"Assault of the Second Louisiana [African American] Regiment on the Confederate works at Fort Hudson, May 27th, 1863. The Battle of Fort Hudson was a severe and well-fought action. The Federal troops displayed their usual bravery, and were well handled by General Banks, driving the enemy to his second line of works. Of the [African American] regiments General Banks, in his official report, says: 'They answered every expectation. Their conduct was heroic. No troops could be more determined or more daring. They made during the day three charges upon the batteries of the enemy, suffering very heavy losses, and holding their position at nightfall with the other troops on the right of our line. The highest commendation is bestowed upon them by all officers in command on the right. Whatever doubt may have existed heretofore as to the efficiency of organizations of this character, the history of this day proves conclusively to those who were in a condition to observe the conduct of these regiments that the Government will find in this class of troops effective supporters and defenders. The severe test to which they were subjected, and the determined manner with which they encountered the enemy leave upon my mind no doubt of their ultimate success. They require only good officers, commands of limited numbers, and careful discipline to make them excellent soldiers.'"— Frank Leslie, 1896

Fort Hudson

"Assault of the Second Louisiana [African American] Regiment on the Confederate works at Fort Hudson,…

"The siege of Vicksburg. General Grant meeting the Confederate General Pemberton at the Stone House, inside the Confederate works, on the morning of July 4th, 1863."— Frank Leslie, 1896

Siege of Vicksburg

"The siege of Vicksburg. General Grant meeting the Confederate General Pemberton at the Stone House,…

"Siege of Petersburg- the Ninth Corps charging on the enemy's works after the explosion of the mine, July 30th, 1864. Immediately after the explosion of the mine a hundred cannons opened along the Federal front, and at half-past five the Ninth Corps charged, carrying the fort with a part of the line on each side. The Second Division, which was in the centre, advanced and carried the second line a short distance beyond the fort, and rested, holding ground with the utmost determination. It was at the time the [African American] Division, under General White, was pushed forward and ordered to charge and carry the crest of the hill, which would have decided the contest. The troops advanced in good order as far as the first line, where they received a galling fire, which checked them, and although quite a number kept on advancing, the greater number seemed to become utterly demoralized, part taking refuge in the fort, and the remainder running to the rear as fast as possible. They were rallied and again pushed forward, but without success, the greater part of the officers being killed or wounded."— Frank Leslie, 1896

Siege of Petersburg

"Siege of Petersburg- the Ninth Corps charging on the enemy's works after the explosion of the mine,…

Inhabitants gathered on an erected stage to give the Author a speech. Speaking in a threatening manner, but at times speaking with pity and kindnesss.

Stage

Inhabitants gathered on an erected stage to give the Author a speech. Speaking in a threatening manner,…

Gulliver shows the Lilliputians his gold pocketwatch. Never seeing anything like it before they believed it to be a God.

Pocketwatch

Gulliver shows the Lilliputians his gold pocketwatch. Never seeing anything like it before they believed…

Gulliver in the Emperor's court having his liberty granted upon certain conditions.

Giant's leg

Gulliver in the Emperor's court having his liberty granted upon certain conditions.

Gulliver is sad as he is about to leave Lilliput.

Sad Giant

Gulliver is sad as he is about to leave Lilliput.

Gulliver sitting on a building in Lilliput with all the Lilliputians gathered around him.

Giant Sitting on Wall

Gulliver sitting on a building in Lilliput with all the Lilliputians gathered around him.

Gulliver helping the lilliputians in thier war against the people of Blefuscu.

Whispering in Giant's Ear

Gulliver helping the lilliputians in thier war against the people of Blefuscu.

One of the giants in Brobdingnag picks Gulliver up to get a closer look.

Giant hand holding Gulliver

One of the giants in Brobdingnag picks Gulliver up to get a closer look.

The Queen of brobdignag quickly becomes fond of Gulliver. She holds him in her hand showing him around the castle.

Queen looking in a mirror

The Queen of brobdignag quickly becomes fond of Gulliver. She holds him in her hand showing him around…

The Queen of Brobdingnag arrives to see the execution of a criminal.

Queen arriving

The Queen of Brobdingnag arrives to see the execution of a criminal.

A giant ealge flies while holding Gulliver's little box, taking him over the sea.

Flying Eagle

A giant ealge flies while holding Gulliver's little box, taking him over the sea.

Depicts people relaxing on a lake, canoeing, powerboting, and diving.

Lake Recreation

Depicts people relaxing on a lake, canoeing, powerboting, and diving.

