Jan. 22—A disastrous enterprise at Frenchtown (now Monroe, Mich.) results in the loss of nearly 900 American troops under Winchester. The wounded were left by Gen. Proctor, the British commander, to be massacred by the Indians.
” 23—Geo. Clymer, of Pa., signer of the Declaration of Independence, died.
” 26—An act of Congress authorizes the President to borrow $16,000,000.
” 27—He is authorized to issue Treasury notes to the amount of $5,000,000.
Feb. 24—The Hornet captures the British brig Peacock, on the coast of South America.
The Delaware and Chesapeake bays are blockaded by the British about this time.
Mar. 4—Madison is inaugurated for his second term.
” 8—The emperor of Russia having offered his services as mediator between the United States and England, the President appoints commissioners to treat for peace.
Apr. 10—The British attack Lewiston, Del., but are repulsed after having bombarded it several days.
” 27—Americans under Gen. Pike, capture York, Upper Canada, with a large quantity of stores. Gen. Pike is killed.
May 1—The British Gen. Proctor besieges Gen. Harrison in Fort Meigs.
” 5—Gen. Clay coming to his assistance Proctor retreats. Col. Dudley, making a sortie from Ft. Meigs, is drawn into an ambuscade and loses 650 men. He is himself mortally wounded.
The British Admiral Cockburn barbarously ravages the shores of Chesapeake bay.
” 27—Ft. George, at Niagara, surrenders to the Americans, and Sir Geo. Prevost is repulsed from Sacketts Harbor, N. Y., by Gen. Brown.
June 1—The U. S. frigate Chesapeake captured by the British frigate Shannon. American loss 133; British loss about half as many. Capt. Lawrence of the Chesapeake is mortally wounded.
” 6—Gens. Chandler and Winder surprised in the night by the enemy they were going to attack. The two generals are taken prisoners, but their troops repulse the enemy and retire.
” 23—Col. Boerstler, in command of an American force of 600 men, is surrounded by a superior force at Beaver Dams and compelled to surrender.
” 25—Admiral Cockburn, failing in his attack on the American forces at Craney Island, Va., lands at Hampton and commits many outrages.
July 31—American Com. Chauncy lands at York, U. C., captures and destroys stores, and the British do the same at Plattsburg, on lake Champlain.
Aug. 2—Gen. Proctor with 1,000 British and Indians attacks Col. Croghan with 160 men, at Ft. Stephenson, Lower Sandusky, O., and is repulsed with a loss of 150.
About this time the American frigate Essex, Capt. Porter, cruising in the Pacific ocean, captured 12 armed British whalers.
” 13—The American sloop-of-war Argus, cruising in the English Channel, captured 21 British merchantmen, but was herself captured by the Pelican after a severe engagement.
” 30—Tecumseh had stirred up the Creek Indians to war, and they attacked Ft. Mims, which they set on fire and captured, massacring all but 20 out of 400 men, women and children.
Sept. 3—The American brig Enterprise captures the Boxer on the coast of Maine.
” 10—Perry’s victory on Lake Erie. He captures the whole fleet (6 vessels) of the enemy. His laconic dispatch to Gen. Harrison was, “We have met the enemy, and they are ours.”
Oct. 5—Battle of the Thames (Upper Canada). Gen. Harrison, commanding the Americans, defeated the British and Indians, under Gen. Proctor and Tecumseh. The latter was slain. The British lost about 600 in killed, wounded and prisoners; the Americans 17 killed and 30 wounded.
” ”—Commodore Chauncy captures 5 British vessels on Lake Ontario.
Nov. 2—Gen. Coffee attacks the Creek Indians at Tallushatches, Ala. 200 warriors are killed.
” 9—Gen. Jackson defeats the Indians at Talladega, Ala., killing 290 of them. Two other battles with the Indians occurred this month, and one in Dec. in which they were defeated with great slaughter, and little loss to the Americans. Yet so spirited and resolute were they as to require to be almost exterminated before they would make peace.
” 11—1,200 Americans, under Gen. Boyd, engage 2,000 British, under Lt. Col. Morrison, and are repulsed with a loss of 339. British loss 180.
Dec. 10—Ft. George, at Niagara, evacuated and the town of Newark burned by the Americans.
