MC-NRLF
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PRIMARY
HISTORY OF THE UNITED STATES:
MADE EASY AND INTERESTING FOR BEGINNERS.
BY
G. P. QUACKEKBOS, A.M.,
PRINCIPAL OF "THE COLLEGIATE SCHOOL," N. Y. ; ATTTHOP. OP "ILLUSTRATED SCHOOL HISTORY OF
THE TJ. 6., M "A NATURAL PHILOSOPHY," "FIRST LESSONS IN COMPOSITION," "ADVANCED
COURSE OF COMPOSITION AND F.UETOEIC," ETC.
NEW YOEK:
D. APPLETON & COMPANY, 443 & 445 BROADWAY.
1867.
PEEFACE.
FIRST books, on any subject, should be simple and attractive. The beginner should
never be discouraged by words that he does not understand, or sentences of great length
and complicated structure. He should find his text-book interesting, and be won to
study by the pleasant trains of thought it suggests and charms of style and story. He
will otherwise be apt to conceive a dislike to the subject treated, and may feel the ill
effects of a bad beginning throughout his whole subsequent course of study.
These principles have been kept in view during the preparation of the present volume.
The author has here endeavored to present the history of our country so clearly that
it may be studied with profit at a very early age. In the belief that simplicity is quite
different from puerility, a clear style, a natural arrangement, and short sentences have
been aimed at, rather than childish expressions. Leading events are presented, but
without any repulsive array of minute details, dates, or figures.
We all know the fondness of the young for stories ; truthful anecdotes have there
fore been interspersed throughout. To please the eye, as well as awaken thought,
numerous engravings, designed with strict regard to historic truth, have been intro
duced. The form of a continuous narrative has been adopted as preferable for reading
purposes, but questions bringing out the leading facts are presented at the end of each
lesson, which may be used by the learner in preparing himself and by the teacher at
recitation.
It is hoped that this book will be found comprehensive and thorough, as well as easy
and interesting. The wants of Primary Schools have been particularly consulted in its
preparation. Used independently, it is believed that it will give a fair and correct idea
of our country s history ; when a more extended course is desired, it may with advantage
be followed by the author s " Illustrated School History of the United States".
NEW YORK, August 1, 18GO
ENTERED, according to Act of Congress, in the year 1SCO,
BY G. P. QUACKENBOS,
In the Clerk s Office of the District Court of the United States for the Southern District or
New York.
El~7
>
CONTENTS.
>-P
LESSOIf PAGE
I. Four Hundred Years ago, * v> yO .& / ."} 5
II. Christopher Columbus, . -^ i0 ($ ."| 7
III. The Discovery of America, ^\ /".) /"^ /C, <"C X . 11
IV. Later Voyages of Columbus. Cabot, (^ : /I"V -Tf 14
V.Balboa. Magellan. Cortez, . J f - ^ .J .% 17
VI. French Discoveries. De Soto, ; C) J? : fd ,*< 20
VII. The American Indians, f> $ f9 <$ & 24
VIII. The First Settlements, . Q f.J . Y< - : ^ 28
IX. Captain John Smith, ^ if /^f -^ ^ 31
X. The Virginia Colony, ; .;} .> .^j j- V ^ 35
XI. Dutch Settlements. Henry Hudson, ,X) /J ^/ 38
XII. The Pilgrim Fathers, .- .-) . .^ *t\ . 41
XIII. The Plymouth Colony, ft. & tt -^ . 44
XIV. Other New England Colonies, /^ <| ^? - 47
XV. Connecticut. The Pequod War, Q ^ . 50
XVI. Maryland. Delaware. New Jersey, /f ) . 53
XVII. King Philip s War v ^ |Q $ {Q !g> . 56
XVIII. Virginia. Indian Troubles. Bacon s Rebellion, fij . 60
XIX. Carolina. Pennsylvania, p A ) -^ ; . 63
XX. Indian Missions. French Explorers, f~^ -J . 67
XXI. King William s War, *ff Q & 7
XXII. Queen Anne s War. The South-west. Georgia founded, .. 72
XXIII. Washington s Expedition, . . .. ^ . . . 75
XXIV. French and Indian War. Braddock s Defeat, . . 78
XXV. Close of the French and Indian War, . . f . 81
XXVI. Troubles with the Governors, . ,. ..-. . 85
XXVII. Causes of the Revolution, . -.. .: ; . >i: . . 87
XXVIII. Commencement of the Revolution, . . * . 91
CONTENTS.