"The dedication of the Antietam National Cemetary, at Sharpsburg, Md., on Tuesday, September 17th, 1867. The dedication of the National Cemetary at Antietam took place on the 17th of September. The invitations were issued from Baltimore, and a limited number were distributed to the most distinguished persons at the Capital, including the President and his Cabinet and the Diplomatic Corps. The people had come from far and near to witness the imposing ceremonies over the dead heroes who, nearly five thousand in number, lie buried on the loftiest ground of the Antietam battlefield. Here it was, on consecrated ground, that give thousand people assembled to witness the ceremonies over their dead defenders. After a prayer, a hymn was sung to the tune of 'Old Hundred' by all present. Then came the Masonic ceremony of laying the corner stone of the monument. After an oration by Ex-Governor Bradford and a few remarks by the President, the ceremonies were brought to a close."— Frank Leslie, 1896

Antietam National Cemetary

"The dedication of the Antietam National Cemetary, at Sharpsburg, Md., on Tuesday, September 17th, 1867.…

Taking its name from the Azara people of South America, the batara is the largest of the shrikes.

Batara

Taking its name from the Azara people of South America, the batara is the largest of the shrikes.

"The battle of the Wilderness, between General Grant and General Lee, May 5th and 6th, 1864. Our sketch of the first of the great battles of General Grant in Virginia will give a striking idea of the battleground, to be henceforth forever famous, like Manassas, Gettysburg, Pittsburg Landing or Fair Oaks. The eye can take in the five-mile line of battle, which for two days advanced and met hostile advances, gaining ground to be lost in a moment, but holding steadily to their lines till the furious Confederate charge on the Sixth Corps swept away Seymour's and Shaler's brigade of the Third Division and had well-nigh won the day. Sedgwick, soon to fall, saved the right; but the Federal loss in two days was not far from 15,000. Our correspondent gives this interesting account of General Grant during the battle: 'General Grant's headquarters were located in a field between the plank road and a small road leading to a little hamlet known as Parker's Store. During the fight, however, he was principally with General Meade, whose headquarters were on a piny knoll in the rear of Warren's corps. I had seen Grant at Vicksburg and in Tennessee, and his appearance was familiar; but as I strolled through the group of officers reclining under the trees at headquarters, I looked for him some time in vain, such was his insignificant, unpretending aspect and conduct while the battle was raging in all its fury. A stranger to the insignia of military rank would have little dreamed that the plain, quiet man who sat with his back against a tree, apparently heedless and unmoved, was the one upon whom the fortunes of the day, if not of the age and country, were hanging. It was only when some aid or orderly rode up in hot haste with a communication from some portion of the battlefield that his eyes upturnd to seek in those of the messenger the purport of the message. The consultation with General Meade, or the direct suggestion or command, all took place with the same imperturbability of countenance for which he has always been remarkable. No movement of the enemy seemed to puzzle or disconcert him. Fertile in resources, the petition for re-enforcement was speedily answered. And while all this transpired he stood calmly in the group, at times smoking his favorite cigar, a more vigorous or a more frequent puffing only indicating the inward working of his mind.'"— Frank Leslie, 1896

Battle of the Wilderness

"The battle of the Wilderness, between General Grant and General Lee, May 5th and 6th, 1864. Our sketch…

"Battle of Carrick's Ford, between the troops of General McClellan's command, under General Morris, and the Confederates under General Garnett, July 13th, 1861. After a long march through drenching rain, the Federal troops under General Morris reached Carrick's Ford, where they found the Confederates holding the cliff on the opposite bank of the river. Both sides began a heavy firing. Then the Seventh Indiana Regiment plunged into the river and scaled the cliff on the right of the enemy, while the others kept up the fight in front. As soon as the flanking party reached the top of the cliff the Confederates retreated, and were pursued for about two miles."— Frank Leslie, 1896

Battle of Carrick's Ford

"Battle of Carrick's Ford, between the troops of General McClellan's command, under General Morris,…

Two donkeys racing with people riding on them.

Donkey Race

Two donkeys racing with people riding on them.

"Battle of Williamsburg, Va., on the peninsula between York and James Rivers, May 6th, 1862. General Hancock's sudden charge decided the battle, for it left the real key of the position in Federal hands. With the re-enforcements with McClellan had caused to be sent him immediately upon reaching the scene, late in the afternoon. Hancock took possession of all the ground he had previously occupied, and night closed upon what proved to be a dearly bought victory for the Federals. They had, in fact, gained it after substaining a loss of 2,228 in killed and wounded, the Confederate loss being only about half that number. Early on the 6th of May Williamsburg was occupied by the Federals, while Johnston's army was again beyond the Chickahominy."— Frank Leslie, 1896

Battle of Williamsburg

"Battle of Williamsburg, Va., on the peninsula between York and James Rivers, May 6th, 1862. General…

