For information concerning all the countries of the West which have not been visited by Europeans, consult the account of two expeditions undertaken at the expense of Congress by Major Long. This traveller particularly mentions, on the subject of the great American desert, that a line may be drawn1 nearly parallel to the 20th degree of longitude2 *a (meridian3 of Washington), beginning from the Red River and ending at the River Platte. From this imaginary line to the Rocky Mountains, which bound the valley of the Mississippi on the west, lie immense plains, which are almost entirely4 covered with sand, incapable5 of cultivation6, or scattered7 over with masses of granite8. In summer, these plains are quite destitute9 of water, and nothing is to be seen on them but herds10 of buffaloes11 and wild horses. Some hordes12 of Indians are also found there, but in no great numbers. Major Long was told that in travelling northwards from the River Platte you find the same desert lying constantly on the left; but he was unable to ascertain14 the truth of this report. However worthy15 of confidence may be the narrative16 of Major Long, it must be remembered that he only passed through the country of which he speaks, without deviating17 widely from the line which he had traced out for his journey.
a
[ The 20th degree of longitude, according to the meridian of Washington, agrees very nearly with the 97th degree on the meridian of Greenwich.]
Appendix B
South America, in the region between the tropics, produces an incredible profusion18 of climbing plants, of which the flora19 of the Antilles alone presents us with forty different species. Among the most graceful20 of these shrubs21 is the passion-flower, which, according to Descourtiz, grows with such luxuriance in the Antilles, as to climb trees by means of the tendrils with which it is provided, and form moving bowers22 of rich and elegant festoons, decorated with blue and purple flowers, and fragrant23 with perfume. The Mimosa scandens (Acacia a grandes gousses) is a creeper of enormous and rapid growth, which climbs from tree to tree, and sometimes covers more than half a league.
Appendix C
The languages which are spoken by the Indians of America, from the Pole to Cape24 Horn, are said to be all formed upon the same model, and subject to the same grammatical rules; whence it may fairly be concluded that all the Indian nations sprang from the same stock. Each tribe of the American continent speaks a different dialect; but the number of languages, properly so called, is very small, a fact which tends to prove that the nations of the New World had not a very remote origin. Moreover, the languages of America have a great degree of regularity25, from which it seems probable that the tribes which employ them had not undergone any great revolutions, or been incorporated voluntarily or by constraint27, with foreign nations. For it is generally the union of several languages into one which produces grammatical irregularities. It is not long since the American languages, especially those of the North, first attracted the serious attention of philologists29, when the discovery was made that this idiom of a barbarous people was the product of a complicated system of ideas and very learned combinations. These languages were found to be very rich, and great pains had been taken at their formation to render them agreeable to the ear. The grammatical system of the Americans differs from all others in several points, but especially in the following:—Some nations of Europe, amongst others the Germans, have the power of combining at pleasure different expressions, and thus giving a complex sense to certain words. The Indians have given a most surprising extension to this power, so as to arrive at the means of connecting a great number of ideas with a single term. This will be easily understood with the help of an example quoted by Mr. Duponceau, in the "Memoirs30 of the Philosophical31 Society of America": A Delaware woman playing with a cat or a young dog, says this writer, is heard to pronounce the word kuligatschis, which is thus composed: k is the sign of the second person, and signifies "thou" or "thy"; uli is a part of the word wulit, which signifies "beautiful," "pretty"; gat is another fragment, of the word wichgat, which means "paw"; and, lastly, schis is a diminutive32 giving the idea of smallness. Thus in one word the Indian woman has expressed "Thy pretty little paw." Take another example of the felicity with which the savages34 of America have composed their words. A young man of Delaware is called pilape. This word is formed from pilsit, "chaste," "innocent"; and lenape, "man"; viz., "man in his purity and innocence35." This facility of combining words is most remarkable36 in the strange formation of their verbs. The most complex action is often expressed by a single verb, which serves to convey all the shades of an idea by the modification37 of its construction. Those who may wish to examine more in detail this subject, which I have only glanced at superficially, should read:—
1. The correspondence of Mr. Duponceau and the Rev26. Mr. Hecwelder relative to the Indian languages, which is to be found in the first volume of the "Memoirs of the Philosophical Society of America," published at Philadelphia, 1819, by Abraham Small; vol. i. p. 356-464.
2. The "Grammar of the Delaware or the Lenape Language," by Geiberger, and the preface of Mr. Duponceau. All these are in the same collection, vol. iii.