LESSON PAGE
XXIX. Capture of Ticondcroga. Ethan Allen, . . . ,95
XXX. Battle of Bunker Hill, ..... 98
XXXI. Invasion of Canada. Siege of Boston, . . loi
XXXII. Attack on Charleston. Declaration of Independence, . 104
XXXIII. Battle of Long Island, . . . . .108
XXXIV. Washington s Retreat. Trenton. Princeton, . . in
XXXV. Burgoyne s Campaign, . . . . .115
XXXVI. Brandy wine. Germantown. Valley Forge, . . 119
XXXVII. Monmouth. Wyoming. Movements in the South, . .122
XXXVIII. Paul Jones. Francis Marion, . . . . 125
XXXIX. Hanging Rock. Camden. Arnold s Treason, . . . 129
XL. King s Mountain. Cowpens. Guilford Court House, . . 133
XLI. Eutaw. Yorktown. Close of the Revolution, . . .136
XLII. Formation of a Constitution, . . 149
XLIII. Washington s Two Terms, . . . . .143
XLIV. John Adams. Thomas Jefferson, . . . 147
XLV. Jefferson s Second Term. James Madison, . . .151
XLVI. Battle of Tippecanoe. War with England, . 154
XLVII. Reverses on Land : Triumphs on the Ocean, . . .157
XL VIII. The War in the North-west, .... IGQ
XLIX. Pike s Expedition. Fort Stephenson. Lake Erie; . .163
L. Harrison s Invasion of Canada. Creek War, . . 166
LI. Close of the War of 1812, . . . . .171
LIT. James Monroe. John Quincy Adams, . . . 175
LIII. Andrew Jackson, ..... 178
LIV. Martin Van Buren. Harrison and Tyler, . . . 181
LV. James K. Polk. Mexican War, . . . .183
LVI. Taylor and Fillmore, . . . . .187
LVII. Franklin Pierce. James Buchanan, . . 189
PRIMARY HISTORY OF THE UNITED STATES.
The Western Continent.
The Eastern Continent.
LESSOR I.
FOUR IIUNDEED TEAES AGO.
1. The Eartli is round, like a ball. It contains two large divi
sions of land, called Continents. One lies in the east, and is called
the Eastern Continent. The other lies in the west, and is called
the Western Continent. These two continents are separated on one
side by the broad Atlantic Ocean, and on the other by the Pacific,
which is still broader. The map given above shows these conti
nents and oceans.
2. The United States, in which we live, is part of Xortli Amer
ica, and lies in the Western Continent. Europe, Asia, and Africa,
form the Eastern Continent. Those who want to go from one con-
FOUR HUNDRED YEARS AGO.
tinent to the other, have to sail many miles, across either the At
lantic or the Pacific.
3. Now, .our gallant sailors think nothing of making such a voy-
age. But there was a time when even the bravest were afraid to
venture far out upon the Ocean. Their vessels were not so large
or so well shaped as ours ; and they feared, if they went too far
away from land, they would never find the way back.
4. Four hundred years ago, men did not know so much about
the Earth as they do now. They thought that it was flat, instead
of round. They knew nothing of the Western Continent. They
were afraid of the broad ocean. They supposed that those who
kept sailing west would either reach the end of the Earth and fall
off, or meet with dreadful gales and whirlpools. Some thought that
the unknown waters to the west were filled with frightful monsters,
and that it was wicked to try to sail there. So they left the Atlan
tic mostly unexplored. The farthest land that was known towards
the west was the islands called the A-zores x , about 800 miles west
of Portugal.
5. Four hundred years ago, the land we inhabit looked very
different from what it now does. There were no great cities in it
then ; no large farms, with fields of waving grain ; no comfortable
houses, with smoke curling up from their chimney-tops ; no horses
or cattle in the meadows ; no fences, no bridges, no roads ; no
steamboats or sailing-vessels on the rivers ; no white men, to give
life to the whole.
6. In place of these, there were giant trees, thick woods, and
rolling prairies. Deer, bears, and wolves abounded. There were
fair streams, but no signs of life on them except the busy beaver.
Here and there was a rude hut, covered with bark or skins ; and
dark, half-naked figures stole through the tangled brush-wood.
FOUR HUNDRED YEARS AGO.
7. And what lias so changed the appearance of the country ?
Its discovery by Europeans. They found it a fruitful and pleasant
land. They came over to it in great numbers. They cut down
the woods, laid out farms, tilled the soil, and built villages and
cities. They made the wilderness blossom like the rose.
8. But the Western Continent might have remained unknown
to Europeans till this day, had it not been for the genius of one
man. That great man, the discoverer of America, was Christopher
Columbus.
QUESTIONS. 1. What is the shape of the Earth ? What does it contain ? What are
the two continents called ? How are they separated ? Point to them on the Map.
