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diff --git a/old/1926-h.htm.2021-01-27 b/old/1926-h.htm.2021-01-27 new file mode 100644 index 0000000..4f9049d --- /dev/null +++ b/old/1926-h.htm.2021-01-27 @@ -0,0 +1,7664 @@ +<?xml version="1.0" encoding="utf-8"?> + +<!DOCTYPE html + PUBLIC "-//W3C//DTD XHTML 1.0 Strict//EN" + "http://www.w3.org/TR/xhtml1/DTD/xhtml1-strict.dtd" > + +<html xmlns="http://www.w3.org/1999/xhtml" lang="en"> + <head> + <title> + The Whole History of Grandfather's Chair, by Nathaniel Hawthorne + </title> + <style type="text/css" xml:space="preserve"> + + body { margin:5%; background:#faebd0; text-align:justify} + P { text-indent: 1em; margin-top: .25em; margin-bottom: .25em; } + H1,H2,H3,H4,H5,H6 { text-align: center; margin-left: 15%; margin-right: 15%; } + hr { width: 50%; text-align: center;} + .foot { margin-left: 20%; margin-right: 20%; text-align: justify; text-indent: -3em; font-size: 90%; } + blockquote {font-size: 97%; font-style: italic; margin-left: 10%; margin-right: 10%;} + .mynote {background-color: #DDE; color: #000; padding: .5em; margin-left: 10%; margin-right: 10%; font-family: sans-serif; font-size: 95%;} + .toc { margin-left: 10%; margin-bottom: .75em;} + .toc2 { margin-left: 20%;} + div.fig { display:block; margin:0 auto; text-align:center; } + div.middle { margin-left: 20%; margin-right: 20%; text-align: justify; } + .figleft {float: left; margin-left: 0%; margin-right: 1%;} + .figright {float: right; margin-right: 0%; margin-left: 1%;} + .pagenum {display:inline; font-size: 70%; font-style:normal; + margin: 0; padding: 0; position: absolute; right: 1%; + text-align: right;} + pre { font-style: italic; font-size: 90%; margin-left: 10%;} + +</style> + </head> + <body> +<pre xml:space="preserve"> + +The Project Gutenberg EBook of Grandfather's Chair, by Nathaniel Hawthorne + +This eBook is for the use of anyone anywhere at no cost and with +almost no restrictions whatsoever. You may copy it, give it away or +re-use it under the terms of the Project Gutenberg License included +with this eBook or online at www.gutenberg.org + + +Title: Grandfather's Chair + +Author: Nathaniel Hawthorne + +Release Date: October 5, 2008 [EBook #1926] +Last Updated: December 15, 2016 + +Language: English + +Character set encoding: UTF-8 + +*** START OF THIS PROJECT GUTENBERG EBOOK GRANDFATHER'S CHAIR *** + + + + +Produced by An Anonymous Volunteer, and David Widger + + + + + +</pre> + <p> + <br /><br /> + </p> + <h1> + THE WHOLE HISTORY OF GRANDFATHER’S CHAIR + </h1> + <h2> + or<br /> TRUE STORIES FROM NEW ENGLAND HISTORY, 1620-1808 + </h2> + <p> + <br /> + </p> + <h2> + By Nathaniel Hawthorne + </h2> + <p> + <br /> <br /> + </p> + <hr /> + <p> + <br /> <br /> + </p> + <h2> + Contents + </h2> + <table summary="" style="margin-right: auto; margin-left: auto"> + <tr> + <td> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#link2H_4_0001"> AUTHOR’S PREFACE </a> + </p> + <br /> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#link2H_4_0002"> <b>GRANDFATHER’S CHAIR.</b> </a> + </p> + <br /> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#link2H_PART1"> <b>PART I. 1620-1692.</b> </a> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#link2HCH0001"> CHAPTER I. GRANDFATHER AND THE CHILDREN AND + THE CHAIR. </a> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#link2HCH0002"> CHAPTER II. THE PURITANS AND THE LADY + ARBELLA. </a> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#link2HCH0003"> CHAPTER III. A RAINY DAY. </a> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#link2HCH0004"> CHAPTER IV. TROUBLOUS TIMES. </a> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#link2HCH0005"> CHAPTER V. THE GOVERNMENT OF NEW ENGLAND. + </a> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#link2HCH0006"> CHAPTER VI. THE PINE-TREE SHILLINGS. </a> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#link2HCH0007"> CHAPTER VII. THE QUAKERS AND THE INDIANS. + </a> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#link2HCH0008"> CHAPTER VIII. THE INDIAN BIBLE. </a> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#link2HCH0009"> CHAPTER IX. ENGLAND AND NEW ENGLAND. </a> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#link2HCH0010"> CHAPTER X. THE SUNKEN TREASURE. </a> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#link2HCH0011"> CHAPTER XI. WHAT THE CHAIR HAD KNOWN. </a> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#link2H_APPE"> APPENDIX TO PART I. </a> + </p> + <br /> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#link2H_PART2"> <b>PART II. 1692-1763.</b> </a> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#link2HCH0012"> CHAPTER I. THE CHAIR IN THE FIRELIGHT. </a> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#link2HCH0013"> CHAPTER II. THE SALEM WITCHES. </a> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#link2HCH0014"> CHAPTER III. THE OLD-FASHIONED SCHOOL. </a> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#link2HCH0015"> CHAPTER IV. COTTON MATHER </a> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#link2HCH0016"> CHAPTER V. THE REJECTED BLESSING. </a> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#link2HCH0017"> CHAPTER VI. POMPS AND VANITIES. </a> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#link2HCH0018"> CHAPTER VII. THE PROVINCIAL MUSTER. </a> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#link2HCH0019"> CHAPTER VIII. THE OLD FRENCH WAR AND THE + ACADIAN EXILES </a> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#link2HCH0020"> CHAPTER IX. THE END OF THE WAR. </a> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#link2HCH0021"> CHAPTER X. THOMAS HUTCHINSON. </a> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#link2H_APPE2"> APPENDIX TO PART II. </a> + </p> + <br /> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#link2H_PART3"> <b>PART III. 1763-1803.</b> </a> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#link2HCH0022"> CHAPTER I. A NEW-YEAR’S DAY. </a> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#link2HCH0023"> CHAPTER II. THE STAMP ACT. </a> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#link2HCH0024"> CHAPTER III. THE HUTCHINSON MOB. </a> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#link2HCH0025"> CHAPTER IV. THE BRITISH TROOPS IN BOSTON. + </a> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#link2HCH0026"> CHAPTER V. THE BOSTON MASSACRE. </a> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#link2HCH0027"> CHAPTER VI. A COLLECTION OF PORTRAITS. </a> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#link2HCH0028"> CHAPTER VII. THE TEA PARTY AND LEXINGTON. + </a> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#link2HCH0029"> CHAPTER VIII. THE SIEGE OF BOSTON. </a> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#link2HCH0030"> CHAPTER IX. THE TORY’S FAREWELL. </a> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#link2HCH0031"> CHAPTER X. THE WAR FOR INDEPENDENCE. </a> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#link2HCH0032"> CHAPTER XI. GRANDFATHER’S DREAM. </a> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#link2H_APPE3"> APPENDIX TO PART III. </a> + </p> + </td> + </tr> + </table> + <p> + <br /> <br /> + </p> + <hr /> + <p> + <br /> <br /> <a name="link2H_4_0001" id="link2H_4_0001"> + <!-- H2 anchor --> </a> + </p> + <h2> + AUTHOR’S PREFACE + </h2> + <p> + IN writing this ponderous tome, the author’s desire has been to describe + the eminent characters and remarkable events of our annals in such a form + and style that the YOUNG may make acquaintance with them of their own + accord. For this purpose, while ostensibly relating the adventures of a + chair, he has endeavored to keep a distinct and unbroken thread of + authentic history. The chair is made to pass from one to another of those + personages of whom he thought it most desirable for the young reader to + have vivid and familiar ideas, and whose lives and actions would best + enable him to give picturesque sketches of the times. On its sturdy oaken + legs it trudges diligently from one scene to another, and seems always to + thrust itself in the way, with most benign complacency, whenever an + historical personage happens to be looking round for a seat. + </p> + <p> + There is certainly no method by which the shadowy outlines of departed men + and women can be made to assume the hues of life more effectually than by + connecting their images with the substantial and homely reality of a + fireside chair. It causes us to feel at once that these characters of + history had a private and familiar existence, and were not wholly + contained within that cold array of outward action which we are compelled + to receive as the adequate representation of their lives. If this + impression can be given, much is accomplished. + </p> + <p> + Setting aside Grandfather and his auditors, and excepting the adventures + of the chair, which form the machinery of the work, nothing in the ensuing + pages can be termed fictitious. The author, it is true, has sometimes + assumed the license of filling up the outline of history with details for + which he has none but imaginative authority, but which, he hopes, do not + violate nor give a false coloring to the truth. He believes that, in this + respect, his narrative will not be found to convey ideas and impressions + of which the reader may hereafter find it necessary to purge his mind. + </p> + <p> + The author’s great doubt is, whether he has succeeded in writing a book + which will be readable by the class for whom he intends it. To make a + lively and entertaining narrative for children, with such unmalleable + material as is presented by the sombre, stern, and rigid characteristics + of the Puritans and their descendants, is quite as difficult an attempt as + to manufacture delicate playthings out of the granite, rocks on which New + England is founded. + </p> + <p> + <a name="link2H_4_0002" id="link2H_4_0002"> + <!-- H2 anchor --> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h1> + GRANDFATHER’S CHAIR. + </h1> + <p> + <a name="link2H_PART1" id="link2H_PART1"> + <!-- H2 anchor --> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h2> + PART I. 1620-1692. + </h2> + <p> + <a name="link2HCH0001" id="link2HCH0001"> + <!-- H2 anchor --> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h2> + CHAPTER I. GRANDFATHER AND THE CHILDREN AND THE CHAIR. + </h2> + <p> + GRANDFATHER had been sitting in his old arm-chair all that pleasant + afternoon, while the children were pursuing their various sports far off + or near at hand, Sometimes you would have said, “Grandfather is asleep;” + hut still, even when his eyes were closed, his thoughts were with the + young people, playing among the flowers and shrubbery of the garden. + </p> + <p> + He heard the voice of Laurence, who had taken possession of a heap of + decayed branches which the gardener had lopped from the fruit-trees, and + was building a little hut for his cousin Clara and himself. He heard + Clara’s gladsome voice, too, as she weeded and watered the flower-bed + which had been given her for her own. He could have counted every footstep + that Charley took, as he trundled his wheelbarrow along the gravel-walk. + And though’ Grandfather was old and gray-haired, yet his heart leaped with + joy whenever little Alice came fluttering, like a butterfly, into the + room. Sire had made each of the children her playmate in turn, and now + made Grandfather her playmate too, and thought him the merriest of them + all. + </p> + <p> + At last the children grew weary of their sports, because a summer + afternoon is like a long lifetime to the young. So they came into the room + together, and clustered round Grandfather’s great chair. Little Alice, who + was hardly five years old, took the privilege of the youngest, and climbed + his knee. It was a pleasant thing to behold that fair and golden-haired + child in the lap of the old man, and to think that, different as they + were, the hearts of both could be gladdened with the same joys. + </p> + <p> + “Grandfather,” said little Alice, laying her head back upon his arm, “I am + very tired now. You must tell me a story to make me go to sleep.” + </p> + <p> + “That is not what story-tellers like,” answered Grandfather, smiling. + “They are better satisfied when they can keep their auditors awake.” + </p> + <p> + “But here are Laurence, and Charley, and I,” cried cousin Clara, who was + twice as old as little Alice. “We will all three keep wide awake. And + pray, Grandfather, tell us a story about this strange-looking old chair.” + </p> + <p> + Now, the chair in which Grandfather sat was made of oak, which had grown + dark with age, but had been rubbed and polished till it shone as bright as + mahogany. It was very large and heavy, and had a back that rose high above + Grandfather’s white head. This back was curiously carved in open work, so + as to represent flowers, and foliage, and other devices, which the + children had often gazed at, but could never understand what they meant. + On the very tip-top of the chair, over the head of Grandfather himself, + was a likeness of a lion’s head, which had such a savage grin that you + would almost expect to hear it growl and snarl. + </p> + <p> + The children had seen Grandfather sitting in this chair ever since they + could remember anything. Perhaps the younger of them supposed that he and + the chair had come into the world together, and that both had always been + as old as they were now. At this time, however, it happened to be the + fashion for ladies to adorn their drawing-rooms with the oldest and oddest + chairs that could be found. It seemed to cousin Clara that, if these + ladies could have seen Grandfather’s old chair, they would have thought it + worth all the rest together. She wondered if it were not even older than + Grandfather himself, and longed to know all about its history. + </p> + <p> + “Do, Grandfather, talk to us about this chair,” she repeated. + </p> + <p> + “Well, child,” said Grandfather, patting Clara’s cheek, “I can tell you a + great many stories of my chair. Perhaps your cousin Laurence would like to + hear them too. They would teach him something about the history and + distinguished people of his country which he has never read in any of his + schoolbooks.” + </p> + <p> + Cousin Laurence was a boy of twelve, a bright scholar, in whom an early + thoughtfulness and sensibility began to show themselves. His young fancy + kindled at the idea of knowing all the adventures of this venerable chair. + He looked eagerly in Grandfather’s face; and even Charley, a bold, brisk, + restless little fellow of nine, sat himself down on the carpet, and + resolved to be quiet for at least ten minutes, should the story last so + long. + </p> + <p> + Meantime, little Alice was already asleep; so Grandfather, being much + pleased with such an attentive audience, began to talk about matters that + happened long ago. + </p> + <p> + <a name="link2HCH0002" id="link2HCH0002"> + <!-- H2 anchor --> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h2> + CHAPTER II. THE PURITANS AND THE LADY ARBELLA. + </h2> + <p> + BUT before relating the adventures of the chairs found it necessary to + speak of circumstances that caused the first settlement of New England. + For it will soon be perceived that the story of this remarkable chair + cannot be told without telling a great deal of the history of the country. + </p> + <p> + So Grandfather talked about the Puritans, {Foot Note: It is more precise + to give the name of Pilgrims to those Englishmen who went to Holland and + afterward to Plymouth. They were sometimes called Separatists because they + separated themselves from the church of England, sometimes Brownists after + the name of one of their eminent ministers. The Puritans formed a great + political as well as religious party in England, and did not at first + separate themselves from the church of England, though those who came to + this country did so at once.} as those persons were called who thought it + sinful to practise certain religious forms and ceremonies of the Church of + England. These Puritans suffered so much persecuted in England that, in + 1607, many of them went over to Holland, and lived ten or twelve years at + Amsterdam and Leyden. But they feared that, if they continued there much + longer, they should cease to be England, and should adopt all the manners, + and ideas, and feelings of the Dutch. For this and other reasons, in the + year 1620 they embarked on board the ship Mayflower, and crossed the + ocean, to the shores of Cape Cod. There they made a settlement, and called + it Plymouth, which, though now a part of Massachusetts, was for a long + time a colony by itself. And thus was formed the earliest settlement of + the Puritans in America. + </p> + <p> + Meantime, those of the Puritans who remained in England continued to + suffer grievous persecution on account of their religious opinions. They + began to look around them for some spot where they might worship God, not + as the king and bishops thought fit, but according to the dictates of + their own consciences. When their brethren had gone from Holland to + America, they bethought themselves that they likewise might find refuge + from persecution there. Several gentlemen among them purchased a tract of + country on the coast of Massachusetts Bay, and obtained a charter from + King Charles, which authorized them to make laws for the settlers. In the + year 1628 they sent over a few people, with John Endicott at their bead, + to commence a plantation at Salem. {Foot Note: The Puritans had a liking + for Biblical names for their children, and they sometimes gave names out + of the Bible to places, Salem means Peace. The Indian name was Naumkeag.} + Peter Palfrey, Roger Conant, and one or two more had built houses there in + 1626, and may be considered as the first settlers of that ancient town. + Many other Puritans prepared to follow Endicott. + </p> + <p> + “And now we come to the chair, my dear children,” said Grandfather. “This + chair is supposed to have been made of an oak-tree which grew in the park + of the English Earl of Lincoln between two and three centuries ago. In its + younger days it used, probably, to stand in the hall of the earl’s castle. + Do not you see the coat of arms of the family of Lincoln carved in the + open work of the back? But when his daughter, the Lady Arbella, was + married to a certain Mr. Johnson, the earl gave her this valuable chair.” + </p> + <p> + “Who was Mr. Johnson?” inquired Clara. + </p> + <p> + “He was a gentleman of great wealth, who agreed with the Puritans in their + religious opinions,” answered Grandfather. “And as his belief was the same + as theirs, he resolved that he would live and die with them. Accordingly, + in the month of April, 1630, he left his pleasant abode and all his + comforts in England, and embarked, with Lady Arbella, on board of a ship + bound for America.” + </p> + <p> + As Grandfather was frequently impeded by the questions and observations of + his young auditors, we deem it advisable to omit all such prattle as is + not essential to the story. We have taken some pains to find out exactly + what Grandfather said, and here offer to our readers, as nearly as + possible in his own words, the story of the Lady Arbella. + </p> + <p> + The ship in which Mr. Johnson and his lady embarked, taking Grandfather’s + chair along with them, was called the Arbella, in honor of the lady + herself. A fleet of ten or twelve vessels, with many hundred passengers, + left England about the same time; for a multitude of people, who were + discontented with the king’s government and oppressed by the bishops, were + flocking over to the New World. One of the vessels in the fleet was that + same Mayflower which had carried the Puritan Pilgrims to Plymouth. And + now, my children, I would have you fancy yourselves in the cabin of the + good ship Arbella; because, if you could behold the passengers aboard that + vessel, you would feel what a blessing and honor it was for New England to + have such settlers. They were the best men and women of their day. + </p> + <p> + Among the passengers was John Winthrop, who had sold the estate of his + forefathers, and was going to prepare a new home for his wife and children + in the wilderness. He had the king’s charter in his keeping, and was + appointed the first governor of Massachusetts. Imagine him a person of + grave and benevolent aspect, dressed in a black velvet suit, with a broad + ruff around his neck, and a peaked beard upon his chin. {Foot Note: There + is a statue representing John Winthrop in Scollay Square in Boston. He + holds the charter in his hand, and a Bible is under his arm.} There was + likewise a minister of the gospel whom the English bishops had forbidden + to preach, but who knew that he should have liberty both to preach and + pray in the forests of America. He wore a black cloak, called a Geneva + cloak, and had a black velvet cap, fitting close to his head, as was the + fashion of almost all the Puritan clergymen. In their company came Sir + Richard Saltonstall, who had been one of the five first projectors of the + new colony. He soon returned to his native country. But his descendants + still remain in New England; and the good old family name is as much + respected in our days as it was in those of Sir Richard. + </p> + <p> + Not only these, but several other men of wealth and pious ministers were + in the cabin of the Arbella. One had banished himself forever from the old + hall where his ancestors had lived for hundreds of years. Another had left + his quiet parsonage, in a country town of England. Others had come from + the Universities of Oxford or Cambridge, where they had gained great fame + for their learning. And here they all were, tossing upon the uncertain and + dangerous sea, and bound for a home that was more dangerous than even the + sea itself. In the cabin, likewise, sat the Lady Arbella in her chair, + with a gentle and sweet expression on her face, but looking too pale and + feeble to endure the hardships of the wilderness. + </p> + <p> + Every morning and evening the Lady Arbella gave up her great chair to one + of the ministers, who took his place in it and read passages from the + Bible to his companions. And thus, with prayers, and pious conversation, + and frequent singing of hymns, which the breezes caught from their lips + and scattered far over the desolate waves, they prosecuted their voyage, + and sailed into the harbor of Salem in the month of June. + </p> + <p> + At that period there were but six or eight dwellings in the town; and + these were miserable hovels, with roofs of straw and wooden chimneys. The + passengers in the fleet either built huts with bark and branches of trees, + or erected tents of cloth till they could provide themselves with better + shelter. Many of them went to form a settlement at Charlestown. It was + thought fit that the Lady Arbella should tarry in Salem for a time; she + was probably received as a guest into the family of John Endicott. He was + the chief person in the plantation, and had the only comfortable house + which the new-comers had beheld since they left England. So now, children, + you must imagine Grandfather’s chair in the midst of a new scene. + </p> + <p> + Suppose it a hot summer’s day, and the lattice-windows of a chamber in Mr. + Endicott’s house thrown wide open. The Lady Arbella, looking paler than + she did on shipboard, is sitting in her chair, and thinking mournfully of + far-off England. She rises and goes to the window. There, amid patches Of + garden ground and cornfield, she sees the few wretched hovels of the + settlers, with the still ruder wigwams and cloth tents of the passengers + who had arrived in the same fleet with herself. Far and near stretches the + dismal forest of pine-trees, which throw their black shadows over the + whole land, and likewise over the heart of this poor lady. + </p> + <p> + All the inhabitants of the little village are busy. One is clearing a spot + on the verge of the forest for his homestead; another is hewing the trunk + of a fallen pine-tree, in order to build himself a dwelling; a third is + hoeing in his field of Indian corn. Here comes a huntsman out of the + woods, dragging a bear which he has shot, and shouting to the neighbors to + lend him a hand. There goes a man to the sea-shore, with a spade and a + bucket, to dig a mess of clams, which were a principal article of food + with the first settlers. Scattered here and there are two or three dusky + figures, clad in mantles of fur, with ornaments of bone hanging from their + ears, and the feathers of wild birds in their coal-black hair. They have + belts of shellwork slung across their shoulders, and are armed with bows + and arrows, and flint-headed spears. These are an Indian sagamore and his + attendants, who have come to gaze at the labors of the white men. And now + rises a cry that a pack of wolves have seized a young calf in the pasture; + and every man snatches up his gun or pike and runs in chase of the + marauding beasts. + </p> + <p> + Poor Lady Arbella watches all these sights, and feels that this New World + is fit only for rough and hardy people. None should be here but those who + can struggle with wild beasts and wild men, and can toil in the heat or + cold, and can keep their hearts firm against all difficulties and dangers. + But she is not of these. Her gentle and timid spirit sinks within her; + and, turning away from the window, she sits down in the great chair and + wonders whereabouts in the wilderness her friends will dig her grave. + </p> + <p> + Mr. Johnson had gone, with Governor Winthrop and most of the other + passengers, to Boston, where he intended to build a house for Lady Arbella + and himself. Boston was then covered with wild woods, and had fewer + inhabitants, even, than Salem. During her husband’s absence, poor Lady + Arbella felt herself growing ill, and was hardly able to stir from the + great chair. Whenever John Endicott noticed her despondency he doubtless + addressed her with words of comfort. “Cheer up, my good lady!” he would + say. + </p> + <p> + “In a little time you will love this rude life of the wilderness as I do.” + But Endicott’s heart was as bold and resolute as iron, and he could not + understand why a woman’s heart should not be of iron too. + </p> + <p> + Still, however, he spoke kindly to the lady, and then hastened forth to + till his cornfield and set out fruit-trees, or to bargain with the Indians + for furs, or perchance to oversee the building of a fort. Also, being a + magistrate, he had often to punish some idler or evil doer, by ordering + him to be set in the stocks or scourged at the whipping-post. Often, too, + as was the custom of the times, he and Mr. Higginson, the minister of + Salem, held long religious talks together. Thus John Endicott was a man of + multifarious business, and had no time to look back regretfully to his + native land. He felt himself fit for the New World and for the work that + he had to do, and set himself resolutely to accomplish it. + </p> + <p> + What a contrast, my dear children, between this bold, rough, active man, + and the gentle Lady Arbella, who was fading away, like a pale English + flower, in the shadow of the forest! And now the great chair was often + empty, because Lady Arbella grew too weak to arise from bed. + </p> + <p> + Meantime, her husband had pitched upon a spot for their new home. He + returned from Boston to Salem, travelling through the woods on foot, and + leaning on his pilgrim’s staff. His heart yearned within him; for he was + eager to tell his wife of the new home which he had chosen. But when he + beheld her pale and hollow cheek, and found how her strength was wasted, + he must have known that her appointed home was in a better land. Happy for + him then—happy both for him and her—if they remembered that + there was a path to heaven, as well from this heathen wilderness as from + the Christian land whence they had come. And so, in one short month from + her arrival, the gentle Lady Arbella faded away and died. They dug a grave + for her in the new soil, where the roots of the pine-trees impeded their + spades; and when her bones had rested there nearly two hundred years, and + a city had sprung up around them, a church of stone was built upon the + spot. + </p> + <p> + Charley, almost at the commencement of the foregoing narrative, had + galloped away, with a prodigious clatter, upon Grandfather’s stick, and + was not yet returned. So large a boy should have been ashamed to ride upon + a stick. But Laurence and Clara had listened attentively, and were + affected by this true story of the gentle lady who had come so far to die + so soon. Grandfather had supposed that little Alice was asleep; but + towards the close of the story, happening to look down upon her, he saw + that her blue eyes were wide open, and fixed earnestly upon his face. The + tears had gathered in them, like dew upon a delicate flower; but when + Grandfather ceased to speak, the sunshine of her smile broke forth again. + </p> + <p> + “Oh, the lady must have been so glad to get to heaven!” exclaimed little + Alice. “Grandfather, what became of Mr. Johnson?” asked Clara. + </p> + <p> + “His heart appears to have been quite broken,” answered Grandfather; “for + he died at Boston within a month after the death of his wife. He was + buried in the very same tract of ground where he had intended to build a + dwelling for Lady Arbella and himself. Where their house would have stood, + there was his grave.” + </p> + <p> + “I never heard anything so melancholy,” said Clara. + </p> + <p> + “The people loved and respected Mr. Johnson so much,” continued + Grandfather, “that it was the last request of many of them, when they + died, that they might be buried as near as possible to this good man’s + grave. And so the field became the first burial ground in Boston. When you + pass through Tremont Street, along by King’s Chapel, you see a + burial-ground, containing many old grave-stones and monuments. That was + Mr. Johnson’s field.” + </p> + <p> + “How sad is the thought,” observed Clara, “that one of the first things + which the settlers had to do, when they came to the New World, was to set + apart a burial-ground!” + </p> + <p> + “Perhaps,” said Laurence, “if they had found no need of burial-grounds + here, they would have been glad, after a few years, to go back to + England.” + </p> + <p> + Grandfather looked at Laurence, to discover whether he knew how profound + and true a thing he had said. + </p> + <p> + <a name="link2HCH0003" id="link2HCH0003"> + <!-- H2 anchor --> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h2> + CHAPTER III. A RAINY DAY. + </h2> + <p> + NOT long after Grandfather had told the story of his great chair, there + chanced to be a rainy day. Our friend Charley, after disturbing the + household with beat of drum and riotous shouts, races up and down the + staircase, overturning of chairs, and much other uproar, began to feel the + quiet and confinement within doors intolerable. But as the rain came down + in a flood, the little fellow was hopelessly a prisoner, and now stood + with sullen aspect at a window, wondering whether the sun itself were not + extinguished by so much moisture in the sky. + </p> + <p> + Charley had already exhausted the less eager activity of the other + children; and they had betaken themselves to occupations that did not + admit of his companionship. Laurence sat in a recess near the book-ease, + reading, not for the first time, the Midsummer Night’s Dream. Clara was + making a rosary of beads for a little figure of a Sister of Charity, who + was to attend the Bunker Hill fair and lend her aid in erecting the + Monument. Little Alice sat on Grandfather’s footstool, with a picture-book + in her hand; and, for every picture, the child was telling Grandfather a + story. She did not read from the book (for little Alice had not much skill + in reading), but told the story out of her own heart and mind. + </p> + <p> + Charley was too big a boy, of course, to care anything about little + Alice’s stories, although Grandfather appeared to listen with a good deal + of interest. Often in a young child’s ideas and fancies, there, is + something which it requires the thought of a lifetime to comprehend. But + Charley was of opinion that, if a story must be told, it had better be + told by Grandfather than little Alice. + </p> + <p> + “Grandfather, I want to hear more about your chair,” said he. + </p> + <p> + Now, Grandfather remembered that Charley had galloped away upon a stick in + the midst of the narrative of poor Lady Arbella, and I know not whether he + would have thought it worth while to tell another story merely to gratify + such an inattentive auditor as Charley. But Laurence laid down his book + and seconded the request. Clara drew her chair nearer to Grandfather; and + little Alice immediately closed her picture-book and looked up into his + face. Grandfather had not the heart to disappoint them. + </p> + <p> + He mentioned several persons who had a share in the settlement of our + country, and who would be well worthy of remembrance, if we could find + room to tell about them all. Among the rest, Grandfather spoke of the + famous Hugh Peters, a minister of the gospel, who did much good to the + inhabitants of Salem. Mr. Peters afterwards went back to England, and was + chaplain to Oliver Cromwell; but Grandfather did not tell the children + what became of this upright and zealous man at last. In fact, his auditors + were growing impatient to hear more about the history of the chair. + </p> + <p> + “After the death of Mr. Johnson,” said he, “Grandfather’s chair came into + the possession of Roger Williams. He was a clergyman, who arrived at + Salem, and settled there in 1631. Doubtless the good man has spent many a + studious hour in this old chair, either penning a sermon or reading some + abstruse book of theology, till midnight came upon him unawares. At that + period, as there were few lamps or candles to be had, people used to read + or work by the light of pitch-pine torches. These supplied the place of + the ‘midnight oil’ to the learned men of New England.” + </p> + <p> + Grandfather went on to talk about Roger Williams, and told the children + several particulars, which we have not room to repeat. + </p> + <p> + <a name="link2HCH0004" id="link2HCH0004"> + <!-- H2 anchor --> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h2> + CHAPTER IV. TROUBLOUS TIMES. + </h2> + <p> + “ROGER WILLIAMS,” said Grandfather, “did not keep possession of the chair + a great while. His opinions of civil and religious matters differed, in + many respects, from those of the rulers and clergymen of Massachusetts. + Now, the wise men of those days believed that the country could not be + safe unless all the inhabitants thought and felt alike.” + </p> + <p> + “Does anybody believe so in our days, Grandfather?” asked Lawrence. + </p> + <p> + “Possibly there are some who believe it,” said Grandfather; “but they have + not so much power to act upon their belief as the magistrates and + ministers had in the days of Roger Williams. They had the power to deprive + this good man of his home, and to send him out from the midst of them in + search of a new place of rest. He was banished in 1634, and went first to + Plymouth colony; but as the people there held the same opinions as those + of Massachusetts, he was not suffered to remain among them. However, the + wilderness was wide enough; so Roger Williams took his staff and travelled + into the forest and made treaties with the Indians, and began a plantation + which he called Providence.” + </p> + <p> + “I have been to Providence on the railroad,” said Charley. “It is but a + two-hours’ ride.” + </p> + <p> + “Yes, Charley,” replied Grandfather; “but when Roger Williams travelled + thither, over hills and valleys, and through the tangled woods, and across + swamps and streams, it was a journey of several days. Well, his little + plantation has now grown to be a populous city; and the inhabitants have a + great veneration for Roger Williams. His name is familiar in the mouths of + all, because they see it on their bank-bills. How it would have perplexed + this good clergyman if he had been told that he should give his name to + the ROGER WILLIAMS BANK!” + </p> + <p> + “When he was driven from Massachusetts,” said Lawrence, “and began his + journey into the woods, he must have felt as if he were burying himself + forever from the sight and knowledge of men. Yet the whole country has now + heard of him, and will remember him forever.” + </p> + <p> + “Yes,” answered Grandfather; “it often happens that the outcasts of one + generation are those who are reverenced as the wisest and best of men by + the next. The securest fame is that which comes after a man’s death. But + let us return to our story. When Roger Williams was banished, he appears + to have given the chair to Mrs. Anne Hutchinson. At all events, it was in + her possession in 1687. She was a very sharp-witted and well-instructed + lady, and was so conscious of her own wisdom and abilities that she + thought it a pity that the world should not have the benefit of them. She + therefore used to hold lectures in Boston once or twice a week, at which + most of the women attended. Mrs. Hutchinson presided at these meetings, + sitting with great state and dignity in Grandfather’s chair.” + </p> + <p> + “Grandfather, was it positively this very chair?” demanded Clara, laying + her hand upon its carved elbow. + </p> + <p> + “Why not, my dear Clara?” said Grandfather. “Well, Mrs. Hutchinson’s + lectures soon caused a great disturbance; for the ministers of Boston did + not think it safe and proper that a woman should publicly instruct the + people in religious doctrines. Moreover, she made the matter worse by + declaring that the Rev. Mr. Cotton was the only sincerely pious and holy + clergyman in New England. Now, the clergy of those days had quite as much + share in the government of the country, though indirectly, as the + magistrates themselves; so you may imagine what a host of powerful enemies + were raised up against Mrs. Hutchinson. A synod was convened; that is to + say, an assemblage of all the ministers in Massachusetts. They declared + that there were eighty-two erroneous opinions on religious subjects + diffused among the people, and that Mrs. Hutchinson’s opinions were of the + number.” + </p> + <p> + “If they had eighty-two wrong opinions,” observed Charley, “I don’t see + how they could have any right ones.” + </p> + <p> + “Mrs. Hutchinson had many zealous friends and converts,” continued + Grandfather. “She was favored by young Henry Vane, who had come over from + England a year or two before, and had since been chosen governor of the + colony, at the age of twenty-four. But Winthrop and most of the other + leading men, as well as the ministers, felt an abhorrence of her + doctrines. Thus two opposite parties were formed; and so fierce were the + dissensions that it was feared the consequence would be civil war and + bloodshed. But Winthrop and the ministers being the most powerful, they + disarmed and imprisoned Mrs. Hutchinson’s adherents. She, like Roger + Williams, was banished.” + </p> + <p> + “Dear Grandfather, did they drive the poor woman into the woods?” + exclaimed little Alice, who contrived to feel a human interest even in + these discords of polemic divinity. + </p> + <p> + “They did, my darling,” replied Grandfather; “and the end of her life was + so sad you must not hear it. At her departure, it appears, from the best + authorities, that she gave the great Chair to her friend Henry Vane. He + was a young man of wonderful talents and great learning, who had imbibed + the religious opinions of the Puritans, and left England with the + intention of spending his life in Massachusetts. The people chose him + governor; but the controversy about Mrs. Hutchinson, and other troubles, + caused him to leave country in 1637. You may read the subsequent events of + his life in the History of England.” + </p> + <p> + “Yes, Grandfather,” cried Laurence; “and we may read them better in Mr. + Upham’s biography of Vane. And what a beautiful death he died, long + afterwards! beautiful, though it was on a scaffold.” + </p> + <p> + “Many of the most beautiful deaths have been there,” said Grandfather. + “The enemies of a great and good man can in no other way make him so + glorious as by giving him the crown of martyrdom.” + </p> + <p> + In order that the children might fully understand the all-important + history of the chair, Grandfather now thought fit to speak of the progress + that was made in settling several colonies. The settlement of Plymouth, in + 1620, has already been mentioned. In 1635 Mr. Hooker and Mr. Stone, two + ministers, went on foot from Massachusetts to Connecticut, through the + pathless woods, taking their whole congregation along with them. They + founded the town of Hartford. In 1638 Mr. Davenport, a very celebrated + minister, went, with other people, and began a plantation at New Haven. In + the same year, some persons who had been persecuted in Massachusetts went + to the Isle of Rhodes, since called Rhode Island, and settled there. About + this time, also, many settlers had gone to Maine, and were living without + any regular government. There were likewise settlers near Piscataqua + River, in the region which is now called New Hampshire. + </p> + <p> + Thus, at various points along the coast of New England, there were + communities of Englishmen. Though these communities were independent of + one another, yet they had a common dependence upon England; and, at so + vast a distance from their native home, the inhabitants must all have felt + like brethren. They were fitted to become one united People at a future + period. Perhaps their feelings of brotherhood were the stronger because + different nations had formed settlements to the north and to the south. In + Canada and Nova Scotia were colonies of French. On the banks of the Hudson + River was a colony of Dutch, who had taken possession of that region many + years before, and called it New Netherlands. + </p> + <p> + Grandfather, for aught I know, might have gone on to speak of Maryland and + Virginia; for the good old gentleman really seemed to suppose that the + whole surface of the United States was not too broad a foundation to place + the four legs of his chair upon. But, happening to glance at Charley, he + perceived that this naughty boy was growing impatient and meditating + another ride upon a stick. So here, for the present, Grandfather suspended + the history of his chair. + </p> + <p> + <a name="link2HCH0005" id="link2HCH0005"> + <!