University of Virginia Library

I. PART I.

I. GENERAL INTRODUCTORY HISTORY.

1492-1687.

CHAPTER I.

AMERICA ANTERIOR TO COLUMBUS.

Up to the close of the fifteenth century the vast continent
of America was wholly unknown to European nations. How
painful is the reflection, that previous to the discovery by
Columbus, this great Western World is destitute of history
or chronology! That it was inhabited centuries ago, by a
people far superior to the uncivilized Red Man, found here
by the Europeans, the evidences are too strong to admit the
shadow of a doubt. We trace them in their vast and mysterious
monumental remains, stretching from the far North to
the extreme South; from the Atlantic on the East to the Pacific
on the West.

But who were they? Whence came and whither went that
race? Contemporary history furnishes no aid, for they were
isolated from all the world beside. Alas, they have faded
from the earth without leaving a vestige of their history behind:
the remembrance of their deeds lives not even in tradition
nor legendary song. One by one, they have, as a
nation, risen, flourished and disappeared, beyond the remotest
memory of man, with all their greatness, their glory

and their pride. The beautiful apostrophe of Campbell, to
a mummy in Belzoni's collection, frail relic of a once noble
and intellectual being, can with much truth be applied to
the ancients of America,—

Phœnician, Scandinavian, British and Danish tradition,
separately lay claim to an early acquaintance with the Western
Continent; but their accounts are equally vague and
hypothetical, and for all historical purposes, entitled to but
little consideration. As to the Sagas of the Icelanders and
Norwegians, about which so much has recently been written,
we must receive them with every degree of caution, since they
come to us in such a dreamy and unsatisfactory manner as to
render them almost useless for the purpose of the historian.
But, it is not our wish at this time, to enter into an inquiry
upon the highly interesting subject of American Antiquities.
At another time, and in another place, we may take occasion
to refer to this matter more in detail.

As to the discovery and settlement of the continent anterior
to Columbus, the character and limits of a work like this
would preclude the possibility of saying much. It is enough
at this time, to know that these immense regions were laid
open to European enterprise by the genius and energy of that
illustrious navigator. To him is due the credit of bringing
to light a new continent, and changing the whole current of
affairs on the old. Columbus, it is believed, availed himself
of no information touching a former discovery.[1] He knew
nothing, it is asserted, either of the attempt, or alleged success
of the Northmen. His frail barks ploughed the uncharted
seas through which ships had never moved. His men despaired,
but Columbus never lost confidence of success. "He
never spoke in doubt or hesitation, but with as much certainty
as if his eye had beheld the promised land."[2]

Who can contemplate the greatness and character of the
services conferred upon mankind by this single achievement
of the Genoese Navigator, without feeling lost in the grand
scale of future probabilities?

Who can say what will be its ultimate influence upon the
various nations of the earth? Who can estimate the extent
and incalculable advantages it has already conferred on the
Western hemisphere? The primeval wilderness, filled with
fierce beasts and savage man, has become the chosen abode
of more than twenty millions of freemen; the seat of vast
Commonwealths, blessed with the joys, the comforts and the
arts of civilized life, in all their shapes and varieties of refined
intellectual existence.

COLUMBUS. FROM A PORTRAIT BY PARMEGIANO.

CHAPTER II.

EARLY ENGLISH DISCOVERIES.

Before entering upon the subject of our local history, it may
not be amiss to glance briefly at the earliest successive efforts
of monarchs, adventurers, and discoverers to colonize the
Western Hemisphere. It is not proposed to notice, in detail,
the progress of cis-Atlantic discovery, as that belongs more
appropriately to a History of the United States. We may
with justice and propriety, however, claim to occupy a brief
space in a preliminary survey of the efforts of France and
England to effect footholds on the North American continent.
This we deem essential to a proper elucidation of our subject,
as most of the difficulties encountered by the people of the
western parts of Virginia and Pennsylvania, undoubtedly
grew out of the contending claims of those two powers for
supremacy in the west. The earliest English claim to sovereignty
in this country was based upon the discoveries of
John and Sebastian Cabot, father and son, who, acting under
a commission from Henry the Seventh, to "sail in the Eastern,
Western, and Northern Seas, to search for continents,
islands, or regions hitherto unseen by Christian people," and
to plant the flag of Britain upon any country thus discovered.
Sailing with these instructions, they discovered the continent
of North America near Labrador, on the 24th of January,
1497. Running along the whole extent of our coast,