2. Where does the United States lie ? What countries form the Eastern Continent ?
How can a person go from one continent to the other? 3. In old times, what did
people think of a voyage- across the ocean? 4. What did people think about the shape
of the Earth, four hundred years ago? What did they think would happen to those
who kept sailing west ? What was the farthest land known towards the west ? 5. What
are found in this country now, that were not here four hundred years ago? 6. Describe
this country, as it then looked. 7. What has so changed the appearance of our country ?
What have European settlers done ? 8. To whom is the world indebted for the discovery
of America ?
.
LESSOR II.
CHRISTOPHER COLUMBUS.
1. Columbus was born at Gen -o-a, in Italy, a country of Eu
rope. His parents were poor, but had him well taught. At an
early age he went to sea, and visited various countries. On one
occasion, the ship on which he served took fire, and he had to
throw himself into the sea and swim for his life.
2. After making many voyages, Columbus became convinced
that the Earth was round, and that by sailing west he would finally
8 CHRISTOPHER COLUMBUS. [HT4
reach land. If you mark an orange, and place your finger on the
opposite side of it, you will reach the mark whichever way you
carry your finger round. So Columbus thought that by sailing
west he would arrive at Asia, just as certainly as he would by
going east. He knew nothing of the Western Continent ; but he
supposed that Asia extended much farther east than it does, and
he determined to try to reach it by launching out on the unex
plored ocean.
3. The Azores, as we have said, were the most westerly land
known at that day. Now, after a. .violent west wind, trees torn up
by the roots were sometimes washed on these islands. The bodies
of two men, very different in appearance from the people of Europe
and Africa, had also been thrown there. These facts confirmed
Columbus in his belief, and made him still more anxious to set out
on a voyage of discovery.
4. But where was he to get the means ? He was ;poor, and had
no ships of his own. He could only lay his plans before the differ
ent powers of Europe, and beg their aid. First he tried his coun
trymen, the Genoese, but without success. Then he went to Por
tugal. The King of this country listened to his arguments ; but,
wishing to have the honor of the discovery all to himself, he basely
deceived Columbus, and sent out a vessel on the proposed course
under another commander. The expedition, however, failed, as it
deserved to do.
5. Columbus next turned to Spain, which was then ruled by
the famous Ferdinand and his wife Isabella. He had by this time
become so poor that on his way to the court he had to beg for bread
for himself and his little son. On his arrival, he found the King
and Queen engaged in a great war with the Moors. They had no
time to listen to a poor sailor whom every one laughed at. Still
I486]
COLUMBUS BEFORE THE COUNCIL.
Columbus would not give up. Full of his great idea, lie waited for
a more favorable time, supporting himself by making maps and
charts.
6. At last he obtained the ear of Ferdinand, and pleaded his
cause so earnestly that he almost convinced the King. But the
long war had exhausted the royal treasury, and money was x too
scarce to be risked on an uncertainty. So Ferdinand resolved to
take the advice of the wise men of his kingdom. Columbus ap
peared before them at Salamanca, to unfold his cherished plan.
Here you see him arguing before the council.
Y. But the wise men of Spain could not believe that a poor
10 CHRISTOPHER COLUMBUS. [1191
sailor knew more than they did. How, they asked, could the Earth
be round ? If it were, then on the opposite side the rain would fall
upward ; trees would grow with their branches down ; and every
thing would be topsy-turvy. Objects on its surface would certainly
fall off the opposite side ; and, if a ship by sailing west got around
there, it would never be able to climb up the side of the Earth and
get back again. How could a ship sail up hill ?
8. Such was the reasoning of the wise men. By their advice,
the King refused to furnish Columbus the ships he wanted. Who
can describe his disappointment, after waiting so many years?
There was yet one chance. Perhaps Queen Isabella would listen
to him with more favor. He obtained an interview with her.
Alas ! she too was persuaded to refuse him.
9. Almost in despair, Columbus was on the point of quitting
Spain forever, when a message from Isabella recalled him to court,
with the glad tidings that the Queen had changed her mind. She
had determined to fit out three vessels for the enterprise, even if she
had to pledge her jewels to raise the necessary money.
QUESTIONS. I. "Where was Columbus born ? What is said of his parents ? What
did he do at an early age ? What accident befell him ? 2. After making many voyages,
of what did Columbus become convinced ? What did he suppose with respect to Asia ?
3. What confirmed Columbus in his belief that the Earth was round? What was he
anxious to do? 4. Why did not Columbus set out at once on his voyage? To whom
did he first apply for ships ? Where did he then go ? What did the King of Portugal
do ? 5. Where did Columbus next go ? By whom was Spain then ruled ? What was
the condition of Columbus at this time ? In what did he find the King and Queen en
gaged ? What was the consequence ? 6. At last, with whom did he obtain an interview ?