-- H2 anchor --> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h2> + CHAPTER V. THE GOVERNMENT OF NEW ENGLAND. + </h2> + <p> + The children had now learned to look upon the chair with an interest which + was almost the same as if it were a conscious being, and could remember + the many famous people whom it had held within its arms. + </p> + <p> + Even Charley, lawless as he was, seemed to feel that this venerable chair + must not be clambered upon nor overturned, although he had no scruple in + taking such liberties With every other chair in the house. Clara treated + it with still greater reverence, often taking occasion to smooth its + cushion, and to brush the dust from the carved flowers and grotesque + figures of its oaken back and arms. Laurence would sometimes sit a whole + hour, especially at twilight, gazing at the chair, and, by the spell of + his imaginations, summoning up its ancient occupants to appear in it + again. + </p> + <p> + Little Alice evidently employed herself in a similar way; for once when + Grandfather had gone abroad, the child was heard talking with the gentle + Lady Arbella, as if she were still sitting in the chair. So sweet a child + as little Alice may fitly talk with angels, such as the Lady Arbella had + long since become. + </p> + <p> + Grandfather was soon importuned for more stories about the chair. He had + no difficulty in relating them; for it really seemed as if every person + noted in our early history had, on some occasion or other, found repose + within its comfortable arms. If Grandfather took pride in anything, it was + in being the possessor of such an honorable and historic elbow-chair. + </p> + <p> + “I know not precisely who next got possession of the chair after Governor + Vane went back to England,” said Grandfather. “But there is reason to + believe that President Dunster sat in it, when he held the first + Commencement at Harvard College. You have often heard, children, how + careful our forefathers were to give their young people a good education. + They had scarcely cut down trees enough to make room for their own + dwellings before they began to think of establishing a college. Their + principal object was, to rear up pious and learned ministers; and hence + old writers call Harvard College a school of the prophets.” + </p> + <p> + “Is the college a school of the prophets now?” asked Charley. + </p> + <p> + “It is a long while since I took my degree, Charley. You must ask some of + the recent graduates,” answered Grandfather. “As I was telling you, + President Dunster sat in Grandfather’s chair in 1642, when he conferred + the degree of bachelor of arts on nine young men. They were the first in + America who had received that honor. And now, my dear auditors, I must + confess that there are contradictory statements and some uncertainty about + the adventures of the chair for a period of almost ten years. Some say + that it was occupied by your own ancestor, William Hawthorne, first + speaker of the House of Representatives. I have nearly satisfied myself, + however, that, during most of this questionable period, it was literally + the chair of state. It gives me much pleasure to imagine that several + successive governors of Massachusetts sat in it at the council board.” + </p> + <p> + “But, Grandfather,” interposed Charley, who was a matter-of-fact little + person, “what reason have you, to imagine so?” + </p> + <p> + “Pray do imagine it, Grandfather,” said Laurence. + </p> + <p> + “With Charley’s permission, I will,” replied Grandfather, smiling. “Let us + consider it settled, therefore, that Winthrop, Bellingham, Dudley, and + Endicott, each of them, when chosen governor, took his seat in our great + chair on election day. In this chair, likewise, did those excellent + governors preside while holding consultations with the chief councillors + of the province, who were styled assistants. The governor sat in this + chair, too, whenever messages were brought to him from the chamber of + representatives.” + </p> + <p> + And here Grandfather took occasion to talk rather tediously about the + nature and forms of government that established themselves, almost + spontaneously, in Massachusetts and the other New England colonies. + Democracies were the natural growth of the New World. As to Massachusetts, + it was at first intended that the colony should be governed by a council + in London. But in a little while the people had the whole power in their + own hands, and chose annually the governor, the councillors, and the + representatives. The people of Old England had never enjoyed anything like + the liberties and privileges which the settlers of New England now + possessed. And they did not adopt these modes of government after long + study, but in simplicity, as if there were no other way for people to be + ruled. + </p> + <p> + “But, Laurence,” continued Grandfather, “when you want instruction on + these points, you must seek it in Mr. Bancroft’s History. I am merely + telling the history of a chair. To proceed. The period during which the + governors sat in our chair was not very full of striking incidents. The + province was now established on a secure foundation; but it did not + increase so rapidly as at first, because the Puritans were no longer + driven from England by persecution. However, there was still a quiet and + natural growth. The Legislature incorporated towns, and made new purchases + of lands from the Indians. A very memorable event took place in 1643. The + colonies of Massachusetts, Plymouth, Connecticut, and New Haven formed a + union, for the purpose of assisting each other in difficulties, for mutual + defence against their enemies. They called themselves the United Colonies + of New England.” + </p> + <p> + “Were they under a government like that of the United States?” inquired + Laurence. + </p> + <p> + “No,” replied Grandfather; “the different colonies did not compose one + nation together; it was merely a confederacy among the governments: It + somewhat resembled the league of the Amphictyons, which you remember in + Grecian history. But to return to our chair. In 1644 it was highly + honored; for Governor Endicott sat in it when he gave audience to an + ambassador from the French governor of Acadia, or Nova Scotia. A treaty of + peace between Massachusetts and the French colony was then signed.” + </p> + <p> + “Did England allow Massachusetts to make war and peace with foreign + countries?” asked Laurence. + </p> + <p> + “Massachusetts and the whole of New England was then almost independent of + the mother country,” said Grandfather. “There was now a civil war in + England; and the king, as you may well suppose, had his hands full at + home, and could pay but little attention to these remote colonies. When + the Parliament got the power into their hands, they likewise had enough to + do in keeping down the Cavaliers. Thus New England, like a young and hardy + lad whose father and mother neglect it, was left to take care of itself. + In 1649 King Charles was beheaded. Oliver Cromwell then became Protector + of England; and as he was a Puritan himself, and had risen by the valor of + the English Puritans, he showed himself a loving and indulgent father to + the Puritan colonies in America.” + </p> + <p> + Grandfather might have continued to talk in this dull manner nobody knows + how long; but suspecting that Charley would find the subject rather dry, + he looked sidewise at that vivacious little fellow, and saw him give an + involuntary yawn. Whereupon Grandfather proceeded with the history of the + chair, and related a very entertaining incident, which will be found in + the next chapter. + </p> + <p> + <a name="link2HCH0006" id="link2HCH0006"> + <!-- H2 anchor --> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h2> + CHAPTER VI. THE PINE-TREE SHILLINGS. + </h2> + <p> + “ACCORDING to the most authentic records, my dear children,” said + Grandfather, “the chair, about this time, had the misfortune to break its + leg. It was probably on account of this accident that it ceased to be the + seat of the governors of Massachusetts; for, assuredly, it would have been + ominous of evil to the commonwealth if the chair of state had tottered + upon three legs. Being therefore sold at auction,—alas I what a + vicissitude for a chair that had figured in such high company!—our + venerable friend was knocked down to a certain Captain John Hull. This old + gentleman, on carefully examining the maimed chair, discovered that its + broken leg might be clamped with iron and made as serviceable as ever.” + </p> + <p> + “Here is the very leg that was broken!” exclaimed Charley, throwing + himself down on the floor to look at it. “And here are the iron clamps. + How well it was mended!” + </p> + <p> + When they had all sufficiently examined the broken leg, Grandfather told + them a story about Captain John Hull and the Pine-tree Shillings. + </p> + <p> + The Captain John Hull aforesaid was the mint-master of Massachusetts, and + coined all the money that was made there. This was a new line of business, + for, in the earlier days of the colony, the current coinage consisted of + gold and silver money of England, Portugal, and Spain. These coins being + scarce, the people were often forced to barter their commodities instead + of selling them. + </p> + <p> + For instance, if a man wanted to buy a coat, he perhaps exchanged a + bear-skin for it. If he wished for a barrel of molasses, he might purchase + it with a pile of pine boards. Musket-bullets were used instead of + farthings. The Indians had a sort of money, called wampum, which was made + of clam-shells; and this strange sort of specie was likewise taken in + payment of debts by the English settlers. Bank-bills had never been heard + of. There was not money enough of any kind, in many parts of the country, + to pay the salaries of the ministers; so that they sometimes had to take + quintals of fish, bushels of corn, or cords of wood, instead of silver or + gold. + </p> + <p> + As the people grew more numerous, and their trade one with another + increased, the want of current money was still more sensibly felt. To + supply the demand, the General Court passed a law for establishing a + coinage of shillings, sixpences, and threepences. Captain John Hull was + appointed to manufacture this money, and was to have about one shilling + out of every twenty to pay him for the trouble of making them. + </p> + <p> + Hereupon all the old silver in the colony was handed over to Captain John + Hull. The battered silver cans and tankards, I suppose, and silver + buckles, and broken spoons, and silver buttons of worn-out coats, and + silver hilts of swords that had figured at court,—all such curious + old articles were doubtless thrown into the melting-pot together. But by + far the greater part of the silver consisted of bullion from the mines of + South America, which the English buccaneers—who were little better + than pirates—had taken from the Spaniards and brought to + Massachusetts. + </p> + <p> + All this old and new silver being melted down and coined, the result was + an immense amount of splendid shillings, sixpences, and threepences. Each + had the date, 1652, on the one side, and the figure of a pine-tree on the + other. Hence they were called pine-tree shillings. And for every twenty + shillings that he coined, you will remember, Captain John Hull was + entitled to put one shilling into his own pocket. + </p> + <p> + The magistrates soon began to suspect that the mint master would have the + best of the bargain. They offered him a large sum of money if he would but + give up that twentieth shilling which he was continually dropping into his + own pocket. But Captain Hull declared himself perfectly satisfied with the + shilling. And well he might be; for so diligently did he labor, that, in a + few years, his pockets, his money-bags, and his strong box were + overflowing with pine-tree shillings. This was probably the case when he + came into possession of Grandfather’s chair; and, as he had worked so hard + at the mint, it was certainly proper that he should have a comfortable + chair to rest him self in. + </p> + <p> + When the mint-master had grown very rich, a young man, Samuel Sewall by + name, came a-courting to his only daughter. His daughter—whose name + I do not know, but we will call her Betsey—was a fine, hearty + damsel, by no means so slender as some young ladies of our own days. On + the contrary, having always fed heartily on pumpkin-pies, doughnuts, + Indian puddings, and other Puritan dainties, she was as round and plump as + a pudding herself. With this round, rosy Miss Betsey did Samuel Sewall + fall in love. As he was a young man of good character, industrious in his + business, and a member of the church, the mint-master very readily gave + his consent. + </p> + <p> + “Yes, you may take her,” said he, in his rough way, “and you’ll find her a + heavy burden enough!” + </p> + <p> + On the wedding day, we may suppose that honest John Hull dressed himself + in a plum-colored coat, all the buttons of which were made of pine-tree + shillings. The buttons of his waistcoat were sixpences; and the knees of + his small-clothes were buttoned with silver threepences. Thus attired, he + sat with great dignity in Grandfather’s chair; and, being a portly old + gentleman, he completely filled it from elbow to elbow. On the opposite + side of the room, between her bride-maids, sat Miss Betsey. She was + blushing with all her might, and looked like a full-blown peony, or a + great red apple. + </p> + <p> + There, too, was the bridegroom, dressed in a fine purple coat and + gold-lace waistcoat, with as much other finery as the Puritan laws and + customs would allow him to put on. His hair was cropped close to his head, + because Governor Endicott had forbidden any man to wear it below the ears. + But he was a very personable young man; and so thought the bridemaids and + Miss Betsey herself. + </p> + <p> + The mint-master also was pleased with his new Son-in-law; especially as he + had courted Miss Betsey out of pure love, and had said nothing at all + about her portion. So, when the marriage ceremony was over, Captain Hull + whispered a word to two of his men-servants, who immediately went out, and + soon returned, lugging in a large pair of scales. They were such a pair as + wholesale merchants use for weighing bulky commodities; and quite a bulky + commodity was now to be weighed in them. + </p> + <p> + “Daughter Betsey,” said the mint-master, “get into one side of these + scales.” + </p> + <p> + Miss Betsey—or Mrs. Sewall, as we must now call her—did as she + was bid, like a dutiful child, without any question of the why and + wherefore. But what her father could mean, unless to make her husband pay + for her by the pound (in which case she would have been a dear bargain), + she had not the least idea. + </p> + <p> + “And now,” said honest John Hull to the servants “bring that box hither.” + </p> + <p> + The box to which the mint-master pointed was a huge, square, iron-bound, + oaken chest; it was big enough, my children, for all four of you to play + at hide-and-seek in. The servants tugged with might and main, but could + not lift this enormous receptacle, and were finally obliged to drag it + across the floor. Captain Hull then took a key from his girdle, unlocked + the chest, and lifted its ponderous lid. Behold! it was full to the brim + of bright pine-tree shillings, fresh from the mint; and Samuel Sewall + began to think that his father-in-law had got possession of all the money + in the Massachusetts treasury. But it was only the mint-master’s honest + share of the coinage. + </p> + <p> + Then the servants, at Captain Hull’s command, heaped double handfuls of + shillings into one side of the scales, while Betsey remained in the other. + Jingle, jingle, went the shillings, as handful after handful was thrown + in, till, plump and ponderous as she was, they fairly weighed the young + lady from the floor. + </p> + <p> + “There, son Sewall!” cried the honest mint-master, resuming his seat in + Grandfather’s chair, “take these shillings for my daughter’s portion. Use + her kindly, and thank Heaven for her. It is not every wife that’s worth + her weight in silver!” + </p> + <p> + The children laughed heartily at this legend, and would hardly be + convinced but that Grandfather had made it out of his own head. He assured + them faithfully, however, that he had found it in the pages of a grave + historian, and had merely tried to tell it in a somewhat funnier style. As + for Samuel Sewall, he afterwards became chief justice of Massachusetts. + </p> + <p> + “Well, Grandfather,” remarked Clara, “if wedding portions nowadays were + paid as Miss Betsey’s was, young ladies would not pride themselves upon an + airy figure, as many of them do.” + </p> + <p> + <a name="link2HCH0007" id="link2HCH0007"> + <!-- H2 anchor --> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h2> + CHAPTER VII. THE QUAKERS AND THE INDIANS. + </h2> + <p> + WHEN his little audience next assembled round the chair, Grandfather gave + them a doleful history of the Quaker persecution, which began in 1656, and + raged for about three years in Massachusetts. + </p> + <p> + He told them how, in the first place, twelve of the converts of George + Fox, the first Quaker in the world, had come over from England. They + seemed to be impelled by an earnest love for the souls of men, and a pure + desire to make known what they considered a revelation from Heaven. But + the rulers looked upon them as plotting the downfall of all government and + religion. They were banished from the colony. In a little while, however, + not only the first twelve had returned, but a multitude of other Quakers + had come to rebuke the rulers and to preach against the priests and + steeple-houses. + </p> + <p> + Grandfather described the hatred and scorn with which these enthusiasts + were received. They were thrown into dungeons; they were beaten with many + stripes, women as well as men; they were driven forth into the wilderness, + and left to the tender mercies of tender mercies of wild beasts and + Indians. The children were amazed hear that the more the Quakers were + scourged, and imprisoned, and banished, the more did the sect increase, + both by the influx of strangers and by converts from among the Puritans, + But Grandfather told them that God had put something into the soul of man, + which always turned the cruelties of the persecutor to naught. + </p> + <p> + He went on to relate that, in 1659, two Quakers, named William Robinson + and Marmaduke Stephenson, were hanged at Boston. A woman had been + sentenced to die with them, but was reprieved on condition of her leaving + the colony. Her name was Mary Dyer. In the year 1660 she returned to + Boston, although she knew death awaited her there; and, if Grandfather had + been correctly informed, an incident had then taken place which connects + her with our story. This Mary Dyer had entered the mint-master’s dwelling, + clothed in sackcloth and ashes, and seated herself in our great chair with + a sort of dignity and state. Then she proceeded to deliver what she called + a message from Heaven, but in the midst of it they dragged her to prison. + </p> + <p> + “And was she executed?” asked Laurence. + </p> + <p> + “She was,” said Grandfather. + </p> + <p> + “Grandfather,” cried Charley, clinching his fist, “I would have fought for + that poor Quaker woman!” + </p> + <p> + “Ah, but if a sword had been drawn for her,” said Laurence, “it would have + taken away all the beauty of her death.” + </p> + <p> + It seemed as if hardly any of the preceding stories had thrown such an + interest around Grandfather’s chair as did the fact that the poor, + persecuted, wandering Quaker woman had rested in it for a moment. The + children were so much excited that Grandfather found it necessary to bring + his account of the persecution to a close. + </p> + <p> + “In 1660, the same year in which Mary Dyer was executed,” said he, + “Charles II. was restored to the throne of his fathers. This king had many + vices; but he would not permit blood to be shed, under pretence of + religion, in any part of his dominions. The Quakers in England told him + what had been done to their brethren in Massachusetts; and he sent orders + to Governor Endicott to forbear all such proceedings in future. And so + ended the Quaker persecution,—one of the most mournful passages in + the history of our forefathers.” + </p> + <p> + Grandfather then told his auditors, that, shortly after the above + incident, the great chair had been given by the mint-master to the Rev. + Mr. John Eliot. He was the first minister of Roxbury. But besides + attending to the pastoral duties there, he learned the language of the red + men, and often went into the woods to preach to them. So earnestly did he + labor for their conversion that he has always been called the apostle to + the Indians. The mention of this holy man suggested to Grandfather the + propriety of giving a brief sketch of the history of the Indians, so far + as they were connected with the English colonists. + </p> + <p> + A short period before the arrival of the first Pilgrims at Plymouth there + had been a very grievous plague among the red men; and the sages and + ministers of that day were inclined to the opinion that Providence had + sent this mortality in order to make room for the settlement of the + English. But I know not why we should suppose that an Indian’s life is + less precious, in the eye of Heaven, than that of a white man. Be that as + it may, death had certainly been very busy with the savage tribes. + </p> + <p> + In many places the English found the wigwams deserted and the cornfields + growing to waste, with none to harvest the grain. There were heaps of + earth also, which, being dug open, proved to be Indian graves, containing + bows and flint-headed spears and arrows; for the Indians buried the dead + warrior’s weapons along with him. In some spots there were skulls and + other human bones lying unburied. In 1633, and the year afterwards, the + small-pox broke out among the Massachusetts Indians, multitudes of whom + died by this terrible disease of the Old World. These misfortunes made + them far less powerful than they had formerly been. + </p> + <p> + For nearly half a century after the arrival of the English the red men + showed themselves generally inclined to peace and amity. They often made + submission when they might have made successful war. The Plymouth + settlers, led by the famous Captain Miles Standish, slew some of them, in + 1623, without any very evident necessity for so doing. In 1636, and the + following year, there was the most dreadful war that had yet occurred + between the Indians and the English. The Connecticut settlers, assisted by + a celebrated Indian chief named Uncas, bore the brunt of this war, with + but little aid from Massachusetts. Many hundreds of the hostile Indians + were slain or burned in their wigwams. Sassacus, their sachem, fled to + another tribe, after his own people were defeated; but he was murdered by + them, and his head was sent to his English enemies. + </p> + <p> + From that period down to the time of King Philip’s War, which will be + mentioned hereafter, there was not much trouble with the Indians. But the + colonists were always on their guard, and kept their weapons ready for the + conflict. + </p> + <p> + “I have sometimes doubted,” said Grandfather, when he had told these + things to the Children,—“I have sometimes doubted whether there was + more than a single man among our forefathers who realized that an Indian + possesses a mind, and a heart, and an immortal soul. That single man was + John Eliot. All the rest of the early settlers seemed to think that the + Indians were an inferior race of beings, whom the Creator had merely + allowed to keep possession of this beautiful country till the white men + should be in want of it.” + </p> + <p> + “Did the pious men of those days never try to make Christian of them?” + asked Laurence. “Sometimes, it is true,” answered Grandfather, “the + magistrates and ministers would talk about civilizing and converting the + red people. But, at the bottom of their hearts, they would have had almost + as much expectation of civilizing the wild bear of the woods and making + him fit for paradise. They felt no faith in the success of any such + attempts, because they had no love for the poor Indians. Now, Eliot was + full of love for them; and therefore so full of faith and hope that he + spent the labor of a lifetime in their behalf.” + </p> + <p> + “I would have conquered them first, and then converted them,” said + Charley. + </p> + <p> + “Ah, Charley, there spoke the very spirit of our forefathers.” replied + Grandfather. “But Mr. Eliot a better spirit. He looked upon them as his + brethren. He persuaded as many of them as he could to leave off their idle + and wandering habits, and to build houses and cultivate the earth, as the + English did. He established schools among them and taught many of the + Indians how to read. He taught them, likewise, how to pray. Hence they + were called ‘praying Indians.’ Finally, having spent the best years of his + life for their good, Mr. Eliot resolved to spend the remainder in doing + them a yet greater benefit.” + </p> + <p> + “I know what that was!” cried Laurence. + </p> + <p> + “He sat down in his study,” continued Grandfather, “and began a + translation of the Bible into the Indian tongue. It was while he was + engaged in this pious work that the mint-master gave him our great chair. + His toil needed it and deserved it.” + </p> + <p> + “O Grandfather, tell us all about that Indian Bible!” exclaimed Laurence. + “I have seen it in the library of the Athenaeum; and the tears came into + my eyes to think that there were no Indians left to read it.” + </p> + <p> + <a name="link2HCH0008" id="link2HCH0008"> + <!-- H2 anchor --> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h2> + CHAPTER VIII. THE INDIAN BIBLE. + </h2> + <p> + As Grandfather was a great admirer of the apostle Eliot, he was glad to + comply with the earnest request which Laurence had made at the close of + the last chapter. So he proceeded to describe how good Mr. Eliot labored, + while he was at work upon the Indian Bible. + </p> + <p> + My dear children, what a task would you think it, even with a long + lifetime before you, were you bidden to copy every chapter, and verse, and + word, in yonder family Bible! Would not this be a heavy toil? But if the + task were, not to write off the English Bible, but to learn a language + utterly unlike all other tongues, a language which hitherto had never been + learned, except by the Indians themselves, from their mothers’ lips,—a + language never written, and the strange words of which seemed + inexpressible by letters,—if the task were, first to learn this new + variety of speech, and then to translate the Bible into it, and to do it + so carefully that not one idea throughout the holy book should be changed,—what + would induce you to undertake this toil? Yet this was what the apostle + Eliot did. + </p> + <p> + It was a mighty work for a man, now growing old, to take upon himself. And + what earthly reward could he expect from it? None; no reward on earth. But + he believed that the red men were the descendants of those lost tribes of + Israel of whom history has been able to tell us nothing for thousands of + years. He hoped that God had sent the English across the ocean, Gentiles + as they were, to enlighten this benighted portion of his once chosen race. + And when he should be summoned hence, he trusted to meet blessed spirits + in another world, whose bliss would have been earned by his patient toil + in translating the word of God. This hope and trust were far dearer to him + than anything that earth could offer. + </p> + <p> + Sometimes, while thus at work, he was visited by learned men, who desired + to know what literary undertaking Mr. Eliot had in hand. They, like + himself, had been bred in the studious cloisters of a university, and were + supposed to possess all the erudition which mankind has hoarded up from + age to age. Greek and Latin were as familiar to them as the bab-ble of + their childhood. Hebrew was like their mother tongue. They had grown gray + in study; their eyes were bleared with poring over print and manuscript by + the light of the midnight lamp. + </p> + <p> + And yet, how much had they left unlearned! Mr. Eliot would put into their + hands some of the pages which he had been writing; and behold! the + gray-headed men stammered over the long, strange words, like a little + child in his first attempts to read. Then would the apostle call to him an + Indian boy, one of his scholars, and show him the manuscript which had so + puzzled the learned Englishmen. + </p> + <p> + “Read this, my child,” would he say; “these are some brethren of mine, who + would fain hear the sound of thy native tongue.” + </p> + <p> + Then would the Indian boy cast his eyes over the mysterious page, and read + it so skilfully that it sounded like wild music. It seemed as if the + forest leaves were singing in the ears of his auditors, and as the roar of + distant streams were poured through the young Indian’s voice. Such were + the sounds amid which the language of the red man had been formed; and + they were still heard to echo in it. + </p> + <p> + The lesson being over, Mr. Eliot would give the Indian boy an apple or a + cake, and bid him leap forth into the open air which his free nature + loved. The Apostle was kind to children, and even shared in their sports + sometimes. And when his visitors had bidden him farewell, the good man + turned patiently to his toil again. + </p> + <p> + No other Englishman had ever understood the Indian character so well, nor + possessed so great an influence over the New England tribes, as the + apostle did. His advice and assistance must often have been valuable to + his countrymen in their transactions with the Indians. Occasionally, + perhaps, the governor and some of the councillors came to visit Mr. Eliot. + Perchance they were seeking some method to circumvent the forest people. + They inquired, it may be, how they could obtain possession of such and + such a tract of their rich land. Or they talked of making the Indians + their servants; as if God had destined them for perpetual bondage to the + more powerful white man. + </p> + <p> + Perhaps, too, some warlike captain, dressed in his buff coat, with a + corselet beneath it, accompanied the governor and councillors. Laying his + hand upon his sword hilt, he would declare that the only method of dealing + with the red men was to meet them with the sword drawn and the musket + presented. + </p> + <p> + But the apostle resisted both the craft of the politician and the + fierceness of the warrior. + </p> + <p> + “Treat these sons of the forest as men and brethren,” he would say; “and + let us endeavor to make them Christians. Their forefathers were of that + chosen race whom God delivered from Egyptian bondage. Perchance he has + destined us to deliver the children from the more cruel bondage of + ignorance and idolatry. Chiefly for this end, it may be, we were directed + across the ocean.” + </p> + <p> + When these other visitors were gone, Mr. Eliot bent himself again over the + half-written page. He dared hardly relax a moment from his toil. He felt + that, in the book which he was translating, there was a deep human as well + as heavenly wisdom, which would of itself suffice to civilize and refine + the savage tribes. Let the Bible be diffused among them, and all earthly + good would follow. But how slight a consideration was this, when he + reflected that the eternal welfare of a whole race of men depended upon + his accomplishment of the task which he had set himself! What if his hands + should be palsied? What if his mind should lose its vigor? What if death + should come upon him ere the work were done? Then must the red man wander + in the dark wilderness of heathenism forever. + </p> + <p> + Impelled by such thoughts as these, he sat writing in the great chair when + the pleasant summer breeze came in through his open casement; and also + when the fire of forest logs sent up its blaze and smoke, through the + broad stone chimney, into the wintry air. Before the earliest bird sang in + the morning the apostle’s lamp was kindled; and, at midnight, his weary + head was not yet upon its pillow. And at length, leaning back in the great + chair, he could say to himself, with a holy triumph, “The work is + finished!” + </p> + <p> + It was finished. Here was a Bible for the Indians. Those long-lost + descendants of the ten tribes of Israel would now learn the history of + their forefathers. That grace which the ancient Israelites had forfeited + was offered anew to their children. + </p> + <p> + There is no impiety in believing that, when his long life was over, the + apostle of the Indians was welcomed to the celestial abodes by the + prophets of ancient days and by those earliest apostles and evangelists + who had drawn their inspiration from the immediate presence of the + Saviour. They first had preached truth and salvation to the world. And + Eliot, separated from them by many centuries, yet full of the same spirit, + has borne the like message to the New World of the west. Since the first + days of Christianity, there has been no man more worthy to be numbered in + the brotherhood of the apostles than Eliot. + </p> + <p> + “My heart is not satisfied to think,” observed Laurence, “that Mr. Eliot’s + labors have done no good except to a few Indians of his own time. + Doubtless he would not have regretted his toil, if it were the means of + saving but a single soul. But it is a grievous thing to me that he should + have toiled so hard to translate the Bible, and now the language and the + people are gone! The Indian Bible itself is almost the only relic of + both.” + </p> + <p> + “Laurence,” said his Grandfather, “if ever you should doubt that man is + capable of disinterested zeal for his brother’s good, then remember how + the apostle Eliot toiled. And if you should feel your own self-interest + pressing upon your heart too closely, then think of Eliot’s Indian Bible. + It is good for the world that such a man has lived and left this emblem of + his life.” + </p> + <p> + The tears gushed into the eyes of Laurence, and he acknowledged that Eliot + had not toiled in vain. Little Alice put up her arms to Grandfather, and + drew down his white head beside her own golden locks. + </p> + <p> + “Grandfather,” whispered she, “I want to kiss good Mr. Eliot!” + </p> + <p> + And, doubtless, good Mr. Eliot would gladly receive the kiss of so sweet a + child as little Alice, and would think it a portion of his reward in + heaven. + </p> + <p> + Grandfather now observed that Dr. Francis had written a very beautiful + Life of Eliot, which he advised Laurence to peruse. He then spoke of King + Philip’s War, which began in 1675, and terminated with the death of King + Philip, in the following year. Philip was a proud, fierce Indian, whom Mr. + Eliot had vainly endeavored to convert to the Christian faith. + </p> + <p> + “It must have been a great anguish to the apostle,” continued Grandfather, + “to hear of mutual slaughter and outrage between his own countrymen and + those for whom he felt the affection of a father. A few of the praying + Indians joined the followers of King Philip. A greater number fought on + the side of the English. In the course of the war the little community of + red people whom Mr. Eliot had begun to civilize was scattered, and + probably never was restored to a flourishing condition. But his zeal did + not grow cold; and only about five years before his death he took great + pains in preparing a new edition of the Indian Bible.” + </p> + <p> + “I do wish, Grandfather,” cried Charley, “you would tell us all about the + battles in King Philip’s War.” + </p> + <p> + “Oh no!” exclaimed Clara. “Who wants to hear about tomahawks and scalping + knives?” + </p> + <p> + “No, Charley,” replied Grandfather, “I have no time to spare in talking + about battles. You must be content with knowing that it was the bloodiest + war that the Indians had ever waged against the white men; and that, at + its close, the English set King Philip’s head upon a pole.” + </p> + <p> + “Who was the captain of the English?” asked Charley. + </p> + <p> + “Their most noted captain was Benjamin Church, a very famous warrior,” + said Grandfather. “But I assure you, Charley, that neither Captain Church, + nor any of the officers and soldiers who fought in King Philip’s War, did + anything a thousandth part so glorious as Mr. Eliot did when he translated + the Bible for the Indians.” + </p> + <p> + “Let Laurence be the apostle,” said Charley to himself, “and I will be the + captain.” + </p> + <p> + <a name="link2HCH0009" id="link2HCH0009"> + <!-- H2 anchor --> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h2> + CHAPTER IX. ENGLAND AND NEW ENGLAND. + </h2> + <p> + The children were now accustomed to assemble round Grandfather’s chair at + all their unoccupied moments; and often it was a striking picture to + behold the white-headed old sire, with this flowery wreath of young people + around him. When he talked to them, it was the past speaking to the + present, or rather to the future,—for the children were of a + generation which had not become actual. Their part in life, thus far, was + only to be happy and to draw knowledge from a thousand sources. As yet, it + was not their time to do. + </p> + <p> + Sometimes, as Grandfather gazed at their fair, unworldly countenances, a + mist of tears bedimmed his spectacles. He almost regretted that it was + necessary for them to know anything of the past or to provide aught for + the future. He could have wished that they might be always the happy, + youthful creatures who had hitherto sported around his chair, without + inquiring whether it had a history. It grieved him to think that his + little Alice, who was a flower bud fresh from paradise, must open her + leaves to the rough breezes of the world, or ever open them in any clime. + So sweet a child she was, that it seemed fit her infancy should be + immortal. + </p> + <p> + But such repinings were merely flitting shadows across the old man’s + heart. He had faith enough to believe, and wisdom enough to know, that the + bloom of the flower would be even holier and happier than its bud. Even + within himself, though Grandfather was now at that period of life when the + veil of mortality is apt to hang heavily over the soul, still, in his + inmost being he was conscious of something that he would not have + exchanged for the best happiness of childhood. It was a bliss to which + every sort of earthly experience—all that he had enjoyed, or + suffered or seen, or heard, or acted, with the broodings of his soul upon + the whole—had contributed somewhat. In the same manner must a bliss, + of which now they could have no conception, grow up within these children, + and form a part of their sustenance for immortality. + </p> + <p> + So Grandfather, with renewed cheerfulness, continued his history of the + chair, trusting that a profounder wisdom than his own would extract, from + these flowers and weeds of Time, a fragrance that might last beyond all + time. + </p> + <p> + At this period of the story Grandfather threw a glance backward as far as + the year 1660. He spoke of the ill-concealed reluctance with which the + Puritans in America had acknowledged the sway of Charles II. on his + restoration to his father’s throne. When death had stricken Oliver + Cromwell, that mighty protector had no sincerer mourners than in New + England. The new king had been more than a year upon the throne before his + accession was proclaimed in Boston, although the neglect to perform the + ceremony might have subjected the rulers to the charge of treason. + </p> + <p> + During the reign of Charles II., however, the American colonies had but + little reason to complain of harsh or tyrannical treatment. But when + Charles died, in 1685, and was succeeded by his brother James, the + patriarchs of New England began to tremble. King James was known to be of + an arbitrary temper. It was feared by the Puritans that he would assume + despotic power. Our forefathers felt that they had no security either for + their religion or their liberties. + </p> + <p> + The result proved that they had reason for their apprehensions. King James + caused the charters of all the American colonies to be taken away. The old + charter of Massachusetts, which the people regarded as a holy thing and as + the foundation of all their liberties, was declared void. The colonists + were now no longer freemen; they were entirely dependent on the king’s + pleasure. At first, in 1685, King James appointed Joseph Dudley, a native + of Massachusetts, to be president of New England. But soon afterwards, Sir + Edmund Andros, an officer of the English army, arrived, with a commission + to be governor-general of New England and New York. + </p> + <p> + The king had given such powers to Sir Edmund Andros that there was now no + liberty, nor scarcely any law, in the colonies over which he ruled. The + inhabitants were not allowed to choose representatives, and consequently + had no voice whatever in the government, nor control over the measures + that were adopted. The councillors with whom the governor consulted on + matters of state were appointed by himself. This sort of government was no + better than an absolute despotism. + </p> + <p> + “The people suffered much wrong while Sir Edmund Andros ruled over them,” + continued Grandfather; “and they were apprehensive of much more. He had + brought some soldiers with him from England, who took possession of the + old fortress on Castle Island and of the fortification on Fort Hill. + Sometimes it was rumored that a general massacre of the inhabitants was to + be perpetrated by these soldiers. There were reports, too, that all the + ministers were to be slain or imprisoned.” + </p> + <p> + “For what?” inquired Charley. + </p> + <p> + “Because they were the leaders of the people, Charley,” said Grandfather. + “A minister was a more formidable man than a general, in those days. Well, + while these things were going on in America, King James had so misgoverned + the people of England that they sent over to Holland for the Prince of + Orange. He had married the king’s daughter, and was therefore considered + to have a claim to the crown. On his arrival in England, the Prince of + Orange was proclaimed king, by the name of William III. Poor old King + James made his escape to France.” + </p> + <p> + Grandfather told how, at the first intelligence of the landing of the + Prince of Orange in England, the people of Massachusetts rose in their + strength and overthrew the government of Sir Edmund Andros. He, with + Joseph Dudley, Edmund Randolph, and his other principal adherents, was + thrown into prison. Old Simon Bradstreet, who had been governor when King + James took away the charter, was called by the people to govern them + again. + </p> + <p> + “Governor Bradstreet was a venerable old man, nearly ninety years of age,” + said Grandfather. “He came over with the first settlers, and had been the + intimate companion of all those excellent and famous men who laid the + foundation of our country. They were all gone before him to the grave, and + Bradstreet was the last of the Puritans.” + </p> + <p> + Grandfather paused a moment and smiled, as if he had something very + interesting to tell his auditors. He then proceeded:— + </p> + <p> + “And now, Laurence,—now, Clara,—now, Charley,—now, my + dear little Alice,—what chair do you think had been placed in the + council chamber, for old Governor Bradstreet to take his seat in? Would + you believe that it was this very chair in which Grandfather now sits, and + of which he is telling you the history?” + </p> + <p> + “I am glad to hear it, with all my heart!” cried Charley, after a shout of + delight. “I thought Grandfather had quite forgotten the chair.” + </p> + <p> + “It was a solemn and affecting sight,” said Grandfather, “when this + venerable patriarch, with his white beard flowing down upon his breast, + took his seat in his chair of state. Within his remembrance, and even + since his mature age, the site where now stood the populous town had been + a wild and forest-covered peninsula. The province, now so fertile and + spotted with thriving villages, had been a desert wilderness. He was + surrounded by a shouting multitude, most of whom had been born in the + country which he had helped to found. They were of one generation, and he + of another. As the old man looked upon them, and beheld new faces + everywhere, he must have felt that it was now time for him to go whither + his brethren had gone before him.” + </p> + <p> + “Were the former governors all dead and gone?” asked Laurence. + </p> + <p> + “All of them,” replied Grandfather. “Winthrop had been dead forty years. + Endicott died, a very old man, in 1665. Sir Henry Vane was beheaded, in + London, at the beginning of the reign of Charles II. And Haynes, Dudley, + Bellingham, and Leverett, who had all been governors of Massachusetts, + were now likewise in their graves. Old Simon Bradstreet was the sole + representative of that departed brotherhood. There was no other public man + remaining to connect the ancient system of government and manners with the + new system which was about to take its place. The era of the Puritans was + now completed.” + </p> + <p> + “I am sorry for it!” observed Laurence; “for though they were so stern, + yet it seems to me that there was something warm and real about them. I + think, Grandfather, that each of these old governors should have his + statue set up in our State House, Sculptured out of the hardest of New + England granite.” + </p> + <p> + “It would not be amiss, Laurence,” said Grandfather; “but perhaps clay, or + some other perishable material, might suffice for some of their + successors. But let us go back to our chair. It was occupied by Governor + Bradstreet from April, 1689, until May, 1692. Sir William Phips then + arrived in Boston with a new charter from King William and a commission to + be governor.” + </p> + <p> + <a name="link2HCH0010" id="link2HCH0010"> + <!