"A scene at Springfield, during Shay's Rebellion, when the mob attempted to prevent the holding of the Courts of Justice."—E. Benjamin Andrews, 1895

Shay's Rebellion

"A scene at Springfield, during Shay's Rebellion, when the mob attempted to prevent the holding of the…

"General J. E. B. Stuart's raid upon Pope's headquarters, August 22, 1862, when Pope's despatch book fell into the hands of the Confederates."—E. Benjamin Andrews 1895

Stuart's Raid

"General J. E. B. Stuart's raid upon Pope's headquarters, August 22, 1862, when Pope's despatch book…

Isaac Rice was the name of our octegenarian guide. Like scores of those who fought our battles for freedom, and lived the allotted term of human life, he is left in his evening twilight to depend upon the cold friendship of the world for sustenance, and to feel the practical ingratitude of a people reveling in the enjoyment which is privations in early manhood contributed to secure.

Isaac Rice

Isaac Rice was the name of our octegenarian guide. Like scores of those who fought our battles for freedom,…

A crew canoe holding nine people.

Canoe

A crew canoe holding nine people.

Caldwell's monument. The following are the inscriptions upon the Caldwell monument: East Side: "This monument is erected to the memory of the Rev. James Caldwell, the pious and fervent Christian, the zealous and faithful minister, the eloquent preacher, and a prominent leader among the worthies who secured the independence of his country. His name will be cherished in the church and in the state so long as Virtue is esteemed and Patriotism honored." West Side: "Hannah, wife of the Rev. James Caldwell, and daughter of Johnathan Ogden, of Newark, was killed at Connecticut Farms by a shot from a British soldier, June 25th, 1780, cruelty sacrificed by the enemies of her husband and of her country." North Side: "The memory of the just is blessed. Be of good courage- and let us behave ourselves valiant for our people, and for the cities of our God, and let the Lord do that which is good in his sight. The glory of children are their fathers." South Side: "James Caldwell. Born in Charlotte county, in Virginia, April, 1734. Graduated at Princeton College, 1759. Ordained pastor of the First Presbyterian Church of Elizabethtown, 1762. After serving as chaplain in the army of the Revolution, and acting as commissary to the troops in New Jersey, he was killed by a shot from a sentinel at Elizabethtown Point, November 24th, 1781."

Caldwell's Monument

Caldwell's monument. The following are the inscriptions upon the Caldwell monument: East Side: "This…

The Red House. The "Red House" is situated upon the street in Wilkesbarre next the river, and about seventy-five rods below the bridge. It is the place where John Franklin was arrested. On his return from a political tour down the valley, he came up by the way of Hanover to Wilkesbarre. While standing near the ferry, an acquaintance came up to him and said, "A friend at the Red House wishes to speak to you." Franklin walked to the house, where a person caught him from behind, and attempted to pinion his hands. He was a powerful man, and shook off his captors; but, a noose being thrown over his head, he was secured. They then attempted to get him on horseback, when he cried out, "Help, help! William Slocum! where is William Slocum?" and, drawing his pistols, discharged one, but without effect. He was felled by a blow, and laid almost senseless. It was seeding time, and nearly all the men were in the fields. But the Yankee blood of Mrs. Slocum (the mother of the "lost sister") was up, and, seizing a gun, she ran to the door, exclaiming, "William! Who will call William? Is there no man here? Will nobody rescue him?" Colonel Pickering's dwelling was near the "Red House." It is still standing, but so modernized that its original character is lost.

Red House

The Red House. The "Red House" is situated upon the street in Wilkesbarre next the river, and about…

Savin's Rock. This is a view of the spot where Farth landed, in Orange, formerly West Haven. It is between three and four miles below New Haven, on the western side of the harbor entrance, and is a place of considerable resort in summer for the people of the city.

Savin's Rock

Savin's Rock. This is a view of the spot where Farth landed, in Orange, formerly West Haven. It is between…

"Faneuil Hall has been denominated 'the cradle of American liberty,' having been the popular gathering-place of the Sons of Liberty during the incipient stages of the Revolution. It was erected in 1742, at the sole expense of Peter Faneuil, Esq., of Boston, and by him generously given to the town-the basement for a market, with a spacious and most beautiful hall, and other convenient rooms above, for public meetings of the citizens. It was burned in 1761, nothing but the brick walls remaining. The town immediately ordered it to be rebuilt. Mr. Faneuil had then been dead several years. The engraving shows it as it appeared during the Revolution. It was enlarged in 1805, by the addition of another story, and an increase of forty feet in its width. The hall is about eighty feet square, and contains some fine paintings of distinguished men. The lower part is no longer used as a market. From the cupola is obtained a fine view of the city and harbor. The original vane still turns upon the pinnacle. It is in the form of a huge grasshopper, an emblem of devouring, and significant of the original occupation of the basement story."—Lossing, 1851