” 19—Ft. Niagara is taken by the British and Indians who massacre the garrison. Youngstown, Lewistown, the Tuscarora Indian village, and Manchester, all in N. Y., are burned, in retaliation of the destruction of Newark.
” 30—The British burn Black Rock, Buffalo, three vessels of Perry’s fleet, and large quantities of provisions. Gen. Proctor justifies it as a proper retaliation. The burning of Newark was barbarous, but was avenged tenfold. Naturalized Irishmen, taken by the British in our armies this year, were sent to England to be tried for treason. An equal number of English officers were imprisoned by the American government and notice given to the governor of Canada that they should receive the same treatment and fate as our Irish soldiers. This had its effect, and the latter remained simply prisoners of war. This claim, and corresponding action on the part of the English government, which was one of the principal causes of the war, was, from this time, practically relinquished. In December an embargo was laid by Congress on American goods and provisions, to prevent their being employed to supply the British blockading force and armies. It produced great discontent in New England, where a large part of the people were dependent on commerce, and were thrown into great distress. There was much factious, and even seditious, opposition to the government.
1814.
The army operations had been unsuccessful in Canada during the last of the campaign, owing, it was thought, to the inefficiency of the commanders, and perhaps partly to the want of experience of their subalterns. Changes, that were proved much for the better, were made, and the campaign of this year, in this quarter, showed a more honorable record. Since the commencement of the war till this year, the English government had been carrying on an immense European war, which was closed by the abdication of Bonaparte and his banishment to the island of Elba. They prepared for a more vigorous effort in America, by sending considerable armies of the veterans of Wellington, who had conquered in Europe. They had received, the impression that the opposition to the war and the republican party, would coöperate with them, and that they might re-establish their dominion over their former colonies.
But they did not comprehend American character. Party politics have always been conducted in a bitter and hostile spirit, but that hostility has not been directed against their institutions. Extreme attachment to these, and jealous care to preserve all rights guaranteed by the Constitution, has always led the opposition to a close and sharp criticism of all measures of the party in power differing from their own interpretation of Constitutional rights. When these institutions are really in danger all parties unite in a defense, the obstinacy and vigor of which carries everything before it. It stops at no obstacles, hesitates before no sacrifices, and counts no odds. This became apparent to the British during the summer, dispelled forever their dream of conquest, and led to a peace at the close of the campaign. The British sent 14,000 troops to Canada this spring, which was supported, in July and August, by a large reinforcement. A strong naval force, with a large body of troops, was sent to invade the heart of the country and capture Washington. After failing in maintaining their ground here, they were directed against the gulf coast and the Mississippi river, ending in their decisive defeat by Gen. Jackson, at New Orleans, Jan. 8th, 1815, nine days before the treaty of peace, signed at Ghent, in Belgium, Dec. 24, was known in America.
Mar. 24—A loan of $25,000,000 authorized by Congress.
” 27—Gen. Jackson’s defeat of the Indians at Great Horseshoe Bend, Ala. This battle accomplished the subjection of the Creek Indians. Jackson had fought them on the 21st, 24th and 27th of Jan., when they came near defeating him, but notwithstanding their fierce and obstinate bravery, he conquered each time, and finally, nearly exterminated them.
” 28—The brilliant career of the U. S. frigate Essex, in the Pacific ocean, is terminated by its capture, at Valparaiso, Chili, by the British frigate Phebe and another sloop of war.
” 30—Gen. Wilkinson is repulsed in an advance into Canada, at La Colle, and is afterwards tried by court martial. Gen. Brown is given the command of the Niagara frontier, and Gen. Izard of northern N. Y.
April 21—The U. S. sloop of war Frolic captured by the British frigate Orpheus.
” 27—The U. S. sloop of war Peacock captures the British brig-of-war Epervier with $118,000 specie on board.
May 7—A British force captures and destroys the American fort at Oswego, N. Y., and carries off several guns.
” 29—The Americans capture a British force at Sandy Creek, N. Y.
June 9—The U. S. sloop of war Rattlesnake captured by a British 50 gun ship.
” 12—The U. S. sloop Syren captured by a British 74.
” 28—The U. S. sloop of war Wasp captures the British sloop of war Reindeer, in the British Channel.
July 3—Gen. Brown captures Ft. Erie, near Niagara, U. C.