-- H2 anchor --> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h2> + CHAPTER X. THE SUNKEN TREASURE. + </h2> + <p> + “AND what became of the chair?” inquired Clara, “The outward aspect of our + chair,” replied Grandfather, “was now somewhat the worse for its long and + arduous services. It was considered hardly magnificent enough to be + allowed to keep its place in the council chamber of Massachusetts. In + fact, it was banished as an article of useless lumber. But Sir William + Phips happened to see it, and, being much pleased with its construction, + resolved to take the good old chair into his private mansion. Accordingly, + with his own gubernatorial hands, he repaired one of its arms, which had + been slightly damaged.” + </p> + <p> + “Why, Grandfather, here is the very arm!” interrupted Charley, in great + wonderment. “And did Sir William Phips put in these screws with his own + hands? I am sure he did it beautifully! But how came a governor to know + how to mend a chair?” + </p> + <p> + “I will tell you a story about the early life of Sir William Phips,” said + Grandfather. “You will then perceive that he well knew how to use his + hands.” + </p> + <p> + So Grandfather related the wonderful and true tale of the sunken treasure. + </p> + <p> + Picture to yourselves, my dear children, a handsome, old-fashioned room, + with a large, open cupboard at one end, in which is displayed a + magnificent gold cup, with some other splendid articles of gold and silver + plate. In another part of the room, opposite to a tall looking-glass, + stands our beloved chair, newly polished, and adorned with a gorgeous + cushion of crimson velvet tufted with gold. + </p> + <p> + In the chair sits a man of strong and sturdy frame, whose face has been + roughened by northern tempests and blackened by the burning sun of the + West Indies. He wears an immense periwig, flowing down over his shoulders. + His coat has a wide embroidery of golden foliage; and his waistcoat, + likewise, is all flowered over and bedizened with gold. His red, rough + hands, which have done many a good day’s work with the hammer and adze, + are half covered by the delicate lace ruffles at his wrists. On a table + lies his silver-hilted sword; and in a corner of the room stands his + gold-headed cane, made of a beautifully polished West India wood. + </p> + <p> + Somewhat such an aspect as this did Sir William Phips present when he sat + in Grandfather’s chair after the king had appointed him governor of + Massachusetts. Truly there was need that the old chair should be varnished + and decorated with a crimson cushion, in order to make it suitable for + such a magnificent-looking personage. + </p> + <p> + But Sir William Phips had not always worn a gold-embroidered coat, nor + always sat so much at his ease as he did in Grandfather’s chair. He was a + poor man’s son, and was born in the province of Maine, where he used to + tend sheep upon the hills in his boyhood and youth. Until he had grown to + be a man, he did not even know how to read and write. Tired of tending + sheep, he next apprenticed himself to a ship-carpenter, and spent about + four years in hewing the crooked limbs of oak-trees into knees for + vessels. + </p> + <p> + In 1673, when he was twenty-two years old, he came to Boston, and soon + afterwards was married to a widow lady, who had property enough to set him + up in business. It was not long, however, before he lost all the money + that he had acquired by his marriage, and became a poor man again. Still + he was not discouraged. He often told his wife that, some time or other, + he should be very rich, and would build a “fair brick house” in the Green + Lane of Boston. + </p> + <p> + Do not suppose, children, that he had been to a fortune-teller to inquire + his destiny. It was his own energy and spirit of enterprise, and his + resolution to lead an industrious life, that made him look forward with so + much confidence to better days. + </p> + <p> + Several years passed away, and William Phips had not yet gained the riches + which he promised to himself. During this time he had begun to follow the + sea for a living. In the year 1684 he happened to hear of a Spanish ship + which had been cast away near the Bahama Islands, and which was supposed + to contain a great deal of gold and silver. Phips went to the place in a + small vessel, hoping that he should be able to recover some of the + treasure from the wreck. He did not succeed, however, in fishing up gold + and silver enough to pay the expenses of his voyage. + </p> + <p> + But, before he returned, he was told of another Spanish ship, or galleon, + which had been east away near Porto de la Plata. She had now lain as much + as fifty years beneath the waves. This old ship had been laden with + immense wealth; and, hitherto, nobody had thought of the possibility of + recovering any part of it from the deep sea which was rolling and tossing + it about. But though it was now an old story, and the most aged people had + almost forgotten that such a vessel had been wrecked, William Phips + resolved that the sunken treasure should again be brought to light. + </p> + <p> + He went to London and obtained admittance to King James, who had not yet + been driven from his throne. He told the king of the vast wealth that was + lying at the bottom of the sea. King James listened with attention, and + thought this a fine opportunity to fill his treasury with Spanish gold. He + appointed William Phips to be captain of a vessel, called the Rose Algier, + carrying eighteen guns and ninety-five men. So now he was Captain Phips of + the English navy. + </p> + <p> + Captain Phips sailed from England in the Rose Algier, and cruised for + nearly two years in the West Indies, endeavoring to find the wreck of the + Spanish ship. But the sea is so wide and deep that it is no easy matter to + discover the exact spot where a sunken vessel lies. The prospect of + success seemed very small; and most people would have thought that Captain + Phips was as far from having money enough to build a “fair brick house” as + he was while he tended sheep. + </p> + <p> + The seamen of the Rose Algier became discouraged, and gave up all hope of + making their fortunes by discovering the Spanish wreck. They wanted to + compel Captain Phips to turn pirate. There was a much better prospect, + they thought, of growing rich by plundering vessels which still sailed in + the sea than by seeking for a ship that had lain beneath the waves full + half a century. They broke out in open mutiny; but were finally mastered + by Phips, and compelled to obey his orders. It would have been dangerous, + however, to continue much longer at sea with such a crew of mutinous + sailors; and, besides, the Rose Algier was leaky and unseaworthy. So + Captain Phips judged it best to return to England. + </p> + <p> + Before leaving the West Indies, he met with a Spaniard, an old man, who + remembered the wreck of the Spanish ship, and gave him directions how to + find the very spot. It was on a reef of rocks, a few leagues from Porto de + la Plata. + </p> + <p> + On his arrival in England, therefore, Captain Phips solicited the king to + let him have another vessel and send him back again to the West Indies. + But King James, who had probably expected that the Rose Algier would + return laden with gold, refused to have anything more to do with the + affair. Phips might never have been able to renew the search if the Duke + of Albemarle and some other noblemen had not lent their assistance. They + fitted out a ship, and gave the command to Captain Phips. He sailed from + England, and arrived safely at Porto de la Plata, where he took an adze + and assisted his men to build a large boat. + </p> + <p> + The boat was intended for the purpose of going closer to the reef of rocks + than a large vessel could safely venture. When it was finished, the + captain sent several men in it to examine the spot where the Spanish ship + was said to have been wrecked. They were accompanied by some Indians, who + were skilful divers, and could go down a great way into the depths of the + sea. + </p> + <p> + The boat’s crew proceeded to the reef of rocks, and rowed round and round + it a great many times. They gazed down into the water, which was so + transparent that it seemed as if they could have seen the gold and silver + at the bottom, had there been any of those precious metals there. Nothing, + however, could they see, nothing more valuable than a curious sea shrub, + which was growing beneath the water, in a crevice of the reef of rocks. It + flaunted to and fro with the swell and reflux of the waves, and looked as + bright and beautiful as if its leaves were gold. + </p> + <p> + “We won’t go back empty-handed,” cried an English sailor; and then he + spoke to one of the Indian divers. “Dive down and bring me that pretty sea + shrub there. That’s the only treasure we shall find.” + </p> + <p> + Down plunged the diver, and soon rose dripping from the water, holding the + sea shrub in his hand. But he had learned some news at the bottom of the + sea. + </p> + <p> + “There are some ship’s guns,” said he, the moment he had drawn breath, + “some great cannon, among the rocks, near where the shrub was growing.” + </p> + <p> + No sooner had he spoken than the English sailors knew that they had found + the very spot where the Spanish galleon had been wrecked, so many years + before. The other Indian divers immediately plunged over the boat’s side + and swam headlong down, groping among the rocks and sunken cannon. In a + few moments one of them rose above the water with a heavy lump of silver + in his arms. The single lump was worth more than a thousand dollars. The + sailors took it into the boat, and then rowed back as speedily as they + could, being in haste to inform Captain Phips of their good luck. + </p> + <p> + But, confidently as the captain had hoped to find the Spanish wreck, yet, + now that it was really found, the news seemed too good to be true. He + could not believe it till the sailors showed him the lump of silver. + </p> + <p> + “Thanks be to God!” then cries Captain Phips “We shall every man of us + make our fortunes!” + </p> + <p> + Hereupon the captain and all the crew set to work, with iron rakes and + great hooks and lines, fishing for gold and silver at the bottom of the + sea. Up came the treasure in abundance. Now they beheld a table of solid + silver, once the property of an old Spanish grandee. Now they found a + sacramental vessel, which had been destined as a gift to some Catholic + church. Now they drew up a golden cup, fit for the King of Spain to drink + his wine out of. Perhaps the bony hand of its former owner had been + grasping the precious cup, and was drawn up along with it. Now their rakes + or fishing-lines were loaded with masses of silver bullion. There were + also precious stones among the treasure, glittering and sparkling, so that + it is a wonder how their radiance could have been concealed. + </p> + <p> + There is something sad and terrible in the idea of snatching all this + wealth from the devouring ocean, which had possessed it for such a length + of years. It seems as if men had no right to make themselves rich with it. + It ought to have been left with the skeletons of the ancient Spaniards, + who had been drowned when the ship was wrecked, and whose bones were now + scattered among the gold and silver. + </p> + <p> + But Captain Phips and his crew were troubled with no such thoughts as + these. After a day or two they lighted on another part of the wreck, where + they found a great many bags of silver dollars. But nobody could have + guessed that these were money-bags. By remaining so long in the salt + water, they had become covered over with a crust which had the appearance + of stone, so that it was necessary to break them in pieces with hammers + and axes. When this was done, a stream of silver dollars gushed out upon + the deck of the vessel. + </p> + <p> + The whole value of the recovered treasure, plate, bullion, precious + stones, and all, was estimated at more than two millions of dollars. It + was dangerous even to look at such a vast amount of wealth. A sea-captain, + who had assisted Phips in the enterprise, utterly lost his reason at the + sight of it. He died two years afterwards, still raving about the + treasures that lie at the bottom of the sea. It would have been better for + this man if he had left the skeletons of the shipwrecked Spaniards in + quiet possession of their wealth. + </p> + <p> + Captain Phips and his men continued to fish up plate, bullion, and + dollars, as plentifully as ever, till their provisions grew short. Then, + as they could not feed upon gold and silver any more than old King Midas + could, they found it necessary to go in search of better sustenance. Phips + resolved to return to England. He arrived there in 1687, and was received + with great joy by the Duke of Albemarle and other English lords who had + fitted out the vessel. Well they might rejoice; for they took by far the + greater part of the treasure to themselves. + </p> + <p> + The captain’s share, however, was enough to make him comfortable for the + rest of his days. It also enabled him to fulfil his promise to his wife, + by building a “fair brick house” in the Green Lane of Boston. The Duke of + Albemarle sent Mrs. Phips a magnificent gold cup, worth at least five + thousand dollars. Before Captain Phips left London, King James made him a + knight; so that, instead of the obscure ship-carpenter who had formerly + dwelt among them, the inhabitants of Boston welcomed him on his return as + the rich and famous Sir William Phips. + </p> + <p> + <a name="link2HCH0011" id="link2HCH0011"> + <!-- H2 anchor --> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h2> + CHAPTER XI. WHAT THE CHAIR HAD KNOWN. + </h2> + <p> + “Sir William Phips,” continued Grandfather, “was too active and + adventurous a man to sit still in the quiet enjoyment of his good fortune. + In the year 1690 he went on a military expedition against the French + colonies in America, conquered the whole province of Acadia, and returned + to Boston with a great deal of plunder.” + </p> + <p> + “Why, Grandfather, he was the greatest man that ever sat in the chair!” + cried Charley. + </p> + <p> + “Ask Laurence what he thinks,” replied Grandfather, with a smile. “Well, + in the same year, Sir William took command of an expedition against + Que-bec, but did not succeed in capturing the city. In 1692, being then in + London, King William III. appointed him governor of Massachusetts. And + now, my dear children, having followed Sir William Phips through all his + adventures and hardships till we find him comfortably seated in + Grandfather’s chair, we will here bid him farewell. May he be as happy in + ruling a people as he was while he tended sheep!” + </p> + <p> + Charley, whose fancy had been greatly taken by the adventurous disposition + of Sir William Phips, was eager to know how he had acted and what happened + to him while he held the office of governor. But Grandfather had made up + his mind to tell no more stories for the present. + </p> + <p> + “Possibly, one of these days, I may go on with the adventures of the + chair,” said he. “But its history becomes very obscure just at this point; + and I must search into some old books and manuscripts before proceeding + further. Besides, it is now a good time to pause in our narrative; because + the new charter, which Sir William Phips brought over from England, formed + a very important epoch in the history of the province.” + </p> + <p> + “Really, Grandfather,” observed Laurence, “this seems to be the most + remarkable chair, in the world. Its history cannot be told without + intertwining it with the lives of distinguished men and the great events + that have befallen the country.” + </p> + <p> + “True, Laurence,’” replied Grandfather, smiling; “we must write a book + with some such title as this: MEMOIRS OF MY OWN TIMES, BY GRANDFATHER’S + CHAIR.” + </p> + <p> + “That would be beautiful!” exclaimed Laurence, clapping his hands. + </p> + <p> + “But, after all,” continued Grandfather, “any other old chair, if it + possessed memory and a hand to write its recollections, could record + stranger stories than any that I have told you. From generation to + generation, a chair sits familiarly in the midst of human interests, and + is witness to the most secret and confidential intercourse that mortal man + can hold with his fellow. The human heart may best be read in the fireside + chair. And as to external events, Grief and Joy keep a continual + vicissitude around it and within it. Now we see the glad face and glowing + form of Joy, sitting merrily in the old chair, and throwing a warm + firelight radiance over all the household. Now, while we thought not of + it, the dark-clad mourner, Grief, has stolen into the place of Joy, but + not to retain it long. The imagination can hardly grasp so wide a subject + as is embraced in the experience of a family chair.” + </p> + <p> + “It makes my breath flutter, my heart thrill, to think of it,” said + Laurence. “Yes, a family chair must have a deeper history than a chair of + state.” + </p> + <p> + “Oh yes!” cried Clara, expressing a woman’s feeling of the point in + question; “the history of a country is not nearly so interesting as that + of a single family would be.” + </p> + <p> + “But the history of a country is more easily told,” said Grandfather. “So, + if we proceed with our narrative of the chair, I shall still confine + myself to its connection with public events.” + </p> + <p> + Good old Grandfather now rose and quitted the room, while the children + remained gazing at the chair. Laurence, so vivid was his conception of + past times, would hardly have deemed it strange if its former occupants, + one after another, had resumed the seat which they had each left vacant + such a dim length of years ago. + </p> + <p> + First, the gentle and lovely Lady Arbella would have been seen in the old + chair, almost sinking out of its arms for very weakness; then Roger + Williams, in his cloak and band, earnest, energetic, and benevolent; then + the figure of Anne Hutchinson, with the like gesture as when she presided + at the assemblages of women; then the dark, intellectual face of Vane, + “young in years, but in sage counsel old.” Next would have appeared the + successive governors, Winthrop, Dudley, Bellingham, and Endicott, who sat + in the chair while it was a chair of state. Then its ample seat would have + been pressed by the comfortable, rotund corporation of the honest + mint-master. Then the half-frenzied shape of Mary Dyer, the persecuted + Quaker woman, clad in sackcloth and ashes would have rested in it for a + moment. Then the holy, apostolic form of Eliot would have sanctified it. + Then would have arisen, like the shade of departed Puritanism, the + venerable dignity of the white-bearded Governor Bradstreet. Lastly, on the + gorgeous crimson cushion of Grandfather’s chair would have shone the + purple and golden magnificence of Sir William Phips. But all these, with + the other historic personages, in the midst of whom the chair had so often + stood, had passed, both in substance and shadow, from the scene of ages. + Yet here stood the chair, with the old Lincoln coat of arms, and the oaken + flowers and foliage, and the fierce lion’s head at the summit, the whole, + apparently, in as perfect preservation as when it had first been placed in + the Earl of Lincoln’s hall. And what vast changes of society and of + nations had been wrought by sudden convulsions or by slow degrees since + that era! + </p> + <p> + “This Chair had stood firm when the thrones of kings were overturned!” + thought Laurence. “Its oaken frame has proved stronger than many frames of + government!” + </p> + <p> + More the thoughtful and imaginative boy might have mused; but now a large + yellow cat, a great favorite with all the children, leaped in at the open + window. Perceiving that Grandfather’s chair was empty, and having often + before experienced its comforts, puss laid herself quietly down upon the + cushion. Laurence, Clara, Charley, and little Alice all laughed at the + idea of such a successor to the worthies of old times. + </p> + <p> + “Pussy,” said little Alice, putting out her hand, into which the cat laid + a velvet paw, “you look very wise. Do tell us a story about GRANDFATHER’S + CHAIR!” + </p> + <p> + <a name="link2H_APPE" id="link2H_APPE"> + <!-- H2 anchor --> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h2> + APPENDIX TO PART I. + </h2> + <h3> + EXTRACTS FROM THE LIFE OF JOHN ELIOT, + </h3> + <p> + BY CONVERS FRANCIS. + </p> + <p> + MR. ELIOT had been for some time assiduously employed in learning the + Indian language. To accomplish this, he secured the assistance of one of + the natives, who could speak English. Eliot, at the close of his Indian + Grammar, mentions him as “a pregnant-witted young man, who had been a + servant in an English house, who pretty well understood his own language, + and had a clear pronunciation.” He took this Indian into his family, and + by constant intercourse with him soon become sufficiently conversant with + the vocabulary and construction of the language to translate the ten + commandments, the Lord’s prayer, and several passages of Scripture, + besides composing exhortations and prayers. + </p> + <p> + Mr. Eliot must have found his task anything but easy or inviting. He was + to learn a dialect, in which he could be assisted by no affinity with the + languages he already knew. He was to do this without the help of any + written or printed specimens, with nothing in the shape of a grammar or + analysis, but merely by oral communication with his Indian instructor, or + with other natives, who, however comparatively intelligent, must from the + nature of the case have been very imperfect teachers. He applied himself + to the work with great patience and sagacity, carefully acting the + differences between the Indian and the English modes of constructing + words; and, having once got a clew to this, he pursued every noun and verb + he could think of through all possible variations. In this way he arrived + at analyses and rules, which he could apply for himself in a general + manner. + </p> + <p> + Neal says that Eliot was able to speak the language intelligibly after + conversing with the Indian servant a few months. This, in a limited sense, + may be true; but he is said to have been engaged two years in the process + of learning, before he went to preached to the Indians. In that time he + acquired a somewhat ready facility in the use of that dialect, by means of + which he was to carry the instructions of spiritual truth to the men of + the forest, though as late as 1649 he still lamented his want of skill in + this respect. + </p> + <p> + Notice having been given of his intention [of instructing the Indians], + Mr. Eliot, in company with three others, whose names are not mentioned, + having implored the divine blessing on the undertaking, made his first + visit to the Indians on the 28th of October, 1646 at a place afterwards + called Nonantum; a spot that has the honor of being the first on which a + civilized and Christian settlement of Indians was effected within the + English colonies of North America. This name was given to the high grounds + in the north, east part of Newton, and to the bounds of that town and + Watertown. At a short distance from the wigwams, they were met by Waban, a + leading man among the Indians at that place, accompanied by others, and + were welcomed with “English salutations.” Waban, who is described as “the + chief minister of justice among them,” had before shown a better + disposition than any other native to receive the religious instruction of + the Christians, and had voluntarily proposed to have his eldest son + educated by them. His son had been accordingly placed at school in Dedham, + whence he had now come to attend the meeting. + </p> + <p> + The Indians assembled in Waban’s wigwam; and thither Mr. Eliot and his + friends were conducted. When the company were all collected and quiet, a + religious service was begun with prayer. This was uttered in English; the + reason for which, as given by Mr. Eliot and his companions, was, that he + did not then feel sufficiently acquainted with the Indian language to use + it in that service. + </p> + <p> + The same difficulty would not occur in preaching, since for this, we may + suppose, he had sufficiently prepared his thoughts and expressions to make + his discourse intelligible on all important points; and if he should, in + some parts, fail of being, understood, he could repeat or correct himself, + till he should succeed better. Besides, he took with him an interpretor, + who was frequently able to express his instructions more distinctly than + he could himself. Though the prayer was unintelligible to the Indians, + yet, as they knew what the nature of the service was, Mr. Eliot believed + it might not be without an effect in subduing their feelings so as to + prepare them better to listen to the preaching. + </p> + <p> + Mr. Eliot then began his sermon, or address, from Ezek. xxxvii. 9, 10. The + word wind, in this passage, suggested to the minds of some, who afterwards + gave an account of this meeting, a coincidence which might, in the spirit + of the times, be construed into a special appointment of Providence. The + name of Waban signified, in the Indian tongue, wind; so that when the + preacher uttered the words, “say to the wind,” it was as if he had + proclaimed, “say to Waban.” As this man afterwards exerted much influence + in awaking the attention of his fellow savages to Christianity, it might + seem that in this first visit of the messengers of the gospel he was + singled out by a special call to work in the cause. It is not surprising + that the Indians were struck with the coincidence. Mr. Eliot gave no + countenance to a superstitious use of the circumstance, and took care to + tell them that, when he chose his text, he had no thought of any such + application. + </p> + <p> + The sermon was an hour and a quarter long. One cannot but suspect that Mr. + Eliot injudiciously crowded too much into one address. It would seem to + have been better, for the first time at least, to have given a shorter + sermon, and to have touched upon fewer subjects. But he was doubtless + borne on by his zeal to do much in a good cause; and, as we have reason to + think, by the attentive, though vague, curiosity of the Indians. + </p> + <p> + Thus ended a conference three hours long, at the end of which the Indians + affirmed that they were not weary, and requested their visitors to come + again. They expressed a wish to build a town and live together. Mr. Eliot + promised to intercede for them with the court. He and his companions then + gave the men some tobacco, and the children some apples, and bade them + farewell. + </p> + <p> + A fortnight afterwards, on the 11th of November, Mr. Eliot and his friends + repeated their visit to the wigwam of Waban. This meeting was more + numerous than the former. The religious service was opened, as before, + with a prayer in English. This was followed by a few brief and plain + questions addressed to the children, admitting short and easy answers. The + children seemed well disposed to listen and learn. To encourage them, Mr. + Eliot gave them occasionally an apple or a cake; and the adults were + requested to repeat to them the instructions that had been given. He then + preached to the assembly in their own language, telling them that he had + come to bring them good news from God, and show them how wicked men might + become good and happy; and, in general, discoursing on nearly the same + topics as he had treated at his first visit. + </p> + <p> + <a name="link2H_PART2" id="link2H_PART2"> + <!-- H2 anchor --> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h2> + PART II. 1692-1763. + </h2> + <p> + <a name="link2HCH0012" id="link2HCH0012"> + <!-- H2 anchor --> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h2> + CHAPTER I. THE CHAIR IN THE FIRELIGHT. + </h2> + <p> + “O GRANDFATHER, dear Grandfather,” cried little Alice, “pray tell us some + more stories about your chair!” + </p> + <p> + How long a time had fled since the children bad felt any curiosity to hear + the sequel of this venerable chair’s adventures! Summer was now past and + gone, and the better part of autumn likewise. Dreary, chill November was + howling out of doors, and vexing the atmosphere with sudden showers of + wintry rain, or sometimes with gusts of snow, that rattled like small + pebbles against the windows. + </p> + <p> + When the weather began to grow cool, Grandfather’s chair had been removed + from the summer parlor into a smaller and snugger room. It now stood by + the side of a bright, blazing wood-fire. Grandfather loved a wood-fire far + better than a grate of glowing anthracite, or than the dull heat of an + invisible furnace, which seems to think that it has done its duty in + merely warming the house. But the wood-fire is a kindly, cheerful, + sociable spirit, sympathizing with mankind, and knowing that to create + warmth is but one of the good offices which are expected from it. + Therefore it dances on the hearth, and laughs broadly throughout the room, + and plays a thousand antics, and throws a joyous glow over all the faces + that encircle it. + </p> + <p> + In the twilight of the evening the fire grew brighter and more cheerful. + And thus, perhaps, there was something in Grandfather’s heart that cheered + him most with its warmth and comfort in the gathering twilight of old age. + He had been gazing at the red embers as intently as if his past life were + all pictured there, or as if it were a prospect of the future world, when + little Alice’s voice aroused him. “Dear Grandfather,” repeated the little + girl, more earnestly, “do talk to us again about your chair.” + </p> + <p> + Laurence, and Clara, and Charley, and little Alice had been attracted to + other objects for two or three months past. They had sported in the + gladsome sunshine of the present, and so had forgotten the shadowy region + of the past, in the midst of which stood Grandfather’s chair. But now, in + the autumnal twilight, illuminated by the flickering blaze of the + wood-fire, they looked at the old chair, and thought that it had never + before worn such an interesting aspect. There it stood in the venerable + majesty of more than two hundred years. The light from the hearth quivered + upon the flowers and foliage that were wrought into its oaken back; and + the lion’s head at the summit seemed almost to move its jaws and shake its + mane. + </p> + <p> + “Does little Alice speak for all of you?” asked Grandfather. “Do you wish + me to go on with the adventures of the chair?’ + </p> + <p> + “Oh yes, yes, Grandfather!” cried Clara. “The dear old chair! How strange + that we should have forgotten it so long!” + </p> + <p> + “Oh, pray begin, Grandfather,” said Laurence, “for I think, when we talk + about old times, it should be in the early evening, before the candles are + lighted. The shapes of the famous persons who once sat in the chair will + be more apt to come back, and be seen among us, in this glimmer and + pleasant gloom, than they would in the vulgar daylight. And, besides, we + can make pictures of all that you tell us among the glowing embers and + white ashes.” + </p> + <p> + Our friend Charley, too, thought the evening the best time to hear + Grandfather’s stories, because he could not then be playing out of doors. + So finding his young auditors unanimous in their petition, the good old + gentleman took up the narrative of the historic chair at the point where + he had dropped it. + </p> + <p> + <a name="link2HCH0013" id="link2HCH0013"> + <!-- H2 anchor --> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h2> + CHAPTER II. THE SALEM WITCHES. + </h2> + <p> + “You recollect, my dear children,” said Grandfather, “that we took leave + of the chair in 1692, while it was occupied by Sir William Phips. This + fortunate treasure-seeker, you will remember, had come over from England, + with King William’s commission, to be governor of Massachusetts. Within + the limits of this province were now included the old colony of Plymouth, + and the territories of Maine and Nova Scotia. Sir William Phips had + likewise brought a new charter from the king, which served instead of a + constitution, and set forth the method in which the province was to be + governed.” + </p> + <p> + “Did the new charter allow the people all their former liberties?” + inquired Laurence. + </p> + <p> + “No,” replied Grandfather. “Under the first charter, the people had been + the source of all power. Winthrop, Endicott, Bradstreet, and the rest of + them had been governors by the choice of the people, without any + interference of the king. But henceforth the governor was to hold his + station solely by the king’s appointment and during his pleasure; and the + same was the case with the lieutenant-governor and some other high + officers. The people, however, were still allowed to choose + representatives; and the governor’s council was chosen by the General + Court.” + </p> + <p> + “Would the inhabitants have elected Sir William Phips,” asked Laurence, + “if the choice of governor had been left to them?” + </p> + <p> + “He might probably have been a successful candidate,” answered + Grandfather; “for his adventures and military enterprises had gained him a + sort of renown, which always goes a great way with the people. And he had + many popular characteristics,—being a kind warm-hearted man, not + ashamed of his low origin nor haughty in his present elevation. Soon after + his arrival, he proved that he did not blush to recognize his former + associates.” + </p> + <p> + “How was that?” inquired Charley. + </p> + <p> + “He made a grand festival at his new brick house,” said Grandfather, “and + invited all the ship-carpenters of Boston to be his guests. At the head of + the table, in our great chair, sat Sir William Phips himself, treating + these hard-handed men as his brethren, cracking jokes with them, and + talking familiarly about old times. I know not whether he wore his + embroidered dress; but I rather choose to imagine that he had on a suit of + rough clothes, such as he used to labor in while he was Phips the + ship-carpenter.” + </p> + <p> + “An aristocrat need not be ashamed of the trade,” observed Laurence; “for + the Czar Peter the Great once served an apprenticeship to it.” + </p> + <p> + “Did Sir William Phips make as good a governor as he was a + ship-carpenter?” asked Charley. + </p> + <p> + “History says but little about his merits as a ship-carpenter,” answered + Grandfather; “but, as a governor, a great deal of fault was found with + him. Almost as soon as he assumed the government, he became engaged in a + very frightful business, which might have perplexed a wiser and better + cultivated head than his. This was the witchcraft delusion.” + </p> + <p> + And here Grandfather gave his auditors such details of this melancholy + affair as he thought it fit for them to know. They shuddered to hear that + a frenzy, which led to the death of many innocent persons, had originated + in the wicked arts of a few children. They belonged to the Rev. Mr. + Parris, minister of Salem. These children complained of being pinched and + pricked with pins, and otherwise tormented by the shapes of men and women, + who were supposed to have power to haunt them invisibly, both in darkness + and daylight. Often in the midst of their family and friends the children + would pretend to be seized with strange convulsions, and would cry out + that the witches were afflicting them. + </p> + <p> + These stories spread abroad, and caused great tumult and alarm. From the + foundation of New England, it had been the custom of the inhabitants, in + all matters of doubt and difficulty, to look to their ministers for + counsel. So they did now; but, unfortunately, the ministers and wise men + were more deluded than the illiterate people. Cotton Mather, a very + learned and eminent clergyman, believed that the whole country was full of + witches and wizards, who had given up their hopes of heaven, and signed a + covenant with the evil one. + </p> + <p> + Nobody could be certain that his nearest neighbor or most intimate friend + was not guilty of this imaginary crime. The number of those who pretended + to be afflicted by witchcraft grew daily more numerous; and they bore + testimony against many of the best and worthiest people. A minister, named + George Burroughs, was among the accused. In the months of August and + September, 1692, he and nineteen other innocent men and women were put to + death. The place of execution was a high hill, on the outskirts of Salem; + so that many of the sufferers, as they stood beneath the gallows, could + discern their own habitations in the town. + </p> + <p> + The martyrdom of these guiltless persons seemed only to increase the + madness. The afflicted now grew bolder in their accusations. Many people + of rank and wealth were either thrown into prison or compelled to flee for + their lives. Among these were two sons of old Simon Bradstreet, the last + of the Puritan governors. Mr. Willard, a pious minister of Boston, was + cried out upon as a wizard in open court. Mrs. Hale, the wife of the + minister of Beverly, was likewise accused. Philip English, a rich merchant + of Salem, found it necessary to take flight, leaving his property and + business in confusion. But a short time afterwards, the Salem people were + glad to invite him back. + </p> + <p> + “The boldest thing that the accusers did,” continued Grandfather, “was to + cry out against the governor’s own beloved wife. Yes, the lady of Sir + William Phips was accused of being a witch and of flying through the air + to attend witch-meetings. When the governor heard this he probably + trembled, so that our great chair shook beneath him.” + </p> + <p> + “Dear Grandfather,” cried little Alice, clinging closer to his knee, “is + it true that witches ever come in the night-time to frighten little + children?” + </p> + <p> + “No, no, dear little Alice,” replied Grandfather. “Even if there were any + witches, they would flee away from the presence of a pure-hearted child. + But there are none; and our forefathers soon became convinced that they + had been led into a terrible delusion. All the prisoners on account of + witchcraft were set free. But the innocent dead could not be restored to + life and the hill where they were executed will always remind people of + the saddest and most humiliating passage in our history.” + </p> + <p> + Grandfather then said that the next remarkable event, while Sir William + Phips remained in the chair, was the arrival at Boston of an English fleet + in 1698. It brought an army which was intended for the conquest of Canada. + But a malignant disease, more fatal than the smallpox, broke out among the + soldiers and sailors, and destroyed the greater part of them. The + infection spread into the town of Boston, and made much havoc there. This + dreadful sickness caused the governor and Sir Francis Wheeler, who was + commander of the British forces, to give up all thoughts of attacking + Canada. + </p> + <p> + “Soon after this,” said Grandfather, “Sir William Phips quarrelled with + the captain of an English frigate, and also with the collector of Boston. + Being a man of violent temper, he gave each of them a sound beating with + his cane.” + </p> + <p> + “He was a bold fellow,” observed Charley, who was himself somewhat + addicted to a similar mode or settling disputes. + </p> + <p> + “More bold than wise,” replied Grandfather; “for complaints were carried + to the king, and Sir William Phips was summoned to England to make the + best answer he could. Accordingly he went to London, where, in 1695, he + was seized with a malignant fever, of which he died. Had he lived longer, + he would probably have gone again in search of sunken treasure. He had + heard of a Spanish ship, which was cast away in 1502, during the lifetime + of Columbus. Bovadilla, Roldan, and many other Spaniards were lost in her, + together with the immense wealth of which they had robbed the South + American kings.” + </p> + <p> + “Why, Grandfather!” exclaimed Laurence, “what magnificent ideas the + governor had! Only think of recovering all that old treasure which had + lain almost two centuries under the sea! Methinks Sir William Phips ought + to have been buried in the ocean when he died, so that he might have gone + down among the sunken ships and cargoes of treasure which he was always + dreaming about in his lifetime.” + </p> + <p> + “He was buried in one of the crowded cemeteries of London,” said + Grandfather. “As he left no children, his estate was inherited by his + nephew, from whom is descended the present Marquis of Normandy. The noble + Marquis is not aware, perhaps, that the prosperity of his family + originated in the successful enterprise of a New England ship-carpenter.” + </p> + <p> + <a name="link2HCH0014" id="link2HCH0014"> + <!-- H2 anchor --> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h2> + CHAPTER III. THE OLD-FASHIONED SCHOOL. + </h2> + <p> + “At the death of Sir William Phips,” proceeded Grandfather, “our chair was + bequeathed to Mr. Ezekiel Cheever, a famous schoolmaster in Boston. This + old gentleman came from London in 1637, and had been teaching school ever + since; so that there were now aged men, grandfathers like myself, to whom + Master Cheever had taught their alphabet. He was a person of venerable + aspect, and wore a long white beard.” + </p> + <p> + “Was the chair placed in his school?” asked Charley. + </p> + <p> + “Yes, in his school,” answered Grandfather; “and we may safely say that it + had never before been regarded with such awful reverence,—no, not + even when the old governors of Massachusetts sat in it. Even you, Charley, + my boy, would have felt some respect for the chair if you had seen it + occupied by this famous schoolmaster.” + </p> + <p> + And here grandfather endeavored to give his auditors an idea how matters + were managed in schools above a hundred years ago. As this will probably + be an interesting subject to our readers, we shall make a separate sketch + of it, and call it The Old-Fashioned School. + </p> + <p> + Now, imagine yourselves, my children, in Master Ezekiel Cheever’s + school-room. It is a large, dingy room, with a sanded floor, and is + lighted by windows that turn on hinges and have little diamond-shaped + panes of glass. The scholars sit on long benches, with desks before them. + At one end of the room is a great fireplace, so very spacious that there + is room enough for three or four boys to stand in each of the chimney + corners. This was the good old fashion of fireplaces when there was wood + enough in the forests to keep people warm without their digging into the + bowels of the earth for coal. + </p> + <p> + It is a winter’s day when we take our peep into the school-room. See what + great logs of wood have been rolled into the fireplace, and what a broad, + bright blaze goes leaping up the chimney! And every few moments a vast + cloud of smoke is puffed into the room, which sails slowly over the heads + of the scholars, until it gradually settles upon the walls and ceiling. + They are blackened with the smoke of many years already. + </p> + <p> + Next look at our old historic chair! It is placed, you perceive, in the + most comfortable part of the room, where the generous glow of the fire is + sufficiently felt without being too intensely hot. How stately the old + chair looks, as if it remembered its many famous occupants, but yet were + conscious that a greater man is sitting in it now! Do you see the + venerable schoolmaster, severe in aspect, with a black skullcap on his + head, like an ancient Puritan, and the snow of his white beard drifting + down to his very girdle? What boy would dare to play; or whisper, or even + glance aside from his book; while Master Cheever is on the lookout behind + his spectacles? For such offenders, if any such there be, a rod of birch + is hanging over the fireplace, and a heavy ferule lies on the master’s + desk. + </p> + <p> + And now school is begun. What a murmur of multitudinous tongues, like the + whispering leaves of a wind-stirred oak, as the scholars con over their + various tasks! Buzz! buzz! buzz! Amid just such a murmur has Master + Cheever spent above sixty years; and long habit has made it as pleasant to + him as the hum of a beehive when the insects are busy in the sunshine. + </p> + <p> + Now a class in Latin is called to recite. Forth steps a rowel + queer-looking little fellows, wearing square-skirted coats and + small-clothes, with buttons at the knee. They look like so many + grandfathers in their second-childhood. These lads are to be sent to + Cambridge and educated for the learned professions. Old Master Cheever had + lived so long, and seen so many generations of school-boys grow up to be + men, that now he can almost prophesy what sort of a man each boy will be. + One urchin shall hereafter be a doctor, and administer pills and potions, + and stalk gravely through life, perfumed with assafoetida. Another shall + wrangle at the bar, and fight his way to wealth and honors and, in his + declining age, shall be a worshipful member of his Majesty’s council. A + third-and he is the master’s favorite—shall be a worthy successor to + the old Puritan ministers now in their graves; he shall preach with great + unction and effect, and leave volumes of sermons, in print and manuscript, + for the benefit of future generations. + </p> + <p> + But, as they are merely school-boys now, their business is to construe + Virgil. Poor Virgil! whose verses, which he took so much pains to polish, + have been misscanned, and misparsed, and misinterpreted by so many + generations of idle school-boys. There, sit down, ye Latinists. Two or + three of you, I fear, are doomed to feel the master’s ferule. + </p> + <p> + Next comes a class in arithmetic. These boys are to be the merchants, + shopkeepers, and mechanics of a future period. Hitherto they have traded + only in marbles and apples. Hereafter some will send vessels to England + for broadcloths and all sorts of manufactured wares, and to the West + Indies for sugar, and rum, and coffee. Others will stand behind counters, + and measure tape, and ribbon, and cambric by the yard. Others will upheave + the blacksmith’s hammer, or drive the plane over the carpenter’s bench, or + take the lapstone and the awl and learn the trade of shoemaking. Many will + follow the sea, and become bold, rough sea-captains. + </p> + <p> + This class of boys, in short, must supply the world with those active, + skilful hands, and clear, sagacious heads, without which the affairs of + life would be thrown into confusion by the theories of studious and + visionary men. Wherefore, teach them their multiplication-table, good + Master Cheever, and whip them well when they deserve it; for much of the + country’s welfare depends on these boys. + </p> + <p> + But, alas! while, we have been thinking of other matters, Master Cheever’s + watchful eye has caught two boys at play. Now we shall see awful times. + The two malefactors are summoned before the master’s chair, wherein he + sits with the terror of a judge upon his brow. Our old chair is now a + judgment-seat. Ah, Master Cheever has taken down that terrible birch rod! + Short is the trial,—the sentence quickly passed,—and now the + judge prepares to execute it in person. Thwack! thwack! thwack! In these + good old times, a schoolmaster’s blows were well laid on. + </p> + <p> + See, the birch rod has lost several of its twigs, and will hardly serve + for another execution. Mercy on his, what a bellowing the urchins make! My + ears are almost deafened, though the clamor comes through the far length + of a hundred and fifty years. There, go to your seats, poor boys; and do + not cry, sweet little Alice, for they have ceased to feel the pain a long + time since. + </p> + <p> + And thus the forenoon passes away. Now it is twelve o’clock. The master + looks at his great silver watch, and then, with tiresome deliberation, + puts the ferule into his desk. The little multitude await the word of + dismissal with almost irrepressible impatience. + </p> + <p> + “You are dismissed,” says Master Cheever. + </p> + <p> + The boys retire, treading softly until they have passed the threshold; + but, fairly out of the schoolroom, lo, what a joyous shout! what a + scampering and trampling of feet! what a sense of recovered freedom + expressed in the merry uproar of all their voices! What care they for the + ferule and birch rod now? Were boys created merely to study Latin and + arithmetic? No; the better purposes of their being are to sport, to leap, + to run, to shout, to slide upon the ice, to snowball. + </p> + <p> + Happy boys! Enjoy your playtime now, and come again to study and to feel + the birch rod and the ferule to-morrow; not till to-morrow; for to-day is + Thursday lecture; and, ever since the settlement of Massachusetts, there + has been no school on Thursday afternoons. Therefore sport, boys, while + you may, for the morrow cometh, with the birch rod and the ferule; and + after that another morrow, with troubles of its own. + </p> + <p> + Now the master has set everything to rights, and is ready to go home to + dinner. Yet he goes reluctantly. The old man has spent so much of his life + in the smoky, noisy, buzzing school-room, that, when he has a holiday, he + feels as if his place were lost and himself a stranger in the world. But + forth he goes; and there stands our old chair, vacant and solitary, till + good Master Cheever resumes his seat in it to-morrow morning. + </p> + <p> + “Grandfather,” said Charley, “I wonder whether the boys did not use to + upset the old chair when the schoolmaster was out.” + </p> + <p> + “There is a tradition,” replied Grandfather, “that one of its arms was + dislocated in some such manner. But I cannot believe that any school-boy + would behave so naughtily.” + </p> + <p> + As it was now later than little Alice’s usual bedtime, Grandfather broke + off his narrative, promising to talk more about Master Cheever and his + scholars some other evening. + </p> + <p> + <a name="link2HCH0015" id="link2HCH0015"> + <!