE RELIGIOUS WORLD. like a Mighty Rushing 1S Wind, it Sweeps from the Atlantic to the Pacific. Crowded Prayer Meetings Held Daily in Every City and Town, from the Granite Hills of the North to the Rolling Prairies of the West and the Golden Slopes of California. Large Accessions, from all Classes, to the Churches of Every Name and Denomination. The "American Pentecost." Early American Revivals. Moody and Sankey in Great Britain, in New York, Philadelphia, Chicago, Boston, etc. Dr. Franklin and Mr. White- field. The Revival of 1857 Spontaneous. No Leaders or Organizers. Its Immediate Cause. Uni- versal Ruin of Commerce. Anxiety for Higher Interests. All Days of the Week Alike. Business Men in the Work. Telegraphing Religious Tidings; New York a Centsr of Influence. Fulton Street Prayer Meeting. Scenes in Burton's Theater. New Themes and Actors. Countless Re- quests for Prayers. A Wonderful Book. Striking Moral Results. Men of Violence Reformed. Crime and Suicide Prevented. Infidels, Gamblers, Pugilists. Jessie Fremont's Gold Ring. "Aw- ful " Gardner's Case 456 CONSECRATION OF THE FIRST CARDINAL IN THE UNITED STATES. The Venera- >? ble Archbishop McCloskey, of New York, Selected by the Roman Pontiff, for this Great Office. He becomes a Prince in the Church. The Highest Ecclesiastical Appointment in the Catholic Hierarchy. Reasons given for this Step. Solemn Investiture, in the Cathedral, by Clerical Dignitaries from All Parts of the Country. An Unparalleled Scene. Illustrious Nature of this Office. Special En- voy sent from Rome. Announcing the Event to the Archbishop. Time of Public Recognition Assigned. A Mighty Stream of Humanity. Decorations of the Church. Procession of Priests. Incensing the Altars. Sacred Vessels and Vestments. Insignia Peculiar to this Rank. The Scar- let Cap. Profoundly Impressive Service. Unprecedented on this Continent. Imposing the Ber- retta. Intoning and Chanting. Official Letter from the Pope. Use of the Latin Language. In- spiring Strains of Music. Incidents Attending the Ceremonial. Pontifical Benediction by the Cardinal. Retirement of th" <~!el u "nts. Dispersion of the Vast Throng fi"5 IX. POPULAR OVATIONS, NATIONAL JUBILEES, PAGEANTS, FfiATS, ETC. VISIT OF LAFAYETTE TO AMERICA, AS THE GUEST OF THE REPUBLIC, AT W24 THE INVITATION OF THE UNITED STATES CONGRESS AND OF PRESIDENT MONROE. His Tour of Five Thousand Miles through the Twenty-four States. A National Ova- tion on the Grandest Scale. Cities, States, Legislatures and Governors, Vie in their Demonstrations of Respect. The Venerable Patriot Enters the Tomb and Stands beside the Remains of His Great Departed Friend, Washington. Washington and Lafayette. Noble Qualities of the Marquis. 186 BRILLIANT MUSICAL TOUR OF JENNY LIND, THE QUEEN OF SONG. Twenty 18?? Thousand Persons Welcome Her Arrival. Transcendent Beauty and Power of Her Voice. A Whole Continent Enraptured with Her Enchanting Melodies. Pleasant Exhilaration of Feeling Throughout the Land by the Presence of the Fair Nightingale. Honors from Webster, Clay and Other Dignitaries. Her Praises Fill the Wide World. The Vocal Prodigy of the Age. . . 386 THE GREAT INTERNATIONAL REGATTA AT COWES, ENGLAND. The Yacht 1851 " America " Distances, by Nearly Eight Miles, the Whole Fleet of Swift and Splendid Competitors, and Wins "the Cup of all Nations." Grandest and Most Exciting Spectacle of the Kind Ever Known. Queen Victoria Witnesses the Match. Universal Astonishment at the Result. Admira- tion Elicited by the " America's " Beautiful Model and Ingenious Rig 403 RECEPTION OF GOVERNOR KOSSUTH, THE GREAT HUNGARIAN EXILE, AS ig" THE INVITED GUEST OF THE NATION. Splendid Military Pageant in New York, on His Arrival. Welcomed and Banqueted by President Fillmore. Received with Distinguished Official Honors on the Floor of Congress. He Eloquently Pleads His Country's Cause in All Parts of the Land. Processions, Congratulatory Addresses, Acclamations, etc. A True-Hearted Patriot, and Greatest Orator of the Day 412 EXHIBITION OF THE INDUSTRY OF ALL NATIONS, IN NEW YORK. Construction 1M of the Crystal Palace, a Colossal Building of Glass and Iron. Four Acres of Surface Covered with the Treasures of Art, Science and Mechanism, from Every Land. Inanguration of the Enterprise by President Pierce. Five Thousand Contributors. Splendor of the Palace of Industry by Day ; Its Gorgeous Illumination at Night. Beauty, Utility, Amusement. The Grand Industries of Civil- ization. Lesson Taught by Such a Display. Luster Reflected on America 421 CONTENTS. 21 GRAND EMBASSY FROM THE EMPIRE OF JAPAN, WITH A TREATY OF PEACE |60 AND COMMERCE, TO THE UNITED STATES GOVERNMENT. First Ambassadors Ever Sent from that Ancient Country to a Foreign Land. Their Official Reception by President Bu- chanan, and Tour of Observation to the Chief Cities. Public Interest Excited by this Extraordi- nary Mission. Their Oriental Costume, Manners, Ceremonies, Etc. Distinction Shown to Ameri- cans. Character of the Embassy. Headed by Eminent Princes. Numerous and Brilliant Suite Arrival at Washington. Procession to the Hotel. Most Curious Spectacle. How the Treaty was Carried. Ceremonies at the White House Salutations and Speeches. Impressive International Scene. Japanese Diplomacy. Delivering the Tycoon's Letter. Appearance of the Ambassadors. President Buchanan's Opinion Humors and Drolleries " Tommy," the Ladies' Pet. Gallantry to Miss Lane. The Embassy at the Navy Yard. Astonishment Expressed by Them. Adieu to the President. America's Message to the Emperor 485 TOUR OF HIS ROYAL HIGHNESS, ALBERT EDWARD, PRINCE OF WALES, I860 THROUGH THE UNITED STATES. Friendly Letters Between President Buchanan and Queen Victoria on the Subject. The Prince's First Entrance into American Waters. Unbounded Hospi- talities Extended Him. Hunting Excursions, Military Reviews, Balls, Illuminations, Etc. Splendid Banquet at the White House England's Appreciation of these Honors to Her Future King. Heir to the British Throne. Arrival at Detroit, Chicago, etc. Enthusiastic Crowds Greet Him. His Way Completely Blocked Up. On a Hunt : Fine Sportsman. Receptions at Various Cities. Lo- comotive Ride to Washington. Guest of President Buchanan. Courtesies and Ceremonials. Visit to Mount Vernon. At the Tomb of Washington. Unparalleled Historical Scene. He Plants a Tree at the Grave Rare Scenes in Philadelphia. New York and Boston Festivities Present from Trinity Church, New York. Greatest Balls Ever Known. He Meets a Bunker Hill Veteran. Impressions of America. Incidents, Anecdotes, Interviews. His Looks, Manners, Dress, Etc. Brilliant Farewell at Portland 493 ASTONISHING FEATS OF HORSE-TAMING PERFORMED BY MR. JOHN S. RAREY. 1861 The Most Savage and Furious Animals Made Tractable as Lambs. The Ferocious and Far- Famed " Cruiser " Lies Docile at His Master's Feet. Acclamations of Wonder and Admiration by Crowded Audiences Brilliant Honors from Monarchs and Courts Abroad Philosophy of Mr. Rarey's Method and Success. Details of the System. Mr. Rarey Personally 509 THE NATIONAL GRANGE MOVEMENT. Popular Organizations in the Interests of Labor, m? Changes Sought in the Relations between Producers and Consumers. General Declaration of Principles and Aims. A System of Universal Co-operation Proposed. Results to be Realized by Sucli Combinations. Patrons of Husbandry and Sovereigns of Industry. Initiative Proceedings in 1867. First Grange Founded in Washington, D. C. Agriculture the Grand Basis. Mutual Pro- tection and Advancement. Small Encouragement at the Beginning. Immense Growth in Five Years. Activity in the West and South. Social and Moral Aspects Plan of Business Action. Partisan Prejudices Disavowed No Political Tests Involved. Opinions of Eminent Leaders Cited. Views of Foreign Publicists. Vital Point in the New System. Commercial and Financial Theo- ries. Grain and Cotton Products Alleged Errors in Trade Customs Individual vs. Associated Efforts. ' Middlemen ' a Disadvantage. Substitute for their Intervention. The Case Illustrated. Difficulties and Remedies 660 CENTENNIAL COMMEMORATION OF THE BIRTH OF THE REPUBLIC Year of 1876 Jubilee, Festival, and Pageant, throughout the Land Prosperity, Power, and Renown of the Na- tion. A Union of Nearly Forty Great Commonwealths and Forty Million People. -Anticipations of the Coming Anniversary. Legislation by Congress for its Patriotic Observance. A Grand Expo- sition of the Century's Growth and Progress, the Principal Feature Decided Upon. Vast Work of Preparation. The Whole World at Peace, and all Countries and Climes in Sympathy with the Re- public and its Auspicious Era. Ushering in the Year's Ceremonials. Every City, Town, and Vil- lage, Covered with Gay Streamers and Waving Flags. Pomp, Parade, and Universal Fraternization. Wondrous Microcosm of Civilization Concentrated at Philadelphia. The Culminating Art and Skill of Sixty Centuries of Human Advancement, and the Products of Every Quarter of the Globe, Displayed in Their Richest Illustrations. An Unprecedented Scene : President and Emperor Re- ceiving the Salutations of the American People. Oratory, Music, Poetry, Bells, Illuminations, Can- non, Regattas, Banners, Hallelujahs, and Huzzas. The Beauty, Utility, and Magnificence of the Orient and Occident, in Boundless Combinations. The " Glorious Fourth " All Over the Land. Congratulatory Letter from the Emperor of Germany 689 SUBJECT. HO. I 1. SIGNING THE DECLARATION OP INDEPEND- ENCE (FRONTISPIECE) 2. Preface, --------- 3. The Opened Pa gee, ------ 4. Symbolical Head-piece, - - - - - 6. Genius of Art, ------- 6. Kinging of the Bell, July 4th, 1776, - 7. Hall of Independence, Philadelphia, 1776, 8 Hoisting First Naval Flag, - - - - - 9. John Paul Jones; Portrait and Autograph, - 10. FIBST AMERICAN NAVAL VICTORV, 11. WONDERFUL DARK DAY, MAY 19, 1780, - 12. Traveling during the Dark Day, - 13. Change of Scene after the Dark Day, 14. The House where Cornwallis Surrendered 16. Arnold's Reward for Treason, - 16. Capture of Major Andre, - - - - - 17. General Arnold, with Autograph, 18. West Point in 1780, 19. Arnold's Head-quarters, - - - - - 20. CORNWALLIS'S SURRENDER, - - - - 21. Cornwallis; Portrait and Autograph, 22. Washington's Sword, ------ 23. The Washington Elm, Cambridge, Mass., 24. WASHINGTON'S RESIGNATION, - - - - 25. Amity between England and America, - 26. George the Third; Portrait and Autograph, - 27. FIRST MINISTER TO ENGLAND, RECEPTION OF JOHN ADAMS, ------ 28. John Adams; Portrait and Autograph, - 29. Enrolling the Constitution, - 30. CONVENTION AT PHILADELPHIA, 1787, - 31. Franklin Pleading for Pacification, - 32. Washington's Inauguration Bible, - - - 33. FIRST INAUGURATION OF A PRESIDENT, 34. Presidential Mansion, 1789, - - - - 38. Presidential Mansion, 11-76, - - - - 36. Treating with the Indians, - - - - - 37. WAYNE'S DEFEAT OF THE INDIANS, 38. Anthony Wayne; Portrait and Autograph, 39. General St. Glair; Portrait and Autograph, - 40. "Little Turtle;" Portrait, - - - - 41. Results of the Cotton-Gin, 42. ELI WHITNEY'S COTTON-GIN, 1793, - - - 43. Eli Whitney; Portrait and Autograph, - 44. Causes of the Whiskey Insurrection in Penn., 46. Famous Whiskey Insurrection in Pennsylvania, 106 46. David Bradford; Portrait, - ... 47. General Henry Lee; Portrait, - - - 48. WASHINGTON, D. C., IN 1876, - - - 49. National Capitol in 1876, - - - - 60. Symbolic Statue of Amei lea, on the U.S.Capitol, 117 OE. no. 61. 62. 7 63. 9 M. 10 66. 22 26 66. 27 67. 32 34 58. 36 69. 39 60. 40 61. 44 62. 66 63. 46 64. 60 65. 61 66. 62 67. 63 68. B7 69. 61 70. 63 71. 66 72. 66 73. 70 74. 71 75. 76. 73 77. 74 78. 77 79. 79 80. 81 81. 84 86 82. 88 83. 88 84. 91 93 86. 96 86. 96 87. 97 88. 98 89. 100 90. 102 91. 106 92. 106 93. 109 94. 111 95. 116 96. 117 97. , 117 98. Martha Washington; Portrait anil Autograph, 120 DEATH OF WASHINGTON, DECEMBER 14, 1799, 122 George Washington, as Colonel, - - - 123 George Washington, General C. S. A., - - 124 George Washington, President of the United States; Portrait and Autograph, - - 124 Tomb of Washington, 125 Scene of the Burr and Hamilton Duel, Wee- hawken, 131 Hamilton's Tomb, 127 Aaron Burr, with Autograph, - - - - 128 Alexander Hamilton with Autograph, - - 128 TOTAL SOLAR ECLIPSE, IN 1806, - - - 136 Progress of the Solar Eclipse, - - - - 130 TOTAL ECLIPSE, IN 1869, 137 Eclipse, as seen in Brazil, ----- 140 Burr's Flight, 142 BREAKING UP OF BURR'S EXPEDITION, - - 146 Burr and His Deluded Followers, - - - 146 Theodosia; Portrait and Autograph, - - 148 First Steam-boat on the Hudson, - - - 150 Robert Fulton; Portrait and Autograph, - 151 FULTON'S FIRST STEAM-BOAT, - - - 163 After the Earthquake, ----- 186 Scene of the Great Earthquake in the West, - 158 EARTHQUAKE SCENE IN SAN FRANCISCO, - 161 Perry's Flag on Lake Erie, - 163 Commodore Perry ; Portrait and Autograph, 165 BATTLE OF LAKE ERIE, PERRY'S VICTORY, 167 General Harrison; Portrait and Autograph, - 170 American Defenses at New Orleans, - - 171 Andrew Jackson; Portrait and Autograph, - 174 BATTLE OF NEW ORLEANS, JACKSON'S TERRIFIC SLAUGHTER OF THE BRITISH, - 17C Destruction by the Great Gale and Flood, - 178 The Ever-Memorable Gale, September 23, 1825, 180 Horrors of the Whirlwind throughout New England, --------183 The Landing of Lafayette at New York, - 186 Lafayette; Portrait and Autograph, - - 188 Sword of Honor Presented to Lafayette, - 190 Lafayette's Residence, ----- 101 Lafayette's Birthplace, ----- lay Lafayette's Tomb, ------ 195 Preliminaries of the Code of Honor, - - 196 Henry Clay; Portrait and Autograph, - - 198 John Randolph; Portrait antl Autograph, - 200 DUELING-GROUND AT BLADENSBUHG, - - 202 The Victor's Wreath, 206 Robert Y. Hayne; Portrait, - 207 Daniel Webster; Portrait, - 209 Webster's Reply to Hayne, - - 21S ILLUSTRATIONS. JC. 99. too. 101. 102. 103. 104. 105. 106. 107. 108. 109. 110. 111. 112. 113. 114. 115. 116. 117. 118. 119. 120. 121. 122. 123. 124. 125. 126. 127. 128. 129. 180. 131. 132. 133. 134. 135. 136. 137. 138. 139. 140. 141. 142. 143. 144. 145. 146. 147. 148. 149. 150. PAGE. Joseph Smith; Portrait and Autograph, - 216 Brigham Young; I'ortrait and Autograph, 218 Mormon Temple, ------ 220 SALT LAKE CITY, THE MORMON Ziox, - - 221 Appeal of a Beautiful Girl to Gibbs to Spare her Life, 222 Pirate Gibbs; I'ortrait, 224 GIBBS BUTCHERING THE CREW OF ONE OF HIS PRIZES, - 226 METEORIC SHOWER AT BOSTON, - 228 Meteoric Shower, as seen at Niagara Falls, - 230 Remarkable Meteoric Display on the Missis- sippi, 233 The Preservation, ------ 236 ATTEMPTED ASSASSINATION OF PRESIDENT JACKSON, 238 Richard Lawrence; Portrait, - - - - 240 Hanging the Telegraph Wire, - 244 THE ORIGINAL TELEGRAPHIC INSTRUMENT, 246 Professor Morse; Portrait and Autograph, - 248 Orders of Glory Conferred on Professor Morse, 250 Monster Petition to Congress, - 252 John Quincy Adams; Portrait and Autograph, 254 JOHN QUINCY ADAMS DEFENDING THB EIGHT OF FF.TITION IN CONGRESS, - - 258 Safe Place for the Key to Public Funds, - 263 Thomas H. Benton; Portrait and Autograph, 265 Fac-Simile Copy of Expunging Resolution, - 2OT Singular Form of Auroral Arch, - 269 MAGNIFICENT AURORA BOREALIS OF NO- VEMBER 13 AND 14, 1837, - 271 View of the Aurora Borealis in its early Stages, 274 Effect of the Temperance Reformation, - 276 Signing the Pledge, ------ 279 DISTINGUISHED TEMPERANCE ADVOCATES, 282 Exploring the North-west, - - - - 286 Planting American Flag on the Rocky Mount- aiuB, by Fremont, .----- 287 John C. Fremont; Portrait and Autograph, - 288 Fremont on his Great Exploring Tour to the Far West and Rocky Mountains, - - 289 Mutiny on Board the United States Brig Som- ers; Hanging of the Ringleaders from the Yard-arm, -------- 297 The Black Flag Intended to be Raised on Board the United States Brig Somers, - 291 Commodore MacKenzie, with Autograph, - 293 Midshipman Spencer, with Autograph, - - 296 View of the Comet when Nearest the Earth, 303 APPEARANCE OF THE COMET IN FULL SPLENDOR, ------- 304 Telescopic View of the Comet, ... 306 The Great Day Prophesied by the Second Adventists, -------307 SYMBOLICAL ILLUSTRATIONS OF THE SEC- OND ADVENT PROPHECIES, - 309 William Miller; Portrait and Autograph, 313 Stockton's Great Gun, the "Peacemaker," - 315 President Tyler; Portrait and Autograph, - 316 Secretary Gilmer; Portrait and Autograph, 318 Explosion of the Great Gun on Board the United States Steamship Princeton, - - 319 Secretary Upshur; Portrait and Autograph, 320 Commodore Stockton; Portrait and Auto- graph, -------- 322 Relieving Pain by the Use of Ether, - - 324 The Three Claimants of the Discovery of Painless Surgery, by Ether, - - - - 326 MONUMENT ERECTED IN HONOR OF THE DISCOVERY OF ETHER, ----- 330 SUBJECT. ire. Fiot. 15 . The Inventor Toiling in His Garret, - - 332 152. Elias Howe, Jr.; Portrait and Autograph, - 3M 153. THE OLD AND NEW: SEWING BY HAND AND MACHINE, .-..._. 335 154. House in which Spiritual Rappings Originated, 340 155. The Misses Fox; Portraits, - 342 156. D. D. Home; Portrait, 343 157. Cora L. V. Hatch; Portrait, - 345 158. Spiritual Autograph of Lord Bacon, - - 34B 159. A. J. Davis; Portrait, ----- 346 180. Judge Edmonds; Portrait, - 345 161 . Spiritual Autograph of Swedenborg. - - 345 162. STORMING OF CHAPULTEPEC, - - - .347 163. Proident Polk; Portrait and Autograph S4& 164. General Taylor; Portrait and Autojraph, - 349 165. Santa Anna; Portrait and Autograph, - - 360 16 . General Scott; Portrait and Autograph, - 351 167. GENERAL SCOTT'S GRAND ENTRANCE INTO THE MEXICAN CAPITAL, - 352 168. Lieutenant Lynch; Portrait and Autograph, 366 169. VALLEY OF THE JORDAN AND DEAD SEA, - 367 170. Right Bank of the Dead Sea, - 368 171. Mining Operations in California, - 360 172. SUTTER'S MILL, WHERE GOLD WAS FIRST DISCOVERED IN 1848. ----- 362 173. John A. Sutter; Portrait, 363 175. James W. Marshall; Portrait, ... - 366 175. Struck with the Cholera, 368 176. MONUMENT TO THE VICTIMS OF CHOLERA, - 370 177. Horrors of the Great Epidemic, - - - 372 178. Professor Webster's Murder Appliances, - 376 179. Doctor Parkman; Portrait and Autograph, - 378 180. Professor Webster; Portrait and Autograph, 380 181. PROFESSOR WEBSTER'S CELL IN PRISON, - 382 182. Jenny Lind; Portrait and Autograph, - - 388 183. P. T. Barnum; Portrait and Autograph, - 390 184. Jenny Lind's Appearance at Castle Garden, 392 185. Double Execution in San Francisco, - - 395 186. Seal of the California Vigilance Committee, 397 187. EXECUTIONS BY THE VIGILANCE COMMIT- TEE, IN SAN FRANCISCO, - 400 188. George Steers; Portrait, ----- 406 189. YACHT AMERICA; J. C. STEVENS, COMMO- DORE, ..