” 5—Battle of Chippewa, Canada. Gens. Brown, Scott, and Ripley, with about 3,000 men, were opposed by the British Gen. Riall with an equal number of the veterans of Waterloo. Gen. Scott attacked them with such prudence and valor as to conquer a largely superior force before Gen. Ripley could come up to his aid. It was a splendid test of American mettle. Loss of the British 514, of Scott 328. The British fall back to Ft. George.
” 11—The British make a descent on the coast of Maine.
” 25—Gen. Scott engages a British force of seven times his number, and holds his ground for some hours when Gen. Ripley comes to his aid, and they drive the British from the field; but having only 1,600 men left, while the British have 5,000, they retire next day. The British lost 878, the Americans 860.
Aug. 4—Americans besieged in Ft. Erie.
” 8—First meeting of the U. S. and English commissioners to treat for peace, who arranged the terms at the close of this year. The English were very high in their demands till the failure of their much vaunted veteran troops.
” 9—The British make an unsuccessful attack on Stonington, Conn. A treaty is made with the Creek Indians.
” 15—The British repulsed from Ft. Erie with the loss of 962 men. The Americans lost 84.
” 20—A British force landed from the fleet in the Chesapeake, marches on Washington.
” 24—The battle of Bladensburg, near Washington. The Americans, much inferior in numbers, were defeated. The British, under Gen. Ross, entered Washington the same day. They destroyed much private property, as well as public stores, buildings and documents.
Not deeming it prudent to remain, the British retreated from Washington to their vessels, leaving the people greatly exasperated at conduct unworthy of the army of a civilized nation.
” 27—Alexandria, Va., delivers up the public stores and shipping there and much merchandise as a ransom from plunder and burning.
Sept. 1—The U. S. sloop of war Wasp captures the British sloop Avon. After taking three other prizes in European waters, she disappeared and was never again heard of—supposed to have foundered at sea. The British Gen. Prevost advances toward Plattsburg, N. Y., with 12,000 veteran troops.
” 11—The battle of Plattsburg. Com. McDonough, American, with 4 vessels, 10 gun boats and 850 men, captures the British Com. Downie’s fleet of 4 vessels, 12 gun boats and 1,000 men. A simultaneous attack by Prevost on Plattsburg miscarried by the failure of the fleet and panic of the soldiers. They return, in disorder, to Canada.
” 12—The British who had captured Washington, appear near Baltimore and land a force which repulses the Baltimore militia, and, next day advances toward the city; but the attack seems so formidable to them that they retreat in the night to their vessels and depart. The British admiral could not reduce Ft. M’Henry so as to co-operate in an attack on the city by water. The patriotic song, “The Star Spangled Banner,” was written during this bombardment of Fort M’Henry. Gen. Ross, the British commander, was killed soon after the landing of the troops.
About this time various attacks are made at different places on the coast of New England, and the British pretend, by proclamation, to take possession of all of Maine east of the Penobscot river and annex it to New Brunswick.
” 17—A sortie is made from Ft. Erie and the works of the enemy surprised and taken with a loss to him of 1,000 men in killed, wounded and prisoners.
Thus, in the midst of ravages and alarms on the coast, the destruction of our commerce, the stagnation of business, the financial difficulties of the government that almost amounted to bankruptcy, and the complaints of the peace party, (which produced much alarm by the calling of a convention of the New England States, in December of this year, at Hartford, Conn.,) the honor of the United States was preserved. The formidable armies in Canada had been baffled and defeated, the capture of Washington followed immediately by the withdrawal of the invaders, and a strong point made which had its effect in substantially gaining the cause that had brought on the war, for the Americans, in the treaty negotiations in progress. The British now turned their attention to the Mississippi river and the coast of the gulf of Mexico.
Nov. 7—Gen. Jackson takes Pensacola from the British, who were laboring to raise the Indians to war again.
Dec. 15—A British fleet captures the flotilla on Lake Borgne, La.
” 22—12,000 British troops land below New Orleans, and repulse the Americans.
” 24—The treaty of peace is signed at Ghent, but is not known in America until Feb. following.
1815.
Jan. 8—Gen. Jackson, with only 6,000 men, had intrenched himself in front of the British, who now made an assault on his position. They were repulsed with great slaughter, losing their general, Packingham, and near 2,000 men. Jackson lost but 7 killed and 6 wounded. The British retreated to their vessels.