from the 38th to the 67th degree of North latitude,
these English adventurers took possession of the country in
the name of that monarch, with the privilege of holding it to
the exclusion of all other persons. This patent, embodying
as it did the very "worst features of colonial monopoly," was
abrogated in the following year, and a new one, breathing a
more enlightened spirit, issued in the name of John Cabot.
Under this new grant extensive explorations were made by
Sebastian Cabot, one of the most distinguished navigators of
his age. Great, however, as were these discoveries, but little
was done by the British Crown, during the next half century,
to take formal possession, by actual settlement, of the newly
acquired regions.

The first Tudor, so happily described as

could see no propriety in diminishing the number of his subjects
at home by sending them to distant climes; while Henry
VIII., and his celebrated minister, Cardinal Wolsey, had
quite enough to attend to, without allowing them either time,
means, or inclination, to fish up continents from the "vasty
deep," or "annex" unexplored provinces, peopled by savages,
who had never heard of Harry, Luther, or Pope Clement VII.

It was not, indeed, until the splendid conquests of the
Spaniards in the West Indies, Mexico, and South America
had excited the cupidity of Elizabeth, that any effectual
attempts, on the part of Britain, at further exploration or
colonization were made.

In 1578, the attention of the English govern-

ment was directed to the importance of colonization,
by Sir Walter Raleigh, whose genius and enterprise were equal
to any undertaking. He procured a patent for Sir Humphrey
Gilbert, (half brother of Raleigh) who, in 1583, at-
tempted a settlement upon the sterile coast of New
Foundland; but, of course, was compelled to abandon it as
wholly unsuitable for an English colony. A second expedition
was fitted out in 1584, under a direct grant
to Raleigh himself. This expedition sailed under
the auspices of Sir Richard Grenville, a near relative of Sir
Walter. It consisted of two small vessels, commanded by
experienced officers, and sailed from London in April of that
year. In July, a landing was effected on an inlet of North
Carolina, (Wocoken, supposed to be the present Ocracock.[7] )
Here the party remained until September, when, becoming discouraged
by reverses and disappointments incident to a settlement
in an unbroken wilderness, they sailed for home,
taking with them two natives, Manteo and Wanchese.

On their return, they gave the most glowing description of
the country visited, representing it as a region where nature
appeared clothed with the most brilliant colors, and abounded
in fruit, game, fish, &c.

A third expedition was at once determined upon, and fitted
out with the least practicable delay. It sailed under the
broad pennant of Sir Richard Grenville, and reached Roanoke
about the middle of June (1585). Out of this expedition,
one hundred and eight men were left on the island, (Roanoke)
with a supply of provisions for two years.

The new colonists embraced some of the most energetic and
vigorous-minded men who had yet left the mother country.

Sir Richard, having appointed Ralph Lane, Governor of
the Colony, returned to England. By this expedition, Manteo
was restored to his friends, and became invaluable to the
colonists as guide and interpreter.

A year's residence, however, in the unbroken solitudes of
the New World, proved quite enough to cool the ardor of the
colonists, and make them determine to leave by the first opportunity.
They had no idea of being longer made instrumental
in extending the "area of freedom." Shortly after,
(1586) Sir Francis Drake arrived with his fleet, and despite
his entreaties every soul left for England.

Scarcely had the colonists departed, when Sir Walter
Raleigh,[8] in company with Sir R. Grenville, Hariot, Cavendish,

and other distinguished men, arrived at Roanoke. Sir
Walter Raleigh was greatly disappointed and chagrined at
the failure of their favorite scheme. Not discouraged, however,
he succeeded in persuading fifteen men to remain on
the island, while he returned home, and sent out (1587) a
new expedition, under the command of Captain John White.
On reaching Virginia, a party was sent to hunt up the men
left on the island, but all was silent as the grave; naught,
save the whitening bones of a single victim, gave any clue to
their melancholy fate. All, it is supposed, fell a prey to
savage cruelty.