------407 190. " Cup of All Nations," Won by the America, 409 191. United States Steamer Mississippi, convey- ing Kossuth, 412 192. Governor Kossuth; Portrait and Autograph, 414 193. GRAND MILITARY RECEPTION OF GOVERN- OR KOSSUTH is NEW YORK, - - - 417 194. Interior of the World's Fair, New York, - 421 196. Theodore Sedgwick ; Portrait and Autograph, 423 196. CRYSTAL PALACE OF NEW YORK, FOR THE EXHIBITION OF THE INDUSTRIES OF ALL NATIONS, --------428 197. Steamship, Arctic, ------ 429 198. Loss OF THB COLLINS STEAMSHIP ARCTIC BY COLLISION AT NOONDAY IN MID- OCEAN, .------- 433 199. Assault on Senator Sumner, by P. S. Brooks, 443 200. Liberty for Kansas, ------ 437 201. Hon. Charles Sumner, with Autograph, - 441 202. Hon. P. S. Brooks, with Autograph, - - 444 203. Hon. A. P. Butler, with Autograph, - - 48 204. Run on a Bank, ------- ," 205. EXCITEMENT IN BUSINESS CIRCLES DURINO THE GREAT PANIC. - ... 449 206. Effects of the Hard Times. - - 4M 207. Book of Requests for Prayers, - 466 208. Group of Eminent Revival Preachers, dur- ing the National Century, - - - 48 ILLUSTRATIONS. MO. PAOE. -'09. Dwight L. Moody ; Portrait, - 464 210. Ira D. Sankey; Portrait, - - 464 211. REVIVAL MEETINGS, MOODY AND SANKEY, 466 :;12. State Capital of Illinois, 469 -'13. DEBATE BETWEEN LINCOLN- AND DOUGLAS, 470 214. Stephen A. Douglas; Portrait and Autograph, 474 215. Petroleum Wells, ------ 476 216 Petroleum Wells in Pennsylvania, - - - 478 217. Process of Boring for Petroleum, - - 479 218. BUKNINGOFONE OF TUB GREAT Oil, WELLS, 482 21.1. Japanese Box Containing the Treaty, - - 485 220. RECEPTION OF THE EMBASSY FROM JAPAN, 487 221. Ambassadors Simmi Boojsen Nokauii and Mooragaki Awajsi Nokami, - 491 22-'. The Prince of Wales at Washington's Tomb, 494 223. Prince of Wales; Portrait and Autograph, - 495 224. BALL GIVEN TO THE PRINCE OF WALES, - 498 225. Flag of Fort Sumter after the Bombardment, 502 226. Major Anderson, with Autograph, - - - 503 227. General Beauregard, with Autograph, - - 505 228. Interior of Fort Sumter after Bombardment, 507 229. "Cruiser" Untamed, 509 230. John S. Karey; Portrait, ----- 511 231. Mr. Earey's Method of Taming Horses, - - 514 232. Monument on the Bull Hun Battle-field, - 518 233. General McDowell; Portrait and Autograph, 519 234. General Johnson ; Portrait and Autograph, - 521 235. BATTLE OF BULL BUN, - - 623 236. Interior of the Tower of the Monitor, - - 526 237. Com. Buchanan ; Portrait and Autograph, - 528 238. Combat between the Merrimac and Monitor, 531 239. Lieut. Worden ; Portrait and Autograph, - 533 24". Burying the Dead at Antietam, - 535 241. General McClellan; Portrait and Autograph, - 537 242. General Burnside; Portrait and Autograph, - 538 243. BATTLE OF ANTIETAM, ----- 539 244. General " Stonewall " Jackson; Portrait, - 540 245. General Hooker; Portrait and Autograph, - 841 246. Pen used in Signing the Proclamation, - - 544 247. Secretary Seward; Portrait and Autograph, - 545 248. Secretary Stanton; Portrait and Autograph, 546 249. President Lincoln; Portrait anil Autograph, 547 250. PBOCLAMATION OF EMANCIPATION, - - 549 351. Operations at Vicksburg, ----- 554 252. General J. C. Pernberton, ----- 656 253. SlEOE AT VlCKSBUBG BY GENERAL GRANT, 557 254. General McPherson; Portrait, - 559 265. Interview between Grant and Pemberton, - 560 256. General Meade's Head-quarters, - 563 257. General Meade, with Autograph, - - - 665 258. Battle of Gettysburg, ------ 667 259. General Longstreet, with Autograph, - - 689 260. Soldiers' Monument at Gettysburg, - - 571 261. Henry Ward Beecher; Vignette Portrait, - 573 262. BEECHER DEFENDING THE AMERICAN UNION, IN EXETER HALL, LONDON, - - 575 263. Mr. Beecher's Church, Brooklyn, N. Y., - 679 201. Merchant Vessel burned by the Alabama, - 581 205. Captain Serames, with Autograph, - - - 583 2ii6. Captain Winsjow, with Autograph, - - - 685 2i>7. Contest between the Kearsarge and Alabama, 587 268. Farragut's Flag-Ship, " Hartford," - -590 2(. Admiral Farragut, - - - , - - 591 2T". Admiral Porter, ------- 591 271. Admiral Foote, , - - 591 272. Admiral Dupont, ... - - 591 273. Admiral Farragut's Victory in Mobile Bay, - 594 274. Head-quarters Atlanta, Ga., - - - - 598 275. General Sherman; Portrait and Autoflra/ih, - 00 27fi. Sherman's Grand March through the South, 602 277. General Lee's Surrender to Lieut. Gen. Grant, 607 SUBJECT. NO. PAOK. 278. Richmond Entered by the Union Army, - 610 279. Lincoln's Early Home, ----- 617 280. Ford's Theater at Washington, - - - 618 261. ASSASSINATION OF I'KKSIDENT LINCOLN, - 620 282. House where Lincoln died, - - - - 621 283. J- Wikes Booth; I'ortrait and Autoyraph, - 622 284. Lincoln's Residence at Springfield, 111., - - 623 :>.'. .Sergeant Boston Corbett; Portrait, - - - 624 286. Burial Place of Lincoln, ----- 626 287. Section of the Atlantic Cable, - - - - 629 288. Cyrus W. Field; Portrait anil Autograph, - 631 289. Arrival of the Great Eastern with Cable, - 635 290. Mountain Scene on the Pacific Kailroad, - 648 291. COMPLETION OF THE PACIFIC RAILROAD, - 641 292. Traveler's Dependence in Ulden Times, - - 645 293. Locomotive " Rocket," ----- 646 294. Locomotive of To-day, 647 295. Original Steam Car, ------ 648 296. Modern Railway Car, 649 297. METROPOLITAN ELEVATED RAILROAD, N.Y., 652 298. Mr. Ogden's House Untouched in the Midst of the Great Fire, 663 299. BURNING OF CHICAGO, OCT. 8 AND 9, 1871, - 657 300. EMBLEM OF INDUSTRY; Vignette, - - - 660 301. Symbols of Co-operative Labor Organizations, 662 302. SPIRIT OF THE GRANGE MOVEMENT, - - 664 303. THE SCHOOL-HOUSE AS IT WAS, - - - 667 304. Yale College in 1784, ------ 668 305. Old King's College, 668 306. First Harvard College, 668 307. North-Western University, - - - - 669 308. Normal School, New York, - 670 309. View of Yale College Grounds, - - - - 672 310. View of Harvard College Grounds, - - - 673 311. The Great Catholic Cathedral, New York, - 675 312. Archbishop McCloskey; Portrait, - - - 676 313. CONSECRATION OF THE FIRST AMERICAN CARDINAL, ------- 678 314. Electric Lamp, - - - 681 315. ELECTRIC LIGHT AT SEA, ----- 683 316. Thomas A. Edison, with Autograph, - - 684 317. The Phonograph, ------ 685 318. House in which Jefferson wrote the Declara- tion of Independence, - - - 689 319. OPENING OF THE CENTENNIAL EXHIBITION, 691 320. The Corliss Engine, - 692 321. EXHIBITION BUILDINGS IN PHILADELPHIA, 694 322. INDEPENDENCE HALL, JULY 4, 1876, - - 695 323. UNION SQUARE, NEW YORK, JULY 4, 1876, - 697 324. READING THE ORIGINAL DECLARATION OF INDEPENDENCE, JULY 4, 1876, - - - 699 326. Entrance of the N. Y. 7th Regiment, - - 701 326 State Avenue, at the Centennial, - 702 327. Woman's Pavilion, at the Centennial, - - 703 328. The Tunisian Tent, at the Centennial, - - 704 329. ALL HAIL TO THE HEREAFTER! - 706 330. Flag of the German Empire, - - - - 707 331. EMPEROR WILLIAM, with Autograph, - - 707 332. ASSASSINATION OF PRESIDENT GARFIELD, - 709 333. View of Garfleld's Home at Mentor, - - 710 334. Portrait of Mrs. Garfield, - - - - 711 335. Portrait of Prest. Garfleld's Mother, - - 714 336. Portraits of Drs. Agnew, Hamilton and Bliss, 716 337. Francklyn Cottage, Elberon, - - 717 S3B. Portrait of President Garfleld, - - - 718 339. Death of President Garfleld, - - - - 720 340. Body Lying in State in the Capitol Rotunda, 722 341. Viewing the Remains at Cleveland, O., - - 724 342. Receiving Vault, - 725 343. Lake View Cemetery, - .... 726 144. " Victoria's " Flora) Offering, - - - 726 I. BIRTH OF THE NEW REPUBLIC. 1776. Declaration of American Independence and National Sovereignty, July Fourth, 1776. The Gauntlet of Defiance thrown at the Feet of the British Empire by Her Youngest Colonies. Vast Disparity, in Power and Resources, between the Contestants. The whole World looks on Astonished. Seven Years' Bloody and Desolating War. The American Cause Triumphant. Grandest Modern Event. America Resists Unjust Taxation. Haughty Obstinacy of King George. Burning Eloquence of Pat- rick Henry. Hid Summons, " We Must Fight." Washington Endorses this Sentiment. Determina- tion of the People. War Preferred to Submission. Momentous Action by Congress. Separation from England Decreed. Effect of the Act in America. Its Reception in England. Excitement of the King and Court. Lord Chatham, America's Advocate. His Passionate Change of Views. Scorch- ing Speech against the Colonies. He is Struck Dead while Speaking. Magnanimity of Burke and Fox. Recognition from France Secured. Her Timely Aid in the Struggle. Victories over the British Armies. England Gives Up the Contest. World-wide Welcome to the New Nation. It will be celebrated by succeeding generations, as the great anniversary festival. It ought to be commemorated as the day of deliverance, ov solemn acts of devotion to Almighty God. It ought to be solemnized with pomp and parade, with shows, games, sports, gun, belli, bon- ureB and illuminations, from one end of the continent to the other, from this time forth, forevermore. 'JOHN ADAMS. EINOISO OF THE BELL, JULY 4, 1776. NE HUNDRED YEARS ago, namely, on the Fourth of July, 1776, there was born in the western world a New Nation, the RE- PUBLIC OF THE UNITED STATES. Defiance lo tyrants was emblazoned in empyreal light upon her brow, and Freedom and Justice were the frontlets between her eyes. Mon- archs, crowned with kingly dia- dems, stood awed at the august manifesto, and at the solemn ar- raignment of King George before the judgment of mankind, and parliaments and cabinets started in dismay to their feet ; but the People, as they descried the eagle of Liberty spreading her wings, and soaring proudly aloft, breath- ed freer and took stronger heart, as the clear ring of her voice sounded through the air, declar- ing, with grandly rounded enun- ciation, that " all men are created equal." Refusing to pay the tribute of taxation arbitrarily imposed upon them at the point of the bayonet by the British crown, 26 BIRTH OF THE NEW REPUBLIC. failing, too, to move the king and his min- isters from their career of haughty and reckless obstinacy, the thirteen American colonies found themselves reduced to the alternative of abject submission to their so-called royal masters, or of armed resist- ance. Already there had flashed through- out the country the electric words of Pat- rick Henry, " We must fight ! An appeal to arms and to the God of Hosts is all that is left us. I repeat it, sir, we must fight!" And as the blood of patriot hearts had now flowed freely and bravely at Concord, and Lexington, and Bunker Hill, Washington declared, in words of solemn emphasis and characteristic brevity, " Nothing short of INDEPENDENCE, it ap- pears to me, can possibly do." He also warmly approved and commended Paine's pamphlet, " Common Sense," written to this end. The sons of liberty shouted their responsive acclaim to this manly summons from the great American soldier Wash- ington and, like the sound of many wa- ters, the spirit of national independence which thus possessed the people came upon the continental congress, then in session in the state-house at Philadelphia, Pennsyl- vania. It was in this temple of freedom, where- in was sitting as noble and august a legis- lative body as the world ever saw, that Richard Henry Lee introduced a resolu- tion, on the 7th of June, 1776, declaring, " That the United Colonies are and ought to be free and independent States, and that their political connection with Great Brit- ain is and ought to be dissolved." Upon this resolution there sprang up at once an earnest and powerful debate. It was op- posed, principally, on the ground that it was premature. Some of the best and strongest advocates of colonial rights spoke and voted against the motion, which at last was adopted only by a vote of seven States in its favor to six against. Some of the delegates had not received definite instruc- tions from their constituents, and others had been requested to vote against it. Its further consideration was accordingly post- poned until there was a prospect of greater unanimity. On the eleventh of June, therefore, a committee was appointed to draft a formal Declaration ; this commit- tee consisting of Benjamin Franklin, John Adams, Thomas Jefferson, Roger Sherman, and Robert R. Livingston. On the twenty-eighth of June, the com- mittee made their report, and presented the Declaration which they had drawn up. The first or original draft was penned by Mr. Jefferson, chairman of the committee. On the second of July, congress proceeded to the serious consideration of this mo- mentous paper ; the discussion, as to the tone and statements characterizing the document, and the propriety of adopting at that time a measure so decisive, lasted for nearly three days, and was extremely earnest. It was so powerfully opposed by some of the members, that Jefferson com- pared the opposition to " the ceaseless ac- tion of gravity, weighing upon us by night and by day." Its supporters, however, were the leading minds, and urged its adoption with masterly eloquence and abil- ity. John Adams, Jefferson asserts, was " the colossus in that debate," and " fought fearlessly for every word of it." The bond which was formed between those two great men on this occasion seems never to have been completely severed, both of them finally expiring, with a sort of poetic jus- tice, on the fiftieth anniversary of the act which constituted their chief glory. Well and truly did the mighty patriot Adams characterize this event as the most memorable epoch in the history of Amer- ica. " I am apt to believe," said he, " that it will be celebrated by succeeding genera- tions, as the great anniversary festival. It ought to be commemorated as the day of deliverance, by solemn acts of devotion to Almighty God. It ought to be solemnized with pomp and parade, with shows, games, sports, guns, bells, bonfires and illumina- tions, from one end of this continent to the other, from this time forth forever- more ! " The result has equaled the great patriot's wishes. Tradition gives a dra- matic effect to its announcement. It was known, throughout the city, that the great BIRTH OF THE NEW REPUBLIC. 27 event was to be determined that day, by the last formal acts ; but the closed doors of congress excluded the populace from witnessing the august assembly or its pro- ceedings, though thousands of anxious citizens had gathered around the building, eager to hear the words of national des- tiny soon to be officially proclaimed. From the hour when congress came together in the forenoon, all business was suspended throughout the city, and the old bellman steadily remained at his post in the steeple, prepared to sound forth to the waiting multitudes the expected glad tidings. He had even stationed a boy at the door of the hall below, to give immediate signal of the turn of events. This bell, manufactured felt such a professional pride, the electri- fied old patriot rung forth such a joyous peal as wad never heard before, nor ceased to hurl it backward and forward, till every voice joined in its notes of gladness and triumph. The roar of cannon, and illu- minations from every house and hill-top, added to these demonstrations of uni- versal rejoicing. And this was the type of that exultation which everywhere manifested itself, as the news spread with lightning rapidity from city to city and from State to State. Every American patriot regarded the declaration by congress as the noble performance of an act which had become inevitable ; and the paper itself as the complete vindica- HAI.T, OF INDEPENDENCE, PHILADELPHIA, 1776. in England, bore upon its ample curve the now prophetic inscription, "Proclaim lib- erty throughout all the land unto all the inhabitants thereof." Hours passed on, and fear began to take the place of hope in many a heart ; even the venerable and always cheerful bellman was overheard in his despondent soliloquy, " They will never do it! they will never do it!" Finally, at about two o'clock in the afternoon, the door of the mysterious hall swung open, and a voice exclaimed, " Passed ! it has passed ! " The word was caught up by ten thousand glad mouths, and the watch-boy now clapped his hands and shouted, " Ring ! Ring ! " Seizing the iron tongue of the bell in which he had long tion of America before the bar of public opinion throughout the world. When it was read by the magistrates and other functionaries, in the cities and towns of the whole nation, it was greeted with shouts, bonfires, and processions. It was read to the troops, drawn up under erms, and to the congregations in churches by ministers from the pulpit. Washington hailed the declaration with joy. It is true, it was but a formal recognition of a state of things which had long existed, but it put an end to all those temporizing hopes of reconciliation which had clogged the military action of the country. On the ninth of July, therefore, Washington caused it to be read at six o'clock in the 28 BIRTH OF THE NEW REPUBLIC. evening, at the head of each brigade of the armj'. " The general hopes," said he in his orders, " that this important event will serve as a fresh incentive to every officer and soldier, to act with fidelity and courage, as knowing that now the peace and safety of his country depend, under God, solely on the success of our arms ; and that he is now in the service of a State, possessed of sufficient power to re- ward his merit, and advance him to the highest honors of a free country." The troops listened to the reading of this with eager attention, and at its close broke forth in tumultuous applause. The excitable populace of New York were not content with the ringing of bells and the other usual manifestations of public joy. There was a leaden eques- trian statue of George the Third in the Bowling Green, in front of the fort. Around this kingly effigy the excited mul- titude, surging hither