3. An excellent account of these works, which is at the end of the sixth volume of the American Encyclopaedia38.
Appendix D
See in Charlevoix, vol. i. p. 235, the history of the first war which the French inhabitants of Canada carried on, in 1610, against the Iroquois. The latter, armed with bows and arrows, offered a desperate resistance to the French and their allies. Charlevoix is not a great painter, yet he exhibits clearly enough, in this narrative, the contrast between the European manners and those of savages, as well as the different way in which the two races of men understood the sense of honor. When the French, says he, seized upon the beaver-skins which covered the Indians who had fallen, the Hurons, their allies, were greatly offended at this proceeding39; but without hesitation40 they set to work in their usual manner, inflicting41 horrid42 cruelties upon the prisoners, and devouring43 one of those who had been killed, which made the Frenchmen shudder44. The barbarians45 prided themselves upon a scrupulousness46 which they were surprised at not finding in our nation, and could not understand that there was less to reprehend47 in the stripping of dead bodies than in the devouring of their flesh like wild beasts. Charlevoix, in another place (vol. i. p. 230), thus describes the first torture of which Champlain was an eyewitness48, and the return of the Hurons into their own village. Having proceeded about eight leagues, says he, our allies halted; and having singled out one of their captives, they reproached him with all the cruelties which he had practised upon the warriors49 of their nation who had fallen into his hands, and told him that he might expect to be treated in like manner; adding, that if he had any spirit he would prove it by singing. He immediately chanted forth50 his death-song, and then his war-song, and all the songs he knew, "but in a very mournful strain," says Champlain, who was not then aware that all savage33 music has a melancholy51 character. The tortures which succeeded, accompanied by all the horrors which we shall mention hereafter, terrified the French, who made every effort to put a stop to them, but in vain. The following night, one of the Hurons having dreamt that they were pursued, the retreat was changed to a real flight, and the savages never stopped until they were out of the reach of danger. The moment they perceived the cabins of their own village, they cut themselves long sticks, to which they fastened the scalps which had fallen to their share, and carried them in triumph. At this sight, the women swam to the canoes, where they received the bloody52 scalps from the hands of their husbands, and tied them round their necks. The warriors offered one of these horrible trophies53 to Champlain; they also presented him with some bows and arrows—the only spoils of the Iroquois which they had ventured to seize—entreating him to show them to the King of France. Champlain lived a whole winter quite alone among these barbarians, without being under any alarm for his person or property.
Appendix E
Although the Puritanical54 strictness which presided over the establishment of the English colonies in America is now much relaxed, remarkable traces of it are still found in their habits and their laws. In 1792, at the very time when the anti-Christian55 republic of France began its ephemeral existence, the legislative56 body of Massachusetts promulgated57 the following law, to compel the citizens to observe the Sabbath. We give the preamble58 and the principal articles of this law, which is worthy of the reader's attention: "Whereas," says the legislator, "the observation of the Sunday is an affair of public interest; inasmuch as it produces a necessary suspension of labor59, leads men to reflect upon the duties of life, and the errors to which human nature is liable, and provides for the public and private worship of God, the creator and governor of the universe, and for the performance of such acts of charity as are the ornament60 and comfort of Christian societies:—Whereas irreligious or light-minded persons, forgetting the duties which the Sabbath imposes, and the benefits which these duties confer on society, are known to profane61 its sanctity, by following their pleasures or their affairs; this way of acting62 being contrary to their own interest as Christians63, and calculated to annoy those who do not follow their example; being also of great injury to society at large, by spreading a taste for dissipation and dissolute manners; Be it enacted64 and ordained65 by the Governor, Council, and Representatives convened66 in General Court of Assembly, that all and every person and persons shall on that day carefully apply themselves to the duties of religion and piety67, that no tradesman or labourer shall exercise his ordinary calling, and that no game or recreation shall be used on the Lord's Day, upon pain of forfeiting68 ten shillings.
"That no one shall travel on that day, or any part thereof, under pain of forfeiting twenty shillings; that no vessel69 shall leave a harbour of the colony; that no persons shall keep outside the meeting-house during the time of public worship, or profane the time by playing or talking, on penalty of five shillings.
"Public-houses shall not entertain any other than strangers or lodgers71, under penalty of five shillings for every person found drinking and abiding72 therein.
"Any person in health, who, without sufficient reason, shall omit to worship God in public during three months, shall be condemned73 to a fine of ten shillings.
"Any person guilty of misbehaviour in a place of public worship, shall be fined from five to forty shillings.
"These laws are to be enforced by the tything-men of each township, who have authority to visit public-houses on the Sunday. The innkeeper who shall refuse them admittance, shall be fined forty shillings for such offence.
"The tything-men are to stop travellers, and require of them their reason for being on the road on Sunday; anyone refusing to answer, shall be sentenced to pay a fine not exceeding five pounds sterling74. If the reason given by the traveller be not deemed by the tything-man sufficient, he may bring the traveller before the justice of the peace of the district." (Law of March 8, 1792; General Laws of Massachusetts, vol. i. p. 410.)
On March 11, 1797, a new law increased the amount of fines, half of which was to be given to the informer. (Same collection, vol. ii. p. 525.) On February 16, 1816, a new law confirmed these same measures. (Same collection, vol. ii. p. 405.) Similar enactments75 exist in the laws of the State of New York, revised in 1827 and 1828. (See Revised Statutes76, Part I. chapter 20, p. 675.) In these it is declared that no one is allowed on the Sabbath to sport, to fish, to play at games, or to frequent houses where liquor is sold. No one can travel, except in case of necessity. And this is not the only trace which the religious strictness and austere77 manners of the first emigrants78 have left behind them in the American laws. In the Revised Statutes of the State of New York, vol. i. p. 662, is the following clause:—
"Whoever shall win or lose in the space of twenty-four hours, by gaming or betting, the sum of twenty-five dollars, shall be found guilty of a misdemeanour, and upon conviction shall be condemned to pay a fine equal to at least five times the value of the sum lost or won; which shall be paid to the inspector79 of the poor of the township. He that loses twenty-five dollars or more may bring an action to recover them; and if he neglects to do so the inspector of the poor may prosecute80 the winner, and oblige him to pay into the poor's box both the sum he has gained and three times as much besides."