What was the result? 7. What was the opinion of the wise men of Spain? Mention
some of their arguments. 8. What conclusion did the King come to ? What chance yet
remained? What answer did Queen Isabella first make? 9. What happened just as
Columbus was about leaving Spain ? How many vessels did the Queen promise him ?
U92]
DEPARTUKE OF COLUMBUS.
11 .
<
LESSOR III.
THE DISCOVEKY OP AMEEICA.
1. Here is a picture of a ship in the time of Columbus. It looks
quite different from a ship of the
present day. The hull is much
higher out of the water than that
of modern ships, and not so sharp
in front. The rigging, too, is
different. You see a little round
box near the top of the central
mast. Here a sailor was sta
tioned to keep a look-out ; and
in battle men were placed there
to shoot those who appeared on
the enemy s deck.
2. With three such ships, two
of which had no decks, Colum
bus set out on his voyage of dis
covery. So dangerous was it
considered, that he could hardly
get sailors enough to man his
vessels. At last ninety men
were obtained, and with these he
sailed from Palos [pah -los], a
Spanish port, on the 3d of August, 1492. Columbus was now fifty-
seven years old.
3. After stopping at the Canary Islands, to repair one of their
vessels, Columbus and his men stood out boldly to the west on the
12 DISCOVERY OF AMERICA. [1192
great ocean. Day after day they kept on their course, with nothing
in sight but the sky and the sea. The sailors looked ont anxiously
for land ; but, as none appeared, they became terribly frightened,
and wanted to turn back. This Columbus would not do. He set
before them the glory they would gain if they succeeded, and
the anger of Queen Isabella if they should return contrary to his
wishes. But, as time wore on, they became more and more alarm
ed. They feared they would never find the way home. They even
talked of throwing Columbus overboard, and taking the ship back
to Spain themselves.
4. At last Columbus had to promise that if land was not dis
covered within three days he would return. How anxiously he
watched during that time, and how high his heart beat with hope
when signs of land actually appeared ! The water grew shallower.
Flocks of little birds came round the vessels. A branch bearing
fresh berries was found floating on the sea. A close watch was
kept. Two hours after midnight, on the 12th of October, a joyful
cry of Land ! Land ! was heard from one of the vessels. It was
echoed on the others. The sailors were now frantic with delight.
They were ready to worship Columbus, whom a little while before
they had talked of throwing into the sea.
5. When day dawned, the land was plainly seen. A pleasant
land it was. There were gay flowers, and tall trees with leaves and
fruit such as they had never seen before. On the shore were un
clad copper-colored men, gazing in wonder at the Spanish ships.
They took the ships for great birds, the white sails for their wings,
and the Spaniards for superior beings brought down from Heaven
on their backs.
6. Columbus and his men hastened to land. Kneeling, they
kissed the earth, and returned thanks for their successful voyage.
1492] THE RETURN TOY AGE. 13
Then Columbus took possession of the country in the name of the
King and Queen of Spain.
7. The land thus discovered was one of the Ba-ha -ma Islands,
in the Atlantic Ocean, between North and South America. He
named it San Sal -va-dor. Thinking that he was now in the East
Indies, he called the natives INDIANS. All the islands of this region
are still known as the "West Indies.
8. Columbus soon left San Salvador, to make further discover
ies, in the course of which he touched at Cu -ba and Haiti \i -te\.
At the latter island he lost one of his ships, and left some of his
men as a colony. After collecting specimens of the productions,
and inducing several of the natives to embark with him, he set out
to retrace his course to Spain.
9. On the return voyage, a terrific storm arose. Fearing ship
wreck, Columbus wrote an account of his discoveries, and sealed it
up in a cask, which he threw into the sea, hoping that if he and
his men were lost it would be picked up and made known to the
world. But it was not God s will that he should perish thus. His
ships, though shattered, brought him safe to port. He landed
amid the firing of cannon, and hastened to bear the news of his
success to Ferdinand and Isabella. Thousands crowded around
him on his journey to court. The streets and windows were lined
with people, and the Indians he had brought with him were looked
at with as much wonder as if they had come from the moon. "With
no less wonder did they gaze at the strange scenes about them.
10. Remember the date of the discovery of America* October
12, 1492.
QUESTIONS. 1. How did a ship of Columbus s time differ from one of the present
day? For what was the round box on the mast used? 2. With how many ships did
Columbus set out ? What was thought of the voyage ? How many men were obtained ?