and thither, unit- edly gathered, and pulling it down to the ground, broke it into fragments, which fragments were afterwards conveniently molded into bullets and made to do service against his majesty's troops. Some of the soldiers and officers of the American army having joined in this proceeding, Wash- ington censured it, as having much the appearance of a riot and a want of disci- pline, and the army was ordered to abstain, in the future, fr^m all irregularities of the kind. In Boston, that citadel of radical insub- ordination to "his majesty," the public joy knew no bounds, and even the British prisoners were courteously summoned to witness the spirit with which a brave peo- ple, determined to be free, dared to defy the British throne. On the seventeenth of July the British officers on parole re- ceived each a card from the governor, re- questing the honor of said officer's attend- ance at a specified hour on the morrow, in the town hall. As rumors were pretty well afloat, however, touching the decided step that had been taken at Philadelphia, the officers were not without a suspicion as to the purport of the meeting, and hesi- tated for a while as to the consistency of giving the sanction of their presence to a proceeding which they could not but re- gard as traitorous. Curiosity, however, got the better of these scruples, and it was resolved, after a brief consultation, that the invitation ought to be accepted. On entering the hall, the king's officers found it occupied by ' rebellious ' function- aries, military, civil, and ecclesiastical, and among whom the same good humor and excitement prevailed as among the throng out of doors. The British officials were received with great frankness and cordi- ality, and were allotted such stations as enabled them to witness the whole cere- mony. Exactly as the clock struck one, Colonel Crafts, who occupied the chair, rose, and, silence being obtained, read aloud the declaration, which announced to the world that the tie of allegiance which had so long held Britain and her North American colonies together, was forever separated. This being finished, the gen- tlemen stood up, and each, repeating the words as they were spoken by an officer, swore to uphold, at the sacrifice of life, the rights of his country. Meanwhile, the town clerk read from a balcony the solemn declaration to the collected multitude ; at the close of which, a shout began in the hall and passed like an electric spark to the streets, which now rang with loud huz- zas, the slow and measured boom of can- non, and the rattle of musketry. The batteries on T'ort Hill, Dorchester Neck, the castle, Nantasket, and Long Island, each saluted with thirteen guns, the artil- lery in the town fired thirteen rounds, and the infantry scattered into thirteen divis- ions, poured forth thirteen volleys, all corresponding to the number of states which formed the Union. There was also a municipal banquet, at which speeches were made and toasts drank ; and in the evening a brilliant illumination of the houses. In Virginia, the proclamation of inde- pendence was greeted with that same ardor of enthusiasm which for so many years had characterized the people of that BIRTH OF THE NEW REPUBLIC. 29 ancient commonwealth, in the course of political freedom. In South Carolina, too, the declaration was read to the assembled multitudes, amid the greatest rejoicings, public addresses, military and civic proces- sions, bands of music, firing of cannon, and kindred demonstrations of popular favor. In all the colonies, indeed, the declaration was hailed as the passing away of the old w^rld and the birth of the new. But the declaration, though it thus solemnly inaugurated a new nation and made the colonies, for the time, the theater of patriotic jubilee, involved startling per- ils and imposed momentous duties ; for it was a defiant challenge to combat thrown by a mere province in the face of the most colossal power in all Christendom. This important paper commences with stating that, " When in the course of human events it becomes necessary for one people to dissolve the political bands which have connected them with another, and to as- sume among the powers of the earth, the separate and equal stations to which the laws of Nature, and of Nature's God, en- title them, a decent respect to the opinions of mankind requires that they should de- clare the causes which impel them to the separation." The causes are then stated, and a long enumeration of the oppressions complained of by America is closed by saying that " a prince, whose character is thus marked by every act which may define a tyrant, is unfit to be the ruler of a free people." History may be searched in vain for words so bold and scathing, used by a colony against a powerful sovereign. The fruitless appeals which had been made to the people of Great Britain are also recounted, but "they too," concludes this declaration, " have been deaf to the voice of justice and of consanguinity. We must, therefore, acquiesce in the necessity which denounces our separation, and hold them, as we hold the rest uf mankind, enemies in war, in peace friends." Then comes the portentous conclusion "We, therefore, the representatives of the United States of America, in general congress assembled, appealing to the Su- preme Judge for the rectitude of our inten- tions, do, in the name, and by the author- ity of the good people of these colonies, solemnly publish and declare, that these United Colonies are, and of right ought to be, FKEE AND INDEPENDENT STATES | that they are absolved from all allegiance to the British crown, and that all political connection between them and the State of Great Britain, is, and ought to be, totally dissolved ; and that, as free and independ- ent states, they have full power to levy war, conclude peace, contract alliances, establish commerce, and do all other acts and things, which independent states may of right do. And for the support of this declaration, with a firm reliance on the protection of Divine Providence, we mutu- ally pledge to each other, our lives, our fortunes, and our sacred honor." In the whole country, however, between New England and the Potomac, which was now to become the great theater of action, although a vast majority was in favor of independence, there existed an influential number, who not only refused to act with their countrymen, but were ready to give information and aid to the enemy. Most of these Tories were wealthy and haughty, and rendered themselves ex- tremely unpopular. Laws passed by the new State authorities had subjected these persons to fines and imprisonments, and their property to confiscation. They en- dured many outrages, and were treated to "tarrings and feathering " innumerable, by the more violent among the angry pop- ulace. To prevent these outrages, con- gress gave the supervision of tones to committees of inspection. Many of these obnoxious families finally left the country, and in course of time the tory element was eradicated or completely silenced. Scarcely less interesting and important is the character of the reception which this remarkable locument met on its ar- rival in England. Of the noble band of American patriots who had been chosen to deliberate and act for the best good of the 30 BIKTH OF THE NEW KEPUBLIC >ppressed colonies, and who, preceding the final act of the declaration of independ- ence, had sent forth the most magnani- mous appeals to Britain's sense of justice, of these men and their works, there had gone forth one of the grandest eulogies from the elder Pitt (Lord Chatham), the greatest of Britain's statesmen, who, in his place in parliament, dared to say ''I must declare and avow that in all my reading and study and it has been my favorite study ; I have read Thucydi- des, and have studied and admired the master states of the world that, for so- lidity of reasoning, for force of sagacity, and wisdom of conclusion, under such a complication of circumstances, no nation or body of men can stand in preference to the general congress of Philadelphia." But when, a few years after, it was pro- posed, by the British prime minister, to conciliate the exasperated colonies by treat- ing them as a people possessing certain independent rights and powers, Pitt showed the exalted estimation in which he held the rebellious colonies as part of the British realm, by opposing such a course, in a speech of almost dramatic power and effect, and from which, owing to the exhaustion it produced in his own shattered system, the great peer and ora- tor almost immediately died. In France, the declaration o\ independ- ence; by the American colonies was greeted with secret satisfaction by the court and rulers, and aroused to universal gladness the popular heart. Reviewing the scene and its actors, one of the most brilliant and popular orators of that intrepid nation was led to say: "With what grandeur, with what enthusiasm, should I not speak of those generous men who erected this grand edifice by their patience, their wis- dom, and their courage ! Hancock, Frank- lin, the two Adamses, were the greatest actors in this affecting scene ; but they were not the only ones. Posterity shall know them all. Their honored names shall be transmitted to it by a happier pen than mine. Brass and marble shall show them to remotest ages. T n behold- ing them, shall the friend of freedom feel his heart palpitate with joy feel his eyes float iii delicious tears. Under the bust of one of them has been written, ' He wrested thunder from heaven and the scepter from tyrants.' Of the last words of this eulogy shall all of them partake." Still more preg- nant were the words of the great Mira- beau, as, citing the grand principles of the American Declaration, from his place in the National Assembly, " I ask," he said, " if the powers who have formed alliances with the States have dared to read that manifesto, or to interrogate their con- sciences after the perusal ? I ask whether there be at this day one government in Europe the Helvetic and Batavian con- federations and the British isles excepted which, judged after the principles of the Declaration of Congress on the fourth of July, 1776, is not divested of its rights ! " For more than a year, commissioners from congress, at the head of whom was Dr. Franklin, resided at the court of France, urging upon that government to acknowledge the independence of the United States. But the success of the American struggle was regarded, as yet, too doubtful, for that country to embroil herself in a war with Great Britain. But that great event, the capture of the British army at Saratoga, seemed to increase the probability that the American arms would finally triumph, and decided France to espouse her cause. The aid which France now brought to the Americans was of great importance. It is even doubtful whether the colonies, without her contri- butions of money, navy, and troops, would have been able to resist Britain with final success ; at least, the struggle must have been greatly prolonged. To this inter- vention, however, France was inclined, by her own hostility to England, whom she delighted to see humbled, especially by a people struggling for independence. Fi- nally, after the surrender of Cornwallis to General Washington, the French court pressed upon congress the propriety of ap- pointing commissioners for negotiating peace with Great Britaku In accordance BIRTH OF THE NEW REPUl'.LIC. 31 with this advice, John Adams, Benjamin Franklin, John Jay, and Henry Laurens, were appointed. The commissioners met Messrs. Fitzherbert and Oswald, on the part of Great Britain, at Paris, and provi- sional articles of peace between the two countries were there signed, November thirtieth, 1782 ; the definitive treaty being signed on the third of September, 1783. Holland acknowledged the independence of the United States in 1782; Sweden, in February, 1783; Denmark, in the same month ; Spain, in Marcli ; Russia, in July. And thus, the REPUBLIC OF THE UNITED STATES OF AMERICA became an inde- pendent power among the nations of the earth. It was not unknown to the wise and venerable enactors of the Declaration, that their signatures to such an instrument would be regarded in England as an act of treason, rendering them liable to the halter or the block. In the full apprecia- tion of all this, every man of them placed his name upon the immortal parchment. The only signature which indicates a trembling hand, is that of Stephen Hop- kins, but this was owing to a nervous affection ; for, so resolute was ho in con- gress, that, when some of the members suggested a hope of reconciliation, Mr. Hopkins replied, that " the time had come when the strongest arm and the longest sword must decide the contest, and those members who were not prepared for action had better go home." The boldest signa- ture is that of John Hancock, he whom the British had excepted in their offers of pardon, as one " whose offenses are of too flagitious a nature to admit of any other consideration but that of condign punish- ment." The number who signed the Dec- laration was fifty-six; and the average length of their lives was about sixty-five years. Carpenters'Hall or Independence Hall in Philadelphia, where these tre- mendous scenes transpired, is still one of the places which every American looks upon with patriotic pride; for within that temple was born a Nation, in whose des- tiny were wrapped the interests of Liberty and Civilization to the end of time. II.' FIRST AMERICAN NAVAL VICTORY. 1779. John Paul Jones, Commanding the Bon Homme Richard, Fights and Captures King George's Powei ful Ship-of-war, the Serapis, in British Waters. Crowds of Spectators Line the English Coast. The Most Sanguinary Battle Ever Fought Between Single Ships. Jones is Hailed as "The Washington of the Seas." World-wide Interest of this Combat. Commodore Jones's Early Career. Offers his Services to Congress. Appointed a Naval Lieutenant. Joins the Continental Fleet. The First tn Hoist its Ensign. Style and Motto of the Flag. Sails from France on a Cruise. Terror Created by his Movements. Characteristic Anecdotes. Two British Frigates in Sight. Jones Ready for Bloody Work. The Ships Muzzle to Muzzle. Superiority of the Serapis. A Most Deadly Contest. Both Vessels on Fire. Jones Attacked by Another Foe. One of his Vessels Treacherous. Remarkable Scenes. Britain's Flag Struck to America. An Act Without Precedent. Sinking of the Victori- ous Vessel. " The most obstinate and bloody battle in the annals of naval warfare." J. FKNIMOKK COOPER. ITCH an exploit as tliat performed by John Paul Jones, in 1779, by which, in plain sight of the English coast, he flung to the breeze the gallant ensign of the United States, and, with Britons as wit- nesses of his daring, fought, victoriously, a battle which has always been spoken of as the most obstinate and sanguinary combat that ever occurred between single ships, can never be read of by Ameri- cans with other than the deepest and most enthusiastic interest. The victory came, too, at one of the darkest hours in the revolutionary cam paign, and served to gladden and encourage, for the time being, the de spondent hearts of honest patriots. The vaunted invincibleness of the British navy became a by-word of contumely, the world over, from the time Jones nailed his flag to the mast, and, under the calm sky and round harvest moon of September, dealt forth a storrr of death and desolation upon the enemies of his adopted coun- try. The action may well be pronounced one of the most terrible on record, from its unusual duration for a naval bat- tle, from the ferocity which the combatants displayed, anil from the proximity of the two vessels, the muzzles of the ships' batteries almost reaching into each other's port-holes John Paul was born in Scotland, on the sixth day of July, 1747, and the scenery and associations of his birth- place Arbigland and its vicinity, doubtless encouraged that restless spirit of adventure and love of change, as well as that ardent enthusiasm in the objects of his pur- suit, which so strikingly characterized his career through life. At the age of twelve, he was apprenticed to a merchant HOISTING FIRST NAVAL FLAG, of Whitchaven. who carried on a considerable trade with FIRST AMERICAN NAVAL VICTORY. 