” 15—The U. S. frigate President captured by four English vessels.
Feb. 18—Ft. Bowyer, near Pensacola, Fla., invested by the British fleet. It surrenders on the 21st.
” 17—The treaty of peace which arrived at New York on the 11th by the British sloop of war Favorite, ratified by the American government and Peace proclaimed.
” 24—Congress authorizes the loan of $18,400,000, and the issue of treasury notes to the amount of $25,000,000.
” 28—The naval war was continued some time longer. The U. S. frigate Constitution captures two British vessels of war, the frigate Cyane and the sloop Levant, off the island of Madeira. In March the U. S. frigate Hornet captured the British brig Penguin, on the coast of Brazil.
The British government, elated by their triumph over Bonaparte, their large army accustomed to conquer in Europe, and the fleets set free from the blockade of the Continent, thought to make an easy conquest of America. But all their attempts were defeated. Had peace been made a little later the Americans might have obtained much better terms.
This war had been waged under many difficulties by the American administration. The country and its institutions, were new, and there was no such reserved fund of wealth and credit, as is always found in an old and well organized state. They depended largely on commerce, which was almost destroyed by the great naval force of Great Britain, and the embargo policy. Our navy was gallant and successful; but the government lacked the means, and the unanimous support of the people, requisite to increase it to the necessary strength. The administration did not act with the vigor and efficiency calculated to bring all sections and classes to its support, and the people had not yet the experience and knowledge of the value and strength of their own institutions needful to inspire confidence, so that they were critical and difficult to please, and this spirit impaired the efficiency of nearly all government measures. What they undertook could be only imperfectly done. The old soldiers of the Revolution were dead or unfit by age for good service, and time was necessary to train others and ascertain who had the necessary military capacity for conducting operations with success. Yet, under all these great difficulties, the United States came out of the war with the respect of the world, such as it had never before enjoyed. It became formidable to Europe as a great and vigorous power with which it was not safe to trifle.
This was still more clear when the government declared war on the Dey of Algiers, one of the pirate princes of the North of Africa, which, for hundreds of years, had made war on the commerce of all nations almost with impunity. Having violated their treaty with us, the President sent out an adequate naval force
June 17-19—which captured two Algerine vessels of war, and threatened Algiers. The Dey, intimidated, immediately made peace, giving liberty to all prisoners without ransom, and full satisfaction for the injuries done to our commerce. No European nation had before so humbled these pirates, and it at once raised the credit of our government, and gained us respect and esteem.
June 30—The last hostile act at sea took place in the Straits of Sunda, in the East Indies, where the U. S. brig of war Peacock captured the Nautilus, a British sloop of war. Thus the three American vessels at sea when the war closed, each came home crowned with laurels. The British vessels captured during the war numbered 1,750—the American 1,683. The spirit and energy of the Americans, under all their embarrassments, gave an unmistakable indication of the future greatness and power of the United States.
1816.
The last two years’ experience had taught the government and the people many important lessons by which they hastened to profit. The coast was fortified, the navy increased, manufactures and commerce encouraged, and the best measures that the wisdom of the times could suggest, employed to restore the finances. The violently factious opposition of parties was much moderated by the confidence gained to our government and institutions, and the evident folly of excessive fears. The Second U.S. Bank was chartered for 20 years, with a capital of $35,000,000.
Nov. 5—Governeur Morris, an eminent and excellent American statesman died.
Dec. 11—Indiana admitted into the Union as a State. James Monroe was, this autumn, elected President.
CHAPTER XXI.
HISTORY OF THE U. S. FROM 1817 TO 1846.
Monroe’s Administration.
A new era for America commenced with this administration, or rather, reached its period of uninterrupted development; for the whole past history of the country had been a preparation for it, but especially so the late war and its results. The failure of the French revolution, and, finally, the failure of Napoleon Bonaparte and the re-establishment of the old monarchy in France, as a result of the excesses, first of the French republic, and then of the military interference of Bonaparte with the existing state of things in Europe, had an important influence in modifying the politics of the republican party in the United States; so that they came partially in Jefferson’s administration, and completely by the close of Madison’s, to follow the wise and vigorous policy pursued by Washington and the federal party; while the general government and the institutions of the country became deeply imbued with the regard to popular rights, and attention to the interests and will of the people that formed the leading idea of Jefferson and the original democrat, or, as it was then called, the republican party. Thus the two points of supreme importance, vigor in the general government, and security to the people, were happily mingled and wrought into the spirit and form of our institutions.