-- H2 anchor --> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h2> + CHAPTER IV. COTTON MATHER + </h2> + <p> + Accordingly, the next evening, Grandfather resumed the history of his + beloved chair. + </p> + <p> + “Master Ezekiel Cheever,” said he, “died in 1707, after having taught + school about seventy years. It would require a pretty good scholar in + arithmetic to tell how many stripes he had inflicted, and how many birch + rods he had worn out, during all that time, in his fatherly tenderness for + his pupils. Almost all the great men of that period, and for many years + back, had been whipped into eminence by Master Cheever. Moreover, he had + written a Latin Accidence, which was used in schools more than half a + century after his death; so that the good old man, even in his grave, was + still the cause of trouble and stripes to idle schoolboys.” + </p> + <p> + Grandfather proceeded to say, that, when Master Cheever died, he + bequeathed the chair to the most learned man that was educated at his + school, or that had ever been born in America. This was the renowned + Cotton Mather, minister of the Old North Church in Boston. + </p> + <p> + “And author of the Magnalia, Grandfather, which we sometimes see you + reading,” said Laurence. + </p> + <p> + “Yes, Laurence,” replied Grandfather. “The Magnalia is a strange, pedantic + history, in which true events and real personages move before the reader + with the dreamy aspect which they wore in Cotton Mather’s singular mind. + This huge volume, however, was written and published before our chair came + into his possession. But, as he was the author of more books than there + are days in the year, we may conclude that he wrote a great deal while + sitting in this chair.” + </p> + <p> + “I am tired of these schoolmasters and learned men,” said Charley. “I wish + some stirring man, that knew how to do something in the world, like Sir + William Phips, would sit in the chair.” + </p> + <p> + “Such men seldom have leisure to sit quietly in a chair,” said + Grandfather. “We must make the best of such people as we have.” + </p> + <p> + As Cotton Mather was a very distinguished man, Grandfather took some pains + to give the children a lively conception of his character. Over the door + of his library were painted these words, BE SHORT,—as a warning to + visitors that they must not do the world so much harm as needlessly to + interrupt this great man’s wonderful labors. On entering the room you + would probably behold it crowded, and piled, and heaped with books. There + were huge, ponderous folios, and quartos, and little duodecimos, in + English, Latin, Greek, Hebrew, Chaldaic, and all other languages that + either originated at the confusion of Babel or have since come into use. + </p> + <p> + All these books, no doubt, were tossed about in confusion, thus forming a + visible emblem of the manner in which their contents were crowded into + Cotton Mather’s brain. And in the middle of the room stood table, on + which, besides printed volumes, were strewn manuscript sermons, historical + tracts, and political pamphlets, all written in such a queer, blind, + crabbed, fantastical hand, that a writing-master would have gone raving + mad at the sight of them. By this table stood Grandfather’s chair, which + seemed to have contracted an air of deep erudition, as if its cushion were + stuffed with Latin, Greek, and Hebrew, and other hard matters. + </p> + <p> + In this chair, from one year’s end to another, sat that prodigious + bookworm, Cotton Mather, sometimes devouring a great book, and sometimes + scribbling one as big. In Grandfather’s younger days there used to be a + wax figure of him in one of the Boston museums, representing a solemn, + dark-visaged person, in a minister’s black gown, and with a black-letter + volume before him. + </p> + <p> + “It is difficult, my children,” observed Grandfather, “to make you + understand such a character as Cotton Mather’s, in whom there was so much + good, and yet so many failings and frailties. Undoubtedly he was a pious + man. Often he kept fasts; and once, for three whole days, he allowed + himself not a morsel of food, but spent the time in prayer and religious + meditation. Many a live-long night did he watch and pray. These fasts and + vigils made him meagre and haggard, and probably caused him to appear as + if he hardly belonged to the world.” + </p> + <p> + “Was not the witchcraft delusion partly caused by Cotton Mather?” inquired + Laurence. + </p> + <p> + “He was the chief agent of the mischief,” answered Grandfather; “but we + will not suppose that he acted otherwise than conscientiously. He believed + that there were evil spirits all about the world. Doubtless he imagined + that they were hidden in the corners and crevices of his library, and that + they peeped out from among the leaves of many of his books, as he turned + them over, at midnight. He supposed that these unlovely demons were + everywhere, in the sunshine as well as in the darkness, and that they were + hidden in men’s hearts, and stole into their most secret thoughts.” + </p> + <p> + Here Grandfather was interrupted by little Alice, who hid her face in his + lap, and murmured a wish that he would not talk any more about Cotton + Mather and the evil spirits. Grandfather kissed her, and told her that + angels were the only spirits whom she had anything to do with. + </p> + <p> + He then spoke of the public affairs of the period. + </p> + <p> + A new War between France and England had broken out in 1702, and had been + raging ever since. In the course of it, New England suffered much injury + from the French and Indians, who often came through the woods from Canada + and assaulted the frontier towns. Villages were sometimes burned, and the + inhabitants slaughtered, within a day’s ride of Boston. The people of New + England had a bitter hatred against the French, not only for the mischief + which they did with their own hands, but because they incited the Indians + to hostility. + </p> + <p> + The New-Englanders knew that they could never dwell in security until the + provinces of France should be subdued and brought under the English + government. They frequently, in time of war, undertook military + expeditions against Acadia and Canada, and sometimes besieged the + fortresses by which those territories were defended. But the most earnest + wish of their hearts was to take Quebec, and so get possession of the + whole province of Canada. Sir William Phips had once attempted it, but + without success. + </p> + <p> + Fleets and soldiers were often sent from England to assist the colonists + in their warlike undertakings. In 1710 Port Royal, a fortress of Acadia, + was taken by the English. The next year, in the month of June, a fleet, + commanded by Admiral Sir Hovenden Walker, arrived in Boston Harbor. On + board of this fleet was the English General Hill, with seven regiments of + soldiers, who had been fighting under the Duke of Marlborough in Flanders. + The government of Massachusetts was called upon to find provisions for the + army and fleet, and to raise more men to assist in taking Canada. + </p> + <p> + What with recruiting and drilling of soldiers, there was now nothing but + warlike bustle in the streets of Boston. The drum and fife, the rattle of + arms, and the shouts of boys were heard from morning till night. In about + a month the fleet set sail, carrying four regiments from New England and + New York, besides the English soldiers. The whole army amounted to at + least seven thousand men. They steered for the mouth of the river St. + Lawrence. + </p> + <p> + “Cotton Mather prayed most fervently for their success,” continued + Grandfather, “both in his pulpit and when he kneeled down in the solitude + of his library, resting his face on our old chair. But Providence ordered + the result otherwise. In a few weeks tidings were received that eight or + nine of the vessels had been wrecked in the St. Lawrence, and that above a + thousand drowned soldiers had been washed ashore on the banks of that + mighty river. After this misfortune Sir Hovenden Walker set sail for + England; and many pious people began to think it a sin even to wish for + the conquest of Canada.” + </p> + <p> + “I would never give it up so,” cried Charley. + </p> + <p> + “Nor did they, as we shall see,” replied Grandfather. “However, no more + attempts were made during this war, which came to a close in 1713. The + people of New England were probably glad of some repose; for their young + men had been made soldiers, till many of them were fit for nothing else. + And those who remained at home had been heavily taxed to pay for the arms, + ammunition; fortifications, and all the other endless expenses of a war. + There was great need of the prayers of Cotton Mather and of all pious men, + not only on account of the sufferings of the people, but because the old + moral and religious character of New England was in danger of being + utterly lost.” + </p> + <p> + “How glorious it would have been,” remarked Laurence, “if our forefathers + could have kept the country unspotted with blood!” + </p> + <p> + “Yes,” said Grandfather; “but there was a stern, warlike spirit in them + from the beginning. They seem never to have thought of questioning either + the morality or piety of war.” + </p> + <p> + The next event which Grandfather spoke of was one that Cotton Mather, as + well as most of the other inhabitants of New England, heartily rejoiced + at. This was the accession of the Elector of Hanover to the throne of + England, in 1714, on the death of Queen Anne. Hitherto the people had been + in continual dread that the male line of the Stuarts, who were descended + from the beheaded King Charles and the banished King James, would be + restored to the throne. + </p> + <p> + “The importance of this event,” observed Grandfather, “was a thousand + times greater than that of a Presidential election in our own days. If the + people dislike their President, they may get rid of him in four years; + whereas a dynasty of kings may wear the crown for an unlimited period.” + </p> + <p> + The German elector was proclaimed king from the balcony of the town-house + in Boston, by the title of George I.; while the trumpets sounded and the + people cried amen. That night the town was illuminated; and Cotton Mather + threw aside book and pen, and left Grandfather’s chair vacant, while he + walked hither and thither to witness the rejoicings. + </p> + <p> + <a name="link2HCH0016" id="link2HCH0016"> + <!-- H2 anchor --> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h2> + CHAPTER V. THE REJECTED BLESSING. + </h2> + <p> + “COTTON MATHER,” continued Grandfather, “was a bitter enemy to Governor + Dudley; and nobody exulted more than he when that crafty politician was + removed from the government, and succeeded by Colonel Shute. This took + place in 1716. The new governor had been an officer in the renowned Duke + of Marlborough’s army, and had fought in some of the great battles in + Flanders.” + </p> + <p> + “Now I hope,” said Charley, “we shall hear of his doing great things.” + </p> + <p> + “I am afraid you will be disappointed, Charley,” answered Grandfather. “It + is true that Colonel Shute had probably never led so unquiet a life while + fighting the French as he did now, while governing this province of + Massachusetts Bay. But his troubles consisted almost entirely of + dissensions with the Legislature. The king had ordered him to lay claim to + a fixed salary; but the representatives of the people insisted upon paying + him only such sums from year to year as they saw fit.” + </p> + <p> + Grandfather here explained some of the circumstances that made the + situation of a colonial governor so difficult and irksome. There was not + the same feeling towards the chief magistrate now that had existed while + he was chosen by the free suffrages of the people, it was felt that as the + king appointed the governor, and as he held his office during the king’s + pleasure, it would be his great object to please the king. But the people + thought that a governor ought to have nothing in view but the best + interests of those whom he governed. + </p> + <p> + “The governor,” remarked Grandfather, “had two masters to serve,—the + king, who appointed him; and the people, on whom he depended for his pay. + Few men in this position would have ingenuity enough to satisfy either + party. Colonel Shute, though a good-natured, well-meaning man, succeeded + so ill with the people, that, in 1722, he suddenly went away to England + and made Complaint to King George. In the meantime Lieutenant-Governor + Dummer directed the affairs of the province, and carried on a long and + bloody war with the Indians.” + </p> + <p> + “But where was our chair all this time?” asked Clara. + </p> + <p> + “It still remained in Cotton Mather’s library,” replied Grandfather; “and + I must not omit to tell you an incident which is very much to the honor of + this celebrated man. It is the more proper, too, that you should hear it, + because it will show you what a terrible calamity the smallpox was to our + forefathers. The history of the province (and, of course, the history of + our chair) would be incomplete without particular mention of it.” + </p> + <p> + Accordingly Grandfather told the children a story, to which, for want of a + better title, we shall give that of The Rejected Blessing. + </p> + <p> + One day, in 1721, Doctor Cotton Mather sat in his library reading a book + that had been published by the Royal Society of London. But every few + moments he laid the book upon the table, and leaned back in Grandfather’s + chair with an aspect of deep care and disquietude. There were certain + things which troubled him exceedingly, so that he could hardly fix his + thoughts upon what he read. + </p> + <p> + It was now a gloomy time in Boston. That terrible disease; the small-pox, + had recently made its appearance in the town. Ever since the first + settlement of the country this awful pestilence had come at intervals, and + swept away multitudes of the inhabitants. Whenever it commenced its + ravages, nothing seemed to stay its progress until there were no more + victims for it to seize upon. Oftentimes hundreds of people at once lay + groaning with its agony; and when it departed, its deep footsteps were + always to be traced in many graves. + </p> + <p> + The people never felt secure from this calamity. Sometimes, perhaps, it + was brought into the country by a poor sailor, who had caught the + infection in foreign parts, and came hither to die and to be the cause of + many deaths. Sometimes, no doubt, it followed in the train of the pompous + governors when they came over from England. Sometimes the disease lay + hidden in the cargoes of ships, among silks, and brocades, and other + costly merchandise which was imported for the rich people to wear. And + sometimes it started up seemingly of its own accord, and nobody could tell + whence it came. The physician, being called to attend the sick person, + would look at him, and say, “It is the small-pox! Let the patient be + carried to the hospital.” + </p> + <p> + And now this dreadful sickness had shown itself again in Boston. Cotton + Mather was greatly afflicted for the sake of the whole province. He had + children, too, who were exposed to the danger. At that very moment he + heard the voice of his youngest son, for whom his heart was moved with + apprehension. + </p> + <p> + “Alas! I fear for that poor child,” said Cotton Mather to himself. “What + shall I do for my son Samuel?” + </p> + <p> + Again he attempted to drive away these thoughts by taking up the book + which he had been reading. And now, all of a sudden, his attention became + fixed. The book contained a printed letter that an Italian physician had + written upon the very subject about which Cotton Mather was so anxiously + meditating. He ran his eye eagerly over the pages; and, behold! a method + was disclosed to him by which the small-pox might be robbed of its worst + terrors. Such a method was known in Greece. The physicians of Turkey, too, + those long-bearded Eastern sages, had been acquainted with it for many + years. The negroes of Africa, ignorant as they were, had likewise + practised it, and thus had shown themselves wiser than the white men. + </p> + <p> + “Of a truth,” ejaculated Cotton Mather, clasping his hands and looking up + to heaven, “it was a merciful Providence that brought this book under mine + eye. I will procure a consultation of physicians, and see whether this + wondrous inoculation may not stay the progress of the destroyer.” + </p> + <p> + So he arose from Grandfather’s chair and went out of the library. Near the + door he met his son Samuel, who seemed downcast and out of spirits. The + boy had heard, probably, that some of his playmates were taken ill with + the small-pox. But, as his father looked cheerfully at him, Samuel took + courage, trusting that either the wisdom of so learned a minister would + find some remedy for the danger, or else that his prayers would secure + protection from on high. + </p> + <p> + Meanwhile Cotton Mather took his staff and three-cornered hat and walked + about the streets, calling at the houses of all the physicians in Boston. + They were a very wise fraternity; and their huge wigs, and black dresses, + and solemn visages made their wisdom appear even profounder than it was. + One after another he acquainted them with the discovery which he had hit + upon. + </p> + <p> + But the grave and sagacious personages would scarcely listen to him. The + oldest doctor in town contented himself with remarking that no such thing + as inoculation was mentioned by Galen or Hippocrates; and it was + impossible that modern physicians should be wiser than those old sages. A + second held up his hands in dumb astonishment and horror at the mad-ness + of what Cotton Mather proposed to do. A third told him, in pretty plain + terms, that he knew not what he was talking about. A fourth requested, in + the name of the whole medical fraternity, that Cotton Mather would confine + his attention to people’s souls, and leave the physicians to take care of + their bodies. In short, there was but a single doctor among them all who + would grant the poor minister so much as a patient hearing, This was + Doctor Zabdiel Boylston. He looked into the matter like a man of sense, + and finding, beyond a doubt, that inoculation had rescued many from death, + he resolved to try the experiment in his own family. + </p> + <p> + And so he did. But when the other physicians heard of it they arose in + great fury and began a war of words, written, printed, and spoken, against + Cotton Mather and Doctor Boylston. To hear them talk, you would have + supposed that these two harmless and benevolent men had plotted the ruin + of the country. + </p> + <p> + The people, also, took the alarm. Many, who thought themselves more pious + than their neighbors, contended that, if Providence had ordained them to + die of the small-pox, it was sinful to aim at preventing it. The strangest + reports were in circulation. Some said that Doctor Boylston had contrived + a method for conveying the gout, rheumatism, sick-headache, asthma, and + all other diseases from one person to another, and diffusing them through + the whole community. Others flatly affirmed that the evil one had got + possession of Cotton Mather, and was at the bottom of the whole business. + </p> + <p> + You must observe, children, that Cotton Mather’s fellow-citizens were + generally inclined to doubt the wisdom of any measure which he might + propose to them. They recollected how he had led them astray in the old + witchcraft delusion; and now, if he thought and acted ever so wisely, it + was difficult for him to get the credit of it. + </p> + <p> + The people’s wrath grew so hot at his attempt to guard them from the + small-pox that he could not walk the streets in peace. Whenever the + venerable form of the old minister, meagre and haggard with fasts and + vigils, was seen approaching, hisses were heard, and shouts of derision, + and scornful and bitter laughter. The women snatched away their children + from his path, lest he should do them a mischief. Still, however, bending + his head meekly, and perhaps stretching out his hands to bless those who + reviled him, he pursued his way. But the tears came into his eyes to think + how blindly the people rejected the means of safety that were offered + them. + </p> + <p> + Indeed, there were melancholy sights enough in the streets of Boston to + draw forth the tears of a compassionate man. Over the door of almost every + dwelling a red flag was fluttering in the air. This was the signal that + the small-pox had entered the house and attacked some member of the + family; or perhaps the whole family, old and young, were struggling at + once with the pestilence. Friends and relatives, when they met one another + in the streets, would hurry onward without a grasp of the hand or scarcely + a word of greeting, lest they should catch or communicate the contagion; + and often a coffin was borne hastily along. + </p> + <p> + “Alas! alas!” said Cotton Mather to himself, “what shall be done for this + poor, misguided people? Oh that Providence would open their eyes, and + enable them to discern good from evil!” + </p> + <p> + So furious, however, were the people, that they threatened vengeance + against any person who should dare to practise inoculation, though it were + only in his own family. This was a hard case for Cotton Mather, who saw no + other way to rescue his poor child Samuel from the disease. But he + resolved to save him, even if his house should be burned over his head. + </p> + <p> + “I will not be turned aside,” said he. “My townsmen shall see that I have + faith in this thing, when I make the experiment on my beloved son, whose + life is dearer to me than my own. And when I have saved Samuel, + peradventure they will be persuaded to save themselves.” + </p> + <p> + Accordingly Samuel was inoculated; and so was Mr. Walter, a son-in-law of + Cotton Mather. Doctor Boyleston, likewise, inoculated many persons; and + while hundreds died who had caught the contagion from the garments of the + sick, almost all were preserved who followed the wise physician’s advice. + </p> + <p> + But the people were not yet convinced of their mistake. One night a + destructive little instrument, called a hand-grenade, was thrown into + Cotton Mather’s window, and rolled under Grandfather’s chair. It was + supposed to be filled with gunpowder, the explosion of which would have + blown the poor minister to atoms. But the best informed historians are of + opinion that the grenade contained only brimstone and assafoetida, and was + meant to plague Cotton Mather with a very evil perfume. + </p> + <p> + This is no strange thing in human experience. Men who attempt to do the + world mere good than the world is able entirely to comprehend are almost + invariably held in bad odor. But yet, if the wise and good man can wait + awhile, either the present generation or posterity will do him justice. So + it proved in the case which we have been speaking of. In after years, when + inoculation was universally practised, and thousands were saved from death + by it, the people remembered old Cotton Mather, then sleeping in his + grave. They acknowledged that the very thing for which they had so reviled + and persecuted him was the best and wisest thing he ever did. + </p> + <p> + “Grandfather, this is not an agreeable story,” observed Clara. + </p> + <p> + “No, Clara,” replied Grandfather. “But it is right that you should know + what a dark shadow this disease threw over the times of our forefathers. + And now, if you wish to learn more about Cotton Mather, you must read his + biography, written by Mr. Peabody, of Springfield. You will find it very + entertaining and instructive; but perhaps the writer is somewhat too harsh + in his judgment of this singular man. He estimates him fairly, indeed, and + understands him well; but he unriddles his character rather by acuteness + than by sympathy. Now, his life should have been written by one who, + knowing all his faults, would nevertheless love him.” + </p> + <p> + So Grandfather made an end of Cotton Mather, telling his auditors that he + died in 1728, at the age of sixty-five, and bequeathed the chair to Elisha + Cooke. This gentleman was a famous advocate of the people’s rights. + </p> + <p> + The same year William Burner, a son of the celebrated Bishop Burnet, + arrived in Boston with the commission of governor. He was the first that + had been appointed since the departure of Colonel Shute, Governor Burnet + took up his residence with Mr. Cooke while the Province House was + undergoing repairs. During this period he was always complimented with a + seat in Grandfather’s chair; and so comfortable did he find it, that, on + removing to the Province House, he could not bear to leave it behind him. + Mr. Cooke, therefore, requested his acceptance of it. + </p> + <p> + “I should think,” said Laurence, “that the people would have petitioned + the king always to appoint a native-born New-Englander to govern them.” + </p> + <p> + “Undoubtedly it was a grievance,” answered Grandfather, “to see men placed + in this station who perhaps had neither talents nor virtues to fit them + for it, and who certainly could have no natural affection for the country. + The king generally bestowed the governorships of the American colonies + upon needy noblemen, or hangers-on at court, or disbanded officers. The + people knew that such persons would be very likely to make the good of the + country subservient to the wishes of the king. The Legislature, therefore, + endeavored to keep as much power as possible in their own hands, by + refusing to settle a fixed salary upon the governors. It was thought + better to pay them according to their deserts.” + </p> + <p> + “Did Governor Burner work well for his money?” asked Charley. + </p> + <p> + Grandfather could not help smiling at the simplicity of Charley’s + question. Nevertheless, it put the matter in a very plain point of view. + </p> + <p> + He then described the character of Governor Bur-net, representing him as a + good scholar, possessed of much ability, and likewise of unspotted + integrity. His story affords a striking example how unfortunate it is for + a man, who is placed as ruler over a country to be compelled to aim at + anything but the good of the people. Governor Burnet was so chained down + by his instructions from the king that he could not act as he might + otherwise have wished. Consequently, his whole term of office was wasted + in quarrels with the Legislature. + </p> + <p> + “I am afraid, children,” said Grandfather, “that Governor Burner found but + little rest or comfort in our old chair. Here he used to sit, dressed in a + coat which was made of rough, shaggy cloth outside, but of smooth velvet + within. It was said that his own character resembled that coat; for his + outward manner was rough, but his inward disposition soft and kind. It is + a pity that such a man could not have been kept free from trouble. But so + harassing were his disputes with the representatives of the people that he + fell into a fever, of which he died in 1729. The Legislature had refused + him a salary while alive; but they appropriated money enough to give him a + splendid and pompous funeral.” + </p> + <p> + And now Grandfather perceived that little Alice had fallen fast asleep, + with her head upon his footstool. Indeed, as Clara observed, she had been + sleeping from the time of Sir Hovenden Walker’s expedition against Quebec + until the death of Governor Burnet,—a period of about eighteen + years. And yet, after so long a nap, sweet little Alice was a + golden-haired child of scarcely five years old. + </p> + <p> + “It puts me in mind,” said Laurence, “of the story of the enchanted + princess, who slept many a hundred years, and awoke as young and beautiful + as ever.” + </p> + <p> + <a name="link2HCH0017" id="link2HCH0017"> + <!-- H2 anchor --> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h2> + CHAPTER VI. POMPS AND VANITIES. + </h2> + <p> + A FEW evenings afterwards, cousin Clara happened inquire of Grandfather + whether the old chair had never been present at a ball. At the same time + little Alice brought forward a doll, with whom she had been holding a long + conversation. + </p> + <p> + “See, Grandfather!” cried she. “Did such a pretty lady as this ever sit in + your great chair?” + </p> + <p> + These questions led Grandfather to talk about the fashions and manners + which now began to be introduced from England into the provinces. The + simplicity of the good old Puritan times was fast disappearing. This was + partly owing to the increasing number and wealth of the inhabitants, and + to the additions which they continually received by the arrival and + settlement of people from beyond the sea. + </p> + <p> + Another cause of a pompous and artificial mode of life, among those who + could afford it, was that the example was set by the royal governors. + Under the old charter, the governors were the representatives of the + people, and therefore their way of living had probably been marked by a + popular simplicity. But now, as they represented the person of the king, + they thought it necessary to preserve the dignity of their station by the + practice of high and gorgeous ceremonials. And, besides, the profitable + offices under the government were filled by men who had lived in London, + and had there contracted fashionable and luxurious habits of living which + they would not now lay aside. The wealthy people of the province imitated + them; and thus began a general change in social life. + </p> + <p> + “So, my dear Clara,” said Grandfather, “after our chair had entered the + Province House, it must often have been present at balls and festivals; + though I cannot give you a description of any particular one. But I doubt + not that they were very magnificent; and slaves in gorgeous liveries + waited on the guests, and offered them wine in goblets of massive silver.” + </p> + <p> + “Were there slaves in those days!” exclaimed Clara. + </p> + <p> + “Yes, black slaves and white,” replied Grandfather. “Our ancestors not + only brought negroes from Africa, but Indians from South America, and + white people from Ireland. These last were sold, not for life, but for a + certain number of years, in order to pay the expenses of their voyage + across the Atlantic. Nothing was more common than to see a lot of likely + Irish girls advertised for sale in the newspapers. As for the little negro + babies, they were offered to be giver away like young kittens.” + </p> + <p> + “Perhaps Alice would have liked one to play with, instead of her doll,” + said Charley, laughing. + </p> + <p> + But little Alice clasped the waxen doll closer to her bosom. + </p> + <p> + “Now, as for this pretty doll, my little Alice,” said Grandfather, “I wish + you could have seen what splendid dresses the ladies wore in those times. + They had silks, and satins, and damasks, and brocades, and high + head-dresses, and all sorts of fine things. And they used to wear hooped + petticoats of such enormous size that it was quite a journey to walk round + them.” + </p> + <p> + “And how did the gentlemen dress?” asked Charley. + </p> + <p> + “With full as much magnificence as the ladies,” answered Grandfather. “For + their holiday suits they had coats of figured velvet, crimson, green, + blue, and all other gay colors, embroidered with gold or silver lace. + Their waistcoats, which were five times as large as modern ones, were very + splendid. Sometimes the whole waistcoat, which came down almost to the + knees, was made of gold brocade.” + </p> + <p> + “Why, the wearer must have shone like a golden image!” said Clara. + </p> + <p> + “And then,” continued Grandfather, “they wore various sorts of periwigs, + such as the tie, the Spencer, the brigadier, the major, the Albemarle, the + Ramillies, the feather-top, and the full-bottom. Their three-cornered hats + were laced with gold or silver. They had shining buckles at the knees of + their small-clothes, and buckles likewise in their shoes. They wore swords + with beautiful hilts, either of silver, or sometimes of polished steel, + inlaid with gold.” + </p> + <p> + “Oh, I should like to wear a sword!” cried Charley. + </p> + <p> + “And an embroidered crimson velvet coat,” said Clara, laughing, “and a + gold brocade waistcoat down to your knees.” + </p> + <p> + “And knee-buckles and shoe-buckles,” said Laurence, laughing also. + </p> + <p> + “And a periwig,” added little Alice, soberly, not knowing what was the + article of dress which she recommended to our friend Charley. + </p> + <p> + Grandfather smiled at the idea of Charley’s sturdy little figure in such a + grotesque caparison. He then went on with the history of the chair, and + told the children that, in 1730, King George II. appointed Jonathan + Belcher to be governor of Massachusetts in place of the deceased Governor + Burner. Mr. Belcher was a native of the province, but had spent much of + his life in Europe. + </p> + <p> + The new governor found Grandfather’s chair in the Province House. He was + struck with its noble and stately aspect, but was of opinion that age and + hard services had made it scarcely so fit for courtly company as when it + stood in the Earl of Lincoln’s hall. Wherefore, as Governor Belcher was + fond of splendor, he employed a skilful artist to beautify the chair. This + was done by polishing and varnishing it, and by gilding the carved work of + the elbows, and likewise the oaken flowers of the back. The lion’s head + now shone like a veritable lump of gold. Finally Governor Belcher gave the + chair a cushion of blue damask, with a rich golden fringe. + </p> + <p> + “Our good old chair being thus glorified,” proceeded Grandfather, “it + glittered with a great deal more splendor than it had exhibited just a + century before, when the Lady Arbella brought it over from England. Most + people mistook it for a chair of the latest London fashion. And this may + serve for an example, that there is almost always an old and timeworn + substance under all the glittering show of new invention.” + </p> + <p> + “Grandfather, I cannot see any of the gilding,” remarked Charley, who had + been examining the chair very minutely. + </p> + <p> + “You will not wonder that it has been rubbed off,” replied Grandfather, + “when you hear all the adventures that have since befallen the chair. + Gilded it was; and the handsomest room in the Province House was adorned + by it.” + </p> + <p> + There was not much to interest the children in what happened during the + years that Governor Belcher remained in the chair. At first, like Colonel + Shute and Governor Burner, he was engaged in disputing with the + Legislature about his salary. But, as he found it impossible to get a + fixed sum, he finally obtained the king’s leave to accept whatever the + Legislature chose to give him. And thus the people triumphed, after this + long contest for the privilege of expending their own money as they saw + fit. + </p> + <p> + The remainder of Governor Belcher’s term of office was principally taken + up in endeavoring to settle the currency. Honest John Hull’s pine-tree + shillings had long ago been worn out, or lost, or melted down again; and + their place was supplied by bills of paper or parchment, which were + nominally valued at threepence and upwards. The value of these bills kept + continually sinking, because the real hard money could not be obtained for + them. They were a great deal worse than the old Indian currency of + clam-shells. These disorders of the circulating medium were a source of + endless plague and perplexity to the rulers and legislators, not only in + Governor Belcher’s days, but for many years before and afterwards. + </p> + <p> + Finally the people suspected that Governor Belcher was secretly + endeavoring to establish the Episcopal mode of worship in the provinces. + There was enough of the old Puritan spirit remaining to cause most of the + true sons of New England to look with horror upon such an attempt. Great + exertions were made to induce the king to remove the governor. + Accordingly, in 1740, he was compelled to resign his office, and + Grandfather’s chair into the bargain, to Mr. Shirley. + </p> + <p> + <a name="link2HCH0018" id="link2HCH0018"> + <!-- H2 anchor --> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h2> + CHAPTER VII. THE PROVINCIAL MUSTER. + </h2> + <p> + “WILLIAM SHIRLEY,” said Grandfather, “had come from England a few years + before, and begun to practise law in Boston. You will think, perhaps, + that, as he had been a lawyer, the new governor used to sit in our great + chair reading heavy law-books from morning till night. On the contrary, he + was as stirring and active a governor as Massachusetts ever had. Even Sir + William Phips hardly equalled him. The first year or two of his + administration was spent in trying to regulate the currency. But in 1744, + after a peace of more than thirty years, war broke out between France and + England.” + </p> + <p> + “And I suppose,” said Charley, “the governor went to take Canada.” + </p> + <p> + “Not exactly, Charley,” said Grandfather; “though you have made a pretty + shrewd conjecture. He planned, in 1745, an expedition against Louisburg. + This was a fortified city, on the island of Cape Breton, near Nova Scotia. + Its walls were of immense height and strength, and were defended by + hundreds of heavy cannon. It was the strongest fortress which the French + possessed in America; and if the king of France had guessed Governor + Shirley’s intentions, he would have sent all the ships he could muster to + protect it.” + </p> + <p> + As the siege of Louisburg was one of the most remarkable events that ever + the inhabitants of New England were engaged in, Grandfather endeavored to + give his auditors a lively idea of the spirit with which they set about + it. We shall call his description The Provincial Muster. + </p> + <p> + The expedition against Louisburg first began to be thought of in the month + of January. From that time the governor’s chair was continually surrounded + by councillors, representatives, clergymen, captains, pilots, and all + manner of people, with whom he consulted about this wonderful project. + </p> + <p> + First of all, it was necessary to provide men and arms. The Legislature + immediately sent out a huge quantity of paper-money, with which, as if by + magic spell, the governor hoped to get possession of all the old cannon, + powder and balls, rusty swords and muskets, and everything else that would + be serviceable in killing Frenchmen. Drums were beaten in all the villages + of Massachusetts to enlist soldiers for the service. Messages were sent to + the other governors of New England, and to New York and Pennsylvania, + entreating them to unite in this crusade against the French. All these + provinces agreed to give what assistance they could. + </p> + <p> + But there was one very important thing to be decided. Who shall be the + general of this great army? Peace had continued such an unusual length of + time that there was now less military experience among the colonists than + at any former period. The old Puritans had always kept their weapons + bright, and were never destitute of warlike captains who were skilful in + assault or defence. But the swords of their descendents had grown rusty by + disuse. There was nobody in New England that knew anything about sieges or + any other regular fighting. The only persons at all acquainted with + warlike business were a few elderly men, who had hunted Indians through + the underbrush of the forest in old Governor Dummer’s War. + </p> + <p> + In this dilemma Governor Shirley fixed upon a wealthy merchant, named + William Pepperell, who was pretty well known and liked among the people. + As to military skill, he had no more of it than his neighbors. But, as the + governor urged him very pressingly, Mr. Pepperell consented to shut up his + ledger, gird on a sword, and assume the title of general. + </p> + <p> + Meantime, what a hubbub was raised by this scheme! Rub-a-dub-dub! + rub-a-dub-dub! The rattle of drums, beaten out of all manner of time, was + heard above every other sound. + </p> + <p> + Nothing now was so valuable as arms, of whatever style and fashion they + might be. The bellows blew, and the hammer clanged continually upon the + anvil, while the blacksmiths were repairing the broken weapons of other + wars. Doubtless some of the soldiers lugged out those enormous, heavy + muskets which used to be fired, with rests, in the time of the early + Puritans. Great horse-pistols, too, were found, which would go off with a + bang like a cannon. Old cannon, with touchholes almost as big as their + muzzles, were looked upon as inestimable treasures. Pikes which, perhaps, + had been handled by Miles Standish’s soldiers, now made their appearance + again. Many a young man ransacked the garret and brought forth his + great-grandfather’s sword, corroded with rust and stained with the blood + of King Philip’s War. + </p> + <p> + Never had there been such an arming as this, when a people, so long + peaceful, rose to the war with the best weapons that they could lay their + hands upon. And still the drums were heard—rub-a-dub-dub! + rub-a-dub-dub!