The laws we quote from are of recent date; but they are unintelligible81 without going back to the very origin of the colonies. I have no doubt that in our days the penal70 part of these laws is very rarely applied82. Laws preserve their inflexibility83, long after the manners of a nation have yielded to the influence of time. It is still true, however, that nothing strikes a foreigner on his arrival in America more forcibly than the regard paid to the Sabbath. There is one, in particular, of the large American cities, in which all social movements begin to be suspended even on Saturday evening. You traverse its streets at the hour at which you expect men in the middle of life to be engaged in business, and young people in pleasure; and you meet with solitude84 and silence. Not only have all ceased to work, but they appear to have ceased to exist. Neither the movements of industry are heard, nor the accents of joy, nor even the confused murmur85 which arises from the midst of a great city. Chains are hung across the streets in the neighborhood of the churches; the half-closed shutters86 of the houses scarcely admit a ray of sun into the dwellings87 of the citizens. Now and then you perceive a solitary88 individual who glides89 silently along the deserted90 streets and lanes. Next day, at early dawn, the rolling of carriages, the noise of hammers, the cries of the population, begin to make themselves heard again. The city is awake. An eager crowd hastens towards the resort of commerce and industry; everything around you bespeaks91 motion, bustle92, hurry. A feverish93 activity succeeds to the lethargic94 stupor95 of yesterday; you might almost suppose that they had but one day to acquire wealth and to enjoy it.
Appendix F
It is unnecessary for me to say, that in the chapter which has just been read, I have not had the intention of giving a history of America. My only object was to enable the reader to appreciate the influence which the opinions and manners of the first emigrants had exercised upon the fate of the different colonies, and of the union in general. I have therefore confined myself to the quotation96 of a few detached fragments. I do not know whether I am deceived, but it appears to me that, by pursuing the path which I have merely pointed97 out, it would be easy to present such pictures of the American republics as would not be unworthy the attention of the public, and could not fail to suggest to the statesman matter for reflection. Not being able to devote myself to this labor, I am anxious to render it easy to others; and, for this purpose, I subjoin a short catalogue and analysis of the works which seem to me the most important to consult.
At the head of the general documents which it would be advantageous98 to examine I place the work entitled "An Historical Collection of State Papers, and other authentic99 Documents, intended as Materials for a History of the United States of America," by Ebenezer Hasard. The first volume of this compilation100, which was printed at Philadelphia in 1792, contains a literal copy of all the charters granted by the Crown of England to the emigrants, as well as the principal acts of the colonial governments, during the commencement of their existence. Amongst other authentic documents, we here find a great many relating to the affairs of New England and Virginia during this period. The second volume is almost entirely devoted101 to the acts of the Confederation of 1643. This federal compact, which was entered into by the colonies of New England with the view of resisting the Indians, was the first instance of union afforded by the Anglo-Americans. There were besides many other confederations of the same nature, before the famous one of 1776, which brought about the independence of the colonies.
Each colony has, besides, its own historic monuments, some of which are extremely curious; beginning with Virginia, the State which was first peopled. The earliest historian of Virginia was its founder102, Captain John Smith. Captain Smith has left us an octavo volume, entitled "The generall Historie of Virginia and New England, by Captain John Smith, sometymes Governor in those Countryes, and Admirall of New England"; printed at London in 1627. The work is adorned103 with curious maps and engravings of the time when it appeared; the narrative extends from the year 1584 to 1626. Smith's work is highly and deservedly esteemed104. The author was one of the most celebrated105 adventurers of a period of remarkable adventure; his book breathes that ardor106 for discovery, that spirit of enterprise, which characterized the men of his time, when the manners of chivalry107 were united to zeal108 for commerce, and made subservient109 to the acquisition of wealth. But Captain Smith is most remarkable for uniting to the virtues110 which characterized his contemporaries several qualities to which they were generally strangers; his style is simple and concise111, his narratives112 bear the stamp of truth, and his descriptions are free from false ornament. This author throws most valuable light upon the state and condition of the Indians at the time when North America was first discovered.
The second historian to consult is Beverley, who commences his narrative with the year 1585, and ends it with 1700. The first part of his book contains historical documents, properly so called, relative to the infancy113 of the colony. The second affords a most curious picture of the state of the Indians at this remote period. The third conveys very clear ideas concerning the manners, social conditions, laws, and political customs of the Virginians in the author's lifetime. Beverley was a native of Virginia, which occasions him to say at the beginning of his book, that he entreats114 his readers not to exercise their critical severity upon it, since, having been born in the Indies, he does not aspire115 to purity of language. Notwithstanding this colonial modesty116, the author shows throughout his book the impatience117 with which he endures the supremacy118 of the mother-country. In this work of Beverley are also found numerous traces of that spirit of civil liberty which animated119 the English colonies of America at the time when he wrote. He also shows the dissensions which existed among them, and retarded120 their independence. Beverley detests121 his Catholic neighbors of Maryland even more than he hates the English government: his style is simple, his narrative interesting, and apparently122 trustworthy.