14 LATER VOYAGES OF COLUMBUS. [1493
From what port, and when, did Columbus sail ? How old was he ? 3. Where did Colum
bus stop for repairs ? When his men had been some days out, how did they begin to
feel? What did they even talk of doing? 4. What promise did Columbus have to
make ? What signs of land soon appeared ? When was land discovered ? How did
the sailors now feel? 5. Describe the land, as it appeared at daylight. What were seen
on the shore ? What did the natives take the ships to be ? 6. Give an account of the
landing of Columbus. 7. What was the land thus discovered ? What name did Colum
bus give it ? What did he call the natives, and why ? What are the islands of this re
gion still called ? 8. What islands were next discovered by Columbus ? What occurred
at Haiti? What did Columbus take with him on his return? 9. What took place on
the return voyage ? What precautions did Columbus take ? What was the result of
the storm? How were Columbus and his companions received? 10. What was the date
of the discovery of America?
LESSOR IV.
LATEE VOYAGES OP COLUMBUS. CABOT.
1. The news of Columbus s discovery threw all Europe into ex
citement. "Wonderful stones were told about the new land in the
west. Many believed that gold grew on the trees, and that dia
monds were as common there as stones in other countries. Those
who had before laughed at Columbus, now thought that their for
tunes, would be made if they could only get to the land he had dis
covered. " To the west ! To the west ! " was the cry of every bold
navigator that could fit out a vessel.
2. Columbus himself made three more voyages to the western
world. On his third voyage, in 1498, he first reached the main
land, near the mouth of the O-ri-no -co, in South America.
3. Meanwhile murmurs arose among those he had brought out,
because they did not find gold so plenty as they had expected.
The enemies of Columbus, too, spread false reports about him in
Spain. Moved by these stories, and forgetting all he had done, the
1513] DISCOVERY OF THE PACIFIC. 17
~7~
LESSOR V.
BALBOA. MAGELLAN.- COETEZ.
1. The Pacific Ocean was discovered in 1513 by Bal-bo -a, gov
ernor of a Spanish settlement on the Isthmus of Darien. Hearing
of a vast body of water to the south, he raised about two hundred
men, and with native guides set out to reach it. Balboa and his
men wore heavy armor, and could hardly make their way through
the pathless forests and over rocks and mountains. A fierce tribe
of Indians opposed their progress ; but, defeating these with the aid
of their fire-arms and bloodhounds, they pushed on. Many, how
ever, had to stop by the way from sickness and fatigue ; and with
less than half of his party Balboa found himself ascending the peak
from the top of which the guides said that the great water could be
seen.
2. When near the top, Balboa ordered his men to halt, and
climbed alone to the summit. There he saw the mighty Pacific
rolling away as far as eye could reach. His first act was to thank
God for the discovery. He afterwards descended to the shore, and,
with his sword in one hand and his country s flag in the other,
wading out knee-deep into the water, took possession of it in the
name of the King of Spain, and declared that he would defend it
with his arms.
3. Pacific means peaceful. The ocean discovered by Balboa
received this name on account of its freedom from storms compared
with the Atlantic. It was so called by Ma-gel -lan, a Portuguese,
who was the first to sail a ship on its waters. He entered it through
a strait at the south of South America, since called from him the
Strait of Magellan.
MAGELLAN.
[1521
4. Magellan lost liis life on this voyage. One of his ships, how
ever, continued to sail west, rounded the Cape of Good Hope, and
Balboa taking possession of the Pacific Ocean.
reached home after an absence of three years. This was the first
vessel that ever sailed round the globe. What did this voyage
prove respecting the shape of the earth ?
5. Next followed the conquest of Mexico, in 1519. Mexico was
a vast empire. Its people were far more civilized than the natives
in other parts of North America. They had laws and courts of
1519] CONQUEST OF MEXICO.
19
justice, public schools, splendid temples, and large cities. They
tilled the ground, worked their rich mines of gold and silver, and
were acquainted with many of the arts and sciences. Their Empe
ror lived in a magnificent palace in the city of Mexico. He was
waited on by six hundred nobles. His dishes and goblets were of
gold. He called himself lord of the whole world, and made the
neighboring tribes pay him tribute. The Mexicans did not worship
the true God, but bowed down to idols of wood and stone. To these
false gods they cruelly sacrificed the captives that they took in war.
6. The Spaniards, who were now quite numerous in Cuba and
the neighboring islands, heard of this rich empire, and resolved to
conquer it. They raised about six hundred men, and placed at
their head a brave but cruel man named Cortez. Sixteen of the
party had horses, and a few were armed with muskets. The rest