—in all the towns and villages; and louder and more + numerous grew the trampling footsteps of the recruits that marched behind. + </p> + <p> + And now the army began to gather into Boston. Tan, lanky, awkward fellows + came in squads, and companies, and regiments, swaggering along, dressed in + their brown homespun clothes and blue yarn stockings. They stooped as if + they still had hold of the plough-handles, and marched without any time or + tune. Hither they came, from the cornfields, from the clearing in the + forest, from the blacksmith’s forge, from the carpenter’s workshop, and + from the shoemaker’s seat. They were an army of rough faces and sturdy + frames. A trained officer of Europe would have laughed at them till his + sides had ached. But there was a spirit in their bosoms which is more + essential to soldiership than to wear red coats and march in stately ranks + to the sound of regular music. + </p> + <p> + Still was heard the beat of the drum,—rub-a-dub-dub! And now a host + of three or four thousand men had found their way to Boston. Little quiet + was there then! Forth scampered the school-boys, shouting behind the + drums. The whole town, the whole land, was on fire with war. + </p> + <p> + After the arrival of the troops, they were probably reviewed upon the + Common. We may imagine Governor Shirley and General Pepperell riding + slowly along the line, while the drummers beat strange old tunes, like + psalm-tunes, and all the officers and soldiers put on their most warlike + looks. It would have been a terrible sight for the Frenchmen, could they + but have witnessed it! + </p> + <p> + At length, on the 24th of March, 1745, the army gave a parting shout, and + set sail from Boston in ten or twelve vessels which had been hired by the + governor. A few days afterwards an English fleet, commanded by Commodore + Peter Warren, sailed also for Louisburg to assist the provincial army. So + now, after all this bustle of preparation, the town and province were left + in stillness and repose. + </p> + <p> + But stillness and repose, at such a time of anxious expectation, are hard + to bear. The hearts of the old people and women sunk within them when they + reflected what perils they had sent their sons, and husbands, and brothers + to encounter. The boys loitered heavily to School, missing the + rub-a-dub-dub and the trampling march, in the rear of which they had so + lately run and shouted. All the ministers prayed earnestly in their + pulpits for a blessing on the army of New England. In every family, when + the good man lifted up his heart in domestic worship, the burden of his + petition was for the safety of those dear ones who were fighting under the + walls of Louisburg. + </p> + <p> + Governor Shirley all this time was probably in an ecstasy of impatience. + He could not sit still a moment. He found no quiet, not even in + Grandfather’s chair; but hurried to and fro, and up and down the staircase + of the Province House. Now he mounted to the cupola and looked seaward, + straining his eyes to discover if there were a sail upon the horizon. Now + he hastened down the stairs, and stood beneath the portal, on the red + free-stone steps, to receive some mud-bespattered courier, from whom he + hoped to hear tidings of the army. A few weeks after the departure of the + troops, Commodore Warren sent a small vessel to Boston with two French + prisoners. One of them was Monsieur Bouladrie, who had been commander of a + battery outside the walls of Louisburg. The other was the Marquis de la + Maison Forte, captain of a French frigate which had been taken by + Commodore Warren’s fleet. These prisoners assured Governor Shirley that + the fortifications of Louisburg were far too strong ever to be stormed by + the provincial army. + </p> + <p> + Day after day and week after week went on. The people grew almost + heart-sick with anxiety; for the flower of the country was at peril in + this adventurous expedition. It was now daybreak on the morning of the 3d + of July. + </p> + <p> + But hark! what sound is this? The hurried clang of a bell! There is the + Old North pealing suddenly out!—there the Old South strikes in!—now + the peal comes from the church in Brattle Street!—the bells of nine + or ten steeples are all flinging their iron voices at once upon the + morning breeze! Is it joy, or alarm? There goes the roar of a cannon too! + A royal salute is thundered forth. And now we hear the loud exulting shout + of a multitude assembled in the street. Huzza! huzza! Louisburg has + surrendered! Huzza! + </p> + <p> + “O Grandfather, how glad I should have been to live in those times!” cried + Charley. “And what reward did the king give to General Pepperell and + Governor Shirley?” + </p> + <p> + “He made Pepperell a baronet; so that he was now to be called Sir William + Pepperell,” replied Grandfather. “He likewise appointed both Pepperell and + Shirley to be colonels in the royal army. These rewards, and higher ones, + were well deserved; for this was the greatest triumph that the English met + with in the whole course of that war. General Pepperell became a man of + great fame. I have seen a full-length portrait of him, representing him in + a splendid scarlet uniform, standing before the walls of Louisburg, while + several bombs are falling through the air.” + </p> + <p> + “But did the country gain any real good by the conquest of Louisburg?” + asked Laurence. “Or was all the benefit reaped by Pepperell and Shirley?” + </p> + <p> + “The English Parliament,” replied Grandfather, “agreed to pay the + colonists for all the expenses of the siege. Accordingly, in 1749, two + hundred and fifteen chests of Spanish dollars and one hundred casks of + copper coin were brought from England to Boston. The whole amount was + about a million of dollars. Twenty-seven carts and trucks carried this + money from the wharf to the provincial treasury. Was not this a pretty + liberal reward?” + </p> + <p> + “The mothers of the young men who were killed at the siege of Louisburg + would not have thought it so,” said Laurence. + </p> + <p> + “No; Laurence,” rejoined Grandfather; “and every warlike achievement + involves an amount of physical and moral evil, for which all the gold in + the Spanish mines would not be the slightest recompense. But we are to + consider that this siege was one of the occasions on which the colonists + tested their ability for war, and thus were prepared for the great contest + of the Revolution. In that point of view, the valor of our forefathers was + its own reward.” + </p> + <p> + Grandfather went on to say that the success of the expedition against + Louisburg induced Shirley and Pepperell to form a scheme for conquering + Canada, This plan, however, was not carried into execution. + </p> + <p> + In the year 1746 great terror was excited by the arrival of a formidable + French fleet upon the coast It was commanded by the Duke d’Anville, and + consisted of forty ships of war, besides vessels with soldiers on board. + With this force the French intended to retake Louisburg, and afterwards to + ravage the whole of New England. Many people were ready to give up the + country for lost. + </p> + <p> + But the hostile fleet met with so many disasters and losses by storm and + shipwreck, that the Duke d’Anville is said to have poisoned himself in + despair. The officer next in command threw himself upon his sword and + perished. Thus deprived of their commanders, the remainder of the ships + returned to France. This was as great a deliverance for New England as + that which Old England had experienced in the days of Queen Elizabeth, + when the Spanish Armada was wrecked upon her coast. + </p> + <p> + “In 1747,” proceeded Grandfather, “Governor Shirley was driven from the + Province House, not by a hostile fleet and army, but by a mob of the + Boston people. They were so incensed at the conduct of the British + Commodore Knowles, who had impressed some of their fellow-citizens, that + several thousands of them surrounded the council chamber and threw stones + and brickbats into the windows. The governor attempted to pacify them; but + not succeeding, he thought it necessary to leave the town and take refuge + within the walls of Castle William. Quiet was not restored until Commodore + Knowles had sent back the impressed men. This affair was a flash of spirit + that might have warned the English not to venture upon any oppressive + measures against their colonial brethren.” + </p> + <p> + Peace being declared between France and England in 1748, the governor had + now an opportunity to sit at his ease in Grandfather’s chair. Such repose, + however, appears not to have suited his disposition; for in the following + year he went to England, and thence was despatched to France on public + business. Meanwhile, as Shirley had not resigned his office, + Lieu-tenant-Governor Phips acted as chief magistrate in his stead. + </p> + <p> + <a name="link2HCH0019" id="link2HCH0019"> + <!-- H2 anchor --> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h2> + CHAPTER VIII. THE OLD FRENCH WAR AND THE ACADIAN EXILES + </h2> + <p> + IN the early twilight of Thanksgiving Eve came Laurence, and Clara, and + Charley, and little Alice, hand in hand, and stood in a semicircle round + Grandfather’s chair. They had been joyous throughout that day of + festivity, mingling together in all kinds of play, so that the house had + echoed with their airy mirth. + </p> + <p> + Grandfather, too, had been happy though not mirthful. He felt that this + was to be set down as one of the good Thanksgivings of his life. In truth, + all his former Thanksgivings had borne their part in the present one; for + his years of infancy, and youth, and manhood, with their blessings and + their griefs, had flitted before him while he sat silently in the great + chair. Vanished scenes had been pictured in the air. The forms of departed + friends had visited him. Voices to be heard no more on earth had sent an + echo from the infinite and the eternal. These shadows, if such they were, + seemed almost as real to him as what was actually present,—as the + merry shouts and laughter of the children,—as their figures, dancing + like sunshine before his eyes. + </p> + <p> + He felt that the past was not taken from him. The happiness of former days + was a possession forever. And there was something in the mingled sorrow of + his lifetime that became akin to happiness, after being long treasured in + the depths of his heart. There it underwent a change, and grew more + precious than pure gold. + </p> + <p> + And now came the children, somewhat aweary with their wild play, and + sought the quiet enjoyment of Grandfather’s talk. The good old gentleman + rubbed his eyes and smiled round upon them all. He was glad, as most aged + people are, to find that he was yet of consequence, and could give + pleasure to the world. After being so merry all day long, did these + children desire to hear his sober talk? Oh, then, old Grandfather had yet + a place to fill among living men,—or at least among boys and girls! + </p> + <p> + “Begin quick, Grandfather,” cried little Alice; “for pussy wants to hear + you.” + </p> + <p> + And truly our yellow friend, the cat, lay upon the hearth-rug, basking in + the warmth of the fire, pricking up her ears, and turning her head from + the children to Grandfather, and from Grandfather to the children as if + she felt herself very sympathetic with them all. A loud purr, like the + singing of a tea-kettle or the hum of a spinning-wheel, testified that she + was as comfortable and happy as a cat could be. For puss had feasted; and + therefore, like Grandfather and the children, had kept a good + Thanksgiving. + </p> + <p> + “Does pussy want to hear me?” said Grandfathers smiling. “Well, we must + please pussy, if we can.” + </p> + <p> + And so he took up the history of the chair from the epoch of the peace of + 1748. By one of the provisions of the treaty, Louisburg, which the + New-Englanders had been at so much pains to take, was restored to the King + of France. + </p> + <p> + The French were afraid that, unless their colonies should be better + defended than heretofore, another war might deprive them of the whole. + Almost as soon as peace was declared, therefore, they began to build + strong fortifications in the interior of North America. It was strange to + behold these warlike castles on the banks of solitary lakes and far in the + midst of woods. The Indian, paddling his birch canoe on Lake Champlain, + looked up at the high ramparts of Ticonderoga, stone piled on stone, + bristling with cannon, and the white flag of France floating above. There + were similar fortifications on Lake Ontario, and near the great Falls of + Niagara, and at the sources of the Ohio River. And all around these forts + and castles lay the eternal forest, and the roll of the drum died away in + those deep solitudes. + </p> + <p> + The truth was, that the French intended to build forts all the way from + Canada to Louisiana. They would then have had a wall of military strength + at the back of the English settlements so as completely to hem them in. + The King of England considered the building of these forts as a sufficient + cause of war, which was accordingly commenced in 1754. + </p> + <p> + “Governor Shirley,” said Grandfather, “had returned to Boston in 1753. + While in Paris he had married a second wife, a young French girl, and now + brought her to the Province House. But when war was breaking out it was + impossible for such a bustling man to stay quietly at home, sitting in our + old chair, with his wife and children, round about him. He therefore + obtained a command in the English forces.” + </p> + <p> + “And what did Sir William Pepperell do?” asked Charley. + </p> + <p> + “He stayed at home,” said Grandfather, “and was general of the militia. + The veteran regiments of the English army which were now sent across the + Atlantic would have scorned to fight under the orders of an old American + merchant. And now began what aged people call the old French War. It would + be going too far astray from the history of our chair to tell you one half + of the battles that were fought. I cannot even allow myself to describe + the bloody defeat of General Braddock, near the sources of the Ohio River, + in 1755. But I must not omit to mention that, when the English general was + mortally wounded and his army routed, the remains of it were preserved by + the skill and valor of George Washington.” + </p> + <p> + At the mention of this illustrious name the children started as if a + sudden sunlight had gleamed upon the history of their country, now that + the great deliverer had arisen above the horizon. + </p> + <p> + Among all the events of the old French War, Grandfather thought that there + was none more interesting than the removal of the inhabitants of Acadia. + From the first settlement of this ancient province of the French, in 1604, + until the present time, its people could scarcely ever know what kingdom + held dominion over them. They were a peaceful race, taking no delight in + warfare, and caring nothing for military renown. And yet, in every war, + their region was infested with iron-hearted soldiers, both French and + English, who fought one another for the privilege of ill-treating these + poor, harmless Acadians. Sometimes the treaty of peace made them subjects + of one king, sometimes of another. + </p> + <p> + At the peace of 1748 Acadia had been ceded to England. But the French + still claimed a large portion of it, and built forts for its defence. In + 1755 these forts were taken, and the whole of Acadia was conquered by + three thousand men from Massachusetts, under the command of General + Winslow. The inhabitants were accused of supplying the French with + provisions, and of doing other things that violated their neutrality. + </p> + <p> + “These accusations were probably true,” observed Grandfather; “for the + Acadians were descended from the French, and had the same friendly + feelings towards them that the people of Massachusetts had for the + English. But their punishment was severe. The English determined to tear + these poor people from their native homes and scatter them abroad.” + </p> + <p> + The Acadians were about seven thousand in number. A considerable part of + them were made prisoners, and transported to the English colonies. All + their dwellings and churches were burned, their cattle were killed, and + the whole country was laid waste, so that none of them might find shelter + or food in their old homes after the departure of the English. One + thousand of the prisoners were sent to Massachusetts; and Grandfather + allowed his fancy to follow them thither, and tried to give his auditors + an idea of their situation. + </p> + <p> + We shall call this passage the story of + </p> + <p> + THE ACADIAN EXILES. + </p> + <p> + A sad day it was for the poor Acadians when the armed soldiers drove them, + at the point of the bayonet, down to the sea-shore. Very sad were they, + likewise, while tossing upon the ocean in the crowded transport vessels. + But methinks it must have been sadder still when they were landed on the + Long Wharf in Boston, and left to themselves on a foreign strand. + </p> + <p> + Then, probably, they huddled together and looked into one another’s faces + for the comfort which was not there. Hitherto they had been confined on + board of separate vessels, so that they could not tell whether their + relatives and friends were prisoners along with them. But now, at least, + they could tell that many had been left behind or transported to other + regions. + </p> + <p> + Now a desolate wife might be heard calling for her husband. He, alas! had + gone, she knew not whither; or perhaps had fled into the woods of Acadia, + and had now returned to weep over the ashes of their dwelling. + </p> + <p> + An aged widow was crying out in a querulous, lamentable tone for her son, + whose affectionate toil had supported her for many a. year. He was not in + the crowd of exiles; and what could this aged widow do but sink down and + die? Young men and maidens, whose hearts had been torn asunder by + separation, had hoped, during the voyage, to meet their beloved ones at + its close. Now they began to feel that they were separated forever. And + perhaps a lonesome little girl, a golden-haired child of five years old, + the very picture of our little Alice, was weeping and wailing for her + mother, and found not a soul to give her a kind word. + </p> + <p> + Oh, how many broken bonds of affection were here! Country lost,—friends + lost,—their rural wealth of cottage, field, and herds all lost + together! Every tie between these poor exiles and the world seemed to be + cut off at once. They must have regretted that they had not died before + their exile; for even the English would not have been so pitiless as to + deny them graves in their native soil. The dead were happy; for they were + not exiles! + </p> + <p> + While they thus stood upon the wharf, the curiosity and inquisitiveness of + the New England people would naturally lead them into the midst of the + poor Acadians. Prying busybodies thrust their heads into the circle + wherever two or three of the exiles were conversing together. How puzzled + did they look at the outlandish sound of the French tongue! There were + seen the New England women, too. They had just come out of their warm, + safe homes, where everything was regular and comfortable, and where their + husbands and children would be with them at nightfall. Surely they could + pity the wretched wives and mothers of Acadia! Or aid the sign of the + cross which the Acadians continually made upon their breasts, and which + was abhorred by the descendants of the Puritans,—did that sign + exclude all pity? + </p> + <p> + Among the spectators, too, was the noisy brood of Boston school-boys, who + came running, with laughter and shouts, to gaze at this crowd of oddly + dressed foreigners. At first they danced and capered around them, full of + merriment and mischief. But the despair of the Acadians soon had its + effect upon these thoughtless lads, and melted them into tearful sympathy. + </p> + <p> + At a little distance from the throng might be seen the wealthy and pompous + merchants whose warehouses stood on Long Wharf. It was difficult to touch + these rich men’s hearts; for they had all the comforts of the world at + their command; and when they walked abroad their feelings were seldom + moved, except by the roughness of the pavement irritating their gouty + toes. Leaning upon their gold-headed canes, they watched the scene with an + aspect of composure. But let us hype they distributed some of their + superfluous coin among these hapless exiles to purchase food and a night’s + lodging. + </p> + <p> + After standing a long time at the end of the wharf, gazing seaward, as if + to catch a glimpse of their lost Acadia, the strangers began to stray into + the town. + </p> + <p> + They went, we will suppose, in parties and groups, here a hundred, there a + score, there ten, there three or four, who possessed some bond of unity + among themselves. Here and there was one who, utterly desolate, stole away + by himself, seeking no companionship. + </p> + <p> + Whither did they go? I imagine them wandering about the streets, telling + the townspeople, in outlandish, unintelligible words, that no earthly + affliction ever equalled what had befallen them. Man’s brotherhood with + man was sufficient to make the New-Englanders understand this language. + The strangers wanted food. Some of them sought hospitality at the doors of + the stately mansions which then stood in the vicinity of Hanover Street + and the North Square. Others were applicants at the humble wooden + tenements, where dwelt the petty shopkeepers and mechanics. Pray Heaven + that no family in Boston turned one of these poor exiles from their door! + It would be a reproach upon New England,—a crime worthy of heavy + retribution,—if the aged women and children, or even the strong men, + were allowed to feel the pinch of hunger. + </p> + <p> + Perhaps some of the Acadians, in their aimless wanderings through the + town, found themselves near a large brick edifice, which was fenced in + from the street by an iron railing, wrought with fantastic figures. They + saw a flight of red freestone steps ascending to a portal, above which was + a balcony and balustrade. Misery and desolation give men the right of free + passage everywhere. Let us suppose, then, that they mounted the flight of + steps and passed into the Province House. Making their way into one of the + apartments, they beheld a richly-clad gentleman, seated in a stately + chair, with gilding upon the carved work of its back, and a gilded lion’s + head at the summit. This was Governor Shirley, meditating upon matters of + war and state, in Grandfather’s chair! + </p> + <p> + If such an incident did happen, Shirley, reflecting what a ruin of + peaceful and humble hopes had been wrought by the cold policy of the + statesman and the iron band of the warrior, might have drawn a deep moral + from it. It should have taught him that the poor man’s hearth is sacred, + and that armies and nations have no right to violate it. It should have + made him feel that England’s triumph and increased dominion could not + compensate to mankind nor atone to Heaven for the ashes of a single + Acadian cottage. But it is not thus that statesmen and warriors moralize. + </p> + <p> + “Grandfather,” cried Laurence, with emotion trembling in his voice, “did + iron-hearted War itself ever do so hard and cruel a thing as this before?” + </p> + <p> + “You have read in history, Laurence, of whole regions wantonly laid + waste,” said Grandfather. “In the removal of the Acadians, the troops were + guilty of no cruelty or outrage, except what was inseparable from the + measure.” + </p> + <p> + Little Alice, whose eyes had all along been brimming full of tears, now + burst forth a-sobbing; for Grandfather had touched her sympathies more + than he intended. + </p> + <p> + “To think of a whole people homeless in the world!” said Clara, with + moistened eyes. “There never was anything so sad!” + </p> + <p> + “It was their own fault!” cried Charley, energetically. “Why did not they + fight for the country where they were born? Then, if the worst had + happened to them, they could only have been killed and buried there. They + would not have been exiles then.” + </p> + <p> + “Certainly their lot was as hard as death,” said Grandfather. “All that + could be done for them in the English provinces was, to send them to the + almshouses, or bind them out to taskmasters. And this was the fate of + persons who had possessed a comfortable property in their native country. + Some of them found means to embark for France; but though it was the land + of their forefathers, it must have been a foreign land to them. Those who + remained behind always cherished a belief that the King of France would + never make peace with England till his poor Acadians were restored to + their country and their homes.” + </p> + <p> + “And did he?” inquired Clara. + </p> + <p> + “Alas! my dear Clara,” said Grandfather, “it is improbable that the + slightest whisper of the woes of Acadia ever reached the ears of Louis XV. + The exiles grew old in the British provinces, and never saw Acadia again. + Their descendants remain among us to this day. They have forgotten the + language of their ancestors, and probably retain no tradition of their + misfortunes. But, methinks, if I were an American poet, I would choose + Acadia for the subject of my song.” + </p> + <p> + Since Grandfather first spoke these words, the most famous of American + poets has drawn sweet tears from all of us by his beautiful poem + Evangeline. + </p> + <p> + And now, having thrown a gentle gloom around the Thanksgiving fireside by + a story that made the children feel the blessing of a secure and peaceful + hearth, Grandfather put off the other events of the old French War till + the next evening. + </p> + <p> + <a name="link2HCH0020" id="link2HCH0020"> + <!-- H2 anchor --> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h2> + CHAPTER IX. THE END OF THE WAR. + </h2> + <p> + IN the twilight of the succeeding eve, when the red beams of the fire were + dancing upon the wall, the children besought Grandfather to tell them what + had next happened to the old chair. + </p> + <p> + “Our chair,” said Grandfather, “stood all this time in the Province House. + But Governor Shirley had seldom an opportunity to repose within its arms. + He was leading his troops through the forest, or sailing in a flat-boat on + Lake Ontario, or sleeping in his tent, while the awful cataract of Niagara + sent its roar through his dreams. At one period, in the early part of the + war, Shirley had the chief command of all the king’s forces in America.” + </p> + <p> + “Did his young wife go with him to the war?” asked Clara. + </p> + <p> + “I rather imagine,” replied Grandfather, “that she remained in Boston. + This lady, I suppose, had our chair all to herself, and used to sit in it + during those brief intervals when a young Frenchwoman can be quiet enough + to sit in a chair. The people of Massachusetts were never fond of Governor + Shirley’s young French wife. They had a suspicion that she betrayed the + military plans of the English to the generals of the French armies.” + </p> + <p> + “And was it true?” inquired Clara. + </p> + <p> + “Probably not,” said Grandfather. “But the mere suspicion did Shirley a + great deal of harm. Partly, perhaps, for this reason, but much more on + account of his inefficiency as a general, he was deprived of his command + in 1756, and recalled to England. He never afterwards made any figure in + public life.” + </p> + <p> + As Grandfather’s chair had no locomotive properties, and did not even run + on castors, it cannot be supposed to have marched in person to the old + French War. But Grandfather delayed its momentous history while he touched + briefly upon some of the bloody battles, sieges, and onslaughts, the + tidings of which kept continually coming to the ears of the old + inhabitants of Boston. The woods of the North were populous with fighting + men. All the Indian tribes uplifted their tomahawks, and took part either + with the French or English. The rattle of musketry and roar of cannon + disturbed the ancient quiet of the forest, and actually drove the bears + and other wild beasts to the more cultivated portion of the country in the + vicinity of the seaports. The children felt as if they were transported + back to those forgotten times, and that the couriers from the army, with + the news of a battle lost or won, might even now be heard galloping + through the streets. Grandfather told them about the battle of Lake George + in 1755, when the gallant Colonel Williams, a Massachusetts officer, was + slain, with many of his countrymen. But General Johnson and General Lyman, + with their army, drove back the enemy and mortally wounded the French + leader, who was called the Baron Dieskau. A gold watch, pilfered from the + poor baron, is still in existence, and still marks each moment of time + without complaining of weariness, although its hands have been in motion + ever since the hour of battle. + </p> + <p> + In the first years of the war there were many disasters on the English + side. Among these was the loss of Fort Oswego in 1756, and of Fort William + Henry in the following year. But the greatest misfortune that befell the + English during the whole war was the repulse of General Abercrombie, with + his army, from the ramparts of Ticonderoga in 1758. He attempted to storm + the walls; but a terrible conflict ensued, in which more than two thousand + Englishmen and New-Englanders were killed or wounded. The slain soldiers + now lie buried around that ancient fortress. When the plough passes over + the soil, it turns up here and there a mouldering bone. + </p> + <p> + Up to this period, none of the English generals had shown any military + talent. Shirley, the Earl of Loudon, and General Abercrombie had each held + the chief command at different times; but not one of them had won a single + important triumph for the British arms. This ill success was not owing to + the want of means: for, in 1758, General Abercrombie had fifty thousand + soldiers under his command. But the French general, the famous Marquis de + Montcalm, possessed a great genius for war, and had something within him + that taught him how battles were to be won. + </p> + <p> + At length, in 1759, Sir Jeffrey Amherst was appointed commander-in-chief + of all the British forces in America. He was a man of ability and a + skilful soldier. A plan was now formed for accomplishing that object which + had so long been the darling wish of the New-Englanders, and which their + fathers had so many times attempted. This was the conquest of Canada. + </p> + <p> + Three separate armies were to enter Canada from different quarters. One of + the three, commanded by General Prideaux, was to embark on Lake Ontario + and proceed to Montreal. The second, at the head of which was Sir Jeffrey + Amherst himself, was destined to reach the river St. Lawrence by the way + of Lake Champlain, and then go down the river to meet the third army. This + last, led by General Wolfe, was to enter the St. Lawrence from the sea and + ascend the river to Quebec. It is to Wolfe and his army that England owes + one of the most splendid triumphs ever written in her history. + </p> + <p> + Grandfather described the siege of Quebec, and told how Wolfe led his + soldiers up a rugged and lofty precipice, that rose from the shore of the + river to the plain on which the city stood. This bold adventure was + achieved in the darkness of night. At daybreak tidings were carried to the + Marquis de Montcalm that the English army was waiting to give him battle + on the Plains of Abraham. This brave French general ordered his drums to + strike up, and immediately marched to encounter Wolfe. + </p> + <p> + He marched to his own death. The battle was the most fierce and terrible + that had ever been fought in America. General Wolfe was at the head of his + soldiers, and, while encouraging them onward, received a mortal wound. He + reclined against a stone in the agonies of death; but it seemed as if his + spirit could not pass away while the fight yet raged so doubtfully. + Suddenly a shout came pealing across the battle-field. “They flee! they + flee!” and, for a moment, Wolfe lifted his languid head. “Who flee?” he + inquired. + </p> + <p> + “The French,” replied an officer. “Then I die satisfied!” said Wolfe, and + expired in the arms of victory. + </p> + <p> + “If ever a warrior’s death were glorious, Wolfe’s was so,” said + Grandfather; and his eye kindled, though he was a man of peaceful thoughts + and gentle spirit. “His life-blood streamed to baptize the soil which he + had added to the dominion of Britain. His dying breath was mingled with + his army’s shout of victory.” + </p> + <p> + “Oh, it was a good death to die!” cried Charley, with glistening eyes. + “Was it not a good death, Laurence?” + </p> + <p> + Laurence made no reply; for his heart burned within him, as the picture of + Wolfe, dying on the blood-stained field of victory, arose to his + imagination; and yet he had a deep inward consciousness that, after all, + there was a truer glory than could thus be won. + </p> + <p> + “There were other battles in Canada after Wolfe’s victory,” resumed + Grandfather; “but we may consider the old French War as having terminated + with this great event. The treaty of peace, however, was not signed until + 1763. The terms of the treaty were very disadvantageous to the French; for + all Canada, and all Acadia, and the Island of Cape Breton,—in short, + all the territories that France and England had been fighting about for + nearly a hundred years,—were surrendered to the English.” + </p> + <p> + “So now, at last,” said Laurence, “New England had gained her wish. Canada + was taken.” + </p> + <p> + “And now there was nobody to fight with but the Indians,” said Charley. + </p> + <p> + Grandfather mentioned two other important events. The first was the great + fire of Boston in 1760, when the glare from nearly three hundred + buildings, all in flames at once, shone through the windows of the + Province House, and threw a fierce lustre upon the gilded foliage and + lion’s head of our old chair. The second event was the proclamation, in + the same year, of George III. as King of Great Britain. The blast of the + trumpet sounded from the balcony of the Town House, and awoke the echoes + far and wide, as if to challenge all mankind to dispute King George’s + title. + </p> + <p> + Seven times, as the successive monarchs of Britain ascended the throne, + the trumpet peal of proclamation had been heard by those who sat in our + venerable chair. But when the next king put on his father’s crown, no + trumpet peal proclaimed it to New England. Long before that day America + had shaken off the royal government. + </p> + <p> + <a name="link2HCH0021" id="link2HCH0021"> + <!-- H2 anchor --> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h2> + CHAPTER X. THOMAS HUTCHINSON. + </h2> + <p> + NOW THAT Grandfather had fought through the old French War, in which our + chair made no very distinguished figure, he thought it high time to tell + the children some of the more private history of that praiseworthy old + piece of furniture. + </p> + <p> + “In 1757,” said Grandfather, “after Shirley had been summoned to England, + Thomas Pownall was appointed governor of Massachusetts. He was a gay and + fashionable English gentleman, who had spent much of his life in London, + but had a considerable acquaintance with America. The new governor appears + to have taken no active part in the war that was going on; although, at + one period, he talked of marching against the enemy at the head of his + company of cadets. But, on the whole, he probably concluded that it was + more befitting a governor to remain quietly in our chair, reading the + newspapers and official documents.” + </p> + <p> + “Did the people like Pownall?” asked Charley. + </p> + <p> + “They found no fault with him,” replied Grandfather. “It was no time to + quarrel with the governor when the utmost harmony was required in order to + defend the country against the French. But Pownall did not remain long in + Massachusetts. In 1759 he was sent to be governor of South Carolina. In + thus exchanging one government for another, I suppose he felt no regret, + except at the necessity of leaving Grandfather’s chair behind him.” + </p> + <p> + “He might have taken it to South Carolina,” observed Clara. + </p> + <p> + “It appears to me,” said Laurence, giving the rein to his fancy, “that the + fate of this ancient chair was, somehow or other, mysteriously connected + with the fortunes of old Massachusetts. If Governor Pownall had put it + aboard the vessel in which he sailed for South Carolina, she would + probably have lain wind-bound in Boston Harbor. It was ordained that the + chair should not be taken away. Don’t you think so, Grandfather?” + </p> + <p> + “It was kept here for Grandfather and me to sit in together,” said little + Alice, “and for Grandfather to tell stories about.” + </p> + <p> + “And Grandfather is very glad of such a companion and such a theme,” said + the old gentleman, with a smile. “Well, Laurence, if our oaken chair, like + the wooden palladium of Troy, was connected with the country’s fate, yet + there appears to have been no supernatural obstacle to its removal from + the Province House. In 1760 Sir Francis Bernard, who had been’ governor of + New Jersey, was appointed to the same office in Massachusetts. He looked + at the old chair, and thought it quite too shabby to keep company with a + new set of mahogany chairs and an aristocratic sofa which had just arrived + from London. He therefore ordered it to be put away in the garret.” + </p> + <p> + The children were loud in their exclamations against this irreverent + conduct of Sir Francis Bernard. But Grandfather defended him as well as he + could. He observed that it was then thirty years since the chair had been + beautified by Governor Belcher. Most of the gilding was worn off by the + frequent scourings which it had undergone beneath the hands of a black + slave. The damask cushion, once so splendid, was now squeezed out of all + shape, and absolutely in tatters, so many were the ponderous gentlemen who + had deposited their weight upon it during these thirty years. + </p> + <p> + Moreover, at a council held by the Earl of Loudon with the governors of + New England in 1757, his lordship, in a moment of passion, had kicked over + the chair with his military boot. By this unprovoked and unjustifiable + act, our venerable friend had suffered a fracture of one of its rungs. + </p> + <p> + “But,” said Grandfather, “our chair, after all, was not destined to spend + the remainder of its days in the inglorious obscurity of a garret. Thomas + Hutchinson, Lieutenant-governor of the province, was told of Sir Francis + Bernard’s design. This gentleman was more familiar with the history of New + England than any other man alive. He knew all the adventures and + vicissitudes through which the old chair had passed, and could have told + as accurately as your own Grandfather who were the personages that had + occupied it. Often, while visiting at the Province House, he had eyed the + chair with admiration, and felt a longing desire to become the possessor + of it. He now waited upon Sir Francis Bernard, and easily obtained leave + to carry it home.” + </p> + <p> + “And I hope,” said Clara, “he had it varnished and gilded anew.” + </p> + <p> + “No,” answered Grandfather. “What Mr. Hutchinson desired was, to restore + the chair as much as possible to its original aspect, such as it had + appeared when it was first made out of the Earl of Lincoln’s oak-tree. For + this purpose he ordered it to be well scoured with soap and sand and + polished with wax, and then provided it with a substantial leather + cush-ion. When all was completed to his mind he sat down in the old chair, + and began to write his History of Massachusetts.” + </p> + <p> + “Oh, that was a bright thought in Mr. Hutchinson,” exclaimed Laurence. + “And no doubt the dim figures of the former possessors of the chair + flitted around him as he wrote, and inspired him with a knowledge of all + that they had done and suffered while on earth.” + </p> + <p> + “Why, my dear Laurence,” replied Grandfather, smiling, “if Mr. Hutchinson + was favored with ally such extraordinary inspiration, he made but a poor + use of it in his history; for a duller piece of composition never came + from any man’s pen. However, he was accurate, at least, though far from + possessing the brilliancy or philosophy of Mr. Bancroft.” + </p> + <p> + “But if Hutchinson knew the history of the chair,” rejoined Laurence, “his + heart must have been stirred by it.” + </p> + <p> + “It must, indeed,” said Grandfather. “It would be entertaining and + instructive, at the present day, to imagine what were Mr. Hutchinson’s + thoughts as he looked back upon the long vista of events with which this + chair was so remarkably connected.” + </p> + <p> + And Grandfather allowed his fancy to shape out an image of + Lieutenant-Governor Hutchinson, sitting in an evening reverie by his + fireside, and meditating on the changes that had slowly passed around the + chair. + </p> + <p> + A devoted Monarchist, Hutchinson would heave no sigh for the subversion of + the original republican government, the purest that the world had seen, + with which the colony began its existence. While reverencing the grim and + stern old Puritans as the founders of his native land, he would not wish + to recall them from their graves, nor to awaken again that king-resisting + spirit which he imagined to be laid asleep with them forever. Winthrop, + Dudley, Bellingham, Endicott, Leverett, and Bradstreet,—all these + had had their day. Ages might come and go, but never again would the + people’s suffrages place a republican governor in their ancient chair of + state. + </p> + <p> + Coming down to the epoch of the second charter, Hutchinson thought of the + ship-carpenter Phips springing from the lowest of the people and attaining + to the loftiest station in the land. But he smiled to perceive that this + governor’s example would awaken no turbulent ambition in the lower orders; + for it was a king’s gracious boon alone that made the ship-carpenter a + ruler. Hutchinson rejoiced to mark the gradual growth of an aristocratic + class, to whom the common people, as in duty bound, were learning humbly + to resign the honors, emoluments, and authority of state. He saw—or + else deceived himself—that, throughout this epoch, the people’s + disposition to self-government had been growing weaker through long + disuse, and now existed only as a faint traditionary feeling. + </p> + <p> + The lieutenant-governor’s reverie had now come down to the period at which + he himself was sitting in the historic chair. He endeavored to throw his + glance forward over the coming years. There, probably, he saw visions of + hereditary rank for himself and other aristocratic colonists. He saw the + fertile fields of New England proportioned out among a few great + landholders, and descending by entail from generation to generation. He + saw the people a race of tenantry, dependent on their lords. He saw stars, + garters, coronets, and castles. + </p> + <p> + “But,” added Grandfather, turning to Laurence, “the lieutenant-governor’s + castles were built nowhere but among the red embers of the fire before + which he was sitting. And, just as he had constructed a baronial residence + for himself and his posterity, the fire rolled down upon the hearth and + crumbled it to ashes!” + </p> + <p> + Grandfather now looked at his watch, which hung within a beautiful little + ebony temple, supported by four Ionic columns. He then laid his hand on + the golden locks of little Alice, whose head had sunk down upon the arm of + our illustrious chair. + </p> + <p> + “To bed, to bed, dear child!” said he. “Grandfather has put you to sleep + already by his stories about these FAMOUS OLD PEOPLE.” + </p> + <p> + <a name="link2H_APPE2" id="link2H_APPE2"> + <!