33 the American colonies. His first voyage was made before he was thirteen years old, being to Virginia, where his elder brother was established as a planter. He was after- ward engaged for a short time in the slave trade, which he left in disgust, and made a number of voyages to the West Indies. In 1773, John Paul removed to Virginia, to attend to the affairs of his brother, who had died childless and intestate. He now, for some unknown reason, assumed the ad- ditional surname of Jones, and which he retained through life. At the commence- ment of the revolutionary conflict, his feel- ings became warmly enlisted in the cause of the colonies, and this spirit fully pre- pared him for the active part he soon un- dertook in their behalf. An offer of his services, which he made to the colonies, was accepted, and, on the twenty-second of December, 1775, by a resolution of con- gress, he was appointed lieutenant in the American navy. It was Lieutenant Jones who hoisted, with his own hands, the first American naval flag on board the American frigate Alfred, the flag-ship, the national ensign being thus for the first time displayed from a man-of-war. The circumstances attend- ing this interesting occasion are stated to have been as follows : The Alfred was an- chored off the foot of Walnut street, Phila- delphia. On a brilliant morning, early in February, 1776, gay streamers were seen fluttering from every mast-head and spar on the river Delaware. At nine o'clock, a full-manned barge thridded its way among the floating ice to the Alfred, bearing the commodore. He was greeted by the thun- ders of artillery and the shouts of a multi- tude. When he reached the deck of the flag-ship, Captain Salstonstall gave a sig- nal, and Lieutenant Jones gallantly pulled the ropes which wafted the new flag mast- head high. It was of yellow silk, bearing the figure of a pine tree, and the signifi- cant device of a rattlesnake in a field of thirteen stripes, with the ominous legend, "Don't tread on met" This memorable act, it was Jones's high honor and privilege to perform when in his twenty-ninth year; an honor, too, of which, as events attervrard proved, he was fully worthy. On the fourteenth of August, 1779, Jones sailed from the roadstead of Groix, France, in command of a small squadron, consisting of the Bon Homme Richard, forty-two guns, the Alliance, thirty-six guns, the Pallas, thirty-two guns, the Cerf, twenty-eight guns, and the Vengeance, twelve guns. Two privateers afterwards joined them, but did not continue with them till the end of the cruise. The efficiency of the expedi- tion was marred by a want of subordination on the part of some of the officers, who do not appear to have been willing to yield prompt obedience to orders. Captain Lan- dais, of the Alliance, habitually disregarded the signals and orders, throughout the cruise, and, towards the close, committed acts of open hostility to his superior. But, notwithstanding the difficulties against which he had to contend, Jones inflicted great damage on the enemy; he coasted Ireland, England, and Scotland, making many prizes, and carrying terror wherever he appeared. But the action which gave the most dis- tinguishing renown to Jones's brilliant ca- reer, and which so early gave prestige to American prowess on the ocean, is that of which a detailed account is given below : It was about noon, on the twenty-third of September, 1779, a fleet of over forty sail appeared off Flamborough Head, on the coast of Yorkshire, and Jones at once gave up the pursuit of a vessel in whose track he was just then following, with all possible speed, and made signals for a gen- eral chase. The sails in sight were a fleet of English merchantmen, under convoy of tha ships-of-war Serapis and Scarborough, and as soon as they saw themselves pur- sued they ran in shore, while their convoys that protected them bore off from the land and prepared for an engagement. The Bon Homme Richard set every stitch of canvas, but did not come into fighting po- sition toward the enemy until about seven o'clock in the evening, at which time, from the darkness having set in somewhat, ob- jects on the water were dimly discerned, FIRST AMERICAN NAVAL VICTORY. though no*: with such difficulty as would have been the case had not the moon shone forth with great brightness, and the weather proved serene and beautiful. When within pistol-shot, the hail from the Serapis, " What ship is that ? " was answered, "I can't hear you." Captain Pearson says the answer was, " The Prin- cess Royal." A second hail was answered by a thundering broadside from the bat- teries of the Richard, a signal that in- dicated a hot and bloody encounter at hand, as the sequel soon proved. The American ship, it may here be re- marked, was much inferior to her antag- onist, being, in fact, an old vessel, clumsy, and unmanageable. She carried six eighteen-pounders on the lower gun deck, fourteen twelve-pounders and fourteen , nine-pounders on the middle gun deck, two six-pounders on the quarter-gun deck, two six-pounders on the spar deck, one six-pounder in each gangway, and two six-pounders on the forecastle. She was manned by three hundred and eighty men and boys. The Serapis, on the other hand, was a new ship, built in the best manner, and with a much heavier arma- ment. She mounted twenty eighteen- pounders on her jower gun deck, twen'y nine-pounders on her upper gun deck, six six-pounders on her quarter deck, four six-pounders on the forecastle ; and she had a crew of some three hundred and twenty men. Captain Cottineau, of the Pallas, en- gaged the Scarborough, and took her, after \n hour's action, while the Bon Homme Richard engaged the Serapis. In the earlier part of the action, the superior sailing qualities of the Serapis enabled her to take several advantageous positions, which the seamanship of Paul Jones, hampered by the unmanageable character of his craft, did not enable him to prevent. Thus he attempted to lay his ship athwart the enemy's bows, but the bowsprit of the Serapis sweeping ovef the Richard's poop, was grappled and lashed, and her stern swung round to the bow of the Bon Homme Richard by the action of the wind ; the vessels lay yard-arm and yard- arm, the muzzles on either side actually touching the enemy. But long before this, many of the eighteen-pound shot of the Serapis had entered the Richard's hull be- low the water-mark, and she leaked in a. threatening manner. Just before they closed, Commodore Pearson hailed his ad- versary : " Has your ship struck ? " " 1 haven't begun to fiyht yet ! " thundered forth the brave Jones, in reply. A novelty in naval combats ./as now presented to many witnesses, but few ad- mirers, says Lieutenant Dale, who par- ticipated in the conflict, the rammers being run into the respective ships to en- able the men to load after the lower ports of the Serapis had been blown away, to make room for runmng out their guns, and in this situation the ships remained until between ten and twelve o'clock, P. M. From the commencement to the termination of the action, there was not a man on board the Richard who was igno- rant of the superiority of the Serapis, both in weight of metal, and in the qualities of the crew. The crew of that ship were picked seamen, and the ship itself had been only a few months off the stocks; whereas the crew of the Richard consisted of part Americans, English and French, and a part of Maltese, Portuguese, and Ma- lays, these latter contributing by their want of naval skill and knowledge of the English language, to depress rather tliuu encourage any reasonable hope of success in a combat under such circumstance*. FIRST AMERICAN NAVAL VICTORY. 35 36 FIRST AMERICAN NAVAL VICTORY. One of the most disheartening facts in the early part of the action, was the silenc- ing of the battery of twelve-pounders, on which Jones had placed his principal de- pendence. Brave and dauntless sailor as he was, Jones stuck to his little battery, and stimu- lated his men with word and example. While one of the nine-pounders vomited double-headed shot against the mainmast of the Serapis, the two others swept her decks with grape and canister. The fire was so hot from the nine-pound battery and the tops, that not a man could live on the deck of the English ship. But all this while, her lower battery of eighteen-pound- ers was making an awful ruin of the Rich- ard. The terror of the scene was also soon heightened beyond the power of language to depict, by both vessels taking fire, which required almost superhuman exertion to subdue, and, in the midst of all, Jones and his heroic men were horror stricken to see their consort, the Alliance, commanded by Captain Landais, come up and pour a full broadside into the Richard's stern ! The evidence is regarded as most conclusive, that Captain L.'s conduct on this occasion was not due to any mistake on his part in supposing the Richard to be the Serapis, but to his personal hostility to Jones. With jealousy and treason in his heart, his plan was to kill Jones, and, capturing the Serapis, claim the victory as his. But the black-hearted Frenchman failed in his plot. A quantity of cartridges on board the Ser- apis was set fire to by a grenade from Jones's ship, and blew up, killing or wound- ing all the officers and men abaft the main- mast. But long after this the fight went on with fury. At last, the mainmast of the Serapis be- gan to totter to its fall her fire slackened, and, about half-past ten o'clock, the British flag was struck, and Commodore Pearson surrendered his sword to his really weaker foe. In going through the formalities of this scene, Pearson displayed much irrita- bility, and, addressing Jones as one who bought under no recognized flag, said: " It is painful to deliver up my sword to a man who has fought with a halter around his neck." " Sir," replied Jones, good humoredly, as he handed back the weapon, "you have fought like a hero, and I make no doubt but your sovereign will reward you in the most ample manner." True enough, the gallant Pearson soon received from King George the dignity of knighthood as an acknowledgment of his bravery in this unparalleled battle, hear- ing of which honor, Jones is said to have dryly remarked : " Well, he deserved it ; and should I have the good fortune to meet with him again, I will make a lord of him!" Another episode occurred in connection with a medical officer, the surgeon of the Richard, who ran up from the cock-pit, in great fright and trepidation, and hur- riedly accosting the captain, said : "Are you not going to strike the colors ? Is not the ship fast sinking ? " " What ! doctor," re- plied Jones, " would you have me strike to a drop of water ? Here, help me get this gun over ! " The doctor, as though answer- ing a sudden professional call, was soon retracing his steps to the cock-pit. So terribly was the Richard cut to pieces (being an old ship), that it was found im- possible, after the fight, to get her into port, and, the wounded being removed, she soon after sank. Jones took his prizes to Holland, and it is no exaggeration to say that the whole world stood astonished at his bravery and success. A most interesting account of this cele- brated battle between the Serapis and Richard was given, soon after its occur- rence, by Commodore Jones himself, a portion of which, describing in his own dramatic style, the principal scenes during the engagement, is given below: On the morning of that day, September twenty-third, the brig from Holland not be- ing in sight, we chased abrigantine that ap- peared laying to, to windward. About noon, we saw and chased a large ship that appeared coming round Flamborough Head from the northward, and at the same time FIRST AMERICAN NAVAL VICTORY. I manned and armed one of the pilot boats to send in pursuit of the hrigantine, which now appeared to be the vessel that I had forced ashore. Soon after this, a fleet of forty-one sail appeared off Flamborongh Head, bearing N. N. E. This induced me to abandon the single ship which had then anchored in Burlington Bay ; I also called back the pilot boat, and hoisted a signal for a general chase. When the fleet dis- covered us bearing down, all the merchant ships crowded sail toward the shore. The two ships-of-war that protected the fleet at the same time steered from the land, and made the disposition for battle. In ap- proaching the enemy, I crowded every pos- siUe sail, and made the signal for the line of battle, to which the Alliance paid no at- tention. Earnest as I was for the action, I could not reach the commodore's ship until seven in the evening, being then within pistol-shot, when he hailed the Bon Homnie Richard. We answered him by firing a whole broadside. The battle being thus begun, was con- tinued with unremitting fury. Every method was practiced on both sides to gain an advantage and rake each other ; and I must confess that the enemy's ship, being much more manageable than the Bon Homme Richard, gained thereby several times an advantageous situation, in spite of my best endeavors to prevent it. As I had to deal with an enemy of greatly su- perior force, I was under the necessity of closing with him, to prevent the advantage which he had over me in point of ma- neuver. It was my intention to lay the Bon Homme Richard athwart the enemy's bow ; but as that operation required great dexterity in the management of both sails and helm, and some of our braces being shot away, it did not exactly succeed to my wish. The enemy's bowsprit, however, came over the Bon Homme Richard's poop, by the mizzenmast, and I made both ships fast together in that situation, which by the action of the wind on the enemy's sails, forced her stern close to the Bon Homme Richard's bow, so that the ships lay square alongside of each other, the yards being all entangled, and the canuon of each ship touching the opponent's. I directed the fire of one of the three cannon against the mainmast, with dou- ble-headed shot, while the other two were exceedingly well served with grape and canister shot, to silence the enemy's mus- ketry and clear her decks, which was at last effected. The enemy were, as I have since understood, on the instant of calling for quarter, when the cowardice or treach- ery of three of my under-officers induced them to call to the enemy. The English commodore asked me if I demanded quar- ter, and I, having answered him in the most determined negative, they renewed the battle with double fury. They were unable to stand the deck ; but the fire of their cannon, especially the lower battery, which was entirely formed of ten-pound- ers, was incessant ; both ships were set on fire in various places, and the scene was dreadful beyond the reach of language. To account for the timidity of my three under-officers, I mean the gunner, the car- penter, and the master-at-arms, I must observe, that the two first were slightly wounded, and, as the ship had received various shots under the water, and one of the pumps being shot away, the carpenter expressed his fears that she would sink, and the other two concluded that she was sinking, which occasioned the gunner to run aft on the poop, without my knowl- edge, to strike the colors. Fortunately for me, a cannon-ball had done that before, by carrying away the ensign-staff; he was therefore reduced to the necessity of sink- ing, as he supposed, or of calling for quar- ter, and he preferred the latter. All this time the Bon Homme Richard had sustained the action alone, and the enemy, though much superior in force, would have been very glad to have got clear, as appears by their own acknowledg- ments, and by their having let go an an- chor the instant that I laid them on board, by which means they would have escaped, had I not made them fast to the Bon Homme Richard. At last, at half-past nine o'clock, the Al> 38 FIRST AMERICAN NAVAL VICTORY. liance appeared, and I now thought the battle at an end ; but, to my utter aston- ishment, he discharged a broadside full into the stern of the Bon Homme Richard. We called to him for God's sake to forbear firing into the Bon Homme Richard; yet they passed along the off side of the ship, and continued firing. There was no pos- sibility of his mistaking the enemy's ship for the Bon Homme Richard, there being the most essential difference in their ap- pearance and construction. Besides, it was then full moonlight. The Bon Homme Richard received various shots under wa- ter from the Alliance ; the leak gained on the pumps, and the fire increased much on board both ships. Some officers persuaded me to strike, of whose courage and good sense I entertain a high opinion. My treacherous master-at-arms let loose all my prisoners without my knowledge, and my prospects became gloomy indeed. I would not, however, give up the point. The ene- my's mainmast began to shake, their firing decreased fast, ours rather increased, and the British colors were struck at half an hour past ten o'clock. This prize proved to be the British ship- of-war, the Serapis, a new ship of forty- four guns, built on the most approved con- struction, with two complete batteries, one of them of eighteen-pounders, and com- manded by the brave Commodore Richard Pearson. THE WONDERFUL DARK DAY. 39 III. THE WONDERFUL DARK DAY. 1780. The Northern States wrapt in a Dense Black Atmosphere for Fifteen Hours. The Day of Judgment Supposed to have Come. Cessation of Labor. Religious Devotions Resorted to. The Herds Retire to their Stalls, the Fowls to their Roosts, and the Birds Sing their Evening Songs at Noonday. Science at Loss to Account for the Mysterious Phenomenon. One of Nature's Marvels. Redness of the Sun and Moon. Approach of a Thick Vapor. Loud Peals of Thunder. Sudden and Strange Darkness. Alarm of the Inhabitants. End of the World Looked For. Dismay of the Brute Crea- tion. An Intensely Deep Gloom. Difficulty in Attending to Business. Lights Burning in the Houses. Vast Extent of the Occurrence. Condition of the Barometer. Change in the Color of Objects. Quick Motion of the Clouds. Birds Suffocate and Die. The Sun's Disc Seen in Some Places. Oily Deposit on the Waters. Impenetrable Darkness at Night. Incidents and Anecdotes. Ignorant Whims and Conjectures. An Unsolved Mystery. " The Dark Day in northern America was one of those wonderful phenomena of nature which will always be read of with interest, but which philosophy' is at a loss to explain." HBRSCHKL. DIFFICULTY OF TRAVELING. LMOST, if not altogether alone, as the most mysterious and as yet unexplained phenome- non of its kind, in nature's diversified range of events, during the last century, stands the Dark Day of May Nineteenth, 1780, a most unaccountable darkening of the whole visible heavens and atmosphere in New England, which brought intense alarm and distress to multitudes of minds, as well as dismay to the brute creation, the fowls fleeing, bewildered, to their roosts, and the birds to their nests, and the cattle returning to their stalls. Indeed, thousands of the good people of that day be- came fully convinced that the end of all things terrestrial had come ; many gave up, for the time, their secular pursuits, and betook them- selves to religious devotions ; while many others regarded the darkness as not only a token of God's indignation against the various iniquities and abominations of the age but also as an omen of some future destruction that might overwhelm the land as in the case of the countries men- tioned in biblical history, unless speedy repentance at>d THE WONDERFUL DARK DAY. 41 reformation took place. The ignorant in- dulged in vague and wild conjectures as to the cause of the phenomenon; and those profounder minds, even, that could "gauge the heavens and tell the stars," were about equally at loss for any rational explanation of the event. It is related that the Connecticut legislature was in session at this time, and that, so great was the darkness, the members became terri- fied, and