White was made governor of the colony, and was assisted
by twelve councillors. One of these (Annaias Dare) was
White's son-in-law, and shortly after the arrival of the little
band of colonists, was signalized an event not unworthy of
note in the early annals of Virginia,—that event was nothing
less, than the birth of the first white child in North
America.[9]

White having, as he supposed, comfortably secured the
emigrants, returned to England, with the view of making
further arrangements for increasing the little

colony, and promoting the interests of those left
behind.

White found on his return, the government and people full
of anxious solicitude to meet the threatened Spanish invasion.
But Raleigh, true to his purpose of securing a per-

manent settlement in Virginia, despatched White with
two ships of supplies for the relief of the colonists. Instead
of proceeding at once to the colony, White engaged in capturing
Spanish prizes, until at last overcome, he lost all, and was
compelled to return to England, to the great chagrin and disappointment
of his noble and generous friend and patron.

"The Invincible Armada of Spain" had to be overcome,
and the safety of England herself secured, before another
effort could be made to succor the colony at Roanoke.

It was not until another year had passed, that White could
be sent in aid of the colonists. On arriving at the

seat of the colony, what was his alarm to find, as the
only vestige of his people, a vague inscription pointing to
Croatan as the place to which they had gone.

The fate of the colonists has never been satisfactorily ascertained.
The presumption is, they all fell victims to savage
power. Some have indulged the idea that they amalgamated
with the Hatteras Indians; but while humanity may dictate
such a hope, "credulity must entertain a doubt of the truth
of the hypothesis."

White soon after returned to England, in hopeless despair
of ever hearing again from his hapless friends or unfortunate
daughter.

Sir Walter is said to have sent several times in search
of his "liege men," but nothing satisfactory was ever ascertained.

Sir Walter, having forfeited his patent by attainder,
James the First granted a new patent for all our territory,
from the 34th to the 45th degree, under the general name of
Virginia; a name previously conferred by Elizabeth in reference
to her own unmarried state. The South Virginia division
extended from Cape Hatteras to New York, and the
first colonization of the new patentees was made at Jamestown,
on James' river, May 13th, 1607.

The settlement of Jamestown, has by some, and with much
truth, been termed the most important event since the era of
the Reformation. Who can properly estimate the ultimate
influence it is destined to exercise upon the future history of
the world?

Within the entire range of recorded history, we know
of no more grand and imposing spectacle than the landing
of that little band of hardy pilgrims, with the determination,

come weal or woe, to plant then and there, a colony
that should be self-sustaining and self-relying.

The heroic Smith and his resolute companions then,[13] laid
broad and deep the corner stone, upon which has since been
reared the proud temple of American Liberty. Aye, those
men, seeking homes in the wilderness of the West, unconsciously
planted the germ of a nation that was destined to spring
forth in the fulness of its strength, and startling the tyrants
of Europe in their seats of power, cause them to feel that the
"divine right" no longer existed—that the young giant of
the West had inflicted a blow which shook the foundations
of their very thrones. Great have been the regrets of
Britain[14] at the success of the "American experiment;" but
all such regrets will be more futile than even her efforts
to roll back the flame of freedom, or check its mounting to
meridian splendor! The fabric which has grown from the
plantation of the colonies at Jamestown, at Plymouth, on the
Island of Manhattan, on the banks of the Mississippi, and
along the borders of our great inland seas, now stands the
mark and model, the admiration and wonder of the world!
The vicissitudes of five and seventy years, while they have
shaken down the pillars of most of the corrupt monarchies
of earth, have but proven to mankind the indestructible material
of the plain temple of Republican Freedom.

Of the gallant Captain Smith, the most devoted of the
chivalrous spirits at Jamestown, it might be expected we
would say something. In consequence, however, of our
circumscribed limits, we can only add, that his accomplished
address, great skill, consummate bravery, indomitable courage,
and devoted patriotism, mark him as one of the first men
of his age. The story of his captivity by the Indians—his
trial, condemnation and preparation for death—his timely

rescue by the beautiful Indian girl Pochahontas, who threw
herself upon his person, and averted the blow of the savage—
one of the most remarkable instances of true philanthropy
upon record—is too familiar to all readers of American
history, to be given here. Suffice it, that Smith was the
master spirit of the colony; and to his discriminating judgment,
keen sense of right and wrong, and his enlightened
policy towards the Indians, may be ascribed the fact, that
the little band of adventurers did not share a fate similar to
that of the unfortunate colonists of Roanoke.