-- H2 anchor --> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h2> + APPENDIX TO PART II. + </h2> + <h3> + ACCOUNT OF THE DEPORTATION OF THE ACADIANS. + </h3> + <p> + FROM “HALIBURTON’S HISTORICAL AND STATISTICAL ACCOUNT OF NOVA SCOTIA.” + </p> + <p> + AT a consultation, held between Colonel Winslow and Captain Murray, [of + the New England forces, charged with the duty of exiling the Acadians,] it + was agreed that a proclamation should be issued at the different + settlements, requiring the attendance of the people at the respective + posts on the same day; which proclamation should be so ambiguous in its + nature that the object for which they were to assemble could not be + discerned, and so peremptory in its terms as to ensure implicit obedience. + This instrument, having been drafted and approved, was distributed + according to the original plan. That which was addressed to the people + inhabiting the country now comprised within the limits of King’s County, + was as follows:— + </p> + <p> + “To the inhabitants of the District of Grand Pre, Minas, River Canard, + &c.; as well ancient, as young men and lads: + </p> + <p> + “Whereas, his Excellency the Governor has instructed us of his late + resolution, respecting the matter proposed to the inhabitants, and has + ordered us to communicate the same in person, his Excellency being + desirous that each of them should be fully satisfied of his Majesty’s + intentions, which he has also ordered us to communicate to you, such as + they have been given to him. We, therefore, order and strictly enjoin, by + these presents, all of the inhabitants, as well of the above-named + district as of all the other Districts, both old men and young men, as + well as all the lads of ten years of age, to attend at the Church at Grand + Pre, on Friday, the fifth instant, at three of the clock in the afternoon, + that we may impart to them what we are ordered to communicate to them; + declaring that no excuse will be admitted on any pretence whatever, on + pain of forfeiting goods and chattels, in default of real estate. Given at + Grand Pre, 2d September, 1755, and 29th year of his Majesty’s Reign. + </p> + <p> + “John Winslow.” + </p> + <p> + In obedience to this summons four hundred and eighteen able-bodied men + assembled. These being shut into the church (for that, too, had become an + arsenal), Colonel Winslow placed himself, with his officers, in the + centre, and addressed them thus:— + </p> + <p> + “GENTLEMEN: + </p> + <p> + “I have received from his Excellency Governor Lawrence, the King’s + Commission, which I have in my hand; and by his orders you are convened + together to manifest to you, his Majesty’s final resolution to the French + inhabitants of this his Province of Nova-Scotia; who, for almost half a + century, have had more indulgence granted them than any of his subjects in + any part of his dominions; what use you have made of it you yourselves + best know. The part of duty I am now upon, though necessary, is very + disagreeable to my natural make and temper, as I know it must be grievous + to you, who are of the same species; but it is not my business to + animadvert but to obey such orders as I receive, and therefore, without + hesitation, shall deliver you his Majesty’s orders and instructions, + namely—that your lands and tenements, cattle of all kinds and live + stock of all sorts, are forfeited to the Crown; with all other your + effects, saving your money and household goods, and you yourselves to be + removed from this his Province. + </p> + <p> + “Thus it is peremptorily his Majesty’s orders that the whole French + inhabitants of these Districts be removed; and I am, through his Majesty’s + goodness, directed to allow you liberty to carry off your money and + household goods, as many as you can without discommoding the vessels you + go in. I shall do everything in my power that all those goods be secured + to you, and that you are not molested in carrying them off; also, that + whole families shall go in the same vessel, and make this remove, which I + am sensible must give you a great deal of trouble, as easy as his + Majesty’s service will admit; and hope that, in whatever part of the world + you may fall, you may be faithful subjects, a peaceable and happy people. + I must also inform you, that it is his Majesty’s pleasure that you remain + in security under the inspection and direction of the troops that I have + the honor to command.” + </p> + <p> + And he then declared them the King’s prisoners. The whole number of + persons collected at Grand Pre finally amounted to four hundred and + eighty-three men, and three hundred and thirty-seven women, heads of + families; and their sons and daughters, to five hundred and twenty-seven + of the former, and five hundred and seventy-six of the latter; making in + the whole one thousand nine hundred and twenty-three souls. Their stock + consisted of one thousand two hundred and sixty-nine oxen, one thousand + five hundred and fifty-seven cows, five thousand and seven young cattle, + four hundred and ninety-three horses, eight thousand six hundred and + ninety sheep, and four thousand one hundred and ninety-seven hogs. As some + of these wretched inhabitants escaped to the woods, all possible measures + were adopted to force them back to captivity. The country was laid waste + to prevent their subsistence. In the District of Minas alone, there were + destroyed two hundred and fifty-five houses, two hundred and seventy-six + barns, one hundred and fifty-five outhouses, eleven mills, and one church; + and the friends of those who refused to surrender were threatened as the + victims of their obstinacy. + </p> + <p> + In short, so operative were the terrors that surrounded them, that of + twenty-four young men, who deserted from a transport, twenty-two were glad + to return of themselves, the others being shot by sentinels; and one of + their friends, who was supposed to have been accessory to their escape, + was carried on shore to behold the destruction of his house and effects, + which were burned in his presence, as a punishment for his temerity and + perfidious aid to his comrades. The prisoners expressed the greatest + concern at having incurred his Majesty’s displeasure, and in a petition + addressed to Colonel Winslow intreated him to detain a part of them as + sureties for the appearance of the rest, who were desirous of visiting + their families, and consoling them in their distress and misfortunes. To + comply with this request of holding a few as hostages for the surrender of + the whole body, was deemed inconsistent with his instructions; but, as + there could be no objection to allow a small number of them to return to + their homes, permission was given to them to choose ten for the District + of Minas (Horton) and ten for the District of Canard (Cornwallis) to whom + leave of absence was given for one day, and on whose return a similar + number were indulged in the same manner. They bore their confinement, and + received their sentence with a fortitude and resignation altogether + unexpected; but when the hour of embarkation arrived, in which they were + to leave the land of their nativity forever—to part with their + friends and relatives, without the hope of ever seeing them again, and to + be dispersed among strangers, whose language, customs and religion were + opposed to their own, the weakness of human nature prevailed, and they + were overpowered with the sense of their miseries. The preparations having + been all completed, the 10th of September was fixed upon as the day of + departure. The prisoners were drawn up six deep, and the young men, one + hundred and sixty-one in number, were ordered to go first on board of the + vessels. This they instantly and peremptorily refused to do, declaring + that they would not leave their parents; but expressed a willingness to + comply with the order, provided they were permitted to embark with their + families. This request was immediately rejected, and the troops were + ordered to fix bayonets and advance towards the prisoners, a motion which + had the effect of producing obedience on the part of the young men, who + forthwith commenced their march. The road from the chapel to the shore, + just one mile in length, was crowded with women and children; who, on + their knees, greeted them as they passed with their tears and their + blessings, while the prisoners advanced with slow and reluctant steps, + weeping, praying, and singing hymns. This detachment was followed by the + seniors, who passed through the same scene of sorrow and distress. In this + manner was the whole male part of the population of the District of Minas + put on board the five transports, stationed in the river Gaspereaux, each + vessel being guarded by six non-commissioned officers, and eighty + privates. As soon as the other vessels arrived, their wives and children + followed, and the whole were transported from Nova Scotia. The haste with + which these measures were carried into execution did not admit of those + preparations for their comfort, which, if unmerited by their disloyalty, + were at least due in pity to the severity of their punishment. The hurry, + confusion, and excitement connected with the embarkation had scarcely + subsided, when the Provincials were appalled by the work of their own + hands The novelty and peculiarity of their situation could not but force + itself upon the attention of even the unreflecting soldiery; stationed in + the midst of a beautiful and fertile country, they suddenly found + themselves without a foe to subdue, and without a population to protect. + The volumes of smoke which the half expiring embers emitted, while they + marked the site of the peasant’s humble cottage, bore testimony to the + extent of the work of destruction. For several successive evenings the + cattle assembled round the smouldering ruins, as if in anxious expectation + of the return of their masters, while all night long the faithful + watchdogs of the Neutrals howled over the scene of desolation, and mourned + alike the hand that had fed, and the house that had sheltered them. + </p> + <p> + <a name="link2H_PART3" id="link2H_PART3"> + <!-- H2 anchor --> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h2> + PART III. 1763-1803. + </h2> + <p> + <a name="link2HCH0022" id="link2HCH0022"> + <!-- H2 anchor --> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h2> + CHAPTER I. A NEW-YEAR’S DAY. + </h2> + <p> + ON THE evening of New-Year’s Day Grandfather was walking to and fro across + the carpet, listening to the rain which beat hard against the curtained + windows. The riotous blast shook the casement as if a strong man were + striving to force his entrance into the comfortable room. With every puff + of the wind the fire leaped upward from the hearth, laughing and rejoicing + at the shrieks of the wintry storm. + </p> + <p> + Meanwhile Grandfather’s chair stood in its customary place by the + fireside. The bright blaze gleamed upon the fantastic figures of its oaken + back, and shone through the open work, so that a complete pattern was + thrown upon the opposite side of the room. Sometimes, for a moment or two, + the shadow remained immovable, as if it were painted on the wall. Then all + at once it began to quiver, and leap, and dance with a frisky motion. + Anon, seeming to remember that these antics were unworthy of such a + dignified and venerable chair, it suddenly stood still. But soon it began + to dance anew. + </p> + <p> + “Only see how Grandfather’s chair is dancing!” cried little Alice. + </p> + <p> + And she ran to the wall and tried to catch hold of the flickering shadow; + for, to children of five years old, a shadow seems almost as real as a + substance. + </p> + <p> + “I wish,” said Clara, “Grandfather would sit down in the chair and finish + its history.” + </p> + <p> + If the children had been looking at Grandfather, they would have noticed + that he paused in his walk across the room when Clara made this remark. + The kind old gentleman was ready and willing to resume his stories of + departed times. But he had resolved to wait till his auditors should + request him to proceed, in order that they might find the instructive + history of the chair a pleasure, and not a task. + </p> + <p> + “Grandfather,” said Charley, “I am tired to death of this dismal rain and + of hearing the wind roar in the chimney. I have had no good time all day. + It would be better to hear stories about the chair than to sit doing + nothing and thinking of nothing.” + </p> + <p> + To say the truth, our friend Charley was very much out of humor with the + storm, because it had kept him all day within doors, and hindered him from + making a trial of a splendid sled, which Grandfather had given him for a + New-Year’s gift. As all sleds, nowadays, must have a name, the one in + question had been honored with the title of Grandfather’s chair, which was + painted in golden letters on each of the sides. Charley greatly admired + the construction of the new vehicle, and felt certain that it would + outstrip any other sled that ever dashed adown the long slopes of the + Common. + </p> + <p> + As for Laurence, he happened to be thinking, just at this moment, about + the history of the chair. Kind old Grandfather had made him a present of a + volume of engraved portraits, representing the features of eminent and + famous people o f all countries. Among them Laurence found several who had + formerly occupied our chair or been connected with its adventures. While + Grandfather walked to and fro across the room, the imaginative boy was + gazing at the historic chair. He endeavored to summon up the por-traits + which he had seen in his volume, and to place them, like living figures, + in the empty seat. + </p> + <p> + “The old chair has begun another year of its existence, to-day,” said + Laurence. “We must make haste, or it will have a new history to be told + before we finish the old one.” + </p> + <p> + “Yes, my children,” replied Grandfather, with a smile and a sigh, “another + year has been added to those of the two centuries and upward which have + passed since the Lady Arbella brought this chair over from England. It is + three times as old as your Grandfather; but a year makes no impression on + its oaken frame, while it bends the old man nearer and nearer to the + earth; so let me go on with my stories while I may.” + </p> + <p> + Accordingly Grandfather came to the fireside and seated himself in the + venerable chair. The lion’s head looked down with a grimly good-natured + aspect as the children clustered around the old gentleman’s knees. It + almost seemed as if a real lion were peeping over the back of the chair, + and smiling at the group of auditors with a sort of lion-like + complaisance. Little Alice, whose fancy often inspired her with singular + ideas, exclaimed that the lion’s head was nodding at her, and that it + looked as if it were going to open its wide jaws and tell a story. + </p> + <p> + But as the lion’s head appeared to be in no haste to speak, and as there + was no record or tradition of its having spoken during the whole existence + of the chair, Grandfather did not consider it worth while to wait. + </p> + <p> + <a name="link2HCH0023" id="link2HCH0023"> + <!-- H2 anchor --> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h2> + CHAPTER II. THE STAMP ACT. + </h2> + <p> + “CHARLEY, my boy,” said Grandfather, “do you remember who was the last + occupant of the chair?” + </p> + <p> + “It was Lieutenant-Governor Hutchinson,” answered Charley. “Sir Francis + Bernard, the new governor, had given him the chair, instead of putting it + away in the garret of the Province House. And when we took leave of + Hutchinson he was sitting by his fireside, and thinking of the past + adventures of the chair and of what was to come.” + </p> + <p> + “Very well,” said Grandfather; “and you recollect that this was in 1763, + or thereabouts, at the close of the old French War. Now, that you may + fully comprehend the remaining adventures of the chair, I must make some + brief remarks on the situation and character of the New England colonies + at this period.” + </p> + <p> + So Grandfather spoke of the earnest loyalty of our fathers during the old + French War, and after the conquest of Canada had brought that war to a + triumphant close. + </p> + <p> + The people loved and reverenced the King of England even more than if the + ocean had not rolled its waves between him and them; for, at the distance + of three thousand miles, they could not discover his bad qualities and + imperfections. Their love was increased by the dangers which they had + encountered in order to heighten his glory and extend his dominion. + Throughout the war the American colonists had fought side by side with the + soldiers of Old England; and nearly thirty thousand young men had laid + down their lives for the honor of King George. And the survivors loved him + the better because they had done and suffered so much for his sake. + </p> + <p> + But there were some circumstances that caused America to feel more + independent of England than at an earlier period. Canada and Acadia had + now become British provinces; and our fathers were no longer afraid of the + bands of French and Indians who used to assault them in old times. For a + century and a half this had been the great terror of New England. Now the + old French soldier was driven from the North forever. And even had it been + otherwise, the English colonies were growing so populous and powerful that + they might have felt fully able to protect themselves without any help + from England. + </p> + <p> + There were thoughtful and sagacious men, who began to doubt whether a + great country like America would always be content to remain under the + government of an island three thousand miles away. This was the more + doubtful, because the English Parliament had long ago made laws which were + intended to be very beneficial to England at the expense of America. By + these laws the colonists were forbidden to manufacture articles for their + own use, or to carry on trade with any nation but the English. + </p> + <p> + “Now,” continued Grandfather, “if King George III. and his counsellors had + considered these things wisely, they would have taken another course than + they did. But when they saw how rich and populous the colonies had grown, + their first thought was how they might make more profit out of them than + heretofore. England was enormously in debt at the close of the old French + War; and it was pretended that this debt had been contracted for the + defence of the American colonies, and that, therefore, a part of it ought + to be paid by them.” + </p> + <p> + “Why, this was nonsense!” exclaimed Charley. “Did not our fathers spend + their lives, and their money too, to get Canada for King George?” + </p> + <p> + “True, they did,” said Grandfather; “and they told the English rulers so. + But the king and his ministers would not listen to good advice. In 1765 + the British Parliament passed a Stamp Act.” + </p> + <p> + “What was that?” inquired Charley. + </p> + <p> + “The Stamp Act,” replied Grandfather, “was a law by which all deeds, + bonds, and other papers of the same kind were ordered to be marked with + the king’s stamp; and without this mark they were declared illegal and + void. Now, in order to get a blank sheet of paper with the king’s stamp + upon it, people were obliged to pay threepence more than the actual value + of the paper. And this extra sum of threepence was a tax, and was to be + paid into the king’s treasury.” + </p> + <p> + “I am sure threepence was not worth quarrelling about!” remarked Clara. + </p> + <p> + “It was not for threepence, nor for any amount of money, that America + quarrelled with England,” replied Grandfather; “it was for a great + principle. The colonists were determined not to be taxed except by their + own representatives. They said that neither the king and Parliament, nor + any other power on earth, had a right to take their money out of their + pockets unless they freely gave it. And, rather than pay threepence when + it was unjustly demanded, they resolved to sacrifice all the wealth of the + country, and their lives along with it. They therefore made a most + stubborn resistance to the Stamp Act.” + </p> + <p> + “That was noble!” exclaimed Laurence. “I understand how it was. If they + had quietly paid the tax of threepence, they would have ceased to be + freemen, and would have become tributaries of England. And so they + contended about a great question of right and wrong, and put everything at + stake for it.” + </p> + <p> + “You are right, Laurence,” said Grandfather, “and it was really amazing + and terrible to see what a change came over the aspect of the people the + moment the English Parliament had passed this oppressive act. The former + history of our chair, my children, has given you some idea of what a + harsh, unyielding, stern set of men the old Puritans were. For a good many + years back, however, it had seemed as if these characteristics were + disappearing. But no sooner did England offer wrong to the colonies than + the descendants of the early settlers proved that they had the same kind + of temper as their forefathers. The moment before, New England appeared + like a humble and loyal subject of the crown; the next instant, she showed + the grim, dark features of an old king-resisting Puritan.” + </p> + <p> + Grandfather spoke briefly of the public measures that were taken in + opposition to the Stamp Act. As this law affected all the American + colonies alike, it naturally led them to think of consulting together is + order to procure its repeal. For this purpose the Legislature of + Massachusetts proposed that delegates from every colony should meet in + Congress. Accordingly nine colonies, both Northern and Southern, sent + delegates to the city of New York. + </p> + <p> + “And did they consult about going to war with England?” asked Charley. + </p> + <p> + “No, Charley,” answered Grandfather; “a great deal of talking was yet to + be done before England and America could come to blows. The Congress + stated the rights and grievances of the colonists. They sent a humble + petition to the king, and a memorial to the Parliament, beseeching that + the Stamp Act might be repealed. This was all that the delegates had it in + their power to do.” + </p> + <p> + “They might as well have stayed at home, then,” said Charley. + </p> + <p> + “By no means,” replied Grandfather. “It was a most important and memorable + event, this first coming together of the American people by their + representatives from the North and South. If England had been wise, she + would have trembled at the first word that was spoken in such an + assembly.” + </p> + <p> + These remonstrances and petitions, as Grandfather observed, were the work + of grave, thoughtful, and prudent men. Meantime the young and hot-headed + people went to work in their own way. It is probable that the petitions of + Congress would have had little or no effect on the British statesmen if + the violent deeds of the American people had not shown how much excited + the people were. LIBERTY TREE was soon heard of in England. + </p> + <p> + “What was Liberty Tree?” inquired Clara. + </p> + <p> + “It was an old elm-tree,” answered Grandfather, “which stood near the + corner of Essex Street, opposite the Boylston Market. Under the spreading + branches of this great tree the people used to assemble whenever they + wished to express their feelings and opinions. Thus, after a while, it + seemed as if the liberty of the country was connected with Liberty Tree.” + </p> + <p> + “It was glorious fruit for a tree to bear,” remarked Laurence. + </p> + <p> + “It bore strange fruit, sometimes,” said Grandfather. “One morning in + August, 1765, two figures were found hanging on the sturdy branches of + Liberty Tree. They were dressed in square-skirted coats and small-clothes; + and, as their wigs hung down over their faces, they looked like real men. + One was intended to represent the Earl of Bute, who was supposed to have + advised the king to tax America. The other was meant for the effigy of + Andrew Oliver, a gentleman belonging to one of the most respectable + families in Massachusetts.” + </p> + <p> + “What harm had he done?” inquired Charley. + </p> + <p> + “The king had appointed him to be distributor of the stamps,” answered + Grandfather. “Mr. Oliver would have made a great deal of money by this + business. But the people frightened him so much by hanging him in effigy, + and afterwards by breaking into his house, that he promised to have + nothing to do with the stamps. And all the king’s friends throughout + America were compelled to make the same promise.” + </p> + <p> + <a name="link2HCH0024" id="link2HCH0024"> + <!-- H2 anchor --> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h2> + CHAPTER III. THE HUTCHINSON MOB. + </h2> + <p> + “LIEUTENANT-GOVERNOR HUTCHINSON,” continued Grandfather, “now began to be + unquiet in our old chair. He had formerly been much respected and beloved + by the people, and had often proved himself a friend to their interests. + But the time was come when he could not be a friend to the people without + ceasing to be a friend to the king. It was pretty generally understood + that Hutchinson would act according to the king’s wishes, right or wrong, + like most of the other gentlemen who held offices under the crown. + Besides, as he was brother-in-law of Andrew Oliver, the people now felt a + particular dislike to him.” + </p> + <p> + “I should think,” said Laurence, “as Mr. Hutchinson had written the + history of our Puritan forefathers, he would have known what the temper of + the people was, and so have taken care not to wrong them.” + </p> + <p> + “He trusted in the might of the King of England,” replied Grandfather, + “and thought himself safe under the shelter of the throne. If no dispute + had arisen between the king and the people, Hutchinson would have had the + character of a wise, good, and patriotic magistrate. But, from the time + that he took part against the rights of his country, the people’s love and + respect were turned to scorn and hatred, and he never had another hour of + peace.” + </p> + <p> + In order to show what a fierce and dangerous spirit was now aroused among + the inhabitants, Grandfather related a passage from history which we shall + call The Hutchinson Mob. + </p> + <p> + On the evening of the 26th of August, 1765, a bonfire was kindled in King + Street. It flamed high upward, and threw a ruddy light over the front of + the Town House, on which was displayed a carved representation of the + royal arms. The gilded vane of the cupola glittered in the blaze. The + kindling of this bonfire was the well-known signal for the populace of + Boston to assemble in the street. + </p> + <p> + Before the tar-barrels, of which the bonfire was made, were half burned + out, a great crowd had come together. They were chiefly laborers and + seafaring men, together with many young apprentices, and all those idle + people about town who are ready for any kind of mischief. Doubtless some + school-boys were among them. + </p> + <p> + While these rough figures stood round the blazing bonfire, you might hear + them speaking bitter words against the high officers of the province. + Governor Bernard, Hutchinson, Oliver, Storey, Hallowell, and other men + whom King George delighted to honor, were reviled as traitors to the + country. Now and then, perhaps, an officer of the crown passed along the + street, wearing the gold-laced hat, white wig, and embroidered waistcoat + which were the fashion of the day. But when the people beheld him they set + up a wild and angry howl; and their faces had an evil aspect, which was + made more terrible by the flickering blaze of the bonfire. + </p> + <p> + “I should like to throw the traitor right into that blaze!” perhaps one + fierce rioter would say. + </p> + <p> + “Yes; and all his brethren too!” another might reply; “and the governor + and old Tommy Hutchinson into the hottest of it!” + </p> + <p> + “And the Earl of Bute along with them!” muttered a third; “and burn the + whole pack of them under King George’s nose! No matter if it singed him!” + </p> + <p> + Some such expressions as these, either shouted aloud or muttered under the + breath, were doubtless heard in King Street. The mob, meanwhile, were + growing fiercer and fiercer, and seemed ready even to set the town on fire + for the sake of burning the king’s friends out of house and home. And yet, + angry as they were, they sometimes broke into a loud roar of laughter, as + if mischief and destruction were their sport. + </p> + <p> + But we must now leave the rioters for a time, and take a peep into the + lieutenant-governor’s splendid mansion. It was a large brick house, + decorated with Ionic pilasters, and stood in Garden Court Street, near the + North Square. + </p> + <p> + While the angry mob in King Street were shouting his name, + Lieutenant-Governor Hutchinson sat quietly in Grandfather’s chair, + unsuspicious of the evil that was about to fall upon his head. His beloved + family were in the room with him. He had thrown off his embroidered coat + and powdered wig, and had on a loose-flowing gown and purple-velvet cap. + He had likewise laid aside the cares of state and all the thoughts that + had wearied and perplexed him throughout the day. + </p> + <p> + Perhaps, in the enjoyment of his home, he had forgotten all about the + Stamp Act, and scarcely remembered that there was a king, across the + ocean, who had resolved to make tributaries of the New-Englanders. + Possibly, too, he had forgotten his own ambition, and would not have + exchanged his situation, at that moment, to be governor, or even a lord. + </p> + <p> + The wax candles were now lighted, and showed a handsome room, well + provided with rich furniture. On the walls hung the pictures of + Hutchinson’s ancestors, who had been eminent men in their day, and were + honorably remembered in the history of the country. Every object served to + mark the residence of a rich, aristocratic gentleman, who held himself + high above the common people, and could have nothing to fear from them. In + a corner of the room, thrown carelessly upon a chair, were the scarlet + robes of the chief justice. This high office, as well as those of + lieutenant-governor, councillor, and judge of probate, was filled by + Hutchinson. + </p> + <p> + Who or what could disturb the domestic quiet of such a great and powerful + personage as now sat in Grandfather’s chair? + </p> + <p> + The lieutenant-governor’s favorite daughter sat by his side. She leaned on + the arm of our great chair, and looked up affectionately into her father’s + face, rejoicing to perceive that a quiet smile was on his lips. But + suddenly a shade came across her countenance. She seemed to listen + attentively, as if to catch a distant sound. + </p> + <p> + “What is the matter, my child?” inquired Hutchinson. + </p> + <p> + “Father, do not you hear a tumult in the streets?” said she. + </p> + <p> + The lieutenant-governor listened. But his ears were duller than those of + his daughter; he could hear nothing more terrible than the sound of a + summer breeze, sighing among the tops of the elm-trees. + </p> + <p> + “No, foolish child!” he replied, playfully patting her cheek. “There is no + tumult. Our Boston mobs are satisfied with what mischief they have already + done. The king’s friends need not tremble.” + </p> + <p> + So Hutchinson resumed his pleasant and peaceful meditations, and again + forgot that there were any troubles in the world. But his family were + alarmed, and could not help straining their ears to catch the slightest + sound. More and more distinctly they heard shouts, and then the trampling + of many feet. While they were listening, one of the neighbors rushed + breathless into the room. + </p> + <p> + “A mob! a terrible mob’!” cried he. “They have broken into Mr. Storey’s + house, and into Mr. Hallo-well’s, and have made themselves drunk with the + liquors in his cellar; and now they are coming hither, as wild as so many + tigers. Flee, lieutenant-governor, for your life! for your life!” + </p> + <p> + “Father, dear father, make haste!” shrieked his children. + </p> + <p> + But Hutchinson would not hearken to them. He was an old lawyer; and he + could not realize that the people would do anything so utterly lawless as + to assault him in his peaceful home. He was one of King George’s chief + officers and it would be an insult and outrage upon the king himself if + the lieutenant-governor should suffer any wrong. + </p> + <p> + “Have no fears on my account,” said he, “I am perfectly safe. The king’s + name shall be my protection.” + </p> + <p> + Yet he bade his family retire into one of the neighboring houses. His + daughter would have remained; but he forced her away. + </p> + <p> + The huzzas and riotous uproar of the mob were now heard, close at hand. + The sound was terrible, and struck Hutchinson with the same sort of dread + as if an enraged wild beast had broken loose and were roaring for its + prey. He crept softly to the window. There he beheld an immense concourse + of people, filling all the street and rolling onward to his house. It was + like a tempestuous flood, that had swelled beyond its bounds and would + sweep everything before it. Hutchinson trembled; he felt, at that moment, + that the wrath of the people was a thousand-fold more terrible than the + wrath of a king. + </p> + <p> + That was a moment when a loyalist and an aristocrat like Hutchinson might + have learned how powerless are kings, nobles, and great men, when the low + and humble range themselves against them. King George could do nothing for + his servant now. Had King George been there he could have done nothing for + himself. If Hutchinson had understood this lesson, and remembered it, he + need not, in after years, have been an exile from his native country, nor + finally have laid his bones in a distant land. + </p> + <p> + There was now a rush against the doors of the house. The people sent up a + hoarse cry. At this instant the lieutenant-governor’s daughter, whom he + had supposed to be in a place of safety, ran into the room and threw her + arms around him. She had returned by a private entrance. + </p> + <p> + “Father, are you mad?” cried she. “Will the king’s name protect you now? + Come with me, or they will have your life.” + </p> + <p> + “True,” muttered Hutchinson to himself; “what care these roarers for the + name of king? I must flee, or they will trample me down on the floor of my + own dwelling.” + </p> + <p> + Hurrying away, he and his daughter made their escape by the private + passage at the moment when the rioters broke into the house. The foremost + of them rushed up the staircase, and entered the room which Hutchinson had + just quitted. There they beheld our good old chair facing them with quiet + dignity, while the lion’s head seemed to move its jaws in the unsteady + light of their torches. Perhaps the stately aspect of our venerable + friend, which had stood firm through a century and a half of trouble, + arrested them for an instant. But they were thrust forward by those + behind, and the chair lay overthrown. + </p> + <p> + Then began the work of destruction. The carved and polished mahogany + tables were shattered with heavy clubs and hewn to splinters with axes. + The marble hearths and mantel-pieces were broken. The volumes of + Hutchinson’s library, so precious to a studious man, were torn out of + their covers, and the leaves sent flying out of the windows. Manuscripts, + containing secrets of our country’s history, which are now lost forever, + were scattered to the winds. + </p> + <p> + The old ancestral portraits, whose fixed countenances looked down on the + wild scene, were rent from the walls. The mob triumphed in their downfall + and destruction, as if these pictures of Hutchinson’s forefathers had + committed the same offences as their descendant. A tall looking-glass, + which had hitherto presented a reflection of the enraged and drunken + multitude, was now smashed into a thousand fragments. We gladly dismiss + the scene from the mirror of our fancy. + </p> + <p> + Before morning dawned the walls of the house were all that remained. The + interior was a dismal scene of ruin. A shower pattered in at the broken + windows; and when Hutchinson and his family returned, they stood shivering + in the same room where the last evening had seen them so peaceful and + happy. + </p> + <p> + “Grandfather,” said Laurence, indignantly, “if the people acted in this + manner, they were not worthy of even so much liberty as the King of + England was willing to allow them.” + </p> + <p> + “It was a most unjustifiable act, like many other popular movements at + that time,” replied Grandfather. “But we must not decide against the + justice of the people’s cause merely because an excited mob was guilty of + outrageous violence. Besides, all these things were done in the first fury + of resentment. Afterwards the people grew more calm, and were more + influenced by the counsel of those wise and good men who conducted them + safely and gloriously through the Revolution.” + </p> + <p> + Little Alice, with tears in her blue eyes, said that she hoped the + neighbors had not let Lieutenant-Governor Hutchinson and his family be + homeless in the street, but had taken them into their houses and been kind + to them. Cousin Clara, recollecting the perilous situation of our beloved + chair, inquired what had become of it. + </p> + <p> + “Nothing was heard of our chair for some time afterwards,” answered + Grandfather. “One day in September, the same Andrew Oliver, of whom I + before told you, was summoned to appear at high noon under Liberty Tree. + This was the strangest summons that had ever been heard of; for it was + issued in the name of the whole people, who thus took upon themselves the + authority of a sovereign power. Mr. Oliver dared not disobey. Accordingly, + at the appointed hour he went, much against his will, to Liberty Tree.” + </p> + <p> + Here Charley interposed a remark that poor Mr. Oliver found but little + liberty under Liberty Tree. Grandfather assented. + </p> + <p> + “It was a stormy day,” continued he. “The equinoctial gale blew violently, + and scattered the yellow leaves of Liberty Tree all along the street. Mr. + Oliver’s wig was dripping with water-drops; and he probably looked + haggard, disconsolate, and humbled to the earth. Beneath the tree, in + Grandfather’s chair,—our own venerable chair,—sat Mr. Richard + Dana, a justice of the peace. He administered an oath to Mr. Oliver that + he would never have anything to do with distributing the stamps. A vast + concourse of people heard the oath, and shouted when it was taken.” + </p> + <p> + “There is something grand in this,” said Laurence. “I like it, because the + people seem to have acted with thoughtfulness and dignity; and this proud + gentleman, one of his Majesty’s high officers, was made to feel that King + George could not protect him in doing wrong.” + </p> + <p> + “But it was a sad day for poor Mr. Oliver,” observed Grandfather. “From + his youth upward it had probably been the great principle of his life to + be faithful and obedient to the king. And now, in his old age, it must + have puzzled and distracted him to find the sovereign people setting up a + claim to his faith and obedience.” + </p> + <p> + Grandfather closed the evening’s conversation by saying that the + discontent of America was so great, that, in 1766, the British Parliament + was compelled to repeal the Stamp Act. The people made great rejoicings, + but took care to keep Liberty Tree well pruned and free from caterpillars + and canker-worms. They foresaw that there might yet be occasion for them + to assemble under its far-projecting shadow. + </p> + <p> + <a name="link2HCH0025" id="link2HCH0025"> + <!