I saw in America another work which ought to be consulted, entitled "The History of Virginia," by William Stith. This book affords some curious details, but I thought it long and diffuse123. The most ancient as well as the best document to be consulted on the history of Carolina, is a work in small quarto, entitled "The History of Carolina," by John Lawson, printed at London in 1718. This work contains, in the first part, a journey of discovery in the west of Carolina; the account of which, given in the form of a journal, is in general confused and superficial; but it contains a very striking description of the mortality caused among the savages of that time both by the smallpox124 and the immoderate use of brandy; with a curious picture of the corruption125 of manners prevalent amongst them, which was increased by the presence of Europeans. The second part of Lawson's book is taken up with a description of the physical condition of Carolina, and its productions. In the third part, the author gives an interesting account of the manners, customs, and government of the Indians at that period. There is a good deal of talent and originality126 in this part of the work. Lawson concludes his history with a copy of the charter granted to the Carolinas in the reign28 of Charles II. The general tone of this work is light, and often licentious127, forming a perfect contrast to the solemn style of the works published at the same period in New England. Lawson's history is extremely scarce in America, and cannot be procured128 in Europe. There is, however, a copy of it in the Royal Library at Paris.
From the southern extremity129 of the United States, I pass at once to the northern limit; as the intermediate space was not peopled till a later period. I must first point out a very curious compilation, entitled "Collection of the Massachusetts Historical Society," printed for the first time at Boston in 1792, and reprinted in 1806. The collection of which I speak, and which is continued to the present day, contains a great number of very valuable documents relating to the history of the different States in New England. Among them are letters which have never been published, and authentic pieces which had been buried in provincial130 archives. The whole work of Gookin, concerning the Indians, is inserted there.
I have mentioned several times in the chapter to which this note relates, the work of Nathaniel Norton entitled "New England's Memorial"; sufficiently131, perhaps, to prove that it deserves the attention of those who would be conversant132 with the history of New England. This book is in octavo, and was reprinted at Boston in 1826.
The most valuable and important authority which exists upon the history of New England, is the work of the Rev. Cotton Mather, entitled "Magnalia Christi Americana, or the Ecclesiastical History of New England, 1620-1698, 2 vols. 8vo, reprinted at Hartford, United States, in 1820." *b The author divided his work into seven books. The first presents the history of the events which prepared and brought about the establishment of New England. The second contains the lives of the first governors and chief magistrates133 who presided over the country. The third is devoted to the lives and labors134 of the evangelical ministers who, during the same period, had the care of souls. In the fourth the author relates the institution and progress of the University of Cambridge (Massachusetts). In the fifth he describes the principles and the discipline of the Church of New England. The sixth is taken up in retracing135 certain facts, which, in the opinion of Mather, prove the merciful interposition of Providence136 in behalf of the inhabitants of New England. Lastly, in the seventh, the author gives an account of the heresies137 and the troubles to which the Church of New England was exposed. Cotton Mather was an evangelical minister who was born at Boston, and passed his life there. His narratives are distinguished138 by the same ardor and religious zeal which led to the foundation of the colonies of New England. Traces of bad taste sometimes occur in his manner of writing; but he interests, because he is full of enthusiasm. He is often intolerant, still oftener credulous139, but he never betrays an intention to deceive. Sometimes his book contains fine passages, and true and profound reflections, such as the following:—
"Before the arrival of the Puritans," says he (vol. i. chap. iv.), "there were more than a few attempts of the English to people and improve the parts of New England which were to the northward13 of New Plymouth; but the designs of those attempts being aimed no higher than the advancement140 of some worldly interests, a constant series of disasters has confounded them, until there was a plantation141 erected143 upon the nobler designs of Christianity: and that plantation though it has had more adversaries144 than perhaps any one upon earth, yet, having obtained help from God, it continues to this day." Mather occasionally relieves the austerity of his descriptions with images full of tender feeling: after having spoken of an English lady whose religious ardor had brought her to America with her husband, and who soon after sank under the fatigues145 and privations of exile, he adds, "As for her virtuous146 husband, Isaac Johnson,
He tryed
To live without her, liked it not, and dyed."
b
[ A folio edition of this work was published in London in 1702.]
Mather's work gives an admirable picture of the time and country which he describes. In his account of the motives147 which led the Puritans to seek an asylum148 beyond seas, he says:—"The God of Heaven served, as it were, a summons upon the spirits of his people in the English nation, stirring up the spirits of thousands which never saw the faces of each other, with a most unanimous inclination149 to leave all the pleasant accommodations of their native country, and go over a terrible ocean, into a more terrible desert, for the pure enjoyment150 of all his ordinances151. It is now reasonable that, before we pass any further, the reasons of his undertaking152 should be more exactly made known unto posterity153, especially unto the posterity of those that were the undertakers, lest they come at length to forget and neglect the true interest of New England. Wherefore I shall now transcribe154 some of them from a manuscript, wherein they were then tendered unto consideration:
"General Considerations for the Plantation of New England
"First, It will be a service unto the Church of great consequence, to carry the Gospel unto those parts of the world, and raise a bulwark155 against the kingdom of Antichrist, which the Jesuits labour to rear up in all parts of the world.