CAPTAIN JOHN SMITH.

CHAPTER III.

EARLY FRENCH DISCOVERIES.

France, with her characteristic spirit of enterprise, could
not long remain inactive when other maritime nations were
extending their dominion, and explorations throughout the
vast field laid open by Columbus. At a very early day she
discovered the importance of the Northern fisheries. In 1524
John Verrazzani a Florentine mariner, while sailing under a
commission from Francis the First, ranged the coast of North
America from Wilmington, North Carolina, to the 50th degree
of North latitude. He landed at several points, and called
the country New France, and this constituted the claim of
France to her American possessions. In 1534 a new expedition
was fitted out, commanded by James Cartier,

who was the first European to penetrate the river
St. Lawrence, and give an intelligent description of the country.
After sailing up that river until he could "see land on
both sides," which he claimed and declared French territory,
Cartier returned to France, and gave such a glowing description
of the newly discovered regions, as to induce Francis I.
to take immediate steps for farther exploration and colonization.
Accordingly, three ships, well manned and provided,
set sail, and on the tenth of August, 1535,
came in sight of the St. Lawrence, in commemoration
of which fact Cartier named the bay and river
after that martyr. Ascending the river, he discovered the
island of Montreal. Leaving his fleet, he visited an Indian
village on the lower part of the island, called by them
Hochelaga. After a short stay, Cartier made his way to the
summit of a rugged mountain, which his guide had informed
him commanded a view of the adjacent country. With much
difficulty he reached the top, and emerging from a dense
forest upon a bluff, rocky point, a prospect burst upon the
astonished and delighted Frenchman, which it would be vain
to attempt to describe. Hundreds of feet beneath, and
stretching around for miles, lay the sylvan landscape in all
its wild luxuriance of summer clothing, slightly variegated by
the first tinge of early autumn. The clear, sparkling waters
of the St. Lawrence wound along in the distance like cords
of silver, presenting a scene such as he had never before witnessed.
Enraptured with the prospect before him, and filled
with anticipations of its future glory, he named it Montreal.
Erecting a cross bearing the arms of France, and an inscription
declaring Francis I. to be the sovereign of the territory,
he returned to his fleet, and soon after sailed for home.

Intestinal feuds, with a variety of other causes, prevented
anything farther being done for more than half a century. In
1608, one year after the founding of Jamestown, Admiral
Champlain was sent out at the head of another expedition.
In the same year he founded Quebec, and associating with
him a party of Hurons and Algonquins, traversed the wilds
of that Northern region, penetrating to the beautiful lake
which now bears his name, where he spent the winter.

He subsequently erected the castle of St. Louis at Quebec,
thus establishing the authority of France in the New World.
French emigrants continued to arrive, and the dominion of
France to increase, until her influence was felt and extended
from the St. Lawrence to the Gulf of Mexico.

Many of those who thus forsook their pleasant homes on
the banks of the Seine, were missionaries of the Cross; who
not content to settle down with their friends on the shores of
the St. Lawrence, pushed forward into the wilderness, in the
sacred discharge of their religious trusts. With the Bible in
one hand and a cross in the other, they threaded the sombre
shade of those dark old woods; and often with a bowlder of

granite for a footstool, and the eternal cataracts thundering
amid the everlasting solitudes, for an organ, those devout men,
preached to the unlettered children of the forest, of "Christ
crucified" that they might live.