-- H2 anchor --> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h2> + CHAPTER IV. THE BRITISH TROOPS IN BOSTON. + </h2> + <p> + THE NEXT evening, Clara, who remembered that our chair had been left + standing in the rain under Liberty Tree, earnestly besought Grandfather to + tell when and where it had next found shelter. Perhaps she was afraid that + the venerable chair, by being exposed to the inclemency of a September + gale, might get the rheumatism in its aged joints. + </p> + <p> + “The chair,” said Grandfather, “after the ceremony of Mr. Oliver’s oath, + appears to have been quite forgotten by the multitude. Indeed, being much + bruised and rather rickety, owing to the violent treatment it had suffered + from the Hutchinson mob, most people would have thought that its days of + usefulness were over. Nevertheless, it was conveyed away under cover of + the night and committed to the care of a skilful joiner. He doctored our + old friend so successfully, that, in the course of a few days, it made its + appearance in the public room of the British Coffee Houses in King + Street.” + </p> + <p> + “But why did not Mr. Hutchinson get possession of it again?” inquired + Charley. + </p> + <p> + “I know not,” answered Grandfather, “unless he considered it a dishonor + and disgrace to the chair to have stood under Liberty Tree. At all events, + he suffered it to remain at the British Coffee House, which was the + principal hotel in Boston. It could not possibly have found a situation + where it would be more in the midst of business and bustle, or would + witness more important events, or be occupied by a greater variety of + persons.” + </p> + <p> + Grandfather went on to tell the proceedings of the despotic king and + ministry of England after the repeal of the Stamp Act. They could not bear + to think that their right to tax America should be disputed by the people. + In the year 1767, therefore, they caused Parliament to pass an act for + laying a duty on tea and some other articles that were in general use. + Nobody could now buy a pound of tea without paying a tax to King George. + This scheme was pretty craftily contrived; for the women of America were + very fond of tea, and did not like to give up the use of it. + </p> + <p> + But the people were as much opposed to this new act of Parliament as they + had been to the Stamp Act. England, however, was determined that they + should submit. In order to compel their obedience, two regiments, + consisting of more than seven hundred British soldiers, were sent to + Boston. They arrived in September, 1768, and were landed on Long Wharf. + Thence they marched to the Common with loaded muskets, fixed bayonets, and + great pomp and parade. So now, at last, the free town of Boston was + guarded and overawed by redcoats as it had been in the days of old Sir + Edmund Andros. + </p> + <p> + In the month of November more regiments arrived. There were now four + thousand troops in Boston. The Common was whitened with their tents. Some + of the soldiers were lodged in Faneuil Hall, which the inhabitants looked + upon as a consecrated place, because it had been the scene of a great many + meetings in favor of liberty. One regiment was placed in the Town House, + which we now call the Old State House. The lower floor of this edifice had + hitherto been used by the merchants as an exchange. In the upper stories + were the chambers of the judges, the representatives, and the governor’s + council. The venerable councillors could not assemble to consult about the + welfare of the province without being challenged by sentinels and passing + among the bayonets of the British soldiers. + </p> + <p> + Sentinels likewise were posted at the lodgings of the officers in many + parts of the town. When the inhabitants approached they were greeted by + the sharp question, “Who goes there?” while the rattle of the soldier’s + musket was heard as he presented it against their breasts. There was no + quiet even on the sabbath day. The quiet descendants of the Puritans were + shocked by the uproar of military music; the drum, fife, and bugle + drowning the holy organ peal and the voices of the singers. It would + appear as if the British took every method to insult the feelings of the + people. + </p> + <p> + “Grandfather,” cried Charley, impatiently, “the people did not go to + fighting half soon enough! These British redcoats ought to have been + driven back to their vessels the very moment they landed on Long Wharf.” + </p> + <p> + “Many a hot-headed young man said the same as you do, Charley,” answered + Grandfather. “But the elder and wiser people saw that the time was not yet + come. Meanwhile, let us take another peep at our old chair.” + </p> + <p> + “Ah, it drooped its head, I know,” said Charley, “when it saw how the + province was disgraced. Its old Puritan friends never would have borne + such doings.” + </p> + <p> + “The chair,” proceeded Grandfather, “was now continually occupied by some + of the high tories, as the king’s friends were called, who frequented the + British Coffee House. Officers of the Custom House, too, which stood on + the opposite side of King Street, often sat in the chair wagging their + tongues against John Hancock.” + </p> + <p> + “Why against him?” asked Charley. + </p> + <p> + “Because he was a great merchant and contended against paying duties to + the king,” said Grandfather. + </p> + <p> + “Well, frequently, no doubt, the officers of the British regiments, when + not on duty, used to fling themselves into the arms of our venerable + chair. Fancy one of them, a red-nosed captain in his scarlet uniform, + playing with the hilt of his sword, and making a circle of his brother + officers merry with ridiculous jokes at the expense of the poor Yankees. + And perhaps he would call for a bottle of wine, or a steaming bowl of + punch, and drink confusion to all rebels.” + </p> + <p> + “Our grave old chair must have been scandalized at such scenes,” observed + Laurence; “the chair that had been the Lady Arbella’s, and which the holy + apostle Eliot had consecrated.” + </p> + <p> + “It certainly was little less than sacrilege,” replied Grandfather; “but + the time was coming when even the churches, where hallowed pastors had + long preached the word of God, were to be torn down or desecrated by the + British troops. Some years passed, however, before such things were done.” + </p> + <p> + Grandfather now told his auditors that, in 1769, Sir Francis Bernard went + to England after having been governor of Massachusetts ten years. He was a + gentleman of many good qualities, an excellent scholar, and a friend to + learning. But he was naturally of an arbitrary disposition; and he had + been bred at the University of Oxford, where young men were taught that + the divine right of kings was the only thing to be regarded in matters of + government. Such ideas were ill adapted to please the people of + Massachusetts. They rejoiced to get rid of Sir Francis Bernard, but liked + his successor, Lieutenant-Governor Hutchinson, no better than himself. + </p> + <p> + About this period the people were much incensed at an act committed by a + person who held an office in the Custom House. Some lads, or young men, + were snowballing his windows. He fired a musket at them, and killed a poor + German boy, only eleven years old. This event made a great noise in town + and country, and much increased the resentment that was already felt + against the servants of the crown. + </p> + <p> + “Now, children,” said Grandfather, “I wish to make you comprehend the + position of the British troops in King Street. This is the same which we + now call State Street. On the south side of the Town House, or Old State + House, was what military men call a court of guard, defended by two brass + cannons, which pointed directly at one of the doors of the above edifice. + A large party of soldiers were always stationed in the court of guard. The + Custom House stood at a little distance down King Street, nearly where the + Suffolk Bank now stands, and a sentinel was continually pacing before its + front.” + </p> + <p> + “I shall remember this to-morrow,” said Charley; “and I will go to State + Street, so as to see exactly where the British troops were stationed.” + </p> + <p> + “And before long,” observed Grandfather, “I shall have to relate an event + which made King Street sadly famous on both sides of the Atlantic. The + history of our chair will soon bring us to this melancholy business.” + </p> + <p> + Here Grandfather described the state of things which arose from the ill + will that existed between the inhabitants and the redcoats. The old and + sober part of the townspeople were very angry at the government for + sending soldiers to overawe them. But those gray-headed men were cautious, + and kept their thoughts and feelings in their own breasts, without putting + themselves in the way of the British bayonets. + </p> + <p> + The younger people, however, could hardly be kept within such prudent + limits. They reddened with wrath at the very sight of a soldier, and would + have been willing to come to blows with them at any moment. For it was + their opinion that every tap of a British drum, within the peninsula of + Boston was an insult to the brave old town. + </p> + <p> + “It was sometimes the case,” continued Grandfather, “that affrays happened + between such wild young men as these and small parties of the soldiers. No + weapons had hitherto been used except fists or cudgels. But when men have + loaded muskets in their hands, it is easy to foretell that they will soon + be turned against the bosoms of those who provoke their anger.” + </p> + <p> + “Grandfather,” said little Alice, looking fearfully into his face, “your + voice sounds as though you were going to tell us something awful!” + </p> + <p> + <a name="link2HCH0026" id="link2HCH0026"> + <!-- H2 anchor --> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h2> + CHAPTER V. THE BOSTON MASSACRE. + </h2> + <p> + LITTLE ALICE, by her last remark, proved herself a good judge of what was + expressed by the tones of Grandfather’s voice. He had given the above + description of the enmity between the townspeople and the soldiers in + order to Prepare the minds of his auditors for a very terrible event. It + was one that did more to heighten the quarrel between England and America + than anything that had yet occurred. + </p> + <p> + Without further preface, Grandfather began the story of the Boston + Massacre. + </p> + <p> + It was now the 8d of March, 1770. The sunset music of the British + regiments was heard as usual throughout the town. The shrill fife and + rattling drum awoke the echoes in King Street, while the last ray of + sunshine was lingering on the cupola of the Town House. And now all the + sentinels were posted. One of them marched up and down before the Custom + House, treading a short path through the snow, and longing for the time + when he would be dismissed to the warm fireside of the guard room. + Meanwhile Captain Preston was, perhaps, sitting in our great chair before + the hearth of the British Coffee House. In the course of the evening there + were two or three slight commotions, which seemed to indicate that trouble + was at hand. Small parties of young men stood at the corners of the + streets or walked along the narrow pavements. Squads of soldiers who were + dismissed from duty passed by them, shoulder to shoulder, with the regular + step which they had learned at the drill. Whenever these encounters took + place, it appeared to be the object of the young men to treat the soldiers + with as much incivility as possible. + </p> + <p> + “Turn out, you lobsterbacks!” one would say. “Crowd them off the + sidewalks!” another would cry. “A redcoat has no right in Boston streets!” + </p> + <p> + “O, you rebel rascals!” perhaps the soldiers would reply, glaring fiercely + at the young men. “Some day or other we’ll make our way through Boston + streets at the point of the bayonet!” + </p> + <p> + Once or twice such disputes as these brought on a scuffle; which passed + off, however, without attracting much notice. About eight o’clock, for + some unknown cause, an alarm-bell rang loudly and hurriedly. + </p> + <p> + At the sound many people ran out of their houses, supposing it to be an + alarm of fire. But there were no flames to be seen, nor was there any + smell of smoke in the clear, frosty air; so that most of the townsmen went + back to their own firesides and sat talking with their wives and children + about the calamities of the times. Others who were younger and less + prudent remained in the streets; for there seems to have been a + presentiment that some strange event was on the eve of taking place. + </p> + <p> + Later in the evening, not far from nine o’clock, several young men passed + by the Town House and walked down King Street. The sentinel was still on + his post in front of the Custom House, pacing to and fro; while, as he + turned, a gleam of light from some neighboring window glittered on the + barrel of his musket. At no great distance were the barracks and the + guard-house, where his comrades were probably telling stories of battle + and bloodshed. + </p> + <p> + Down towards the Custom House, as I told you, came a party of wild young + men. When they drew near the sentinel he halted on his post, and took his + musket from his shoulder, ready to present the bayonet at their breasts. + </p> + <p> + “Who goes there?” he cried, in the gruff, peremptory tones of a soldier’s + challenge. The young men, being Boston boys, felt as if they had a right + to walk their own streets without being accountable to a British redcoat, + even though he challenged them in King George’s name. They made some rude + answer to the sentinel. There was a dispute, or perhaps a scuffle. Other + soldiers heard the noise, and ran hastily from the barracks to assist + their comrades. At the same time many of the townspeople rushed into King + Street by various avenues, and gathered in a crowd round about the Custom + House. It seemed wonderful how such a multitude had started up all of a + sudden. + </p> + <p> + The wrongs and insults which the people had been suffering for many months + now kindled them into a rage. They threw snowballs and lumps of ice at the + soldiers. As the tumult grew louder it reached the ears of Captain + Preston, the officer of the day. He immediately ordered eight soldiers of + the main guard to take their muskets and follow him. They marched across + the street, forcing their way roughly through the crowd, and pricking the + townspeople with their bayonets. + </p> + <p> + A gentleman (it was Henry Knox, afterwards general of the American + artillery) caught Captain Preston’s arm. + </p> + <p> + “For Heaven’s sake, sir,” exclaimed he, “take heed what you do, or there + will be bloodshed.” + </p> + <p> + “Stand aside!” answered Captain Preston, haughtily. “Do not interfere, + sir. Leave me to manage the affair.” + </p> + <p> + Arriving at the sentinel’s post, Captain Preston drew up his men in a + semicircle, with their faces to the crowd and their rear to the Custom + House. When the people saw the officer and beheld the threatening attitude + with which the soldiers fronted them, their rage became almost + uncontrollable. + </p> + <p> + “Fire, you lobsterbacks!” bellowed some. + </p> + <p> + “You dare not fire, you cowardly redcoats!” cried others. + </p> + <p> + “Rush upon them!” shouted many voices. “Drive the rascals to their + barracks! Down with them! Down with them! Let them fire if they dare!” + </p> + <p> + Amid the uproar, the soldiers stood glaring at the people with the + fierceness of men whose trade was to shed blood. + </p> + <p> + Oh, what a crisis had now arrived! Up to this very moment, the angry + feelings between England and America might have been pacified. England had + but to stretch out the hand of reconciliation, and acknowledge that she + had hitherto mistaken her rights, but would do so no more. Then the + ancient bonds of brotherhood would again have been knit together as firmly + as in old times. The habit of loyalty, which had grown as strong as + instinct, was not utterly overcome. The perils shared, the victories won, + in the old French War, when the soldiers of the colonies fought side by + side with their comrades from beyond the sea, were unforgotten yet. + England was still that beloved country which the colonists called their + home. King George, though he had frowned upon America, was still + reverenced as a father. + </p> + <p> + But should the king’s soldiers shed one drop of American blood, then it + was a quarrel to the death. Never, never would America rest satisfied + until she had torn down the royal authority and trampled it in the dust. + </p> + <p> + “Fire, if you dare, villains!” hoarsely shouted the people, while the + muzzles of the muskets were turned upon them. “You dare not fire!” + </p> + <p> + They appeared ready to rush upon the levelled bayonets. Captain Preston + waved his sword, and uttered a command which could not be distinctly heard + amid the uproar of shouts that issued from a hundred throats. But his + soldiers deemed that he had spoken the fatal mandate, “Fire!” The flash of + their muskets lighted up the streets, and the report rang loudly between + the edifices. It was said, too, that the figure of a man, with a cloth + hanging down over his face, was seen to step into the balcony of the + Custom House and discharge a musket at the crowd. + </p> + <p> + A gush of smoke had overspread the scene. It rose heavily, as if it were + loath to reveal the dreadful spectacle beneath it. Eleven of the sons of + New England lay stretched upon the street. Some, sorely wounded, were + struggling to rise again. Others stirred not nor groaned; for they were + past all pain. Blood was streaming upon the snow; and that purple stain in + the midst of King Street, though it melted away in the next day’s sun, was + never forgotten nor forgiven by the people. + </p> + <p> + Grandfather was interrupted by the violent sobs of little Alice. In his + earnestness he had neglected to soften clown the narrative so that it + might not terrify the heart of this unworldly infant. Since Grandfather + began the history of our chair, little Alice had listened to many tales of + war. But probably the idea had never really impressed itself upon her mind + that men have shed the blood of their fellow-creatures. And now that this + idea was forcibly presented to her, it affected the sweet child with + bewilderment and horror. + </p> + <p> + “I ought to have remembered our dear little Alice,” said Grandfather + reproachfully to himself. “Oh, what a pity! Her heavenly nature has now + received its first impression of earthly sin and violence. Well, Clara, + take her to bed and comfort her. Heaven grant that she may dream away the + recollection of the Boston massacre!” + </p> + <p> + “Grandfather,” said Charley, when Clara and little Alice had retired, “did + not the people rush upon the soldiers and take revenge?” + </p> + <p> + “The town drums beat to arms,” replied Grandfather, “the alarm-bells rang, + and an immense multitude rushed into King Street. Many of them had weapons + in their hands. The British prepared to defend themselves. A whole + regiment was drawn up in the street, expecting an attack; for the townsmen + appeared ready to throw themselves upon the bayonets.” + </p> + <p> + “And how did it end?” + </p> + <p> + “Governor Hutchinson hurried to the spot,” said Grandfather, “and besought + the people to have patience, promising that strict justice should be done. + A day or two afterward the British troops were withdrawn from town and + stationed at Castle William. Captain Preston and the eight soldiers were + tried for murder. But none of them were found guilty. The judges told the + jury that the insults and violence which had been offered to the soldiers + justified them in firing at the mob.” + </p> + <p> + “The Revolution,” observed Laurence, who had said but little during the + evening, “was not such a calm, majestic movement as I supposed. I do not + love to hear of mobs and broils in the street. These things were unworthy + of the people when they had such a great object to accomplish.” + </p> + <p> + “Nevertheless, the world has seen no grander movement than that of our + Revolution from first to last,” said Grandfather. “The people, to a man, + were full of a great and noble sentiment. True, there may be much fault to + find with their mode of expressing this sentiment; but they knew no + better; the necessity was upon them to act out their feelings in the best + manner they could. We must forgive what was wrong in their actions, and + look into their hearts and minds for the honorable motives that impelled + them.” + </p> + <p> + “And I suppose,” said Laurence, “there were men who knew how to act + worthily of what they felt.” + </p> + <p> + “There were many such,” replied Grandfather; “and we will speak of some of + them hereafter.” + </p> + <p> + Grandfather here made a pause. That night Charley had a dream about the + Boston massacre, and thought that he himself was in the crowd and struck + down Captain Preston with a great club. Laurence dreamed that he was + sitting in our great chair, at the window of the British Coffee House, and + beheld the whole scene which Grandfather had described. It seemed to him, + in his dream, that, if the townspeople and the soldiers would but have + heard him speak a single word, all the slaughter might have been averted. + But there was such an uproar that it drowned his voice. + </p> + <p> + The next morning the two boys went together to State Street and stood on + the very spot where the first blood of the Revolution had been shed. The + Old State House was still there, presenting almost the same aspect that it + had worn on that memorable evening, one-and-seventy years ago. It is the + sole remaining witness of the Boston massacre. + </p> + <p> + <a name="link2HCH0027" id="link2HCH0027"> + <!-- H2 anchor --> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h2> + CHAPTER VI. A COLLECTION OF PORTRAITS. + </h2> + <p> + THE NEXT evening the astral lamp was lighted earlier than usual, because + Laurence was very much engaged in looking over the collection of portraits + which had been his New-Year’s gift from Grandfather. + </p> + <p> + Among them he found the features of more than one famous personage who had + been connected with the adventures of our old chair. Grandfather bade him + draw the table nearer to the fireside; and they looked over the portraits + together, while Clara and Charley likewise lent their attention. As for + little Alice, she sat in Grandfather’s lap, and seemed to see the very men + alive whose faces were there represented. + </p> + <p> + Turning over the volume, Laurence came to the portrait of a stern, + grim-looking man, in plain attire, of much more modern fashion than that + of the old Puritans. But the face might well have befitted one of those + iron-hearted men. Beneath the portrait was the name of Samuel Adams. + </p> + <p> + “He was a man of great note in all the doings that brought about the + Revolution,” said Grandfather. “His character was such, that it seemed as + if one of the ancient Puritans had been sent back to earth to animate the + people’s hearts with the same abhorrence of tyranny that had distinguished + the earliest settlers. He was as religious as they, as stern and + inflexible, and as deeply imbued with democratic principles. He, better + than any one else, may be taken as a representative of the people of New + England, and of the spirit with which they engaged in the Revolutionary + struggle. He was a poor man, and earned his bread by a humble occupation; + but with his tongue and pen he made the King of England tremble on his + throne. Remember him, my children, as one of the strong men of our + country.” + </p> + <p> + “Here is one whose looks show a very different character,” observed + Laurence, turning to the portrait of John Hancock. “I should think, by his + splendid dress and courtly aspect, that he was one of the king’s friends.” + </p> + <p> + “There never was a greater contrast than between Samuel Adams and John + Hancock,” said Grandfather. “Yet they were of the same side in politics, + and had an equal agency in the Revolution. Hancock was born to the + inheritance of the largest fortune in New England. His tastes and habits + were aristocratic. He loved gorgeous attire, a splendid mansion, + magnificent furniture, stately festivals, and all that was glittering and + pompous in external things. His manners were so polished that there stood + not a nobleman at the footstool of King George’s throne who was a more + skilful courtier than John Hancock might have been. Nevertheless, he in + his embroidered clothes, and Samuel Adams in his threadbare coat, wrought + together in the cause of liberty. Adams acted from pure and rigid + principle. Hancock, though he loved his country, yet thought quite as much + of his own popularity as he did of the people’s rights. It is remarkable + that these two men, so very different as I describe them, were the only + two exempted from pardon by the king’s proclamation.” + </p> + <p> + On the next leaf of the book was the portrait of General Joseph Warren. + Charley recognized the name, and said that here was a greater man than + either Hancock or Adams. + </p> + <p> + “Warren was an eloquent and able patriot,” replied Grandfather. “He + deserves a lasting memory for his zealous efforts in behalf of liberty. No + man’s voice was more powerful in Faneuil Hall than Joseph Warren’s. If his + death had not happened so early in the contest, he would probably have + gained a high name as a soldier.” + </p> + <p> + The next portrait was a venerable man, who held his thumb under his chin, + and, through his spectacles, appeared to be attentively reading a + manuscript. + </p> + <p> + “Here we see the most illustrious Boston boy that ever lived,” said + Grandfather. “This is Benjamin Franklin. But I will not try to compress + into a few sentences the character of the sage, who, as a Frenchman + expressed it, snatched the lightning from the sky and the sceptre from a + tyrant. Mr. Sparks must help you to the knowledge of Franklin.” + </p> + <p> + The book likewise contained portraits of James Otis and Josiah Quincy. + Both of them, Grandfather observed, were men of wonderful talents and true + patriotism. Their voices were like the stirring tones of a trumpet + arousing the country to defend its freedom. Heaven seemed to have provided + a greater number of eloquent men than had appeared at any other period, in + order that the people might be fully instructed as to their wrongs and the + method of resistance. + </p> + <p> + “It is marvellous,” said Grandfather, “to see how many powerful writers, + orators, and soldiers started up just at the time when they were wanted. + There was a man for every kind of work. It is equally wonderful that men + of such different characters were all made to unite in the one object of + establishing the freedom and independence of America. There was an + over-ruling Providence above them.” + </p> + <p> + “Here, was another great man,” remarked Laurence, pointing to the portrait + of John Adams. + </p> + <p> + “Yes; an earnest, warm-tempered, honest and most able man,” said + Grandfather. “At the period of which we are now speaking he was a lawyer + in Boston. He was destined in after years to be ruler over the whole + American people, whom he contributed so much to form into a nation.” + </p> + <p> + Grandfather here remarked that many a New-Englander, who had passed his + boyhood and youth in obscurity, afterward attained to a fortune which he + never could have foreseen even in his most ambitious dreams. John Adams, + the second President of the United States and the equal of crowned kings, + was once a schoolmaster and country lawyer. Hancock, the first signer of + the Declaration of Independence, served his apprenticeship with a + merchant. Samuel Adams, afterwards governor of Massachusetts, was a small + tradesman and a tax-gatherer. General Warren was a physician, General + Lincoln a farmer, and General Knox a bookbinder. General Nathaniel Greene, + the best soldier, except Washington, in the Revolutionary army, was a + Quaker and a blacksmith. All these became illustrious men, and can never + be forgotten in American history. + </p> + <p> + “And any boy who is born in America may look forward to the same things,” + said our ambitious friend Charley. + </p> + <p> + After these observations, Grandfather drew the book of portraits towards + him and showed the children several British peers and members of + Parliament who had exerted themselves either for or against the rights of + America. There were the Earl of Bute, Mr. Grenville, and Lord North. These + were looked upon as deadly enemies to our country. + </p> + <p> + Among the friends of America was Mr. Pitt, afterward Earl of Chatham, who + spent so much of his wondrous eloquence in endeavoring to warn England of + the consequences of her injustice. He fell down on the floor of the House + of Lords after uttering almost his dying words in defence of our + privileges as freemen. There was Edmund Burke, one of the wisest men and + greatest orators that ever the world produced. There was Colonel Barry, + who had been among our fathers, and knew that they had courage enough to + die for their rights. There was Charles James Fox, who never rested until + he had silenced our enemies in the House of Commons. + </p> + <p> + “It is very remarkable to observe how many of the ablest orators in the + British Parliament were favorable to America,” said Grandfather. “We ought + to remember these great Englishmen with gratitude; for their speeches + encouraged our fathers almost as much as those of our own orators in + Faneuil Hall and under Liberty Tree. Opinions which might have been + received with doubt, if expressed only by a native American, were set down + as true, beyond dispute, when they came from the lips of Chatham, Burke, + Barre, or Fox.” + </p> + <p> + “But, Grandfather,” asked Lawrence, “were there no able and eloquent men + in this country who took the part of King George?” + </p> + <p> + “There were many men of talent who said what they could in defence of the + king’s tyrannical proceedings,” replied Grandfather. “But they had the + worst side of the argument, and therefore seldom said anything worth + remembering. Moreover, their hearts were faint and feeble; for they felt + that the people scorned and detested them. They had no friends, no + defence, except in the bayonets of the British troops. A blight fell upon + all their faculties, because they were contending against the rights of + their own native land.” + </p> + <p> + “What were the names of some of them?” inquired Charley. + </p> + <p> + “Governor Hutchinson, Chief Justice Oliver, Judge Auchmuty, the Rev. + Mather Byles, and several other clergymen, were among the most noted + loyalists,” answered Grandfather. + </p> + <p> + “I wish the people had tarred and feathered every man of them!” cried + Charley. + </p> + <p> + “That wish is very wrong, Charley,” said Grandfather. “You must not think + that there is no integrity and honor except among those who stood up for + the freedom of America. For aught I know, there was quite as much of these + qualities on one side as on the other. Do you see nothing admirable in a + faithful adherence to an unpopular cause? Can you not respect that + principle of loyalty which made the royalists give up country, friends, + fortune, everything, rather than be false to their king? It was a mistaken + principle; but many of them cherished it honorably, and were martyrs to + it.” + </p> + <p> + “Oh, I was wrong!” said Charley, ingenuously. + </p> + <p> + “And I would risk my life rather than one of those good old royalists + should be tarred and feathered.” + </p> + <p> + “The time is now come when we may judge fairly of them,” continued + Grandfather. “Be the good and true men among them honored; for they were + as much our countrymen as the patriots were. And, thank Heaven, our + country need not be ashamed of her sons,—of most of them at least,—whatever + side they took in the Revolutionary contest.” + </p> + <p> + Among the portraits was one of King George III Little Alice clapped her + hands, and seemed pleased with the bluff good-nature of his physiognomy. + But Laurence thought it strange that a man with such a face, indicating + hardly a common share of intellect, should have had influence enough on + human affairs to convulse the world with war. Grandfather observed that + this poor king had always appeared to him one of the most unfortunate + persons that ever lived. He was so honest and conscientious, that, if he + had been only a private man, his life would probably have been blameless + and happy. But his was that worst of fortunes,—to be placed in a + station far beyond his abilities. + </p> + <p> + “And so,” said Grandfather, “his life, while he retained what intellect + Heaven had gifted him with, was one long mortification. At last he grew + crazed with care and trouble. For nearly twenty years the men arch of + England was confined as a madman. In his old age, too, God took away his + eyesight; so that his royal palace was nothing to him but a dark, lonesome + prison-house.” + </p> + <p> + <a name="link2HCH0028" id="link2HCH0028"> + <!-- H2 anchor --> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h2> + CHAPTER VII. THE TEA PARTY AND LEXINGTON. + </h2> + <p> + “OUR old chair?” resumed Grandfather, “did not now stand in the midst of a + gay circle of British officers. The troops, as I told you, had been + removed to Castle William immediately after the Boston massacre. Still, + however, there were many tories, custom-house officers, and Englishmen who + used to assemble in the British Coffee House and talk over the affairs of + the period. Matters grew worse and worse; and in 1773 the people did a + deed which incensed the king and ministry more than any of their former + doings.” + </p> + <p> + Grandfather here described the affair, which is known by the name of the + Boston Tea Party. The Americans, for some time past, had left off + importing tea, on account of the oppressive tax. The East India Company, + in London, had a large stock of tea on hand, which they had expected to + sell to the Americans, but could find no market for it. But after a while, + the government persuaded this company of merchants to send the tea to + America. + </p> + <p> + “How odd it is,” observed Clara, “that the liberties of America should + have had anything to do with a cup of tea!” + </p> + <p> + Grandfather smiled, and proceeded with his narrative. When the people of + Boston heard that several cargoes of tea were coming across the Atlantic, + they held a great many meetings at Faneuil Hall, in the Old South Church, + and under Liberty Tree. In the midst of their debates, three ships arrived + in the harbor with the tea on board. The people spent more than a + fortnight in consulting what should be done. At last, on the 16th of + December, 1773, they demanded of Governor Hutchinson that he should + immediately send the ships back to England. + </p> + <p> + The governor replied that the ships must not leave the harbor until the + custom-house duties upon the tea should be paid. Now, the payment of these + duties was the very thing against which the people had set their faces; + because it was a tax unjustly imposed upon America by the English + government. Therefore, in the dusk of the evening, as soon as Governor + Hutchinson’s reply was received, an immense crowd hastened to Griffin’s + Wharf, where the tea-ships lay. The place is now called Liverpool Wharf. + </p> + <p> + “When the crowd reached the wharf,” said Grandfather, “they saw that a set + of wild-looking figures were already on board of the ships. You would have + imagined that the Indian warriors of old times had come back again; for + they wore the Indian dress, and had their faces covered with red and black + paint, like the Indians when they go to war. These grim figures hoisted + the tea-chests on the decks of the vessels; broke them open, and threw all + the contents into the harbor.” + </p> + <p> + “Grandfather,” said little Alice, “I suppose Indians don’t love tea; else + they would never waste it so.” + </p> + <p> + “They were not real Indians, my child,” answered Grandfather. “They were + white men in disguise; because a heavy punishment would have been + inflicted on them if the king’s officers had found who they were. But it + was never known. From that day to this, though the matter has been talked + of by all the world, nobody can tell the names of those Indian figures. + Some people say that there were very famous men among them, who afterwards + became governors and generals. Whether this be true I cannot tell.” + </p> + <p> + When tidings of this bold deed were carried to England, King George was + greatly enraged. Parliament immediately passed an act, by which all + vessels were forbidden to take in or discharge their cargoes at the port + of Boston. In this way they expected to ruin all the merchants, and starve + the poor people, by depriving them of employment. At the same time another + act was passed, taking away many rights and privileges which had been + granted in the charter of Massachusetts. + </p> + <p> + Governor Hutchinson, soon afterward, was summoned to England, in order + that he might give his advice about the management of American affairs. + General Gage, an officer of the old French War, and since + commander-in-chief of the British forces in America, was appointed + governor in his stead. One of his first acts was to make Salem, instead of + Boston, the metropolis of Massachusetts, by summoning the General Court to + meet there. + </p> + <p> + According to Grandfather’s description, this was the most gloomy time that + Massachusetts had ever seen. The people groaned under as heavy a tyranny + as in the days of Sir Edmund Andros. Boston looked as if it were afflicted + with some dreadful pestilence,—so sad were the inhabitants, and so + desolate the streets. There was no cheerful hum of business. The merchants + shut up their warehouses, and the laboring men stood idle about the + wharves. But all America felt interested in the good town of Boston; and + contributions were raised, in many places, for the relief of the poor + inhabitants. + </p> + <p> + “Our dear old chair!” exclaimed Clara. “How dismal it must have been now!” + </p> + <p> + “Oh,” replied Grandfather, “a gay throng of officers had now come back to + the British Coffee House; so that the old chair had no lack of mirthful + company. Soon after General Gage became governor a great many troops had + arrived, and were encamped upon the Common. Boston was now a garrisoned + and fortified town; for the general had built a battery across the Neck, + on the road to Roxbury, and placed guards for its defence. Everything + looked as if a civil war were close at hand.” + </p> + <p> + “Did the people make ready to fight?” asked Charley. + </p> + <p> + “A Continental Congress assembled at Philadelphia,” said Grandfather, “and + proposed such measures as they thought most conducive to the public good. + A Provincial Congress was likewise chosen in Massachusetts. They exhorted + the people to arm and discipline themselves. A great number of minutemen + were enrolled. The Americans called them minute-men, because they engaged + to be ready to fight at a minute’s warning. The English officers laughed, + and said that the name was a very proper one, because the minute-men would + run away the minute they saw the enemy. Whether they would fight or run + was soon to be proved.” + </p> + <p> + Grandfather told the children that the first open resistance offered to + the British troops, in the province of Massachusetts, was at Salem. + Colonel Timothy Pickering, with thirty or forty militia-men, prevented the + English colonel, Leslie, with four times as many regular soldiers, from + taking possession of some military stores. No blood was shed on this + occasion; but soon afterward it began to flow. + </p> + <p> + General Gage sent eight hundred soldiers to Concord, about eighteen miles + from Boston, to destroy some ammunition and provisions which the colonists + had collected there. They set out on their march on the evening of the + 18th of April, 1775. The next morning the general sent Lord’ Percy with + nine hundred men to strengthen the troops that had gone before. All that + day the inhabitants of Boston heard various rumors. Some said that the + British were making great slaughter among our countrymen. Others affirmed + that every man had turned out with his musket, and that not a single + soldier would ever get back to Boston. + </p> + <p> + “It was after sunset,” continued Grandfather, “when the troops, who had + marched forth so proudly, were seen entering Charlestown. They were + covered with dust, and so hot and weary that their tongues hung out of + their mouths. Many of them were faint with wounds. They had not all + returned. Nearly three hundred were strewn, dead or dying, along the road + from Concord. The yeomanry had risen upon the invaders and driven them + back.” + </p> + <p> + “Was this the battle of Lexington?” asked Charley. + </p> + <p> + “Yes,” replied Grandfather; “it was so called, because the British, + without provocation, had fired upon a party of minute-men, near Lexington + meeting-house, and killed eight of them. That fatal volley, which was + fired by order of Major Pitcairn, began the war of the Revolution.” + </p> + <p> + About this time, if Grandfather had been correctly informed, our chair + disappeared from the British Coffee House. The manner of its departure + cannot be satisfactorily ascertained. Perhaps the keeper of the Coffee + House turned it out of doors on account of its old-fashioned aspect. + Perhaps he sold it as a curiosity. Perhaps it was taken, without leave, by + some person who regarded it as public property because it had once figured + under Liberty Tree. Or perhaps the old chair, being of a peaceable + disposition, has made use of its four oaken legs and run away from the + seat of war. + </p> + <p> + “It would have made a terrible clattering over the pavement,” said + Charley, laughing. + </p> + <p> + “Meanwhile,” continued Grandfather, “during the mysterious non-appearance + of our chair, an army of twenty thousand men had started up and come to + the siege of Boston. General Gage and his troops were cooped up within the + narrow precincts of the peninsula. On the 17th of June, 1775, the famous + battle of Bunker Hill was fought. Here General Warren fell. The British + got the victory, indeed, but with the loss of more than a thousand + officers and men.” + </p> + <p> + “Oh Grandfather,” cried Charley, “you must tell us about that famous + battle.” + </p> + <p> + “No, Charley,” said Grandfather, “I am not like other historians. Battles + shall not hold a prominent place in the history of our quiet and + comfortable old chair. But to-morrow evening, Laurence, Clara, and + yourself, and dear little Alice too, shall visit the Diorama of Bunker + Hill. There you shall see the whole business, the burning of Charlestown + and all, with your own eyes, and hear the cannon and musketry with your + own ears.” + </p> + <p> + <a name="link2HCH0029" id="link2HCH0029"> + <!-- H2 anchor --> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h2> + CHAPTER VIII. THE SIEGE OF BOSTON. + </h2> + <p> + THE next evening but one, when the children had given Grandfather a full + account of the Diorama of Bunker Hill, they entreated him not to keep them + any longer in suspense about the fate of his chair. The reader will + recollect that, at the last accounts, it had trotted away upon its poor + old legs nobody knew whither. But, before gratifying their curiosity, + Grandfather found it necessary to say something about public events. + </p> + <p> + The Continental Congress, which was assembled at Philadelphia, was + composed of delegates from all the colonies. They had now appointed George + Washington, of Virginia, to be commander-in-chief of all the American + armies. He was, at that time, a member of Congress; but immediately left + Philadelphia, and began his journey to Massachusetts. On the 3d of July, + 1775, he arrived at Cambridge, and took command of the troops which were + besieging General Gage. + </p> + <p> + “O Grandfather,” exclaimed Laurence, “it makes my heart throb to think + what is coming now. We are to see General Washington himself.” + </p> + <p> + The children crowded around Grandfather and looked earnestly into his + face. Even little Alice opened her sweet blue eyes, with her lips apart, + and almost held her breath to listen; so instinctive is the reverence of + childhood for the father of his country. + </p> + <p> + Grandfather paused a moment; for he felt as if it might be irreverent to + introduce the hallowed shade of Washington into a history where an ancient + elbow-chair occupied the most prominent place. However, he determined to + proceed with his narrative, and speak of the hero when it was needful, but + with an unambitious simplicity. + </p> + <p> + So Grandfather told his auditors, that, on General Washington’s arrival at + Cambridge, his first care was to reconnoitre the British troops with his + spy-glass, and to examine the condition of his own army. He found that the + American troops amounted to about fourteen thousand men. They were + extended all round the peninsula of Boston, a space of twelve miles, from + the high grounds of Roxbury on the right to Mystic River on the left. Some + were living in tents of sailcloth, some in shanties rudely constructed of + boards, some in huts of stone or turf with curious windows and doors of + basket-work. + </p> + <p> + In order to be near the centre and oversee the whole of this + wide-stretched army, the commander-in-chief made his headquarters at + Cambridge, about half a mile from the colleges. A mansion-house, which + perhaps had been the country seat of some Tory gentle man, was provided + for his residence. + </p> + <p> + “When General Washington first entered this mansion,” said Grandfather, + “he was ushered up the staircase and shown into a handsome apartment. He + sat down in a large chair, which was the most conspicuous object in the + room. The noble figure of Washington would have done honor to a throne. As + he sat there, with his hand resting on the hilt of his sheathed sword, + which was placed between his knees, his whole aspect well befitted the + chosen man on whom his country leaned for the defence of her dearest + rights. America seemed safe under his protection. His face was grander + than any sculptor had ever wrought in marble; none could behold him + without awe and reverence. Never before had the lion’s head at the summit + of the chair looked down upon such a face and form as Washington’s.” + </p> + <p> + “Why, Grandfather!” cried Clara, clasping her hands in amazement, “was it + really so? Did General Washington sit in our great chair?” + </p> + <p> + “I knew how it would be,” said Laurence; “I foresaw it the moment + Grandfather began to speak.” + </p> + <p> + Grandfather smiled. But, turning from the personal and domestic life of + the illustrious leader, he spoke of the methods which Washington adopted + to win back the metropolis of New England from the British. + </p> + <p> + The army, when he took command of it, was without any discipline or order. + The privates considered themselves as good as their officers; and seldom + thought it necessary to obey their commands, unless they understood the + why and wherefore. Moreover, they were enlisted for so short a period, + that, as soon as they began to be respectable soldiers, it was time to + discharge them. Then came new recruits, who had to be taught their duty + before they could be of any service. Such was the army with which + Washington had to contend against more than twenty veteran British + regiments. + </p> + <p> + Some of the men had no muskets, and almost all were without bayonets. + Heavy cannon, for battering the British fortifications, were much wanted. + There was but a small quantity of powder and ball, few tools to build + intrenchments with, and a great deficiency of provisions and clothes for + the soldiers. Yet, in spite of these perplexing difficulties, the eyes of + the whole people were fixed on General Washington, expecting him to + undertake some great enterprise against the hostile army. + </p> + <p> + The first thing that he found necessary was to bring his own men into + better order and discipline. It is wonderful how soon he transformed this + rough mob of country people into the semblance of a regular army. One of + Washington’s most invaluable characteristics was the faculty of bringing + order out of confusion. All business with which he had any concern seemed + to regulate itself as if by magic. The influence of his mind was like + light gleaming through an unshaped world. It was this faculty, more than + any other, that made him so fit to ride upon the storm of the Revolution + when everything was unfixed and drifting about in a troubled sea. + </p> + <p> + “Washington had not been long at the head of the army,” proceeded + Grandfather, “before his soldiers thought as highly of him as if he had + led them to a hundred victories. They knew that he was the very man whom + the country needed, and the only one who could bring them safely through + the great contest against the might of England. They put entire confidence + in his courage, wisdom, and integrity.” + </p> + <p> + “And were they not eager to follow him against the British?” asked + Charley. + </p> + <p> + “Doubtless they would have gone whithersoever his sword pointed the way,” + answered Grandfather; “and Washington was anxious to make a decisive + assault upon the enemy. But as the enterprise was very hazardous, he + called a council of all the generals in the army. Accordingly they came + from their different posts, and were ushered into the reception-room. The + commander-in-chief arose from our great chair to greet them.” + </p> + <p> + “What were their names?” asked Charley. + </p> + <p> + “There was General Artemas Ward,” replied Grandfather, “a lawyer by + profession. He had commanded the troops before Washington’s arrival + Another was General Charles Lee, who had been a colonel in the English + army, and was thought to possess vast military science. He came to the + council, followed by two or three dogs which were always at his heels. + There was General Putnam, too, who was known all over New England by the + name of Old Put.” + </p> + <p> + “Was it he who killed the wolf?” inquired Charley. + </p> + <p> + “The same,” said Grandfather; “and he had done good service in the old + French War. His occupation was that of a farmer; but he left his plough in + the furrow at the news of Lexington battle. Then there was General Gates, + who afterward gained great renown at Saratoga, and lost it again at + Camden. General Greene, of Rhode Island, was likewise at the council. + Washington soon discovered him to be one of the best officers in the + army.” + </p> + <p> + When the generals were all assembled, Washington consulted them about a + plan for storming the English batteries. But it was their unanimous + opinion that so perilous an enterprise ought not to be attempted. The + army, therefore, continued to besiege Boston, preventing the enemy from + obtaining supplies of provisions, but without taking any immediate + measures to get possession of the town. In ‘this manner the sum met, + autumn, and winter passed away. + </p> + <p> + “Many a night, doubtless,” said Grandfather, “after Washington had been + all day on horseback, galloping from one post of the army to another, he + used to sit in our great chair, rapt in earnest thought. Had you seen him, + you might have supposed that his whole mind was fixed on the blue china + tiles which adorned the old-fashioned fireplace. But, in reality, he was + meditating how to capture the British army, or drive it out of Boston. + Once, when there was a hard frost, he formed a scheme to cross the Charles + River on the ice. But the other generals could not be persuaded that there + was any prospect of success.” + </p> + <p> + “What were the British doing all this time?” inquired Charley. + </p> + <p> + “They lay idle in the town,” replied Grandfather. “General Gage had been + recalled to England, and was succeeded by Sir William Howe. The British + army and the inhabitants of Boston were now in great distress. Being shut + up in the town so long, they had consumed almost all their provisions and + burned up all their fuel. The soldiers tore down the Old North Church, and + used its rotten boards and timbers for firewood. To heighten their + distress, the small-pox broke out. They probably lost far more men by + cold, hunger, and sickness than had been slain at Lexington and Bunker + Hill.” + </p> + <p> + “What a dismal time for the poor women and children!” exclaimed Clara. + </p> + <p> + “At length,” continued Grandfather, “in March, 1776, General Washington, + who had now a good supply of powder, began a terrible cannonade and + bombardment from Dorchester Heights. One of the cannon-balls which he + fired into the town struck the tower of the Brattle Street Church, where + it may still be seen. Sir William Howe made preparations to cross over in + boats and drive the Americans from their batteries, but was prevented by a + violent gale and storm. General Washington next erected a battery on + Nook’s Hill, so near the enemy that it was impossible for them to remain + in Boston any longer.” + </p> + <p> + “Hurrah! Hurrah!” cried Charley, clapping his hands triumphantly. “I wish + I had been there to see how sheepish the Englishmen looked.” + </p> + <p> + And as Grandfather thought that Boston had never witnessed a more + interesting period than this, when the royal power was in its death agony, + he determined to take a peep into the town and imagine the feelings of + those who were quitting it forever. + </p> + <p> + <a name="link2HCH0030" id="link2HCH0030"> + <!