thought that the day of judg- ment had come ; a motion was conse- quently made to adjourn. At this, Mr. Davenport arose and said: "Mr. Speaker, It is either the day of judgment, or it is not. If it is not, there is no need of adjourning. If it is, I desire to be found doing my duty. I move that candles be brought, and that we proceed to business." The time of the commencement of this extraordinary darkness was between the hours of ten and eleven in the forenoon of Friday, of the date already named; and it continued until the middle of the follow- ing night, but with different appearances at different places. As to the manner of its approach, it seemed to appear first of all in the south-west. The wind came from that quarter, and the darkness ap- peared to come on with the clouds that came in that direction. The degree to which the darkness arose varied in differ- ent localities. In most parts, it became so dense, that people were unable to read common print distinctly, or accurately de- termine the time of day by their clocks or watches, or dine, or manage their domes- tic affairs conveniently, without the light of candles. In some places, the degree of darkness was just about equal to prevent- ing persons seeing to read ordinary print in the open air, for several hours together. The extent of this darkness was also very remarkable. It was observed at the most easterly regions of New England; west- ward, to the furthest parts of Connecticut, and at Albany ; to the southward, it was observed all along the sea coasts ; and to the north, as far as the American settle- ments extended. It probably far exceeded these boundaries, but the exact limits were never positively known. With regard to its duration, it continued in the neighbor- hood of Boston for at least fourteen or fif- teen hours ; but it was doubtless longer or shorter in some other places. The appear- ance and effects were such as tended to make the prospect extremely dull, gloomy, and unnatural. Candles were lighted up in the houses; the birds, in the midst of their blithesome forenoon enjoyments, stopped suddenly, and, singing their even- ing songs, disappeared, and became si- lent; the fowls retired to their roosts; the cocks were crowing in their accustomed manner at the break of day; objects could not be distinguished at a comparatively slight distance; and everything bore the aspect and gloom of night, to say noth- ing of the effect upon the minds of the people, which, indeed, was quite inde- scribable. The above general facts concerning this strange phenomenon were ascertained, after much painstaking inquiry, soon after its occurrence, by Prof. Williams, of Harvard College, who also collected to- gether some of the more particular ob- servations made in different parts of the country, relative to the remarkable event. From these data it appears that, with re- gard to the state of the atmosphere pre- ceding this uncommon darkness, it was noticed in many sections, for several days before, that the air seemed to be of a smoky and vaporous character. The sun and the moon exhibited an unusual led- ness in their color, and divested of their usual brightness and lucid aspect; and this obscuration increased as they ap- proached nearer to the horizon. This was ascertained to have been the case in almost all parts of the New England states, for four or five days preceding the nineteenth of May. The winds had been variable, but chiefly from the south-west and north-east. The thermometer indi- cated from forty to fifty-five degrees. The barometer showed a somewhat higher range than usual. The weather had been fair and cool for the season. As to the state of the atmosphere when 42 THE WONDERFUL DARK DAY. the darkness came on, it was observable that the weight or gravity of it was grad- ually decreasing, the greater part of the 4ay. According to the observations made at Cambridge, Mass., tho mercury in the barometer was found, at twelve o'clock, to stand at twenty-nine inches, seventy ; in half an hour after, the mercury had fallen the one-hundredth part of an inch ; at one o'clock, it was twenty-nine inches, sixty- seven ; at three o'clock, it was at twenty- nine inches, sixty-five; at eight minutes past eight, it was at twenty-nine inches, sixty-four. A similar course of barometri- cal observations made, at the same time, in another part of the state, showed as fol- lows : at six o'clock in the morning, the mercury in the barometer was found to be at twenty-nine inches, eighty-two ; as soon as the darkness began to appear uncom- mon, that is, at ten minutes past ten, the mercury was found at twenty-nine inches, sixty-eight ; at quarter before eleven the time of the greatest degree of darkness in that part of the country the mercury was at twenty-nine inches, sixty-seven, the darkness continuing in the same degree for an hour and a half ; at fifteen minutes past twelve, the mercury had fallen to twenty-nine inches, sixty-five, and, in a few minutes after this, the darkness began to abate ; the mercury remained in this state during the whole evening, without any sensible alteration. At half-past eight, it seemed to have fallen a little, but so small was the alteration, that it was at- tended with some uncertainty, nor did it appear to stand any lower three hours later. From these observations, it is certain that, on the day when the darkness took place, the weight or gravity of the atmos- phere was gradually decreasing through the whole day. Both of the barometers in use were instruments of superior work- manship, and consequently to be depended on as to the accuracy of their indications. The color of objects that day, is another point of interest. It is mentioned, in the record of observations made with reference to this feature of the phenomenon, that the complexion of the clouds was com- pounded of a faint red, 3 r ellou' and brown, that, during the darkness, objects which commonly appear green, were of the deep- est green, verging to blue, and that those which appear white, were highly tinged with yellow. This was the character of the observations, as given by almost every one who made any record of the day's ap- pearance. But Prof. Williams states that, to him, almost every object appeared tinged with yellow, rather than with any other color; and this, whether the thing wa? near, or remote from the eye. Another element of peculiarity, in this remarkable scene, was the nature and ap- pearance of the vapors that were then in the atmosphere. Early in the morning, the weather was cloudy ; the sun was but just visible through the clouds, and ap- peared of a deep red, as it had for several days before. In most places thunder was heard a number of times in the morning. The clouds soon began to rise from the south-west, with a gentle breeze, and there were several small showers before eight o'clock ; in some places there were showers at other hours, throughout the day. The water that fell was found to have an un- usual character, being thick, dark, and sooty. One observer, in tho eastern part of Massachusetts, states, in this connec- tion, that the strange appearance and smell of the rain-water which people had saved in tubs, was the subject of universal and wondering remark. On examining tho water, there was found a light scum upon it, which, on being rubbed between the thumb and finger, seemed to resemble the black ashes of burnt leaves ; the water also gave the same strong, sooty smell, which characterized the air. A similar appearance, in this respect, manifested itself in other localities ; it was especially exhibited on the Merrimac river, large quantities of black scum being seen float- ing upon the surface of that stream, dur- ing the day. In the night, the wind veered round to the north-east, and drove this substance towards the south shore ; when the tide fell, the matter lay for THE WONDERFUL DARK DAY. 43 many miles along the shore, the width of the deposit being some four or five inches. An examination of a considerable quantity of this substance, in several places, failed to show anything of a sulphurous nature, either in its taste, color, or smell. Prof. Williams states that, being apprehensive as to whether there was not some uncom- mon ingredient in the air that day, he put out several sheets of clean paper in the air and rain. When they had been out four or five hours, he dried them by the fire. They were much sulued, and became dark in their color, and felt as if they had been rubbed with oil or grease ; but, upon burn- ing them, there could not be detected any sulphurous or nitrous particles. The motion and situation of the cur- rents or bodies of vapor in the atmosphere likewise exhibited some striking peculiar- ities. In most places, it was very evident that the vapors were descending from the higher parts of the atmosphere towards the surface of the earth. A gentleman who made some special observations bear- ing upon this point, mentions a very curi- ous circumstance, as to their ascent and situation, namely, that at about nine o'clock in the morning, after a shower, the vapors rose from the springs in the low lands, in great abundance. Notice was taken of one large column that as- cended, with great rapidity, to a consid- erable height above the highest hills, and soon spread into a large cloud, then moved off a little to the westward. A second cloud was formed in the same manner, from the same springs, but did not ascend BO high as the first; and a third was formed from the same places, in less than a quarter of an hour after the second. About three-quarters of an hour after nine o'clock, these clouds exhibited a very striking appearance. The upper cloud wore a peculiar reddish hue ; the second showed in some places or parts a green, in others a blue, and in others an indigo color ; while the surface of the third cloud was almost white. Of a somewhat singular nature, also, is the fact, as related by another, that, while tlie darkness continued, the clouds were in quick motion, interrupted, skirted one over another, so as to form at least to the eye of the beholder a considerable number of strata, the lower stratum being of an uni- form height as far as visible ; but this height was conceived to be very slight, from the small extent of the horizon that could be seen, and from this circumstance observed in the evening. A lighted torch, hold by a person passing along the street, occa- sioned a reflection of a faint red or copper- tinged light similar to a faint aurora borealis, the apparent height at which the reflection was made, being some twenty to thirty feet. And it was generally re- marked, that the hills might be seen at a distance in some directions, while the in- termediate spaces were greatly obscured or darkened. It would thus appear, from the state- ments now cited, as if the vapors, in some places, were ascending ; in most, descend- ing ; and, in all, very near to the surface of the earth. To this it may be added, that, during the darkness, objects seem- ingly cast a shade in every direction, and, in many instances, there were various appearances or corruscations in the atmos- phere, not unlike the aurora borealis, though it is not stated that any uncom- mon exhibitions of the electric fire were witnessed during the day. In some ac- counts, however, it is mentioned that a number of small birds were found suffo- cated by the vapor ; some were found dead, and some flew affrighted, or stupefied, into the houses. In New Haven, Conn., there was a shower of rain, with some lightning and thunder, about daybreak in the morning, the rain continuing, with intervals, until after sunrise. The morning was cloudy and darkish ; and the sun, rising towards the zenith, gave no increase of light, as usual, but, on the contrary, the darkness continued to increase until between eleven and twelve o'clock, at which time there was the greatest obscurity in that place. What little motion of the air there was just at this period, was nearly from the 44 THE WONDERFUL DARK DAY. south ; though the atmosphere was as calm as the blandest summer morning. There was something more of a luminous appear- ance in the horizon, than in the hemi- sphere in general ; also, a most marked liveliness of tint to the grass and other green vegetation ; and a very noticeable yellowness in the atmosphere, which made clean silver nearly resemble the color of brass. At about twelve o'clock, noon, the singular obscuration ceased; the greatest darkness, at any particular time, was at least as dense a what is commonly called 'candlelighting,' in the evening. In the town of Hartford, and the neighboring villages, the phenomenon was observed with all its distinctive peculiarities ; and, by some persons, the disc of the sun was seen, at the time of the greatest deficiency of light. such buildings. At twelve, the darkness was greatest, and a little rain fell ; in the street, the aspect was like that at the be- ginning of evening, as lights were seen burning fn all the houses. The clouds were thinnest at the north ; at the north- east, the clouds were very thick, and so low that hills could not be seen at the dis- tance of half a mile ; south-westerly, hills might bo clearly seen at the distance of twenty miles, though the intermediate space was ?o shaded that it was impossi- ble to distinguish woodland from pasture. At half-pa ;t twelve, the clouds, having been hitherto detached, began to concen- trate at such an height, that all the hills became visible, and the country around exhibited a most beautiful tinted verdure ; at one, the clouds became uniformly spread, and the darkness was not greater CHANGE OF SCENE AFTEK THE DAKK DAY. In Middlesex county, Mass , the peals of thunder were loud and frequent at six o'clock in the morning, attended with heavy rain ; at seven o'clock, the rain and thunder had ceased, but the sky contin- ued cloudy. Between nine and ten o'clock, the clouds were observed to thicken, and to receive continual accessions from the low lands. Before ten, the darkness had sensibly increased, till it became difficult to read an almanac in a room having two windows ; at eleven o'clock, candles were lighted, and at half -past eleven the dark- ness was so great in the meeting-house, where a court was then sitting, that it was difficult to distinguish countenances at the smallest distance, notwithstanding the large number of windows usual in than is usual on a cloudy day. The same weather continued through the whole afternoon, except that the sun was seen for a few minutes, in some places, about three o'clock. At eight in the evening, the darkness was so impenetrably thick, as to render traveling positively imprac- ticable ; and, although the moon rose nearly full about nine o'clock, yet it did not give light enough to enable a person to distinguish between the heavens and the earth. In the account of this phenomenon given by Dr. Tenney, of New Hampshire, an in- telligent observer and writer, are some interesting details, gathered by him while on a journey to Pennsylvania, from the east. He repeats and confirms the state- THE WONDERFUL DAEK DAY. 45 ment made by others, that, previously to the commencement of the darkness, the sky was overcast with the common .kind of clouds, from which there was, in some places, a moderate fall of rain. Between tlie.se and the earth, there intervened an- other stratum, apparently of great thick- ness ; as this stratum advanced, the dark- ness commenced, and increased with its progress till it came to its height, which did not take place till the hemisphere was a second time overspread the uncom- mon thickness of this second stratum bo- ing probably occasioned by two strong cur- rents of wind from the southward and westward, condensing the vapors and drawing them to the north-east. The result of Dr. Tenney's journey, during which he made the best use of his opportunities for information, was, that the darkness appeared to be most gross in Essex county, Massachusetts, the lower part of the state of New Hampshire, and in portions of what was then the province of Maine. In Rhode Island and Connect- icut it was not so great, and still less in New York; in New Jersey, the second stratum of clouds was observed, but it was not of any great thickness, nor was the darkness very uncommon ; in the lower parts of Pennsylvania, no extraordinary scene was noticed. Through the whole extent of country referred to, the lower cloud-stratum had an uncommon brassy hue, while the earth and trees were adorned with so enchant- ing a verdure as could not escape notice, even amidst the unusual atmospheric gloom that accompanied it. The dark- ness of the following evening was proba- bly as denp and dense as ever had been ob- served since the Almighty fiat gave birth to light ; it wanted only palpability to ren- der it as extraordinary as that which over- spread the land of Egypt, in the days of Moses. If every luminous body in the universe had been shrouded in impenetra- ble shades, or struck out of existence, it was thought the darkness could not have been more complete. A sheet of whit's paper, held within a few inches of the eyes, was equally invisible with the black- est velvet. And, considering the small quantity of light that was transmitted by the clouds, during the day, it is not surprising that, at night, a sufficient quan- tity of rays should not be able to penetrate the same strata, brougl-J back by tha shift- ing of the winds, to afford the most ob- scure prospect even of the best reflecting bodies. The deiiseness of this evening darkness was a fact universally observed and recorded. In view of all the information contained in the various accounts of this day, it ap- pears very certain that the atmosphere was charged with an unprecedented quan- tity of vapor, from what primary cause has never been satisfactorily determined; and as the weather had been clear, the air heavy, and the winds small and variable for many days, the vapors, instead of dis- persing, must have been constantly rising and collecting in the air, until the atmos- phere became highly charged with them. A large quantity of the vapors, thus collected in the