"Secondly156, All other Churches of Europe have been brought under desolations; and it may be feared that the like judgments157 are coming upon us; and who knows but God hath provided this place to be a refuge for many whom he means to save out of the general destruction?
"Thirdly, The land grows weary of her inhabitants, insomuch that man, which is the most precious of all creatures, is here more vile158 and base than the earth he treads upon; children, neighbours, and friends, especially the poor, are counted the greatest burdens, which, if things were right, would be the chiefest of earthly blessings159.
"Fourthly, We are grown to that intemperance160 in all excess of riot, as no mean estate almost will suffice a man to keep sail with his equals, and he that fails in it must live in scorn and contempt: hence it comes to pass, that all arts and trades are carried in that deceitful manner and unrighteous course, as it is almost impossible for a good upright man to maintain his constant charge and live comfortably in them.
"Fifthly, The schools of learning and religion are so corrupted161, as (besides the unsupportable charge of education) most children, even the best, wittiest162, and of the fairest hopes, are perverted163, corrupted, and utterly164 overthrown165 by the multitude of evil examples and licentious behaviours in these seminaries.
"Sixthly, The whole earth is the Lord's garden, and he hath given it to the sons of Adam, to be tilled and improved by them: why, then, should we stand starving here for places of habitation, and in the meantime suffer whole countries, as profitable for the use of man, to lie waste without any improvement?
"Seventhly, What can be a better or nobler work, and more worthy of a Christian, than to erect142 and support a reformed particular Church in its infancy, and unite our forces with such a company of faithful people, as by timely assistance may grow stronger and prosper166; but for want of it, may be put to great hazards, if not be wholly ruined?
"Eighthly, If any such as are known to be godly, and live in wealth and prosperity here, shall forsake167 all this to join with this reformed Church, and with it run the hazard of an hard and mean condition, it will be an example of great use, both for the removing of scandal and to give more life unto the faith of God's people in their prayers for the plantation, and also to encourage others to join the more willingly in it."
Further on, when he declares the principles of the Church of New England with respect to morals, Mather inveighs168 with violence against the custom of drinking healths at table, which he denounces as a pagan and abominable169 practice. He proscribes170 with the same rigor171 all ornaments172 for the hair used by the female sex, as well as their custom of having the arms and neck uncovered. In another part of his work he relates several instances of witchcraft173 which had alarmed New England. It is plain that the visible action of the devil in the affairs of this world appeared to him an incontestable and evident fact.
This work of Cotton Mather displays, in many places, the spirit of civil liberty and political independence which characterized the times in which he lived. Their principles respecting government are discoverable at every page. Thus, for instance, the inhabitants of Massachusetts, in the year 1630, ten years after the foundation of Plymouth, are found to have devoted Pound 400 sterling to the establishment of the University of Cambridge. In passing from the general documents relative to the history of New England to those which describe the several States comprised within its limits, I ought first to notice "The History of the Colony of Massachusetts," by Hutchinson, Lieutenant-Governor of the Massachusetts Province, 2 vols. 8vo. The history of Hutchinson, which I have several times quoted in the chapter to which this note relates, commences in the year 1628, and ends in 1750. Throughout the work there is a striking air of truth and the greatest simplicity174 of style: it is full of minute details. The best history to consult concerning Connecticut is that of Benjamin Trumbull, entitled "A Complete History of Connecticut, Civil and Ecclesiastical," 1630-1764, 2 vols. 8vo, printed in 1818 at New Haven175. This history contains a clear and calm account of all the events which happened in Connecticut during the period given in the title. The author drew from the best sources, and his narrative bears the stamp of truth. All that he says of the early days of Connecticut is extremely curious. See especially the Constitution of 1639, vol. i. ch. vi. p. 100; and also the Penal Laws of Connecticut, vol. i. ch. vii. p. 123.
"The History of New Hampshire," by Jeremy Belknap, is a work held in merited estimation. It was printed at Boston in 1792, in 2 vols. 8vo. The third chapter of the first volume is particularly worthy of attention for the valuable details it affords on the political and religious principles of the Puritans, on the causes of their emigration, and on their laws. The following curious quotation is given from a sermon delivered in 1663:—"It concerneth New England always to remember that they are a plantation religious, not a plantation of trade. The profession of the purity of doctrine176, worship, and discipline, is written upon her forehead. Let merchants, and such as are increasing cent. per cent., remember this, that worldly gain was not the end and design of the people of New England, but religion. And if any man among us make religion as twelve, and the world as thirteen, such an one hath not the spirit of a true New Englishman." The reader of Belknap will find in his work more general ideas, and more strength of thought, than are to be met with in the American historians even to the present day.