The leading events of Monroe’s two administrations were the attention given to internal improvements—among which may be mentioned the Erie canal in New York, and the encouragements to manufactures—the acquisition of Florida from Spain, and a definite settlement of the slavery question (for the next thirty years only, as it proved,) by the Missouri compromise. The people now began to feel and act together, as a single nation, and material progress was rapid.
1817.
Mar. 3—The observance of the neutrality laws strictly enjoined on citizens of the United States by Congress.
” 4—James Monroe, the fifth President, inaugurated. With his administration commences “the era of good feeling,” as it was called. The bitterness of party controversy ceased.
June 24—Thos. McKean, of Del., signer of the Declaration of Independence, died.
Dec.—Mississippi admitted into the Union, and Alabama erected into a territory.
” —A war broke out with the Seminole Indians, on the borders of Florida. It came near involving us in a war with Spain. Internal taxes are abolished by Congress.
1818.
Mar. 18—A law enacted giving pensions to indigent officers and soldiers.
April 4—The Flag of the U. S. rearranged; the stripes to represent the thirteen original States, the stars the present number of States.
” 18—Illinois is authorized to form a state constitution.
May 24—Gen. Jackson took Pensacola, Fla., from the Spaniards on account of the support given by them to the Indians.
Oct. 20—A treaty of commerce and for settling boundaries is made with England.
1819.
Feb. 23—A treaty for the session of Florida ratified by Congress, but not by the king of Spain until Oct. 20th, 1820.
Mar. 2—Arkansas organized into a territory.
Dec. 14—Alabama admitted into the Union.
In this year commenced the discussion on the balance between the north and the south in relation to slavery. Missouri and Maine both desire admission as States. The discussion resulted in a settlement of the whole question Feb. 27th, 1821, by the application of the “Missouri Compromise” to the admission of that State.
1820.
Feb. 15—Wm. Ellery, of R. I., signer of the Declaration of Independence, died.
Mar. 15—Maine admitted into the Union.
Aug. 23—Com. Perry, the hero of Lake Erie, died in the West Indies.
The 4th census was taken in this year.
1821.
Mar. 4—James Monroe inaugurated on his second term.
” 22—Com. Decatur died at Washington.
Aug. 22—Gen. Jackson takes possession of Florida as its Governor. The U. S. government paid $5,000,000 for Florida. The Spanish officers were reluctant and dilatory in giving up their places, and Gen. Jackson had occasion for his remarkably decisive action in dealing with them. The governor, Don Cavalla, refusing to give up certain papers according to the treaty, he sent him to prison until all the papers were produced, and banished six other Spanish officers who interfered with him.
1822.
June—A commercial treaty is negotiated with France. Capt. Allen, of the U. S. schooner Alligator, engages a band of pirates in the West Indies, captures one of their schooners, and recaptures five American vessels. Capt. Allen is killed.
The ports of the West India islands are opened to American commerce by the English government.
Com. Truxton, a meritorious naval officer—Gen. Stark, the hero of Bennington, Vt.,—and Wm. Lowndes, a statesman of S. C., died this year.
A new arrangement of the ratio of Representation gives one member of Congress to 40,000 inhabitants.
1823.
Com. Porter makes a successful expedition against the West Indian pirates.
This year our government acknowledged the independence of the South American Republics, and ministers were appointed to Mexico, Columbia, Buenos Ayres, and Chili.
A treaty for the mutual suppression of the slave trade was made by Great Britain and the United States.
1824.
April—American and Russian commissioners settle the boundaries between the two countries.
Aug. 15—Lafayette arrives from France. He was everywhere received as the guest of the people with the utmost affection and reverence. He spent a year visiting all parts of the Union.
A presidential election this autumn does not result in a choice, and the House of Representatives made selection of John Quincy Adams, from the candidates, according to a provision of the Constitution, anticipating such a case. A protective tariff was made this year to encourage cotton manufactures.
Administration of John Quincy Adams.