Among those who thus went abroad in the sacred character
of missionary, was Father Marquette, a recollect Monk. He
had heard from the simple-minded natives of an "endless
river" in the far West, which came from,—they knew not
where; and went,—they knew not whither. Strongly impressed
with a belief, common at that day, that a passage
could be effected by water, to the Pacific, he determined to
undertake an expedition to the West. Accordingly,

in company with an Indian trader named Joliet, in
the year 1668, he proceeded to St. Mary's, and was there
joined by Allouez, a Jesuit Missionary, of many years intercourse
with the natives. These three, with an Indian for
a guide, paddled their light pirouge over the restless waters
of Lake Michigan, and effected a landing upon its western
shore. Marquette was perfectly fascinated with the great
beauty of the country,—the fertility of its soil, and grandeur
of its scenery. Pushing on into the wilderness, the devout
Missionary, lit up at the council fires of wondering natives,
the sacred torch of the Christian's faith. Reaching at last,
the waters of a considerable stream, (Wisconsin) they descended
it, and on the morning of the 17th of June, 1673,
discovered the great Father of Waters, which afforded them
"joy," says Marquette, "that I cannot express." Kneeling
down on the banks of that ancient river, they returned thanks;
and thus went up the first white man's prayer, that ever broke
the silence of those solitary wilds. Descending the Mississippi
to the mouth of the Arkansas, and satisfying themselves
that it emptied into the Gulf of Mexico, they retraced their
steps to the Illinois, thence up that river and across to where
Chicago now stands. Here Marquette concluded to
remain and preach to the Indians, while Joliet proceeded
to Green Bay and gave information of the discovery.
Continuing for a time to preach to the simple-minded natives,
Marquette finally sailed for Mackinaw, but putting
into a small river in Michigan, which still bears his
name, went ashore, and desired that he might not be disturbed
for half an hour. Erecting a rude altar on that lonely beach,
he "knelt down by its side, and sank to sleep, to wake no
more." Becoming uneasy at his long absence, search was
made, and he was found as described. His companions buried
him on the spot where he had breathed his last; a "light
breeze from the Lake sighed his requiem, and the Algonquin
nation became his mourners."

Thus died the discoverer of the Upper Mississippi. His
was the first white man's grave ever dug in the magnificent
solitudes of the Great West; which were yet to repose in the
slumber of ages ere they should be trodden by the footsteps
of civilization.

The discoveries of Marquette, although permitted to slumber
for a season, were the means of inducing M. de la Salle,
commandant at Fort Frontenac, now Kingston, to undertake,
in 1679, a second expedition to the West. In company with
Father Hennepin, a Monk of the Order of Franciscan, and
thirty-four men, he set sail in a small vessel of forty tons,
named the "Griffin,"—the first of its class that ever ploughed
the waves of our great Northern Lakes. What a world of
thought is called up by the recital of this simple fact! The
birchen canoe of the simple-hearted native, and the miniature
ship of La Salle, have been multiplied by the magic wand of
commerce, until those vast inland seas have become literally
white with sails, and their waters murmur with the rush of
keels. Prosperous cities, like sea sybils with their `tiara of
proud towers,' now occupy the shores of those then desolate
lakes; while a population of millions, blessed with all the arts
and refinements of civilized life, throng their borders of many
thousand miles.

La Salle having reached the mouth of Chicago river, disembarked,
and crossing the country, descended the Illinois

river to near where Peoria now stands. He there erected a
fort which in the bitterness of his heart he called Creve Cœur,
(broken heart) chiefly on account of the hopeless difficulties
which beset him. Having completed his fort, and despatched
Hennepin to explore the country north, La Salle returned
to Frontenac for additional men and means. Hennepin struck
across the country to the Mississippi, and ascended above the
falls, to which he gave the name St. Anthony. Hennepin
afterwards claimed to have discovered the source of the Mississippi.

La Salle rejoined his companions (1682) and building a
small vessel, sailed down the Mississippi "to the sea." He
called the country Louisiana, in honor of his sovereign, Louis
XIV.

On returning, a portion of the company were left at Cahokia,
Kaskaskia, &c., where, for a time, flourished luxuriantly,
the snow-white lily, opening its fragrant beauties to the enraptured
gaze of tawny savages.

La Salle made his way back to Canada, thence sailed for
France; and on a subsequent visit to the mouth of

the Mississippi, was assassinated by one of his own
company.

We have thus endeavored to present, in a succinct form,
some of the principal events connected with the early movements
and discoveries of the French, on the continent of
North America. This has been deemed necessary, in order
the more fully to elucidate some of the points of history
upon which we shall have occasion to touch in the progress
of our inquiry.