Among the Central States which deserve our attention for their remote origin, New York and Pennsylvania are the foremost. The best history we have of the former is entitled "A History of New York," by William Smith, printed at London in 1757. Smith gives us important details of the wars between the French and English in America. His is the best account of the famous confederation of the Iroquois.
With respect to Pennsylvania, I cannot do better than point out the work of Proud, entitled "The History of Pennsylvania, from the original Institution and Settlement of that Province, under the first Proprietor177 and Governor, William Penn, in 1681, till after the year 1742," by Robert Proud, 2 vols. 8vo, printed at Philadelphia in 1797. This work is deserving of the especial attention of the reader; it contains a mass of curious documents concerning Penn, the doctrine of the Quakers, and the character, manners, and customs of the first inhabitants of Pennsylvania. I need not add that among the most important documents relating to this State are the works of Penn himself, and those of Franklin.
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longitude
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meridian
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entirely
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incapable
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cultivation
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scattered
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granite
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destitute
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herds
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buffaloes
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hordes
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northward
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| adv.向北；n.北方的地区 | |
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14
ascertain
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| vt.发现，确定，查明，弄清 | |
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15
worthy
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| adj.(of)值得的，配得上的；有价值的 | |
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16
narrative
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| n.叙述，故事；adj.叙事的，故事体的 | |
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17
deviating
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| v.偏离，越轨( deviate的现在分词 ) | |
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18
profusion
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| n.挥霍；丰富 | |
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19
flora
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| n.(某一地区的)植物群 | |
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20
graceful
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| adj.优美的，优雅的；得体的 | |
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21
shrubs
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| 灌木( shrub的名词复数 ) | |
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22
bowers
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| n.（女子的）卧室( bower的名词复数 )；船首锚；阴凉处；鞠躬的人 | |
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23
fragrant
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| adj.芬香的，馥郁的，愉快的 | |
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24
cape
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| n.海角，岬；披肩，短披风 | |
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25
regularity
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| n.规律性，规则性；匀称，整齐 | |
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26
rev
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| v.发动机旋转，加快速度 | |
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27
constraint
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| n.(on)约束，限制；限制(或约束)性的事物 | |
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28
reign
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| n.统治时期，统治，支配，盛行；v.占优势 | |
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29
philologists
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| n.语文学( philology的名词复数 ) | |
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30
memoirs
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| n.回忆录；回忆录传( mem,自oir的名词复数) | |
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31
philosophical
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|
| adj.哲学家的，哲学上的，达观的 | |
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32
diminutive
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| adj.小巧可爱的，小的 | |
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33
savage
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| adj.野蛮的；凶恶的，残暴的；n.未开化的人 | |
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34
savages
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| 未开化的人，野蛮人( savage的名词复数 ) | |
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35
innocence
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| n.无罪；天真；无害 | |
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36
remarkable
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| adj.显著的，异常的，非凡的，值得注意的 | |
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37
modification
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| n.修改，改进，缓和，减轻 | |
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38
encyclopaedia
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| n.百科全书 | |
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39
proceeding
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| n.行动，进行，(pl.)会议录，学报 | |
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40
hesitation
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|
| n.犹豫，踌躇 | |
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41
inflicting
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| 把…强加给，使承受，遭受( inflict的现在分词 ) | |
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42
horrid
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| adj.可怕的；令人惊恐的；恐怖的；极讨厌的 | |
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43
devouring
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|
| 吞没( devour的现在分词 )； 耗尽； 津津有味地看； 狼吞虎咽地吃光 | |
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44
shudder
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|
| v.战粟，震动，剧烈地摇晃；n.战粟，抖动 | |
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45
barbarians
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|
| n.野蛮人( barbarian的名词复数 )；外国人；粗野的人；无教养的人 | |
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46
scrupulousness
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|
| n.一丝不苟；小心翼翼 | |
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47
reprehend
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| v.谴责，责难 | |
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48
eyewitness
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|
| n.目击者，见证人 | |
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49
warriors
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| 武士，勇士，战士( warrior的名词复数 ) | |
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50
forth
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| adv.向前；向外，往外 | |
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51
melancholy
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|
| n.忧郁，愁思；adj.令人感伤（沮丧）的，忧郁的 | |
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52
bloody
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| adj.非常的的；流血的；残忍的；adv.很；vt.血染 | |
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53
trophies
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| n.（为竞赛获胜者颁发的）奖品( trophy的名词复数 )；奖杯；（尤指狩猎或战争中获得的）纪念品；（用于比赛或赛跑名称）奖 | |
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54
puritanical
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| adj.极端拘谨的；道德严格的 | |
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55
Christian
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| adj.基督教徒的；n.基督教徒 | |
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56
legislative
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| n.立法机构，立法权；adj.立法的，有立法权的 | |
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57
promulgated
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| v.宣扬（某事物）( promulgate的过去式和过去分词 )；传播；公布；颁布（法令、新法律等） | |
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58
preamble
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| n.前言；序文 | |
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59
labor
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| n.劳动，努力，工作，劳工；分娩；vi.劳动，努力，苦干；vt.详细分析；麻烦 | |
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60