Faneuil Hall

"Faneuil Hall has been denominated 'the cradle of American liberty,' having been the popular gathering-place…

"The Old South. This venerable and venerated edifice, that stood through all the storms of the Revolution, and yet remains, stands on the corner of Washington and Milk Streets. It is of brick, and was erected in 1729-30, upon the site of an edifice built by the Pedo-baptists in 1669. The ancient church was of cedar, two stories high, with a steeple, gallery, and pews. The 'Old South' was the famous gathering-place of the people during the excitements of 1773. The British troops occupied it as a circus for the drill of cavalry in 1775, after removing all the wood-work within, except the eastern gallery and the pulpit and sounding-board. The British officers felt no compunctions in thus desecrating a Presbyterian chapel. It was repaired in 1782, and remains a fine model of our early church architecture. This view is from Washington Street."—Lossing, 1851

Old South

"The Old South. This venerable and venerated edifice, that stood through all the storms of the Revolution,…

"Old tower at Newport."—Lossing, 1851

Newport Tower

"Old tower at Newport."—Lossing, 1851

"Gold medal awarded by Congress to General Wayne. This is a representation of the medal, the size of the original. On this side is a device repesenting an Indian queen crowned, a quiver on her back, and wearing a short apron of feathers. A mantle hangs from her waist behind, the upper end of which appears as if passed through the girdle of her apron, and hangs gracefully by her side. With her right hand she is presenting a wreath to General Wayne; in her left she is holding up a mural crown toward his head. At her feet, on the left, an alligator is lying. The American shield is resting against the animal. Over the figure is the legend 'Antonio Wayne duci exercitas,' and beneath, 'Comitia Americana,' 'The American Congress to General Anthony Wayne.'"—Lossing, 1851

Wayne Medal Front

"Gold medal awarded by Congress to General Wayne. This is a representation of the medal, the size of…

"Medal awarded to Lieutenant-colonel De Fleury. This is a representation of the medal, the size of the original. The device is a helmeted soldier, standing against the ruins of a fort. His right hand is extended, holding a sword upright; the staff of a stand of colors is grasped by his left; the colors are under his feet, and he is trampling upon them. The legend is, 'Virtutis et audacle monum et premium. D. D. Fleury equiti gallo primo muros resp. Americ. D. D.;' 'A memorial and reward of valor and daring. The American Republic has bestowed (this medal) on Colonel D. de Fleury, a native of France, the first over the walls (of the enemy).'"—Lossing, 1851

De Fleury Medal Front

"Medal awarded to Lieutenant-colonel De Fleury. This is a representation of the medal, the size of the…

"Bridge over Sleepy Hollow Creek. Ichabod, according to Irving, in the <em>Legend</em>, returning from a late evening tarry with Katrina Van Tassel, on his lean steed Gunpowder, was chased by a huge horseman, without a head, from the Andre tree to the bridge. 'He saw the walls of the church dimly gleaming under the trees beyond. He recollected the place where Brom Bones' ghostly competitor had disappeared. "If I can reach that bridge," thought Ichabod, "I am safe." Just then he heard the black steed panting and blowing close behind him; he even fancied that he felt his hot breath. Another compulsive kick in the ribs, and old Gunpowder sprang upon the bridge; he thundered over the resounding planks; he gained the opposite side; and now Ichabod cast a look behind, to see if his pursuer should vanish, according to rule, in a flash of fire and brimstone. Just then he saw the goblin rising in his stirrups, and in the very act of hurling his head at him. Ichabod endeavored to dodge the horrible missile, but too late; it encountered his cranium with a terrible crash; he was tumbled headlong into the dust, and Gunpowder, the black steed, and the goblin rider, passed like a whirlwind.' A shattered pumpkin was found on the road the next day, but Ichabod had gone to parts unknown. Brom Bones, his rival, soon afterward let the pretty Katrina to the altar. The good country people always maintained that Ichabod was spirited away by the <em>headless horseman</em>, who was the ghost of a Hessian soldier, whose body, deprived of its caput by a cannon-ball, ws sleeping in the church-yard near."&mdash;Lossing, 1851

Sleepy Hollow

"Bridge over Sleepy Hollow Creek. Ichabod, according to Irving, in the Legend, returning from…