atmosphere, on the day in question, was floating near the surface of the earth. Wheresoever the specific grav- ity of any vapor is less than the specific gravity of the air, such a vapor will, by the law of fluids, ascend in the air; where the specific gravity of a vapor, in the at- mosphere, is greater than that of the air, sucli a vapor will descend ; and where the specific gravity of the vapor and air are the same, the vapor will then be at rest, floating or swimming in the atmosphere, without ascending or descending. From the barometrical observations, it appears that the weight or gravity of the atmos- phere was gradually growing less, from the morning of the nineteenth of May, until the evening; and hence the vapors, in most places, were descending from the higher parts of the atmosphere, toward* the surface of the earth. According to one of the observations cited, the vapors were noticed to a cend, until they rose to a height where the air was of the same specific gravity a height not much above the adjacent hills, and here they in- 46 THE WONDERFUL DARK DAY. stantly spread, and floated in the atmos- phere. From these data, the conclusion is drawn, that the place where the vapors were balanced must have been very near the surface of the earth. Reasoning from the premises thus set forth, Prof. Williams was of the opinion that such a large quantity of vapor, float- ing in the atmosphere, near the earth's surface, might be sufficient to produce all the phenomena that made the nineteenth of May, 1780, so memorable. Thus, the direction in which the darkness came on would be determined by the direction of the wind, and this was known to be from the south-west; the degree of the dark- ness would depend on the density, color, and situation of the clouds and vapor, and the manner in which they would transmit, refl< ct, refract, or absorb the rays of light; the extent of the darkness would be as great as the extent of the vapor ; and the duration of it would continue until the gravity of the air became so altered that the vapors would change their situation, by an ascent or descent; all of which particulars, it is claimed, agree with the observations that have been mentioned. Nor does the effect of the vapors, in dark- ening terrestrial objects, when they lay near the surface of the earth, appear to have been greater than it was in darken- ing the sun and moon, when their situa- tion was higher in the atmosphere. It being thus evident that the atmos- pnere was, from some peculiar cause (per- haps great fires in distant woods) charged, in a high degree, with vapors, and that these vapors were of different densities and occupied different heights, the de- Auction is, that by this means the rays of light falling on them must have suffered a variety of refractions and reflections, and thereby become weakened, absorbed, or so reflected, as not to fall upon objects on the earth in the usual manner; and as the different vapors were adapted by their nature, situation, or density, to absorb or transmit the different kind of rays, so the co'.ori of objects would appear to be af- fected by the mixture or prevalency of those rays which were transmitted through so uncommon a medium. This was the explanation suggested by Prof. Williams, though not to the exclusion of other the- ories. But there were not wanting those and a large number they were too who gave play, in their minds, to the most strange opinions concerning the cause of so mar- velous an appearance. It was imagined by some persons, that an eclipse of the sun, produced of course by an interposition of the moon, was the cause of the darkness others attributed it to a transit of Venus or Mercury upon the disc of the sun others imputed it to a blazing star, which they thought came between the earth and the sun. So whimsical, indeed, were some of the opinions which possessed men's minds at this time, that even so bare a vagary as that a great mountain obstructed the rays of the sun's light during that day, obtained advocates ! Whether they thought that a new mountain was created and placed between the earth and the sun, or that a mountain from this globe had taken flight and perched upon that great luminary, does not appear. That this darkness was not caused by an eclipse, is manifest by the various posi- tions of the planetary bodies at that time, for the moon was more than one hundred and fifty degrees from the sun all that day, and, according to the accurate calcu- lations made by the most celebrated as- tronomers, there could not, in the order of nature, be any transit of the planet Venus or Mercury upon the disc of the sun that year ; nor could it be a blazing star much less a mountain, that darkened the at- mosphere, for this would still leave unex- plained the deep darkness of the following night. Nor would such excessive noc- turnal darkness follow an eclipse of the sun; and as to the moon, she was at that time more than forty hours' motion past her opposition. One of the theories, looking to a solution of the mysterious occurrence, which found defenders, was as follows : The heat of the sun causes an ascent of numerous particles THE WONDERFUL DAKK DAY. 47 which consist of different qualities, such as aqueous, sulphurous, bituminous, salinous, etc. ; heuce the waters of the seas, rivers, and ponds ; the fumes of burning volca- noes, caused by subterraneous veins of liquid fire; all the other kinds of smoke fat, combustibles, oily matter from various kinds of earth, the juice of trees, plants and herbs ; salinous and nitrous particles from salt, snow water, and kindred sources ; these are exhaled into the regions of the air, where their positions are subject to various mutations or changes by reason of the motion and compression of the air, causing them to bo sometimes rarefied and sometimes condensed. It was (according to this theory,) a vast collection of such particles that caused the day of darkness ; that is, the particles, after being exhaled, were driven together by certain winds from opposite points of the compass, and condensed to such a degree by the weight of the earth's atmosphere, that they ob- structed the appearance of the rays of the sun by day, aid those of the moon by night. Having thus presented the facts and circumstances pertaining to this notable day in the history of the New England or northern states, it may not be amiss to add, that a similar day of mysterious dark- ness occurred on October 21, 1716 ; the day was so dark, that people were forced to light candles to dine by, a darkness which could not proceed from any eclipse, a solar eclipse having taken place on the f.uirth of that month. There was also a remarkable darkness at Detroit and vicin- ity, October 19, 1762, being almost total for 'he greater part of the day. It was dark it Jay-break, and this continued until nine o'clock, when it cleared up a little, and, for the space of about a quarter of an hour, the body of the sun was visible, it appear- ing as red as blood, and more than three times as large as usual. The air, all this time, was of a dingy yellowish color. At half-past one o'clock, it was so dark as to necessitate the lighting of candles, in order to attend to domestic duties. At about three in the afternoon, the darkness became more dense, increasing in intensity until half-past three, when the wind breezed up from the southwest and brought on a slight fall of rain, accompanied with a profuse quantity of fine black particles, in appearance much like sulphur, both in smell and quality. A sheet of clean paper, held out in this rain, was rendered quite black wherever the drops fell upon it ; but, when held near the fire, it turned to a yel- low color, and, when burned, it fizzed on the paper, like wet powder. So black did these powdery particles turn everything upon which they fell, that even the river was covered with a black froth, which, when skimmed off the surface, resembled the lather of soap, with this difference, that it was more greasy, and its color as black as ink. At seven, in the evening, the air was more clear. This phenomenon was observed throughout a vast region of coun- try ; and, though various conjectures were indulged in, as to the cause of so extraor- dinary an occurrence, the same degree of mystery attaches to it as to that of 1780, confounding the wisdom even of the most learned philosophers and men of science. It may easily be imagined, that, as the deep and mysterious darkness which cov- ered the land on the memorable nineteenth of May filled all hearts with wonder and multitudes with fear, so, the return, at last, of that brightness and beauty charac- teristic of the month and of the season, brought gladness again to the faces of the young, and composure to the hearts of the aged ; for never before did nature appear clothed in so charming an attire of sun- shine, sky and verdure. IV. TREASON OF MAJOR-GENERAL BENEDICT ARNOLD. 1780. Darkest Page in American Revolutionary History. Plot to Deliver West Point, the Gibraltar of Amer- ica, Over to the British. Movements of the Guilty Parties. Discovery and Frustration of the Crime. Major Andre, the British Spy, is Captured, and Swings from a Gibbet. Escape of Arnold to the Enemy. Is Spurned and Isolated in England. Arnold's Unquestioned Bravery. Commended by General Washington. Infamous Personal Transactions Reprimanded by his Chief Determines on Revenge. Correspondence with the Foe Ingratiates Washington's Favor Again. Obtains Com- mand of West Point. Midnight Conference with Andre. Andre Seized while Returning Astound- ing Evidence Against Him. Attempts to Bribe His Captors. Carried to American Head-Quarters. Arnold Apprised of the Event. A Hurried Farewell to His Wile. Quick Pursuit of the Traitor. He Reaches a British Man-of-War. Washington's Exclamation at the News His Call on Mrf Ar- nold Andre's Trial and Conviction. Arnold's Reward for His Crime. His Dnlamented Death. " Providence, which has BO often and BO remarkably interposed in our favor, never morifested itself more conspicuously than in the timely discovery of Arnold's horrid intention to surrender the post and garrison of West Point to the enemy." WASHIKOTOM. AEK and tragical, indeed, is that page in the history of the American revolutionary war, which records Benedict Arnold's atrocious scheme of treason against his native land, in its. struggle against British oppression. Equally strange and startling is the story which narrates the dis- ^ covery and frustration of so perfidious a plot. Around ' the memory of the unfortunate Andre, pity still wreathes _ her romantic chaplet ; while the name of Arnold will, |Hg 5 =-'= ! ^yy^' : to the end of time, transfix every patriotic mind, as that PRICE OP ARNOLD'S TREASON. o f the blackest among modern criminals. The treacher- ous deed wa committed, too, in a year of deep depression on the part of the Americans. Of Arnold, personally and professionally, it may be remarked, that he was born in Norwich, Connecticut, in 1740, and began his business career at an early age, as a horse- dealer, and not over-scrupulous. He was also for a time a druggist and bookseller in New Haven. At the beginning of the war of the Eevolution he placed himself at the head of a volunteer company, and soon distinguished himself ; was associated also with General Montgomery in the expedition against Quebec. In this latter most disastrous affair, undertaken in severe weather, his illustrious colleague lost his life, and Arnold, who was severely wounded in the leg, displayed the highest abilities as a commander and the greatest gallantry as a soldier, eliciting Washington's warmest esteem and ad- miration. But, licentious and rapacious as he was brave and intelligent, he plundered Montreal in his retreat, and by his misconduct exasperated the minds of the Canadians, who previously were not hostile to the Revolution. After exhibiting great courage and skill on Lake Champlain, at Fort Schuyler, and the battle of Stillwater, his leg was shattered by a ball on the seventh of October, 1777, in a daring assault on TREASON OF MAJOR-GENERAL BENEDICT ARNOLD. 49 the English lines, which he penetrated, and but for his wound would have carried. Being thus unfitted for active service, he was appointed commander of the garrison at Philadelphia, but his dissipation, extor- tion, and peculation, at last subjected him to a trial by court martial, and to a repri- mand from Washington, at the beginning of 1779. This sentence was approved by Congress, and carried into execution by General Washington. Embarrassed in his circumstances, disappointed in his expec- tations, and exasperated by disgrace, he formed the design of retrieving his misfor- tunes and satisfying his revenge, by be- traying his country. It was in this wise : While the British army was in Phila- delphia, in the spring of 1778, a grand parting entertainment was given by the royalists to Sir William Howe, the British commander-in-chief. Major Andre, made Adjutant-General of the army by Howe's successor, was one of the chief managers of the affair. Miss Shippen, a Philadel- phia belle (and who subsequently became Mrs. Arnold), figured conspicuously among the actors of the entertainment, and she and Andre kept up a correspondence after- ward. Through this channel Arnold saw, after his marriage with Miss Shippen, an opportunity for communicating with Sir Henry Clinton, the British commander at New York. In other words, he deter- mined to betray his country, being, in this respect, an almost solitary instance, Dr. Benjamin Church, of Massachusetts, surgeon-general, being the other principal offender. Under fictitious names, and in the dis- guise of mercantile business, Arnold was even now in treacherous correspondence with Sir Henry Clinton, through Major Andre. To him the British general com- mitted the maturing of Arnold's treason, and, to facilitate measures for its execu- tion, the sloop of war Vulture moved up the North river, and took a station con- venient for the purpose, but not so near as to excite suspicion. An interview was agreed on, and in the night of September twenty-first, 1780, he was taken in a boat, which was dispatched for the purpose, and carried to the beach, without the posts of both armies, under a pass for John Ander- son. He met General Arnold at the house of a Mr. Smith. Yielding with reluctance to the urgent representations of Arnold, Andre laid aside his regimentals, which he had hitherto worn under a surtout, putting on a suit of ordinary clothes instead ; and now, receiv- ing a pass from the American general, authorizing him, under the feigned name of John Anderson, to "proceed on the public service to the White Plains, or lower if he thought proper," he set out on his return in the evening of the twenty- second, accompanied by Joshua Smith, and passed the night at Crompond. The next morning he crossed the Hudson to King's Ferry on the east side. A little beyond the Croton, Smith deeming him safe, bade him adieu. Alone, and without having excited the least suspicion, Andre passed the American guards, and was silently congratulating himself that he had passed all danger, when, coming to a place whore a small stream crossed the road and ran into a woody dell, a man stepped out from the trees, leveled a musket, and brought him to a stand, while two other men, sim- ilarly armed, showed themselves prepared to second their comrades. The man who at first stepped out wore a refugee uniform. At sight of it, Andre's heart leapt, and he felt himself secure. Losing all caution, he exclaimed eagerly : "Gentlemen, where do you belong? I hope to our party ! " " What party?" was their immediate inquiry in response ; the trio consisting of scouting militiamen, named Paulding, Williams, and Vau Wart. "The party below," meaning New York, was the answer. " We do," was the shrewd reply of the three, as they now seized the bridle of the unfortunate man's horse, and challenged his business in that place. Seeing, beyond all doubt, the hands he had fallen into, Andre quickly shifted his tactics by jocosely remarking that what he 5U TREASON OF MAJOR-GENERAL BENEDICT ARNOLD. had first represented himself to be was merely by way of badinage, and that he was in reality a Continental officer, going down to Dobbs Ferry to get information from below ; so saying, he drew forth and showed them the pass from General Arnold. This in the first place would have sufficed, , but his strange conduct and imprudent speech had so thoroughly betrayed him, that the three militiamen insisted on searching his person. They therefore obliged him to take off his coat and vest, and found on him eighty dollars in Conti- nental money, but nothing to warrant sus- picion of anything sinister, and were about to let him proceed, when one of them marks on the works ; also other important documents. While dressing again, Andre endeavored to ransom himself from his captors. He would give any sum of money, if they would let him go ; would give his horse, saddle, bridle, gold watch, and one hundred guineas, and would send them to any place that might be fixed upon. Williams asked, ironically, whether ht would not give more than all that. Andre replied, that he would give any reward they might name either in goods or money, and would remain with two of 'their party while one went to New Yorl' to get it. -r CAPTURE OF ANDRE. Paulding, a stout-hearted youngster ex- claimed : "Boys, I am not satisfied his boots must come off." At this Andre changed color. His boots, he said, came off with difficulty, and he begged he might not be subjected to the inconvenience and delay. His remon- strances were in vain. He was compelled | to sit down ; his boots were drawn off and the concealed papers discovered. Hastily scanning them, Paulding exclaimed "My God! He is a spy!" The papers, which were in the hand- writing of Arnold, contained exact returns of the state of the forces, ordnance, and defences of West Point, with critical re- Here Paulding broke in and declared with an oath, that if he would give ten thousand guineas he should not stir one step. On the morning of the twenty-eighth of September, Andre, in