1825.
Mar. 4—J. Q. Adams inaugurated sixth President.
” ”—An act of Congress establishes a navy yard at Pensacola, Fla.
June 11—Dan. D. Tompkins, Vice-President with Monroe, died.
Nov. 10—Com. McDonough, the hero of Lake Champlain, died.
1826.
July 4—John Adams and Thos. Jefferson, whose lives were identified with the foundation and development of our institutions, simultaneously died on this day.
Sept. 11—Wm. Morgan, an anti-mason, mysteriously disappears, and is never again heard of.
1827.
An Anti-Mason party is formed, opposing secret societies. Much “political capital” is made of it.
Jan.—The first considerable railroad was begun, and completed in May. It was nine miles long, a beginning of the wonderful transformation that was to be produced by this agent.
1828.
Feb. 11—De Witt Clinton, governor of N. Y. and originator of the Erie canal, died.
The tariff was amended and enlarged this year. This tariff was violently opposed in the South and produced the “Nullification Ordinances” of S. C., some time later.
In the fall of this year Gen. Andrew Jackson was elected President.
1829.
Feb. 29—The Virginia Legislature passes a resolution denying the right of Congress to pass a protective tariff law.
Mar. 4—Andrew Jackson inaugurated as President.
Dan. Webster makes his great speech against nullification.
Jackson’s Administration.
1829.
May 19—A treaty of friendship and commerce concluded with Brazil.
” ”—John Jay, ex-President of the Continental Congress, Chief Justice of the U. S., Governor of N. Y., etc., died. In purity of patriotism, moderation, and soundness of judgment, he came nearer to Washington than any of his contemporaries. He was above the reach of the violent party spirit that prevailed after Washington’s retirement from public life.
1830.
May 7—A treaty made with Turkey gives U. S. commerce the freedom of the Black sea. The vigorous dealing of our government with the Barbary States secured the respect and friendship of Turkey.
The important movement and interests of this year were connected with the progress of railroads (the first American built locomotive was made this year,) and the rapid rise of that great interest, and with the agitation produced by the nullification proceedings of South Carolina. That State claimed the right to pronounce upon, and disregard the enactments of Congress. This was subversive of the Constitution. It drew the “Key Stone” from the arch, and the whole structure of the Union would have fallen. No decisive action was reached till the year 1832.
May 29—The office of Solicitor of the Treasury created.
1831.
Jan. 10—The King of the Netherlands, being accepted as arbitrator of the northern boundary between the United States and the British Possessions, by the two governments, decides the question in our favor.
July 4—James Monroe, ex-President of the U. S., died, aged 73.
Oct. 1—A free trade convention meets at Philadelphia.
” 26—A tariff convention meets at New York. There were over 500 delegates. It was the absorbing political topic of the time.
1832.
April 1—The Black Hawk war breaks out by the attack of the Winnebagoes, Sacs, and Foxes from the west bank of the Mississippi on the settlers in Illinois, under the Indian chief, Black Hawk.
” 2—The Creek Indians sell all their lands east of the Mississippi river to the U. S.
May 5—A commercial and boundary treaty concluded with Mexico.
” 27—A new ratio of representation based on the 5th census gives one member of Congress to 47,700 inhabitants.
June 1—Gen. Sumter, a South Carolina hero of the Revolution, died.
” 9—The cholera breaks out at Quebec, Lower Canada. It swept over the country, following the lakes and rivers and routes of travel, with fearful violence.
July—The cholera breaks up Gen. Scott’s army, on the way to meet Black Hawk while in vessels on the lakes.
” 9—Congress creates the office of Commissioner of Indian affairs.
” 10—Naval hospitals established at Charlestown, Mass., Brooklyn, N. Y., and Pensacola, Fla.
” ”—The President vetoes the bill rechartering the U. S. Bank.
Aug. 27—Gen. Atkinson defeats the Indians and takes Black Hawk prisoner.
Nov. 14—Chas. Carroll, of Carrollton, Md., last surviving signer of Dec. of Ind., dies.
” 19—An anti-tariff convention in S. C. issues the famous “Nullification Ordinance.”
” 24—The Unionists of S. C. meet and protest against this ordinance.