"Siege of Petersburg- the Ninth Corps charging on the enemy's works after the explosion of the mine, July 30th, 1864. Immediately after the explosion of the mine a hundred cannons opened along the Federal front, and at half-past five the Ninth Corps charged, carrying the fort with a part of the line on each side. The Second Division, which was in the centre, advanced and carried the second line a short distance beyond the fort, and rested, holding ground with the utmost determination. It was at the time the [African American] Division, under General White, was pushed forward and ordered to charge and carry the crest of the hill, which would have decided the contest. The troops advanced in good order as far as the first line, where they received a galling fire, which checked them, and although quite a number kept on advancing, the greater number seemed to become utterly demoralized, part taking refuge in the fort, and the remainder running to the rear as fast as possible. They were rallied and again pushed forward, but without success, the greater part of the officers being killed or wounded."&mdash; Frank Leslie, 1896

Siege of Petersburg

"Siege of Petersburg- the Ninth Corps charging on the enemy's works after the explosion of the mine,…

"Siege of Petersburg- the Ninth Corps charging on the enemy's works after the explosion of the mine, July 30th, 1864. Immediately after the explosion of the mine a hundred cannons opened along the Federal front, and at half-past five the Ninth Corps charged, carrying the fort with a part of the line on each side. The Second Division, which was in the centre, advanced and carried the second line a short distance beyond the fort, and rested, holding ground with the utmost determination. It was at the time the [African American] Division, under General White, was pushed forward and ordered to charge and carry the crest of the hill, which would have decided the contest. The troops advanced in good order as far as the first line, where they received a galling fire, which checked them, and although quite a number kept on advancing, the greater number seemed to become utterly demoralized, part taking refuge in the fort, and the remainder running to the rear as fast as possible. They were rallied and again pushed forward, but without success, the greater part of the officers being killed or wounded."&mdash; Frank Leslie, 1896

Siege of Petersburg

"Siege of Petersburg- the Ninth Corps charging on the enemy's works after the explosion of the mine,…

"View of Grafton, West Virginia, occupied by the Federal Troops, under the command of General McClellan, in 1861. This beautiful little town is situated on the banks of the Monongahela, and is the junction of the Norhwestern Virginia Railroad. It is ninety-six miles below Wheeling, one hundred and ninety from Pittsburg, and two hundred and seventy-nine miles from Baltimore. Its principal hotel was the Grafton House, owned by the railroad company, and conducted on very liberal principles. The town was occupied by the Federal troops in 1861, and was a position of considerable importance. The beauty of its situation can be readily seen from our sketch. It is one hundred and ninety-eight miles from Harper's Ferry, and two hundred and one from Cumberland." —Leslie, 1896

Grafton Occupied by Federal Troops

"View of Grafton, West Virginia, occupied by the Federal Troops, under the command of General McClellan,…

"View of Grafton, West Virginia, occupied by the Federal Troops, under the command of General McClellan, in 1861. This beautiful little town is situated on the banks of the Monongahela, and is the junction of the Norhwestern Virginia Railroad. It is ninety-six miles below Wheeling, one hundred and ninety from Pittsburg, and two hundred and seventy-nine miles from Baltimore. Its principal hotel was the Grafton House, owned by the railroad company, and conducted on very liberal principles. The town was occupied by the Federal troops in 1861, and was a position of considerable importance. The beauty of its situation can be readily seen from our sketch. It is one hundred and ninety-eight miles from Harper's Ferry, and two hundred and one from Cumberland." —Leslie, 1896

Railroad at Grafton

"View of Grafton, West Virginia, occupied by the Federal Troops, under the command of General McClellan,…

"View of Grafton, West Virginia, occupied by the Federal Troops, under the command of General McClellan, in 1861. This beautiful little town is situated on the banks of the Monongahela, and is the junction of the Norhwestern Virginia Railroad. It is ninety-six miles below Wheeling, one hundred and ninety from Pittsburg, and two hundred and seventy-nine miles from Baltimore. Its principal hotel was the Grafton House, owned by the railroad company, and conducted on very liberal principles. The town was occupied by the Federal troops in 1861, and was a position of considerable importance. The beauty of its situation can be readily seen from our sketch. It is one hundred and ninety-eight miles from Harper's Ferry, and two hundred and one from Cumberland." —Leslie, 1896

Federal Troops at Grafton, West Virginia

"View of Grafton, West Virginia, occupied by the Federal Troops, under the command of General McClellan,…

"Village of Clarksburg, Western Virginia, headquarters of General Rosecrans. Clarksburg, a post village, capital of Harrison County, is situated on the west fork of the Monongahela River, at the mouth of Elk Creek, about two hundred and twenty miles northwest of Richmond. It is built on a high tableland environed by hills. It had in 1861 several churches, academies, two printing offices and many fine stores. Stove coal abounded in its vicinity. The Northwestern Railroad, a branch of the Baltimore and Ohio, passed through it. It has about two thousand inhabitants. For a short time Clarksburg was the headquarters of General Rosecrans. The situation was briefly this: The Cheat Mountain Gaps, the key to the whole country, were held by a strong force, a portion of General Reynolds's brigade, the remainder of which was stationed at Bevery, Huttonsville, and in that vicinity. Other portions of General Rosecrans's command were scattered over almost the whole northwestern part of Virginia, guarding the railroad lines from Wheeling and Parkersburg down to Grafton, and then eastward through the Cheat River country, Oakland, Altamont, and almost to Cumberland, occupying the Kanawha Valley by General Cox's brigade, and holding towns like Weston, Buckhannon, Summerville, Philippi and Bealington." —Leslie, 1896