charge of Major Tallmadge, was conveyed in a barge to King's Ferry. Being both young, of equal ra'nk, and prepossessing manners, a frank and cordial intercourse grew up between them. By a cartel, mutually agreed upon, each might put to the other any question not involving a third person. They were passing below the rocky heights of West Point and in full view of the frowning fortress, when Tallmadge asked Andre whether he would have taken an actrv* TREASON OF MAJOR-GENERAL BENEDICT ARNOLD. part in the attack on it, should Arnold's plan have succeeded. Andre promptly answered this question in the affirmative; pointed out a table of land on the west shore, where he would have landed a select corps, described the route he would have taken up the moun- tain to a height in the rear of Fort Put- nam, overlooking the whole parade of West Point "and this he did," writes Tallmadge, " with much greater exactness than I could have done. This eminence he would have reached without difficulty, as Arnold would have disposed of the gar- rison in such manner as to be capable of little or no opposition and then the key public ear, and all hearts turned for relief to the wisdom of Washington Unfortu- nately for the ends of justice, Andre asked permission of Colonel Jameson, as soon as he was taken to the latter's custody, to write to General Arnold, to inform him that ' Anderson ' was detained. Not knowing the rank of his prisoner nor the magnitude of the plot, the letter was al- lowed by Jameson to be sent, and Arnold, being thus apprised, escaped. Colonel Jameson also forwarded to General Wash- ington the papers found on the prisoner, and a statement of the manner in which he was taken. The papers sent to Washington missed '\f the country would have been in his hands, and he would have had the glory of the splendid achievement." Tallmadge ventured to ask Andre what was to have been his reward had he succeeded. To this the reply was : " Military glory was all I sought The thanks of my general and the approbation of my king would have been a rich reward for such an under- taking." Tallmadge also adds : " I think he further remarked, that, if he had suc- ceeded, he was to have been promoted to the rank of a brigadier-general." The news of Andre's arrest and Arnold's treason fell like a thunderbolt upon the him, as he did not return by the road he went, but took the northern route to Fish- kill, where, September twenty-fourth, he arrived late in the afternoon, the very day after Andre's capture, of which event and of Arnold's treason he was wholly unconscious. Stopping at Fishkill only a short time, he pushed on for the quarters of his brave general, Arnold, some eighteen miles distant. He had gone, however, but a mile or two, before he met the French minister, Chevalier Luzerne, on his way to Newport, to visit Rochambeau, the French naval commander. The latter prevailed on him to return to Fishkill for the night, 52 TREASON OF MAJOR-GENERAL BENEDICT ARNOLD. as he had matters of importance to com- municate. The next morning, Washington was early in the saddle, having sent word be- forehand to Arnold that he would break- fast with him. It was a bright autumnal morning, and the whole party in high spirits pushed rapidly forward through the gorges of the Highlands. As they came opposite West Point, Washington, instead of continuing on to Arnold's quarters, which were on the same side, turned his horse down a narrow road toward the river. Lafayette observing this, ex- claimed " General, you are going in the wrong direction ; you know Mrs. Arnold is wait- ing breakfast for us, and that road will take us out of the way." Jameson, commanding at North Castle, announcing the capture of Andre, and who had been brought in to Jameson's post, by three militiamen, Paulding, Williams, and Van Wart, his captors, whom the gallant but unfortunate man vainly endeavored to bribe, in order to his release. They knew him to be a spy, but were ignorant of his military rank. Merely remarking that his presence at West Point was necessary, Arnold re- quested the aids to say to Washington on his arrival that he was unexpectedly called over the river, and would be back soon. Repairing to his wife's chamber, he sent for her at the breakfast table, and told her that he must instantly leave her and his country forever, for death was his certain doom if he did not reach the enemy before WEST POINT IN 1780. " Ah ! " replied Washington, laughingly, " I know you young men are all in love with Mrs. Arnold, and wish to get where she is as soon as possible. You may go and take breakfast with her, and tell her not to wait for me. I must ride down and examine the redoubts on this side of the river, and will be there in a short time." The officers preferring not to proceed without him, two aids were dispatched to tell Arnold not to wait breakfast. The latter, therefore, with his family and the two aids sat down to the table. While they were conversing on indifferent topics, a messenger entered and handed a letter to Arnold, who opened and read it in pres- ence of the company, without, of course, di- vulging its contents. It was from Colonel he was detected. Paralyzed by the sud- den blow, she fell senseless at his feet. Not daring to call for help, Arnold left her in that state, and rapidly descending to the door, mounted one of the horses belonging to Washington's aids, and taking a by-way pushed for the river, where his barge was moored. Jumping in, he or- dered his six oarsmen to pull for Teller's Point. Stimulating them to greater efforts by the promise of two gallons of rum, he swept rapidly past Verplanck's Point, and as he approached the British ship Vulture, waved a white handkerchief, and was soon on board. In the meantime, Washington, 'having finished his survey, rode on to Arnold's house. Taking a hasty breakfast, and being informed that TREASON OF MAJOR-GENEKAL BENEDICT ARNOLD. 53 Mrs. Arnold was in her room, unwell, he said he would not wait for Arnold to return, but cross over to West Point and meet him there. As the boat swept over the water, he remarked "Well, gentlemen, I am glad on the whole that General Arnold has gone before us, for we shall now have a salute, and the roaring of the cannon will have a fine effect among these mountains." At this moment an officer was seen coming down the rocky hill-side, to meet the barge. It was Colonel Lamb, who looked Confounded on seeing the commander-in-chief. He commenced an apology, declaring that he was wholly ignorant of his excellency's intention to visit West Point. " How is this, sir," broke in Wash- ington, " is not General Arnold here ? " "No, sir," replied the colonel, "he has not been here these two days, nor have I heard from him in that time." "This is extraordinary," replied Wash- ington ; "he left word that he had crossed the river. However, our visit must not be in vain. Since we have come, we must look around and see in what state things are with you." And now it was that Hamilton broke the astounding news to his chief. The latter, stunned and bewildered, ordered Hamilton to mount a horse and ride as for life to Verplanck's Point, and stop Arnold, if possible ; he called in Knox and Lafay- ette, and told them what had occurred, merely remarking at the close, " Whom can we trust now?" His countenance was calm as ever, and being informed that Arnold's wife was in a state bordering on insanity, he went up to her room to soothe her. In her frenzy she upbraided him with being in a plot to murder her child. One moment she raved, another she melted into tears. Sometimes she pressed her infant to her bosom and lamented its fate, occasioned by the imprudence of its father, in a manner that would have pierced in- sensibility itself. It was four o'clock in the afternoon when these disclosures of Arnold's treason and Andre's capture were made to Washington, and, an hour later, dinner being announced, he said "Come, gentlemen, since Mrs. Arnold is unwell and the general is absent, let us sit down without ceremony." No one at the table but Knox and La- fayette knew what had transpired, nor did Washington exhibit any change 01 demeanor, except that he was more than GENERAL AKXOLD'S HEAD-QOABTERS. usually stern in his voice and manner. But his mind, oppressed with nameless fears, wandered far away from that dinner table, and no sooner was the quiet repast over than he addressed himself to the task before him. He wrote rapidly, and cour- iers were soon seen galloping in every di- rection. 'He announced the treason to Colonel Wade, commanding at West Point, in the absence of Colonel JLamb, in the single sentence, " General Arnold is gone to the enemy." Having done all he could to arrest the tremendous evils that threat- ened to overwhelm him, Washington re- tired late at night to his bed, fearful that the sound of the enemy's cannon, under the auspices of Arnold's treacherous schemes, would awake him before day- light. It happily did not prove so. A court-martial, having condemned Andre as a spy, Sir Henry Clinton, the British general, put forth every effort to avert the dreadful fate of his officer. He sent three commissioners to reason and re- monstrate with the officers of the court. He appealed to Washington, while Arnold wrote him a threatening letter, declaring if Andre was hung he would revenge his death on every American prisoner that fell into his hands. Washington deigned no reply to the letter, but tenderly forwarded 54 TREASON OF MAJOR-GENERAL BENEDICT ARNOLD. Mrs. Arnold and her baggage over to the British side. Washington, though his heart was filled with the keenest sorrow for the fate of one so universal!}' beloved, and posse>.-ed of such noble qualities of heart and mind, refused to arrest the course of justice. As in all cases where great trouble came upon him, so in this, he said but little, but sternly and silently wrestled with it alone. Arnold was made brigadier-general in the British service, and put on an official level with honorable men, who scorned, how- ever, to associate with him. What golden reward he was to have received had he ;.succeeded in delivering West Point to the enemy, is not known ; 3Q r 000, most prob- ably. V. CORNWALLIS SURRENDERS HIS SPLENDID ARMY TO GENERAL WASHINGTON. 1781. b'inal Catastrophe to British Arms in America. Consternation and Despair in the Cabinet of King George Their Vaunted Wager of Battle Returns to Them with the Loss of their Fairest Possession. Washington's Countrymen Everywhere Hail and Extol Him as their Deliverer. Last Act in the Military Drama. Cornwallis Halts at Yorktown. Makes it His Defensive Post. Decoy Letter Sent by Washington. The British Strongly Fortified. American and French Forces United. Their Advance on the Enemy. Furious Bombardment. Redoubts Stormed by Lafayette. Both Sides Confident of Triumph. British Efforts to Retreat. Cornwallis Prefers Death to Defeat. Reckless Bravery of Washington. Ardor and Exultation of His Troops. Cornwallis Fails of Re-enforcements. He Asks a Cessation of Hostilities. Forced to Yield the Struggle. Universal Rejoicing of Amer- icans. Mortification of the English. Eloquence of Burke, Fox, and Pitt. They Demand that the War Cease. The Voice of Parliament. Commemorative Action by Congress. "Oh, God! It IB all over it ia all over rLoED NOBTU, PRIME MINISTER or ENGLAND, ON HEJLBIXQ or COKIT-VTALLIS'S SURRENDER. T the head of a powerful army, with which he had just established himself in Virginia, Lord Cornwallis vaunt- ingly wrote to General Clinton, his superior, as follows : "I have ventured, these last two days, to look General Washington's whole force in the face, in the posi- tion on the outside of my works, and have the pleasure to assure your Ex- cellency that there is but one wish throughout the army, which is, that the enemy would advance." Scarcely did Cornwallis have time to awake from his day-dream of security, when a courier was thundering at the doors of the Continental Congress, with the following dispatch from General Washington : " I have the honor to inform congress that a reduction of the British army, under the command of Lord Cornwallis, is most happily effected. The unremitted ardor, which actuated every officer and soldier in the combined army on this occasion, has principally led to this important event, at an earlier period than my most sanguine hopes had induced me to expect. The singular spirit of emulation, which animated the whole army from the first commencement of our operations, has filled my mind with the THE HOUSE WHKRE OOKJTWALLIS SURRENDERED. 6ti CORNWALLIS' SURRENDER. highest pleasure and satisfaction, and had given me the happiest presages of success." A glorious event, one eliciting the most unbounded demonstrations of joy throughout the United States, and which completely destroyed British military power at the s;outh, thus setting the seal of American success upon the contest with the mother country, was the capture, as announced in the above dispatch, of Lord Cornwallis and his splendid army, at York- town, Virginia, in October, 1781, by the combined American and French forces under General Washington and Counts de Rochambeau and Grasse. Jn the summer of 1781, Cornwallis had taken possession of several places in the south, and, in the latter part of July, de- sirous of establishing himself firmly in Virginia, he accordingly selected York- town as a suitable defensive post and capa- ble of protecting ships of the line. Little did he think, as he began leisurely to for- tify the place, that it was a net which would entangle him in crushed hopes and ruined fortunes. Yorktown is situated at the narrowest part of the peninsula formed by the York and James rivers, where the distance across is but eight miles. By placing his troops, therefore, around the village, and drawing about them a range of outer redoubts and field works calcu- lated to command this peninsula, Cornwal- lis had, as he thought, established himself well. Lafayette, with an inferior number of troops, was at this time at Williamsburg, but was unable to make successful engage- ments with the superior force of the Brit- ish. Seeing, at once, the importance of putting some check upon the progress of Cornwallis at the south, Washington de- termined to unite the American and French forces, then in the neighborhood of New York, and join Lafayette at Williamsburg. This junction was effected on the four- teenth of September, Washington being at the head of the American troops, and the Count de Rochambeau at the head of the French forces. At the same time the Count de Grasse, with his fleet, entered the Chesapeake, after a slight engagement with Admiral Graves off the capes, and was joined by the squadron of the Count de Barras from Newport. Three thou- sand men, under the Marquis St. Simon, were also added to the troops under La- ' f fayette's command ; and these combined forces then moved toward Yorktown and Gloucester, where Corwallis was sta- tioned. The British general had been expecting aid from Sir Henry Clinton at the north, but so adroitly had Washington withdrawn his troops, that Sir Henry scarcely sus- pected his design, till it was too late to frustrate it. On the thirteenth of Septem- ber, ths allied army occupied the outer lines of Cornwallis, which that general had abandoned without a struggle. York- town was in a short time completely invested; the American army occupying the right, and the French the left, forming a semi-circle with each wing resting upon the river. On the night of the sixth of October the besieging army broke ground within six hundred yards of the British lines; and the first parallel was completed with little loss. On the ninth and tenth, guns were mounted on the works, and the batteries began to play, with visible effect, on the lines of the enemy. Many of their guns were soon silenced, and their works damaged. By the eleventh, the enemy scarcely returned a shot. The shells and red-hot balls of the besiegers reached the shipping in the harbor, and set the Charon frigate cf forty-four guns, and several large transports on fire, which were en- tirely consumed. On the night of the eleventh, the second parallel was begun within three hundred yards of the British lines. The working parties were not dis- covered until day-light, when the trenches were in a situation to cover the men. But there were two redoubts in particu- lar, in front of the British lines and which flanked the second parallel of the Ameri- cans, that gave great annoyance to the latter, and it was deemed necessary to carry them by storm. To prevent national jealousy, however^ ar.d to keep alive the CORNWALLIS' SURRENDER. 57 spirit of emulation which animated the co- operating armies, the attack of one was assigned to tho American troops, and that of the other to the French. Lafayette commanded the American detachment and the Baron de Yiominet the French. Colonel Hamilton, who through this cam- paign commanded a battalion of light in- fantry, led the advanced corps of the Americans to the assault, while Colonel Laurens turned the redoubt and attacked in his confidence of triumph, had so recently written to his superior, Sir Henry Clinton. Having failed in his sortie, and knowing that his position had become untenable, the British general took the desperate res- olution of crossing over to Gloucester Point in the night, and cutting his way through the blockading force there then, mounting his men ou whatever horses he could seize, make a rapid march northward and join Sir Henry Clinton ! By this COJUiWALLlS'S BUttKKKDEB. in the rear, to prevent the retreat of the garrison. Without giving time for the abattis to be removed, and without firing a gun, the Americans gallantly assaulted, and instantly carried the works, with a small loss of men on either side. The re- doubt attacked by the French being more strongly garrisoned made greater resist- ance, and was overcome with a much heav- ier loss. The success of these movements was a stunning blow to Cornwallis, who, movement he would abandon his sick anu baggage; but he would save himself the disgrace of a surrender. Boats were se- cretly procured, and the first embarkation reached the point safely and unperceived ; but, at this juncture, a violent storm arose, which drove the boats down the river. The tempest continuing until day-light, the enterprise was necessarily given up, and the troops that had passed over gladly re-crossed to the southern field. 