ornament
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| v.装饰，美化；n.装饰，装饰物 | |
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61
profane
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| adj.亵神的，亵渎的；vt.亵渎，玷污 | |
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62
acting
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| n.演戏，行为，假装；adj.代理的，临时的，演出用的 | |
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63
Christians
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| n.基督教徒( Christian的名词复数 ) | |
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64
enacted
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| 制定（法律），通过（法案）( enact的过去式和过去分词 ) | |
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65
ordained
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| v.任命（某人）为牧师( ordain的过去式和过去分词 )；授予（某人）圣职；（上帝、法律等）命令；判定 | |
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66
convened
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| 召开( convene的过去式 )； 召集； （为正式会议而）聚集； 集合 | |
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67
piety
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| n.虔诚，虔敬 | |
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68
forfeiting
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| （因违反协议、犯规、受罚等）丧失，失去( forfeit的现在分词 ) | |
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69
vessel
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| n.船舶；容器，器皿；管，导管，血管 | |
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70
penal
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| adj.刑罚的；刑法上的 | |
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71
lodgers
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| n.房客，租住者( lodger的名词复数 ) | |
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72
abiding
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| adj.永久的，持久的，不变的 | |
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73
condemned
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|
| adj. 被责难的, 被宣告有罪的 动词condemn的过去式和过去分词 | |
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74
sterling
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| adj.英币的(纯粹的，货真价实的)；n.英国货币(英镑) | |
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75
enactments
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| n.演出( enactment的名词复数 )；展现；规定；通过 | |
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76
statutes
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| 成文法( statute的名词复数 )； 法令； 法规； 章程 | |
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77
austere
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| adj.艰苦的；朴素的，朴实无华的；严峻的 | |
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78
emigrants
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| n.（从本国移往他国的）移民( emigrant的名词复数 ) | |
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79
inspector
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| n.检查员，监察员，视察员 | |
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80
prosecute
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|
| vt.告发；进行；vi.告发，起诉，作检察官 | |
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81
unintelligible
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|
| adj.无法了解的，难解的，莫明其妙的 | |
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82
applied
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| adj.应用的；v.应用，适用 | |
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83
inflexibility
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|
| n.不屈性，顽固，不变性；不可弯曲；非挠性；刚性 | |
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84
solitude
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| n. 孤独; 独居,荒僻之地,幽静的地方 | |
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85
murmur
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| n.低语，低声的怨言；v.低语，低声而言 | |
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86
shutters
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| 百叶窗( shutter的名词复数 )； （照相机的）快门 | |
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87
dwellings
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| n.住处，处所( dwelling的名词复数 ) | |
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88
solitary
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| adj.孤独的，独立的，荒凉的；n.隐士 | |
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89
glides
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| n.滑行( glide的名词复数 )；滑音；音渡；过渡音v.滑动( glide的第三人称单数 )；掠过；（鸟或飞机 ） 滑翔 | |
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90
deserted
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|
| adj.荒芜的，荒废的，无人的，被遗弃的 | |
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91
bespeaks
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| v.预定( bespeak的第三人称单数 )；订（货）；证明；预先请求 | |
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92
bustle
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|
| v.喧扰地忙乱，匆忙，奔忙；n.忙碌；喧闹 | |
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93
feverish
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|
| adj.发烧的，狂热的，兴奋的 | |
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94
lethargic
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|
| adj.昏睡的，懒洋洋的 | |
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95
stupor
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| v.昏迷；不省人事 | |
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96
quotation
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| n.引文，引语，语录；报价，牌价，行情 | |
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97
pointed
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| adj.尖的，直截了当的 | |
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98
advantageous
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|
| adj.有利的；有帮助的 | |
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99
authentic
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| a.真的，真正的；可靠的，可信的，有根据的 | |
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100
compilation
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| n.编译，编辑 | |
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101
devoted
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| adj.忠诚的，忠实的，热心的，献身于...的 | |
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102
Founder
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| n.创始者，缔造者 | |
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103
adorned
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| [计]被修饰的 | |
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104
esteemed
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| adj.受人尊敬的v.尊敬( esteem的过去式和过去分词 )；敬重；认为；以为 | |
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105
celebrated
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|
| adj.有名的，声誉卓著的 | |
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106
ardor
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| n.热情，狂热 | |
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107
chivalry
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| n.骑士气概，侠义；（男人）对女人彬彬有礼，献殷勤 | |
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108
zeal
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| n.热心，热情，热忱 | |
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109
subservient
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| adj.卑屈的，阿谀的 | |
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110
virtues
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| 美德( virtue的名词复数 )； 德行； 优点； 长处 | |
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111
concise
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| adj.简洁的，简明的 | |
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112
narratives
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| 记叙文( narrative的名词复数 )； 故事； 叙述； 叙述部分 | |
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113
infancy
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| n.婴儿期；幼年期；初期 | |
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114
entreats
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| 恳求，乞求( entreat的第三人称单数 ) | |
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115
aspire
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| vi.(to，after)渴望，追求，有志于 | |
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116
modesty
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| n.谦逊，虚心，端庄，稳重，羞怯，朴素 | |
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117
impatience
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| n.不耐烦，急躁 | |
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118
supremacy
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| n.至上；至高权力 | |
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119