Village of Clarksburg

"Village of Clarksburg, Western Virginia, headquarters of General Rosecrans. Clarksburg, a post village,…

"Village of Clarksburg, Western Virginia, headquarters of General Rosecrans. Clarksburg, a post village, capital of Harrison County, is situated on the west fork of the Monongahela River, at the mouth of Elk Creek, about two hundred and twenty miles northwest of Richmond. It is built on a high tableland environed by hills. It had in 1861 several churches, academies, two printing offices and many fine stores. Stove coal abounded in its vicinity. The Northwestern Railroad, a branch of the Baltimore and Ohio, passed through it. It has about two thousand inhabitants. For a short time Clarksburg was the headquarters of General Rosecrans. The situation was briefly this: The Cheat Mountain Gaps, the key to the whole country, were held by a strong force, a portion of General Reynolds's brigade, the remainder of which was stationed at Bevery, Huttonsville, and in that vicinity. Other portions of General Rosecrans's command were scattered over almost the whole northwestern part of Virginia, guarding the railroad lines from Wheeling and Parkersburg down to Grafton, and then eastward through the Cheat River country, Oakland, Altamont, and almost to Cumberland, occupying the Kanawha Valley by General Cox's brigade, and holding towns like Weston, Buckhannon, Summerville, Philippi and Bealington." —Leslie, 1896

Village of Clarksburg

"Village of Clarksburg, Western Virginia, headquarters of General Rosecrans. Clarksburg, a post village,…

"Key of the Bastile. This key of the old Paris prison known as the Bastile, was sent by La Fayette to Washington after the destruction of that edifice by the infuriated populace on the 14th of July, 1789. This was the beginning of the French Revolution. The Bastille was originally a royal place, built by Charles the Fifth of France in 1369. It was afterward used as a state prison, like the Tower of London, and became the scene of dreadful sufferings and frightful crimes. When the mob gained possession of it in 1789, they took the governor and other officers to the Place de Greve, where they first cut off their hands and then their heads. With the key, La Fayette sent a plaster model of the old building. The model, somewhat defaced from long exposure in the Alexandria museum, is among the collections of the National Institute, while the key retains its ancient position at Mount Vernon. It is of wrought iron, seven inches long. La Fayette, in his letter to Washington which accompanied the key and picture, dated 'Paris, March 17th, 1789,' said, 'Give me leave, my dear general, to present you with a picture of the Bastile, just as it appeared a few days after I had ordered its demolition, with the main key of this fortress of despotism. It is a tribute which I owe as a son to my adopted father; as an aid-de-camp to my general; as a missionary liberty to its patriarch.'"—Lossing, 1851

Bastile Key

"Key of the Bastile. This key of the old Paris prison known as the Bastile, was sent by La Fayette to…

"The Nelson Mansion. This view is from the street looking northwest. A long wooden building, with steep roof and dormer windows, a portion of which is seen on the left, is also a relic of the Revolutionary era. It, too, was much damaged by the bombardment. A few feet from the door of Mr. Nelson's dwelling is a fine laurel-tree. On the occasion of La Fayette's visit to Yorktown in 1824, a large concourse of people were assembled; branches were taken from this laurel-tree, woven into a civic crown, and placed upon that of Preserved Fish, who accompanied him, remarked that none in all that company was better entitled to wear the mark of honor than he."&mdash;Lossing, 1851

Nelson Mansion

"The Nelson Mansion. This view is from the street looking northwest. A long wooden building, with steep…

"Silver medal awarded to Colonel Howard. The following are the device and inscriptions upon the front: An officer mounted, with uplifted sword, pursuing an officer on foot bearing a stand of colors. Victory is seen descending in front, over the former, holding a wreath in her right hand over his head. In her left hand is a palm branch. Legend: John Eager Howard, Legionis Peditum Pr&aelig;fecto Comitia Americana- 'The American Congress to John Eager Howard, commander of a regiment of infantry.'"&mdash;Lossing, 1851

Howard Medal Front

"Silver medal awarded to Colonel Howard. The following are the device and inscriptions upon the front:…