-- H2 anchor --> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h2> + CHAPTER IX. THE TORY’S FAREWELL. + </h2> + <p> + “ALAS for the poor tories!” said Grandfather. “Until the very last morning + after Washington’s troops had shown themselves on Nook’s Hill, these + unfortunate persons could not believe that the audacious rebels, as they + called the Americans, would ever prevail against King George’s army. But + when they saw the British soldiers preparing to embark on board of the + ships of war, then they knew that they had lost their country. Could the + patriots have known how bitter were their regrets, they would have + forgiven them all their evil deeds, and sent a blessing after them as they + sailed away from their native shore.” + </p> + <p> + In order to make the children sensible of the pitiable condition of these + men, Grandfather singled out Peter Oliver, chief justice of Massachusetts + under the crown, and imagined him walking through the streets of Boston on + the morning before he left it forever. + </p> + <p> + This effort of Grandfather’s fancy may be called the Tory’s Farewell. + </p> + <p> + Old Chief Justice Oliver threw on his red cloak, and placed his + three-cornered hat on the top of his white wig. In this garb he intended + to go forth and take a parting look at objects that had been familiar to + him from his youth. Accordingly, he began his walk in the north part of + the town, and soon came to Faneuil Hall. This edifice, the cradle of + liberty, had been used by the British officers as a playhouse. + </p> + <p> + “Would that I could see its walls crumble to dust!” thought the chief + justice; and, in the bitterness of his heart, he shook his fist at the + famous hall. “There began the mischief which now threatens to rend asunder + the British empire. The seditious harangues of demagogues in Faneuil Hall + have made rebels of a loyal people and deprived me of my country.” + </p> + <p> + He then passed through a narrow avenue and found himself in King Street, + almost on the very spot which, six years before, had been reddened by the + blood of the Boston massacre. The chief justice stepped cautiously, and + shuddered, as if he were afraid that, even now, the gore of his + slaughtered countrymen might stain his feet. + </p> + <p> + Before him rose the Town House, on the front of which were still displayed + the royal arms. Within that edifice he had dispensed justice to the people + in the days when his name was never mentioned without honor. There, too, + was the balcony whence the trumpet had been sounded and the proclamation + read to an assembled multitude, whenever a new king of England ascended + the throne. + </p> + <p> + “I remember—I remember,” said Chief Justice Oliver to himself, “when + his present most sacred Majesty was proclaimed. Then how the people + shouted! Each man would have poured out his life-blood to keep a hair of + King George’s head from harm. But now there is scarcely a tongue in all + New England that does not imprecate curses on his name. It is ruin and + disgrace to love him. Can it be possible that a few fleeting years have + wrought such a change?” + </p> + <p> + It did not occur to the chief justice that nothing but the most grievous + tyranny could so soon have changed the people’s hearts. Hurrying from the + spot, he entered Cornhill, as the lower part of Washington Street was then + called. Opposite to the Town House was the waste foundation of the Old + North Church. The sacrilegious hands of the British soldiers had torn it + down, and kindled their barrack fires with the fragments. + </p> + <p> + Farther on he passed beneath the tower of the Old South. The threshold of + this sacred edifice was worn by the iron tramp of horses’ feet; for the + interior had been used as a riding-school and rendezvous for a regiment of + dragoons. As the chief justice lingered an instant at the door a trumpet + sounded within, and the regiment came clattering forth and galloped down + the street. They were proceeding to the place of embarkation. + </p> + <p> + “Let them go!” thought the chief justice, with somewhat of an old Puritan + feeling in his breast. “No good can come of men who desecrate the house of + God.” + </p> + <p> + He went on a few steps farther, and paused before the Province House. No + range of brick stores had then sprung up to hide the mansion of the royal + governors from public view. It had a spacious courtyard, bordered with + trees, and enclosed with a wrought-iron fence. On the cupola that + surmounted the edifice was the gilded figure of an Indian chief, ready to + let fly an arrow from his bow. Over the wide front door was a balcony, in + which the chief justice had often stood when the governor and high + officers of the province showed themselves to the people. + </p> + <p> + While Chief Justice Oliver gazed sadly at the Province House, before which + a sentinel was pacing, the double leaves of the door were thrown open, and + Sir William Howe made his appearance. Behind him came a throng of + officers, whose steel scabbards clattered against the stones as they + hastened down the court-yard. Sir William Howe was a dark-complexioned + man, stern and haughty in his deportment. He stepped as proudly in that + hour of defeat as if he were going to receive the submission of the rebel + general. + </p> + <p> + The chief justice bowed and accosted him. + </p> + <p> + “This is a grievous hour for both of us, Sir William,” said he. + </p> + <p> + “Forward! gentlemen,” said Sir William Howe to the officers who attended + him; “we have no time to hear lamentations now.” + </p> + <p> + And, coldly bowing, he departed. Thus the chief justice had a foretaste of + the mortifications which the exiled New-Englanders afterwards suffered + from the haughty Britons. They were despised even by that country which + they had served more faithfully than their own. + </p> + <p> + A still heavier trial awaited Chief Justice Oliver, as he passed onward + from the Province House. He was recognized by the people in the street. + They had long known him as the descendant of an ancient and honorable + family. They had seen him sitting in his scarlet robes upon the + judgment-seat. All his life long, either for the sake of his ancestors or + on account of his own dignified station and unspotted character, he had + been held in high respect. The old gentry of the province were looked upon + almost as noblemen while Massachusetts was under royal government. + </p> + <p> + But now all hereditary reverence for birth and rank was gone. The + inhabitants shouted in derision when they saw the venerable form of the + old chief justice. They laid the wrongs of the country and their own + sufferings during the siege—their hunger, cold, and sickness—partly + to his charge and to that of his brother Andrew and his kinsman + Hutchinson. It was by their advice that the king had acted in all the + colonial troubles. But the day of recompense was come. + </p> + <p> + “See the old tory!” cried the people, with bitter laughter. “He is taking + his last look at us. Let him show his white wig among us an hour hence, + and we’ll give him a coat of tar and feathers!” + </p> + <p> + The chief justice, however, knew that he need fear no violence so long as + the British troops were in possession of the town. But, alas! it was a + bitter thought that he should leave no loving memory behind him. His + forefathers, long after their spirits left the earth, had been honored in + the affectionate remembrance of the people. But he, who would henceforth + be dead to his native land, would have no epitaph save scornful and + vindictive words. The old man wept. + </p> + <p> + “They curse me, they invoke all kinds of evil on my head!” thought he, in + the midst of his tears. “But, if they could read my heart, they would know + that I love New England well. Heaven bless her, and bring her again under + the rule of our gracious king! A blessing, too, on these poor, misguided + people!” + </p> + <p> + The chief justice flung out his hands with a gesture, as if he were + bestowing a parting benediction on his countrymen. He had now reached the + southern portion of the town, and was far within the range of cannon-shot + from the American batteries. Close beside him was the bread stump of a + tree, which appeared to have been recently cut down. Being weary and heavy + at heart, he was about to sit down upon the stump. + </p> + <p> + Suddenly it flashed upon his recollection that this was the stump of + Liberty Tree! The British soldiers had cut it down, vainly boasting that + they could as easily overthrow the liberties of America. Under its shadowy + branches, ten years before, the brother of Chief Justice Oliver had been + compelled to acknowledge the supremacy of the people by taking the oath + which they prescribed. This tree was connected with all the events that + had severed America from England. + </p> + <p> + “Accursed tree!” cried the chief justice, gnashing his teeth; for anger + overcame his sorrow. “Would that thou hadst been left standing till + Hancock, Adams, and every other traitor, were hanged upon thy branches! + Then fitly mightest thou have been hewn down and cast into the flames.” + </p> + <p> + He turned back, hurried to Long Wharf without looking behind him, embarked + with the British troops for Halifax, and never saw his country more. + Throughout the remainder of his days Chief Justice Oliver was agitated + with those same conflicting emotions that had tortured him while taking + his farewell walk through the streets of Boston. Deep love and fierce + resentment burned in one flame within his breast, Anathemas struggled with + benedictions. He felt as if one breath of his native air would renew his + life, yet would have died rather than breathe the same air with rebels. + And such likewise were the feelings of the other exiles, a thousand in + number, who departed with the British army. Were they not the most + unfortunate of men? + </p> + <p> + “The misfortunes of those exiled tories,” observed Laurence, “must have + made them think of the poor exiles of Acadia.” + </p> + <p> + “They had a sad time of it, I suppose,” said Charley. “But I choose to + rejoice with the patriots, rather than be sorrowful with the tories. + Grandfather, what did General Washington do now?” + </p> + <p> + “As the rear of the British army embarked from the wharf,” replied + Grandfather, “General Washington’s troops marched over the Neck, through + the fortification gates, and entered Boston in triumph. And now, for the + first time since the Pilgrims landed, Massachusetts was free from the + dominion of England. May she never again be subjected to foreign rule,—never + again feel the rod of oppression!” + </p> + <p> + “Dear Grandfather,” asked little Alice, “did General Washington bring our + chair back to Boston?” + </p> + <p> + “I know not how long the chair remained at Cambridge,” said Grandfather. + “Had it stayed there till this time, it could not have found a better or + more appropriate shelter, The mansion which General Washington occupied is + still standing, and his apartments have since been tenanted by several + eminent men. Governor Everett, while a professor in the University, + resided there. So at an after period did Mr. Sparks, whose invaluable + labors have connected his name with the immortality of Washington. And at + this very time a venerable friend and contemporary of your Grandfather, + after long pilgrimages beyond the sea, has set up his staff of rest at + Washington’s headquarters.” + </p> + <p> + “You mean Professor Longfellow, Grandfather,” said Laurence. “Oh, how I + should love to see the author of those beautiful Voices of the Night!” + </p> + <p> + “We will visit him next summer,” answered Grandfather, “and take Clara and + little Alice with us,—and Charley, too, if he will be quiet.” + </p> + <p> + <a name="link2HCH0031" id="link2HCH0031"> + <!-- H2 anchor --> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h2> + CHAPTER X. THE WAR FOR INDEPENDENCE. + </h2> + <p> + WHEN Grandfather resumed his narrative the next evening, he told the + children that he had some difficulty in tracing the movements of the chair + during a short period after General Washington’s departure from Cambridge. + </p> + <p> + Within a few months, however, it made its appearance at a shop in Boston, + before the door of which was seen a striped pole. In the interior was + displayed a stuffed alligator, a rattlesnake’s skin, a bundle of Indian + arrows, an old-fashioned matchlock gun, a walking-stick of Governor + Winthrop’s, a wig of old Cotton Mather’s, and a colored print of the + Boston massacre. In short, it was a barber’s shop, kept by a Mr. Pierce, + who prided himself on having shaved General Washington, Old Put, and many + other famous persons. + </p> + <p> + “This was not a very dignified situation for our venerable chair,” + continued Grandfather; “but, you know, there is no better place for news + than a barber’s shop. All the events of the Revolutionary War were heard + of there sooner than anywhere else. People used to sit in the chair, + reading the newspaper, or talking, and waiting to be shaved, while Mr. + Pierce, with his scissors and razor, was at work upon the heads or chins + of his other customers.” + </p> + <p> + “I am sorry the chair could not betake itself to some more suitable place + of refuge,” said Laurence. + </p> + <p> + “It was old now, and must have longed for quiet. Besides, after it had + held Washington in its arms, it ought not to have been compelled to + receive all the world. It should have been put into the pulpit of the Old + South Church, or some other consecrated place.” + </p> + <p> + “Perhaps so,” answered Grandfather. “But the chair, in the course of its + varied existence, had grown so accustomed to general intercourse with + society, that I doubt whether it would have contented itself in the pulpit + of the Old South. There it would have stood solitary, or with no livelier + companion than the silent organ, in the opposite gallery, six days out of + seven. I incline to think that it had seldom been situated more to its + mind than on the sanded floor of the snug little barber’s shop.” + </p> + <p> + Then Grandfather amused his children and himself with fancying all the + different sorts of people who had occupied our chair while they awaited + the leisure Of the barber. + </p> + <p> + There was the old clergyman, such as Dr. Chauncey, wearing a white wig, + which the barber took from his head and placed upon a wig-block. Half an + hour, perhaps, was spent in combing and powdering this reverend appendage + to a clerical skull. There, too, were officers of the Continental army, + who required their hair to be pomatumed and plastered, so as to give them + a bold and martial aspect. There, once in a while, was seen the thin, + care-worn, melancholy visage of an old tory, with a Wig that, in times + long past, had perhaps figured at a Province House ball. And there, not + unfrequently, sat the rough captain of a privateer, just returned from a + successful cruise, in which he had captured half a dozen richly laden + vessels belonging to King George’s subjects. And sometimes a rosy little + school-boy climbed into our chair, and sat staring, with wide-open eyes, + at the alligator, the rattlesnake, and the other curiosities of the + barber’s shop. His mother had sent him, with sixpence in his hand, to get + his glossy curls cropped off. The incidents of the Revolution plentifully + supplied the barber’s customers with topics of conversation. They talked + sorrowfully of the death of General Montgomery and the failure of our + troops to take Quebec; for the New-Englanders were now as anxious to get + Canada from the English as they had formerly been to conquer it from the + French. + </p> + <p> + “But very soon,” said Grandfather, “came news from Philadelphia, the most + important that America had ever heard of. On the 4th of July, 1776, + Congress had signed the Declaration of Independence. The thirteen colonies + were now free and independent States. Dark as our prospects were, the + inhabitants welcomed these glorious tidings, and resolved to perish rather + than again bear the yoke of England.” + </p> + <p> + “And I would perish, too!” cried Charley. + </p> + <p> + “It was a great day,—a glorious deed!” said Laurence, coloring high + with enthusiasm. “And, Grandfather, I love to think that the sages in + Congress showed themselves as bold and true as the soldiers in the field; + for it must have required more courage to sign the Declaration of + Independence than to fight the enemy in battle.” + </p> + <p> + Grandfather acquiesced in Laurence’s view of the matter. He then touched + briefly and hastily upon the prominent events of the Revolution. The + thunderstorm of war had now rolled southward, and did not again burst upon + Massachusetts, where its first fury had been felt. But she contributed her + full share. So the success of the contest. Wherever a battle was fought,—whether + at Long Island, White Plains, Trenton, Princeton, Brandywine, or + Germantown,—some of her brave sons were found slain upon the field. + </p> + <p> + In October, 1777, General Burgoyne surrendered his army, at Saratoga, to + the American general, Gates. The captured troops were sent to + Massachusetts. Not long afterwards Dr. Franklin and other American + commissioners made a treaty at Paris, by which France bound herself to + assist our countrymen. The gallant Lafayette was already fighting for our + freedom by the side of Washington. In 1778 a French fleet, commanded by + Count d’Estaing, spent a considerable time in Boston harbor. It marks the + vicissitudes of human affairs, that the French, our ancient enemies, + should come hither as comrades and brethren, and that kindred England + should be our foe. + </p> + <p> + “While the war was raging in the Middle and Southern States,” proceeded + Grandfather, “Massachusetts had leisure to settle a new constitution of + government instead of the royal charter. This was done in 1780. In the + same year John Hancock, who had been president of Congress, was chosen + governor of the State. He was the first whom the people had elected since + the days of old Simon Bradstreet.” + </p> + <p> + “But, Grandfather, who had been governor since the British were driven + away?” inquired Laurence. “General Gage and Sir William Howe were the last + whom you have told us of.” + </p> + <p> + “There had been no governor for the last four years,” replied Grandfather. + “Massachusetts had been ruled by the Legislature, to whom the people paid + obedience of their own accord. It is one of the most remarkable + circumstances in our history, that, when the charter government was + overthrown by the war, no anarchy nor the slightest confusion ensued, This + was a great honor to the people. But now Hancock was proclaimed governor + by sound of trumpet; and there was again a settled government.” + </p> + <p> + Grandfather again adverted to the progress of the war. In 1781 General + Greene drove the British from the Southern States. In October of the same + year General Washington compelled Lord Cornwallis to surrender his army, + at Yorktown, in Virginia. This was the last great event of the + Revolutionary contest. King George and his ministers perceived that all + the might of England could not compel America to renew her allegiance to + the crown. After a great deal of discussion, a treaty of peace was signed + in September, 1783. + </p> + <p> + “Now, at last,” said Grandfather, “after weary years of war, the regiments + of Massachusetts returned in peace to their families. Now the stately and + dignified leaders, such as General Lincoln and General Knox, with their + powdered hair and their uniforms of blue and buff, were seen moving about + the streets.” + </p> + <p> + “And little boys ran after them, I suppose,” remarked Charley; “and the + grown people bowed respectfully.” + </p> + <p> + “They deserved respect; for they were good men as well as brave,” answered + Grandfather. “Now, too, the inferior officers and privates came home to + seek some peaceful occupation. Their friends remembered them as slender + and smooth-checked young men; but they returned with the erect and rigid + mien of disciplined soldiers. Some hobbled on crutches and wooden legs; + others had received wounds, which were still rankling in their breasts. + Many, alas! had fallen in battle, and perhaps were left unburied on the + bloody field.” + </p> + <p> + “The country must have been sick of war,” observed Laurence. + </p> + <p> + “One would have thought so,” said Grandfather. “Yet only two or three + years elapsed before the folly of some misguided men caused another + mustering of soldiers. This affair was called Shays’s war, because a + Captain Shays was the chief leader of the insurgents.” + </p> + <p> + “Oh Grandfather, don’t let there be another war!” cried little Alice, + piteously. + </p> + <p> + Grandfather comforted his dear little girl by assuring her that there was + no great mischief done. Shays’s war happened in the latter part of 1786 + and the beginning of the following year. Its principal cause was the + badness of times. The State of Massachusetts, in its public capacity, was + very much in debt. So likewise were many of the people. An insurrection + took place, the object of which seems to have been to interrupt the course + of law and get rid of debts and taxes. + </p> + <p> + James Bowdoin, a good and able man, was now governor of Massachusetts. He + sent General Lincoln, at the head of four thousand men, to put down the + insurrection. This general, who had fought through several hard campaigns + in the Revolution, managed matters like an old soldier, and totally + defeated the rebels at the expense of very little blood. + </p> + <p> + “There is but one more public event to be recorded in the history of our + chair,” proceeded Grandfather. “In the year 1794 Samuel Adams was elected + governor of Massachusetts. I have told you what a distinguished patriot he + was, and how much he resembled the stern old Puritans. Could the ancient + freemen of Massachusetts who lived in the days of the first charter have + arisen from their graves, they would probably have voted for Samuel Adams + to be governor.” + </p> + <p> + “Well, Grandfather, I hope he sat in our chair,” said Clara. + </p> + <p> + “He did,” replied Grandfather. “He had long been in the habit of visiting + the barber’s shop, where our venerable chair, philosophically forgetful of + its former dignities, had now spent nearly eighteen not uncomfortable + years. Such a remarkable piece of furniture, so evidently a relic of + long-departed times, could not escape the notice of Samuel Adams. He made + minute researches into its history, and ascertained what a succession of + excellent and famous people had occupied it.” + </p> + <p> + “How did he find it out?” asked Charley; “for I suppose the chair could + not tell its own history.” + </p> + <p> + “There used to be a vast collection of ancient letters and other documents + in the tower of the Old South Church,” answered Grandfather. “Perhaps the + history of our chair was contained among these. At all events, Samuel + Adams appears to have been well acquainted with it. When he became + governor, he felt that he could have no more honorable seat than that + which had been the ancient chair of state. He therefore purchased it for a + trifle, and filled it worthily for three years as governor of + Massachusetts.” “And what next?” asked Charley. + </p> + <p> + “That is all,” said Grandfather, heaving a sigh; for he could not help + being a little sad at the thought that his stories must close here. + “Samuel Adams died in 1803, at the age of above threescore and ten. He was + a great patriot, but a poor man. At his death he left scarcely property + enough to pay the expenses of his funeral. This precious chair, among his + other effects, was sold at auction; and your Grandfather, who was then in + the strength of his years, became the purchaser.” + </p> + <p> + Laurence, with a mind full of thoughts that struggled for expression, but + could find none, looked steadfastly at the chair. + </p> + <p> + He had now learned all its history, yet was not satisfied. + </p> + <p> + “Oh, how I wish that the chair could speak!” cried he. “After its long + intercourse with mankind,—after looking upon the world for ages,—what + lessons of golden wisdom it might utter! It might teach a private person + how to lead a good and happy life, or a statesman how to make his country + prosperous.” + </p> + <p> + <a name="link2HCH0032" id="link2HCH0032"> + <!-- H2 anchor --> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h2> + CHAPTER XI. GRANDFATHER’S DREAM. + </h2> + <p> + GRANDFATHER was struck by Laurence’s idea that the historic chair should + utter a voice, and thus pour forth the collected wisdom of two centuries. + The old gentleman had once possessed no inconsiderable share of fancy; and + even now its fading sunshine occasionally glimmered among his more sombre + reflections. + </p> + <p> + As the history of his chair had exhausted all his facts, Grandfather + determined to have recourse to fable. So, after warning the children that + they must not mistake this story for a true one, he related what we shall + call Grandfather’s Dream. + </p> + <p> + Laurence and Clara, where were you last night? Where were you, Charley, + and dear little Alice? You had all gone to rest, and left old Grandfather + to meditate alone in his great chair. The lamp had grown so dim that its + light hardly illuminated the alabaster shade. The wood-fire had crumbled + into heavy embers, among which the little flames danced, and quivered, and + sported about like fairies. + </p> + <p> + And here sat Grandfather all by himself. He knew that it was bedtime; yet + he could not help longing to hear your merry voices, or to hold a + comfortable chat with some old friend; because then his pillow would be + visited by pleasant dreams. But, as neither children nor friends were at + hand, Grandfather leaned back in the great chair and closed his eyes, for + the sake of meditating more profoundly. + </p> + <p> + And, when Grandfather’s meditations had grown very profound indeed, he + fancied that he heard a sound over his head, as if somebody were preparing + to speak. + </p> + <p> + “Hem!” it said, in a dry, husky tone. “H-e-m! Hem!” + </p> + <p> + As Grandfather did not know that any person was in the room, he started up + in great surprise, and peeped hither and thither, behind the chair, and + into the recess by the fireside, and at the dark nook yonder near the + bookcase. Nobody could be seen. + </p> + <p> + “Poh!” said Grandfather to himself, “I must have been dreaming.” + </p> + <p> + But, just as he was going to resume his seat, Grandfather happened to look + at the great chair. The rays of firelight were flickering upon it in such + a manner that it really seemed as if its oaken frame were all alive. What! + did it not move its elbow? There, too! It certainly lifted one of its + ponderous fore legs, as if it had a notion of drawing itself a little + nearer to the fire. Meanwhile the lion’s head nodded at Grandfather with + as polite and sociable a look as a lion’s visage, carved in oak, could + possibly be expected to assume. Well, this is strange! + </p> + <p> + “Good evening, my old friend,” said the dry and husky voice, now a little + clearer than before. “We have been intimately acquainted so long that I + think it high time we have a chat together.” + </p> + <p> + Grandfather was looking straight at the lion’s head, and could not be + mistaken in supposing that it moved its lips. So here the mystery was all + explained. + </p> + <p> + “I was not aware,” said Grandfather, with a civil salutation to his oaken + companion, “that you possessed the faculty of speech. Otherwise I should + often have been glad to converse with such a solid, useful, and + substantial if not brilliant member of society.” + </p> + <p> + “Oh!” replied the ancient chair, in a quiet and easy tone, for it had now + cleared its throat of the dust of ages, “I am naturally a silent and + incommunicative sort of character. Once or twice in the course of a + century I unclose my lips. When the gentle Lady Arbella departed this life + I uttered a groan. When the honest mint-master weighed his plump daughter + against the pine-tree shillings I chuckled audibly at the joke. When old + Simon Bradstreet took the place of the tyrant Andros I joined in the + general huzza, and capered on my wooden legs for joy. To be sure, the + by-standers were so fully occupied with their own feelings that my + sympathy was quite unnoticed.” + </p> + <p> + “And have you often held a private chat with your friends?” asked + Grandfather. + </p> + <p> + “Not often,” answered the chair. “I once talked with Sir William Phips, + and communicated my ideas about the witchcraft delusion. Cotton Mather had + several conversations with me, and derived great benefit from my + historical reminiscences. In the days of the Stamp Act I whispered in the + ear of Hutchinson, bidding him to remember what stock his countrymen were + descended of, and to think whether the spirit of their forefathers had + utterly departed from them. The last man whom I favored with a colloquy + was that stout old republican, Samuel Adams.” + </p> + <p> + “And how happens it,” inquired Grandfather, “that there is no record nor + tradition of your conversational abilities? It is an uncommon thing to + meet with a chair that can talk.” + </p> + <p> + “Why, to tell you the truth,” said the chair, giving itself a hitch nearer + to the hearth, “I am not apt to choose the most suitable moments for + unclosing my lips. Sometimes I have inconsiderately begun to speak, when + my occupant, lolling back in my arms, was inclined to take an after-dinner + nap. Or perhaps the impulse to talk may be felt at midnight, when the lamp + burns dim and the fire crumbles into decay, and the studious or thoughtful + man finds that his brain is in a mist. Oftenest I have unwisely uttered my + wisdom in the ears of sick persons, when the inquietude of fever made them + toss about upon my cushion. And so it happens, that though my words make a + pretty strong impression at the moment, yet my auditors invariably + remember them only as a dream. I should not wonder if you, my excellent + friend, were to do the same to-morrow morning.” + </p> + <p> + “Nor I either,” thought Grandfather to himself. However, he thanked this + respectable old chair for beginning the conversation, and begged to know + whether it had anything particular to communicate. + </p> + <p> + “I have been listening attentively to your narrative of my adventures,” + replied the chair; “and it must be owned that your correctness entitles + you to be held up as a pattern to biographers. Nevertheless, there are a + few omissions which I should be glad to see supplied. For instance, you + make no mention of the good knight Sir Richard Saltonstall, nor of the + famous Hugh Peters, nor of those old regicide judges, Whalley, Goffe, and + Dixwell. Yet I have borne the weight of all those distinguished characters + at one time or another.” + </p> + <p> + Grandfather promised amendment if ever he should have an opportunity to + repeat his narrative. The good old chair, which still seemed to retain a + due regard for outward appearance, then reminded him how long a time had + passed since it had been provided with a new cushion. It likewise + expressed the opinion that the oaken figures on its back would show to + much better advantage by the aid of a little varnish. + </p> + <p> + “And I have had a complaint in this joint,” continued the chair, + endeavoring to lift one of its legs, “ever since Charley trundled his + wheelbarrow against me.” + </p> + <p> + “It shall be attended to,” said Grandfather. + </p> + <p> + “And now, venerable chair, I have a favor to solicit. During an existence + of more than two centuries you have had a familiar intercourse with men + who were esteemed the wisest of their day. Doubtless, with your capacious + understanding, you have treasured up many an invaluable lesson of wisdom. + You certainly have had time enough to guess the riddle of life. Tell us, + poor mortals, then, how we may be happy.” + </p> + <p> + The lion’s head fixed its eyes thoughtfully upon the fire, and the whole + chair assumed an aspect of deep meditation. Finally it beckoned to + Grandfather with its elbow, and made a step sideways towards him, as if it + had a very important secret to communicate. + </p> + <p> + “As long as I have stood in the midst of human affairs,” said the chair, + with a very oracular enunciation, “I have constantly observed that + Justice, Truth, and Love are the chief ingredients of every happy life.” + </p> + <p> + “Justice, Truth, and Love!” exclaimed Grandfather. “We need not exist two + centuries to find out that these qualities are essential to our happiness. + This is no secret. Every human being is born with the instinctive + knowledge of it.” + </p> + <p> + “Ah!” cried the chair, drawing back in surprise. “From what I have + observed of the dealings of man with man, and nation with nation, I never + should have suspected that they knew this all-important secret. And, with + this eternal lesson written in your soul, do you ask me to sift new wisdom + for you out of my petty existence of two or three centuries?” + </p> + <p> + “But, my dear chair “—said Grandfather. + </p> + <p> + “Not a word more,” interrupted the chair; “here I close my lips for the + next hundred years. At the end of that period, if I shall have discovered + any new precepts of happiness better than what Heaven has already taught + you, they shall assuredly be given to the world.” + </p> + <p> + In the energy of its utterance the oaken chair seemed to stamp its foot, + and trod (we hope unintentionally) upon Grandfather’s toe. The old + gentleman started, and found that he had been asleep in the great chair, + and that his heavy walking-stick had fallen down across his foot. + </p> + <p> + “Grandfather,” cried little Alice, clapping her hand, “you must dream a + new dream every night about our chair!” + </p> + <p> + Laurence, and Clara, and Charley said the same. But the good old gentleman + shook his head, and declared that here ended the history, real or + fabulous, of GRANDFATHER’S CHAIR. + </p> + <p> + <a name="link2H_APPE3" id="link2H_APPE3"> + <!-- H2 anchor --> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h2> + APPENDIX TO PART III. + </h2> + <h3> + A LETTER FROM GOVERNOR HUTCHINSON NARRATING THE DOINGS OF THE MOB. + </h3> + <p> + TO RICHARD JACKSON. + </p> + <p> + BOSTON, Aug. 30, 1765. + </p> + <p> + MY DEAR SIR, I came from my house at Milton, the 26 in the morning. After + dinner it was whispered in town there would be a mob at night, and that + Paxton, Hallowell, the custom-house, and admiralty officers’ houses would + be attacked; but my friends assured me that the rabble were satisfied with + the insult I had received and that I was become rather popular. In the + evening, whilst I was at supper and my children round me, somebody ran in + and said the mob were coming. I directed my children to fly to a secure + place, and shut up my house as I had done before, intending not to quit + it; but my eldest daughter repented her leaving me, hastened back, and + protested she would not quit the house unless I did. I could n’t stand + against this, and withdrew with her to a neighboring house, where I had + been but a few minutes before the hellish crew fell upon my house with the + rage of devils, and in a moment with axes split down the doors and + entered. My son being in the great entry heard them cry: “Damn him, he is + upstairs, we’ll have him.” Some ran immediately as high as the top of the + house, others filled the rooms below and cellars, and others remained + without the house to be employed there. + </p> + <p> + Messages soon came one after another to the house where I was, to inform + me the mob were coming in pursuit of me, and I was obliged to retire + through yards and gardens to a house more remote, where I remained until 4 + o’clock, by which time one of the best finished houses in the Province had + nothing remaining but the bare walls and floors. Not contented with + tearing off all the wainscot and hangings, and splitting the doors to + pieces, they beat down the partition walls; and although that alone cost + them near two hours, they cut down the cupola or lanthorn, and they began + to take the slate and boards from the roof, and were prevented only by the + approaching daylight from a total demolition of the building. The + garden-house was laid flat, and all my trees, etc., broke down to the + ground. + </p> + <p> + Such ruin was never seen in America. Besides my plate and family pictures, + household furniture of every kind, my own, my children’s, and servants’ + apparel, they carried off about £900 sterling in money, and emptied the + house of everything whatsoever, except a part of the kitchen furniture, + not leaving a single book or paper in it, and have scattered or destroyed + all the manuscripts and other papers I had been collecting for thirty + years together, besides a great number of public papers in my custody. The + evening being warm, I had undressed me and put on a thin camlet surtout + over my waistcoat. The next morning, the weather being changed, I had not + clothes enough in my possession to defend me from the cold, and was + obliged to borrow from my friends. Many articles of clothing and a good + part of my plate have since been picked up in different quarters of the + town, lint the furniture in general was cut to pieces before it was thrown + out of the house, and most of the beds cut open, and the feathers thrown + out of the windows. The next evening, I intended with my children to + Milton, but meeting two or three small parties of the ruffians, who I + suppose had concealed themselves in the country, and my coachman hearing + one of them say, “There he is!” my daughters were terrified and said they + should never be safe, and I was forced to shelter them that night at the + Castle. + </p> + <p> + The encouragers of the first mob never intended matters should go this + length, and the people in general expressed the utter detestation of this + unparalleled outrage, and I wish they could be convinced what infinite + hazard there is of the most terrible consequences from such demons, when + they are let loose in a government where there is not constant authority + at hand sufficient to suppress them. I am told the government here will + make me a compensation for my own and my family’s loss, which I think + cannot be much less than £3,000 sterling. I am not sure that they will. If + they should not, it will be too heavy for me, and I must humbly apply to + his majesty in whose service I am a sufferer; but this, and a much greater + sum would be an insufficient compensation for the constant distress and + anxiety of mind I have felt for some time past, and must feel for months + to come. You cannot conceive the wretched state we are in. Such is the + resentment of the people against the Stamp-Duty, that there can be no + dependence upon the General Court to take any steps to enforce, or rather + advise, to the payment of it. On the other hand, such will be the effects + of not submitting to it, that all trade must cease, all courts fall, and + all authority be at an end. Must not the ministry be excessively + embarrassed? On the one hand, it will be said, if concessions are made, + the Parliament endanger the loss of their authority over the Colony: on + the other hand, if external forces should be used, there seems to be + danger of a total lasting alienation of affection. Is there no + alternative? May the infinitely wise God direct you. + </p> + <p> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </p> +<pre xml:space="preserve"> + + + + + +End of Project Gutenberg’s Grandfather’s Chair, by Nathaniel Hawthorne + +*** END OF THIS PROJECT GUTENBERG EBOOK GRANDFATHER’S CHAIR *** + +***** This file should be named 1926-h.htm or 1926-h.zip ***** +This and all associated files of various formats will be found in: + http://www.gutenberg.org/1/9/2/1926/ + +Produced by An Anonymous Volunteer, and David Widger + +Updated editions will replace the previous one--the old editions +will be renamed. + +Creating the works from public domain print editions means that no +one owns a United States copyright in these works, so the Foundation +(and you!) can copy and distribute it in the United States without +permission and without paying copyright royalties. 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