58 CORNWALLIS' SURRENDER. In the mortification and anguish of his soul, (Jornwallis shed tears, and expressed his preference for death rather than the ignominy of a surrender. But there was no resource the handwriting on the wall was against him the fate of war must be accepted. The siege had continued close for more than two weeks, and, notwith- standing the losses in killed, wounded, and missing, that had been sustained, the Brit- ish army showed a handsome force of be- tween seven and eight thousand trained fighting men, of unquestioned bravery, but who were soon to capitulate to the besieg- ing forces, numbering, in all, some sixteen thousand men, less disciplined, perhaps, but determined and indomitable. Of Washington, the central character and actor in this great drama, every American heart engrossingly thinks. Knowing that Sir Henry Clinton had written to Cornwallis, bidding him to strengthen his position at Yorktown, and promising him the immediate aid of both land and naval forces, Washington had, seasonably and with shrewd forecast, writ- ten a letter to Lafayette, then in Virginia, which he caused to be intercepted. In this letter he remarked that he was pleased with the probability that Earl Cornwallis would fortify either Portsmouth or Old Point Comfort, for, were he to fix upon Yorktoivn, from its great capabilities of defense, he might remain there snugly and unharmed, until a superior British fleet would relieve him with strong re-enforce- ments, or embark him altogether. This decoy letter quieted the apprehen- sions of the British commander-in-chief as to the danger of Cornwallis, and produced those delays in the operations of Sir Henry, which, as will have been seen, tended so materially to the success of the allies and the surrender of Yorktown. Thus it was that Washington by his pen, laid the train of success so well. Nor less so with his sword. In the simultaneous attack upon the redoubts, made by the combined American and French army, Washington was an intensely-excited spectator. He had dismounted from his horse the mag- nificent charger, named Nelson, and put him in the care of a servant, while the general himself took his stand in the grand battery with his two chief generals, Lin- coln and Knox, and their aids, and here he exposed himself to every danger. When all was over, at this critical junc- ture, -the redoubts being taken, and Washington's intense anxiety so happily relieved, the general drew a long breath, and looking at Knox with an expression of extreme satisfaction, remarked, briefly, " The work is done, and icell done ! " Motioning to his faithful servant, who was quickly in his presence, he said, "William, bring me my horse," mounting which, the chieftain proceeded to make sure that the success which had attended the first par- allel was followed up energetically until no loop-hole was left, through which Corn- wallis might escape. No such loop-hole was afforded, and Cornwallis's doom was sealed. It was a proud day for the war-worn troops of America to see so fine an army not only within their grasp, but, to all in- tents and purposes, completely at their disposal, waiting only those last formali- ties which give solemn dignity to the de- crees already made by the sword, and they saw, in the coming event, the final catastrophe of British rule in America, the close of the Revolutionary drama, the establishment of a free and independ- ent republic. As already remarked, Corn- wallis had hoped for succor to the last, but the slaughter of his men became too seri- ous to be any longer endured, and finally the loud beat of the chamade was heard in the intervals of the explosions of cannon, and the firing ceased. Cornwallis then sent a flag of truce requesting a cessation of hostilities for twenty-four hours, to ar- range the terms of capitulation. To this Washington would not consent, fearing that the arrival of the English fleet in the meantime might alter the aspect of affairs, and allowed him but two hours in which to transmit his proposals. The full sur- render took place the next day, October 19, 1781, the articles of capitulation being CORNWALLIS' SURRENDER. signed by Cornwallis at the house of a Mr. Moore. At about 12 o'clock of that day, the combined continental army was drawn up in two lines more than a mile in length, the Americans on the right side of the road, and their French allies on the left. Washington, mounted on a noble steed, and attended by his staff, was in front of the former; the Count de Rochambeau and his suite, of the latter. The French troops, in complete uniform, and well equipped, made a brilliant appearance, and had marched to the ground with a band of music playing, which was a novelty in the American service. The American troops, but part in uniform, and all in garments much the worse for wear, yet had a spirited soldier-like air, and were not the worse in the eyes of their countrymen for bearing the marks of hard service and great priva- tions. The concourse of spectators drawn from all the neighboring country to witness a scene so thrilling and momentous, was almost equal in number to the military, but silence and order prevailed unbroken. The enthusiasm throughout ^he country, on the surrender of Cornwallif, was un- bounded. " Cornwallis is taken, I " was the message which sped itself with the wings of the wind to every city, tovn and village, and was shouted by every mouth. But the mortification of Cornwallis vas intense, and the British cabinet, on hear- ing the news, turned pale with despair. Lords Germain, Walsingham, and Stor- mount, proceeded to Lord North's house, and there, at midnight, announced to him the portentous dispatch. The haughty premier was astounded and humbled. In the words of Lord Germain, in answer to the inquiry how Lord North received the aews? "As he would have received a ball in his breast ; for he opened his arms, ex- claiming wildly as he paced up and clown the apartment, ' Oh God ! It is all over it is all over!'" King George III. was at Kew, and the intelligence was forwarded to him at that place. He exhibited no loss of eelf-control, it is said, notwithstanding the hopes which had been centered in Corn- wallis and his army, to give triumph to the British arms. It is well known that, during the month of November, the accounts received by the British government, of Lord Cornwallis's embarrassments, gave great anxiety to the cabinet. Lord George Germain, in partic- ular, conscious that on the prosperous or adverse result of Cornwallis's movements hinged the result of the whole American contest, as well as his own political fate and probably the duration of the ministry itself, expressed to his friends the strong- est uneasiness on the subject. The meet- ing of parliament stood fixed for the 27th of that month. On the 25th, the official intelligence of the unconditional surrender of the British forces of Yorktown, arrived at Lord Germain's house. Lord Walsing- ham, who, previous to his father, Sir Wil- liam de Grey's elevation to the peerage, had been under-secretary of state in that department, and who was to second the address in the house of lords, happened to be theie whet, the messenger brought the news. Without communicating it to any unofficial person, Lord George, for the purpose of dispatch, immediately got with him into a hackney-coacb. and drove to Lord Stormount's residence in Portland Place. Having imparted the disastrous informat'on to him, they determii ed, after a short consultation, to lay the ir> telligence themselves in person before Lord North, wiih what result has already been stated on the authority of a writer in Blackwood's Magazine. The next picture is that of a cabinet council in terror. When the first agitation had subsided, the four ministers discussed the question, whether it might not be ex- pedient to prorogue the meeting of parlia- ment for a few days ; but as scarcely an interval of forty-eight hours remained be- fore the appointed time of meeting, and as many members of both houses had arrived in London, or were on their way, the prop- osition was abandoned. It became, how- ever, indispensable to alter, and almost remodel, the king's speech. This was done without delay, and at the same time 60 CORNWALL1S' SURRENDER. Lord George, as secretary for the American department, sent off a dispatch to the king, then at Kew, acquainting him with Cormvallis's fate. One who was intimate in the circle of court actors and secrets at that time says : I dined that day at Lord George's, and although the information which had reached London in the course of the morn- ing from France, as well as from the offi- cial report, was of a nature not to admit of long concealment, yet it had not been communicated to me or any other individ- ual of the company when I got to Pall Mall, between five and six o'clock. Lord Walsingham, who also dined there, was then the only person, except Lord George, officially knowing to the fact. The party, nine in number, sat down to the table. I thought the master of the house appeared serious, though he manifested no discom- posure. Before dinner was over, a letter was brought from the king, by the messen- ger who had been dispatched to him with the startling intelligence. Lord Walsing- ham simply indulged in the observation : "The king writes just as he always docs, except that I perceive he has neglected to mark the hour and minute of his writing with his usual precision." This remark, though calculated to awaken some interest, excited no comment; and while the ladies, Lord George's three daughters, remained in the room, all manifestation of curiosity was repressed. But they had no sooner withdrawn, than Lord George having com- municated the fact that information had just arrived from Paris of the old Count Maurepas, first minister of the French cabinet, lying at the point of death, the remark was made by one of the party " It would grieve me to finish my career, however far advanced in years, were I first minister of France, before I had witnessed the termination of this great contest be- tween England and America." "He has survived to see that event," at once replied Lord George Germain, with some agitation. The conversation was continued, until, on the more particular mention of the Vir- ' ginia campaign, the minister disclosed the full bearing of the intelligence he had received, saying "The army has surrendered, and you may peruse the particulars of the capitula- tion in that paper." The paper was taken from his pocket, and read to the company. The next ques- tion was one of rather an obtrusive kind, to learn what the king thought on the subject. In reply to this, the minister's remark did the highest credit to his maj- esty's firmness, fortitude and consistency. The minister even allowed the king's bil- let to be read, and it was as follows : ' I have received, with sentiments of the deepest concern, the communication which Lord George Germain has made to me, of the unfortunate result of the operations to Virginia. I particularly lament it, on account of the consequences connected with it and the difficulties which it may produce in carrying on the public business, or in repairing such a misfortune. But I trust that neither Lord Germain, nor any other member of the cabinet, will suppose that it makes the smallest alteration in those principles of my conduct, which have di- rected me in the past time, which will al- ways continue to animate me under every event, in the prosecution of the present contest.' The cabinet, strengthened by the royal determination, now recovered courage ; they met parliament at the appointed time, and fought their battle there with unusual vigor. Perhaps in all the annals of sena- torial struggle, there never was a crisis which more powerfully displayed the talents of the Commons. Burke, Fox, and Pitt, were at once seen pouring down the whole fiery torrent of declamation on the government. But at all events, the success of the siege of Yorktown, it is generally under- stood, decided the revolutionary war. " The infant Hercules," said Dr. Franklin, "has now strangled the two serpents, that attacked him in his cradle." AH the world agree that no expedition was <:\er better planned or better executed. For the CORNWALLIS' SURRENDER. 61 " great glory and advantage " of Cornwal- lis's subjection, Washington afterwards acknowledged himself chiefly indebted to the French alliance. And in the proceed- ings of congress upon the matter, it was amongst other things: 'Resolved, that congress cause to be erected at Yorktown a marble column, adorned with emblems of the alliance between the United States and France, and inscribed with a succinct narrative of the siege, and capitulation.' Special thanks were also tendered by that body's vote, to each commander engaged in the siege ; and to Washington were presented two stands of colors taken from the enemy, and two pieces of field ordnance to Counts Rochambeau and de Grasse. Tha next day after the surrender -was the Sabbath, and Washington ordered special divine service in each of the brig- ades of the American army. He also by public proclamation congratulated the allied armies on the auspicious victory, awarding high praise to the officers and troops, both French and American, for their conduct during the siege, and speci- fying by name several of the generals and other officers who had especially distin- guished themselves. All those of his army who were under arrest were pardoned and set free. News of this glorious victory sped like lightning over the land. Washington dis- patched at once one of his aids, Colonel Tilghman, to congress, then sitting in Philadelphia. The swift rider dashed on a gallop into the city at midnight the clatter of his horse's hoofs the only sound that broke the silence of the deserted streets, as he pressed straight for the house of McKean, then president of congress. Thundering at the door as though he would force an entrance, he roused the sleeping president, saying, " Cornwallis is taken ! " The watchmen caught the words, and when they called " One o'clock," they added, "and Cornwallis is taken!" As they moved slowly on their nightly rounds, windows were flung open and eager coun- tenances were everywhere scanning the streets. A hum, like that of au awaken- ing hive, immediately pervaded the city. The inhabitants went pouring into the streets, while shout after shout rose on the midnight air. The old bellman was roused from his slumbers, and soon the iron tongue of the bell at the state-house rang out, as of old, " Proclaim liberty through- out all the land to all the inhabitants thereof." The dawn was greeted with the booming of cannon ; and salvos of artillery, and shouts of joy, and tears of thanksgiving, accompanied the glad news as it traveled exultingly over the length and breadth of the land. Every voice was loud in its praise of General Washington, and of his gallant ally, the Count de Rochambeau. It is stated as an interesting fact in the history of this great event and the charac- ter of the two chief commanders, that, on the day after the surrender, Cornwallis went in person to pay his respects to Gen- eral Washington and await his orders. The captive chief was received with all the courtesy due to a gallant and unfortunate foe. The elegant manners, together with the manly, frank, and soldierly bearing of Cornwallis, soon made him a prime favor- ite at head-quarters, and he often formed part of the suite of the commander-in- chief in his rides to inspect the leveling of the works previous to the retirement of the combined American and French armies from before Yorktown. At the grand din- ner given at the head-quarters to the offi- cers of the three armies, Washington filled his glass, and, after his favorite toast, whether in peace or war, of "All out 62 CORNWALLIS' SURRENDER. friends," gave " The British army," with some complimentary remarks upon its chief, his proud career in arms, and his gallant defense of Yorktown. When it came to Cornwallis's turn, he prefaced his toast by saying that the war was virtually at an end, and the contending parties' would soon embrace as friends ; there might be affairs of posts, but nothing on a more enlarged scale, as it was scarcely to be expected that the ministry would send another army to America. Then turning to Washington, his lordship con- tinued " And when the illustrious part that your excellency has borne in this long and arduous contest becomes matter of history, fame will gather your brightest laurels rather from the banks of the Delaware than from those of the Chesapeake." VI. ADIEU TO THE ARMY BY WASHINGTON. 1783. Affecting Interviews and Parting Words between the Great Chieftain and His Comrades-in-Arms. Solemn Farewell Audience with Congress. In Its Presence He Voluntarily Divests Himself of His Supreme Authority, Returns His Victorious Sword, and Becomes a Private Citizen. History of the Election of a Military Leader. America's Destiny in His Hands. Appointment of George Wash- ington The Army at Cambridge, Mass. He Immediately Takes Command. Is Enthusiastically Greeted. Leads Its Fortunes Seven Years. Record of His Generalship. Ends the War in Tri- umph. Scheme to Make Him King. Indignantly Rebukes the Proposal. Last Review of His Troops. His Strong Attachment for Them. Intention to Leave Public Life. Congress Informed of this Fact. Embarkation from New York. Homage Paid Him Everywhere Arrival at Annapo- lis. Proceeds to the Halls of Congress. Impressive Ceremonial There. Rare Event in Human History. Having now finished the work assigned me, I retire from the theater of action, and, bidding an offertionate farewell to thli augnit body t under whoie orders I have BO long acted. I here offer my commission, and UVe my leave of all the employments of public life."-Wism!