Dec. 10—President Jackson issues a proclamation against the nullifiers. He followed word with deed, garrisoning the forts, and sending vessels of war into the harbor of Charleston. His well known vigor left the nullifiers no hope of success, and they finally submitted.
” 18—A commercial treaty concluded with Russia.
” 20—Gov. Hayne, of S. C., defies the President in a counter proclamation.
” 28—J. C. Calhoun, of S. C., the Vice-President, resigns his office. President Jackson is reëlected this fall. His anti-nullification measures made him very popular.
1833.
Feb. 12—Henry Clay introduces a bill on the tariff compromising the points at issue between the manufacturing States and the South.
Mar. 3—It becomes a law, and gives general satisfaction.
” 4—President Jackson reinaugurated on his second term.
May 20—The death of La Fayette, in France.
June 1—Oliver Wolcott, Sec. of the Treasury under Washington, dies.
July 27—Com. Bainbridge, a famous naval commander, dies.
Sept. 30—President Jackson removes his Sec. of Treas. W. J. Duane, for refusing to carry out his policy in regard to the U. S. Bank. The presence of the Indians in Mississippi, Alabama, Georgia, and Florida, produces so much conflict and so frequent a necessity for chastising them that they are in danger of total extermination. Gen. Jackson persuades Congress and the Indians to arrange for their removal to lands west of the Mississippi. Some of the Indians quietly remove this year. Many resist, but all are finally persuaded to this course by Gen. Scott and others, except the Seminoles of Fla.
1834.
Mar. 28—Congress formally censures the President for his course in regard to the U. S. Bank.
Oct. 28—A conditional treaty made with the Seminoles at Payne’s Landing, May 9, 1832, for their removal to the Indian Territory west of the Mississippi, was afterwards confirmed by the chiefs but rejected by the people. Gen. Thompson was sent, at this time, by President Jackson to insist on their carrying out the treaty.
Dec. 28—A council of the Indians, called by Gen. Thompson, seemingly accept the terms of the President.
1835.
Mar. 3—Congress establishes branch mints in La., N. C., and Ga.
May 14—A treaty with the Cherokees purchases all their lands east of the Mississippi for $5,262,251, and ample lands in exchange in the Indian Territory.
June 3—Osceola, a Seminole chief, imprisoned by Gen. Thompson.
July 6—Chief Justice Marshall dies, aged 80.
Dec. 16—A destructive fire in New York. $17,000,000 worth of property consumed.
” 28—The Seminoles killed their chief, Mathla, who had been prominent in making the obnoxious treaty, and suddenly attack a U. S. force under Maj. Dade. But one man out of 110 escaped. He was wounded and afterwards died. The same day Gen. Thompson and others were surprised and massacred.
” 31—Gen. Clinch is attacked by the Indians at Withlacoochee. He repulses them and retires.
1836.
Early in this year the Indians laid waste the whole country, burning the buildings and killing all who had not taken refuge in the forts.
Jan. 20—A treaty of friendship and commerce concluded with the republic of Venezuela, South America.
Feb.—The U. S. Bank was chartered by the Legislature of Pa.
” 11—Gen. Gaines lands an army at Tampa Bay. He is surrounded by the Indians on his march toward Fort King. He repulsed them, but his army is nearly starved. While the army is held here the tribe remove their families and effects into the impenetrable swamps of the interior.
Mar. 2—The Texans proclaim their independence.
Apr. 26—Wisconsin receives a territorial government.
” 21—Battle of San Jacinto. Santa Anna taken prisoner.
June 15—Michigan erected into a State, conditionally.
” ”—Arkansas admitted into the Union.
” 23—A surplus revenue having accumulated it is loaned to the States.
” 28—James Madison, the ex-President, dies, aged 86.
July 4—Office of Commissioner of Patents created.
Sept. 15—Aaron Burr, an able but dishonest and disloyal statesman, formerly Vice-President, dies, aged 81.
The Creek Indians commenced hostilities in May of this year, in their usual fierce and barbarous manner. Gen. Scott and the State authorities of Geo. subdue them early in the summer.
In the presidential election this fall Martin Van Buren was elected.
Dec. 15—The General Post Office and Patent Office, with many records and articles of value, are destroyed by fire.
1837.