"Silver medal awarded to Washington. The following are the device and inscriptions on the front: An officer mounted at the head of a body of cavalry, charging flying troops; Victory is flying over the heads of the Americans, holding a laurel crown in her right hand and a palm branch in her left. Legend: Gulielmo. Washington Legionis Equit. Præfecto Comitia Americana- The American Congress to William Washington commander of a regiment of cavalry."—Lossing, 1851

Washington Medal Front

"Silver medal awarded to Washington. The following are the device and inscriptions on the front: An…

"Woodhull's Grave. Nathaniel Woodhull was born at Mastic, Long Island, December 30, 1722. Agriculture was the chief pursuit of his life. He was a major, under Abercrombie, in the attack upon Crown Point and Ticonderoga, and afterward accompanied Bradstreet against Fort Frontenac. He was a colonel, under Amherst, in 1760, and at the close of the campaign he returned home and married Ruth Floyd. He espoused the popular side in the Stamp Act movements, and, possessing the esteem of the people, he was elected, with William Nicoll, a representative of Suffolk county, in the Colonial Assembly in 1769. He represented Suffolk in the first Provincial Congress in 1775, and was elected president of that body. He was appointed a brigadier of militia in August of that year, and in July, 1776, he was summoned home to embody the militia of Suffolk and Queens, to assist in repelling invasion. He was engaged in this service when he ws made a prisoner, cruelly wounded by a British officer, and died of his injuries three weeks afterward, at New Utrecht. His wife, who was with him in his last moments, conveyed his body to Mastic, and there, in a secluded family cemetary, a short distance from his residence, his remains rest. A marble slab marks his grave, and bears the following inscription: 'In memory of General Nathaniel Woodhull, who, wounded and a prisoner, died on the twentieth of September, 1776, in the fifty-fourth year of his age; regretted by all who knew how to value his many private virtues, and that pure zeal for the rights of his country to which he perished a victim.'"&mdash;Lossing, 1851

Woodhull's Grave

"Woodhull's Grave. Nathaniel Woodhull was born at Mastic, Long Island, December 30, 1722. Agriculture…

"Egyptian Sowing. The people were mainly agricultural, but employed rude methods of cultivation. In spite of this, the remarkably fertile soil yielded an abundance of produce, and Egypt was known as the granary of the world."&mdash;Colby, 1899

Sowing

"Egyptian Sowing. The people were mainly agricultural, but employed rude methods of cultivation. In…

"The chief credit of the battle of Marathon belongs to Miltiades. But for his courage, the Athenians would have shut themselves up in their city and stood a siege; and it was the stimulus of his heroism that nerved his little army to the victory of Marathon. And the people of Athens fully appreciated what he had done. No man was more popular in the city and none had more honors bestowed upon him. His greatness, however, was of the sort that only great crises call forth. When peace returned, he showed himself selfish and even dishonorable. Securing an armament from the city under false representations, he used it to gratify a private grudge against the people of Paros. He laid siege to their capital, was unsuccessful, and returned in disgrace. He was put on trial, convicted, and fined, but died a few days afterwards."&mdash;Colby, 1899

Miltiades

"The chief credit of the battle of Marathon belongs to Miltiades. But for his courage, the Athenians…

"The Death of Caesar. Naturaly such extraordinary success made him enemies, and though the city seemed in the main to be contented with his rule, it was easy for his ill-wishers to play on the passions of the people by pointing out that he had aimed at the complete overthrow of the constitution and the establishment of a tyranny. It was said that he intended to assume the title of king. Several times a crown was publicly offered to him and he refused it; but his refusal was thought to proceed merely from his perception of the displeasure of the people. A plot was formed against him, and the Ides (15th day) of March, 44 B.C., was fixed upon for his assassination. The rumors of the intended murder got abroad and Caesar was warned of the plot, but he took no notice of these warnings. On the appointed day he was surrounded in the Senate by the conspirators and killed. Among the assassins was one of whom Caesar had always regarded as his especial friend. This was Brutus, and it is said that Caesar, when he recognized him among his assailants, ceased to offer resistance, and exclaiming, 'Thou too, Brutus!' allowed himself to be slain."&mdash;Colby, 1899

Caesar's Death

"The Death of Caesar. Naturaly such extraordinary success made him enemies, and though the city seemed…

"William the Conqueror (1066-1087), as represented on his seal. Although William really ruled 'as king by the edge of the sword,' he preferred to base his title on the promise of Edward the Confessor rather than on force of arms; and he adhered to far as possible to Anglo-Saxon usages, causing himself to be crowned at Westminster and binding himself to frame good laws and observe justice, as his predecessors had done. In fact he professed to regard himself as the lawful successor of the Anglo-Saxon kings, and not merely as a feudal conqueror. He had great difficulty in making the people recognize him as such, but when this was once done, he was a far more powerful ruler as king of England than he was as Norman duke."&mdash;Colby, 1899