animated
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| adj.生气勃勃的，活跃的，愉快的 | |
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120
retarded
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| a.智力迟钝的，智力发育迟缓的 | |
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121
detests
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| v.憎恶，嫌恶，痛恨( detest的第三人称单数 ) | |
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122
apparently
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| adv.显然地；表面上，似乎 | |
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123
diffuse
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| v.扩散；传播；adj.冗长的；四散的，弥漫的 | |
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124
smallpox
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| n.天花 | |
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125
corruption
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| n.腐败，堕落，贪污 | |
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126
originality
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| n.创造力，独创性；新颖 | |
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127
licentious
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| adj.放纵的，淫乱的 | |
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128
procured
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| v.（努力）取得， （设法）获得( procure的过去式和过去分词 )；拉皮条 | |
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129
extremity
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| n.末端，尽头；尽力；终极；极度 | |
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130
provincial
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| adj.省的，地方的；n．外省人，乡下人 | |
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131
sufficiently
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| adv.足够地，充分地 | |
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132
conversant
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| adj.亲近的，有交情的，熟悉的 | |
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133
magistrates
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| 地方法官，治安官( magistrate的名词复数 ) | |
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134
labors
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| v.努力争取(for)( labor的第三人称单数 )；苦干；详细分析；（指引擎）缓慢而困难地运转 | |
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135
retracing
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| v.折回( retrace的现在分词 )；回忆；回顾；追溯 | |
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136
providence
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| n.深谋远虑，天道，天意；远见；节约；上帝 | |
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137
heresies
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| n.异端邪说，异教( heresy的名词复数 ) | |
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138
distinguished
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| adj.卓越的，杰出的，著名的 | |
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139
credulous
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| adj.轻信的，易信的 | |
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140
advancement
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| n.前进，促进，提升 | |
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141
plantation
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| n.种植园，大农场 | |
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142
erect
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| n./v.树立，建立，使竖立；adj.直立的，垂直的 | |
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143
ERECTED
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| adj. 直立的，竖立的，笔直的 vt. 使 ... 直立，建立 | |
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144
adversaries
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| n.对手，敌手( adversary的名词复数 ) | |
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145
fatigues
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| n.疲劳( fatigue的名词复数 )；杂役；厌倦；（士兵穿的）工作服 | |
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146
virtuous
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| adj.有品德的，善良的，贞洁的，有效力的 | |
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147
motives
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| n.动机，目的( motive的名词复数 ) | |
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148
asylum
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| n.避难所，庇护所，避难 | |
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149
inclination
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| n.倾斜；点头；弯腰；斜坡；倾度；倾向；爱好 | |
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150
enjoyment
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| n.乐趣；享有；享用 | |
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151
ordinances
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| n.条例，法令( ordinance的名词复数 ) | |
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152
undertaking
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| n.保证，许诺，事业 | |
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153
posterity
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| n.后裔，子孙，后代 | |
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154
transcribe
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| v.抄写，誉写；改编(乐曲)；复制，转录 | |
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155
bulwark
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| n.堡垒，保障，防御 | |
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156
secondly
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| adv.第二，其次 | |
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157
judgments
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| 判断( judgment的名词复数 )； 鉴定； 评价； 审判 | |
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158
vile
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| adj.卑鄙的，可耻的，邪恶的；坏透的 | |
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159
blessings
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| n.（上帝的）祝福( blessing的名词复数 )；好事；福分；因祸得福 | |
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160
intemperance
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| n.放纵 | |
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161
corrupted
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| （使）败坏( corrupt的过去式和过去分词 )； （使）腐化； 引起（计算机文件等的）错误； 破坏 | |
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162
wittiest
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| 机智的，言辞巧妙的，情趣横生的( witty的最高级 ) | |
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163
perverted
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| adj.不正当的v.滥用( pervert的过去式和过去分词 )；腐蚀；败坏；使堕落 | |
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164
utterly
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| adv.完全地，绝对地 | |
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165
overthrown
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| adj. 打翻的，推倒的，倾覆的 动词overthrow的过去分词 | |
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166
prosper
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| v.成功，兴隆，昌盛；使成功，使昌隆，繁荣 | |
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167
forsake
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| vt.遗弃，抛弃；舍弃，放弃 | |
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168
inveighs
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| v.猛烈抨击，痛骂，谩骂( inveigh的第三人称单数 ) | |
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169
abominable
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| adj.可厌的，令人憎恶的 | |
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170
proscribes
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| v.正式宣布（某事物）有危险或被禁止( proscribe的第三人称单数 ) | |
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171
rigor
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| n.严酷，严格，严厉 | |
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172
ornaments
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| n.装饰( ornament的名词复数 )；点缀；装饰品；首饰v.装饰，点缀，美化( ornament的第三人称单数 ) | |
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173
witchcraft
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| n.魔法，巫术 | |
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174
simplicity
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| n.简单，简易；朴素；直率，单纯 | |
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175
haven
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| n.安全的地方，避难所，庇护所 | |
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176
doctrine
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| n.教义；主义；学说 | |
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177
proprietor
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| n.所有人；业主；经营者 | |
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