Jan. 16—The U. S. Senate repealed and expunged its resolution of March 24th, 1834, censuring President Jackson, as having exceeded his Constitutional powers when he ordered the public funds to be withdrawn from the U. S. Bank.
Mar. 4—Van Buren inaugurated President.
Speculation having been carried to an extreme length for some time, and somewhat arrested by the “specie circular” requiring payments for public lands to be made in coin, a revulsion, producing great distress, and suspension of payments by the banks, occurred this spring.
May 3—The merchants of New York present a memorial to the President urging him to remit the regulations of the “specie circular.” The President declines, but calls an extra session of Congress.
Aug. 4—Texas proposes annexation to the U. S. The President declines to entertain the proposition.
” 13—The banks resume specie payments.
Sept. 4—Congress assembled in extra session. A portion of the surplus revenue, which, by law of June 23d, 1836, was to be loaned to the States, is reclaimed to meet the current expenses of the government.
” 29—A treaty made with the Sioux Indians for the purchase of their lands, 5,000,000 acres, for $1,000,000.
Oct. 1—The Winnebagoes sell their lands for $1,500,000.
” 12—Congress authorizes the issue of $10,000,000 in Treasury notes.
” 21—Osceola, the Seminole chief, with 70 of his warriors, visits the camp of Gen. Jessup. They are detained, and Osceola was imprisoned in Ft. Moultrie, S. C., where, in a few months, he died.
Dec. 25—The battle of Okee-cho-bee fought with the Seminoles in the swamps of Florida, by Col. Zachary Taylor. The Indians are defeated.
The Magnetic Telegraph was patented in this year.
1838.
Jan. 5—The President issues a proclamation enjoining neutrality on American citizens, during the “Patriot war,” or insurrection in Canada.
June 12—Iowa receives a Territorial government.
Aug. 19—An Arctic exploring expedition, with six vessels, sails from Hampton Roads, Va.
The Cherokee Indians completed their emigration to the Indian Territory this year.
1839.
Gen. Macomb makes a treaty early in this year with the Seminoles, which they very imperfectly kept.
A difficulty with England in regard to our northeast boundary narrowly avoids war, but is, at length, peaceably adjusted.
Dec. 2—Congress assembles.
” 4—A Whig Convention prepares for the contest of the coming year by the nomination of Wm. H. Harrison for the Presidency. Great discontent was felt with the financial policy of Van Buren’s administration, and lively interest taken in the coming election, which made the campaign the most stirring and the noisiest ever experienced in this country.
1840.
May 5—The Democrats renominate Van Buren for the Presidency.
This year was chiefly memorable for the “Log Cabin and Hard Cider” election gatherings, and the extreme interest of the people in the elections, on financial grounds.
June 30—Congress passes the sub-treasury bill recommended by President Van Buren, in 1837, but then rejected.
Nov.—W. H. Harrison elected President, and John Tyler Vice-President.
1841.
Jan. 14—Imprisonment for debts due the U. S. abolished.
Mar. 4—Harrison inaugurated ninth President.
” 11—The steamer President sails from New York but is never again heard of. She had 109 passengers.
” 17—The President calls an extra session of Congress to consider financial questions.
Apr. 4—President Harrison died and John Tyler became acting President.
May 31—Congress convenes.
June 25—Gen. Macomb died.
July 6—The proceeds of the public lands ordered to be distributed to the States.
” 21—Congress orders a loan of $12,000,000.
Aug. 9—The Sub Treasury act repealed.
” 16—President Tyler vetoes the National Bank bill.
” 18—A general bankrupt law passed.
Sept. 9—A Second Banking Bill vetoed. This was the fourteenth time the veto power had been used; by Washington twice, Madison four times, Monroe once, Jackson five times.
Oct. 11—Failure of U. S. Bank under the Pennsylvania charter.
1842.
June 25—The new Ratio of Representation, based on the census of 1840, gives one Member of Congress for every 70,600 inhabitants.
July 23—Bunker Hill Monument finished and dedicated. The corner stone was laid by Lafayette 17 years before.
Aug. 20—The Ashburton treaty with England, settling the N. E. Boundary, ratified by the U. S. Senate.
” 28—The U. S. fiscal year ordered to commence with July 1st.
Oct. 2—The U. S. sloop of war Concord wrecked on the African coast.
” 14—The Ashburton-Webster treaty ratified in England.