William the Conqueror

"William the Conqueror (1066-1087), as represented on his seal. Although William really ruled 'as king…

"Gustavus Adolphus entered Germany at the head of 16,000 men. Among some of the Protestants there was a reluctance to cooperate with this new ally; for they distrusted his motives, especially in regard to northern Germany, where it was known that he had dreams of making himself the master of the Baltic Sea. Nevertheless, many of the hesitating Protestants rallied to his side after the siege and sack of Magdeburg, in 1631. The taking of this city by the troops of Tilly was marked by the most brutal massacre and pillage. Women and children were murdered; and the town was burned to the ground. It is said that some 30,000 people perished at this time. Saxony now joined the side of the Swedish king, who, in 1631, encountered Tilly on the battlefield of Lepzig. Here Gustavus completely overthrew his enemy, and when Tilly again tried to check his advance into southern Germany, Gustavus won another battle, in which Tilly was slain. The successes of Gustavus led the emperor to restore Wallenstein to the command (1632), and Wallenstein accepted the leadership on condition that he was to have absolute control of the army."—Colby, 1899

Gustavus Adolphus

"Gustavus Adolphus entered Germany at the head of 16,000 men. Among some of the Protestants there was…

"Charles I (1625-1649) was a far abler ruler than his father. He was a man of greater courage and more dignity of character, but he had been trained from infancy in the belief of his divine right to fule, and he chose ministers who encouraged him in this view and tried to apply it practically. Parliament was not disposed to be amiable after the wrongs it had suffered at the hands of James. In the first fifteen months of his reign two Parliaments were summoned and angrily dissolved; the first because it demanded that its grievances should be redressed before it granted the king the requisite supplies; the second because it impeached the king's minister, Buckingham. In the interval between the second and third Parliaments the king raised money by forced loans and benevolences, throwing into prison those who refused to comply with the illegal demands. Under the influence of Buckingham the king tried to divert the attention of his subjects from bad government at home by entering into a war with France; but the result was humiliating, and the king's minister was more hated than ever."&mdash;Colby, 1899

Charles I

"Charles I (1625-1649) was a far abler ruler than his father. He was a man of greater courage and more…

"Peter the Great. This prince is one of the most extraordinary figures in history. As a boy he showed a great eagerness for knowledge in departments which were not generally attractive to the members of royal families. He cared nothing for books, but took a keen interest in mechanical devices, in carpentering, and especially in the making and sailing of boats. He was impatient of discipline and opposition and showed at an early age serious defects of temper. In fact, except for his restless and inquisitive spirit, there was little about him to suggest the qualities which afterwards made him famous. His half-sister, Sophia, plotted against him, and at one time, through a palace revolution, his life was actually endagered. He was obliged to share the throne with his feeble-minded half-brother, and at first his position was insecure. In 1689, however, Peter, discovering the plots of Sophia, raised a party against her, took the power out of her hands, and shut her up in a convent. Ivan was wholly incompetent to rule, and from this time forth Peter, though now only seventeen years of age, ruled the state."—Colby, 1899

Peter the Great

"Peter the Great. This prince is one of the most extraordinary figures in history. As a boy he showed…

"George III (1760-1815). The first two Hanoverian kings were ignorant of English politics and obliged to rely on their ministers. Moreover, they cared more for Hanover than for England. But George II had English ideas. He was born and educated in England, and he made up his mind that he would rule in the manner of the old kings. He tried to restore the power of the crown at the expense of Parliament. In private morals and social relations he was better than his predecessors, and his character inspired respect. He had the loftiest ideas of royal dignity, and the greater part of his reign was taken up with the struggles with Parliament. But though he had some good qualities, he was narrow-minded, ill-educated, and imprudent. During the first twenty-four years of his reign he managed to estrange his people, check the prosperity of the nation, and lose forever the American colonies. His reign therefore was disastrous. The details of the struggle with the American colonies and the rise of the United States to the foremost rank among nations do not properly fall within the scope of this work. It is sufficient here to state that by the treaty of 1783 England's control over the thirteen colonies was lost forever. During the latter part of the reign of George III he was incapacitated for ruling. He was stricken with insanity, and the government passed into the hands of the prince regent, afterwards George IV. The most interesting side of the reign from the point of view of general history is the relations of England with foreign powers and the part where she played in the wars that arose from the French Revolution."&mdash;Colby, 1899

George III, King of England

"George III (1760-1815). The first two Hanoverian kings were ignorant of English politics and obliged…

"The taking of the Bastile, July 14, 1789. The Parisian mob, not satisfied with the formation of the National Assembly, demanded to be armed in their own defense; and when this was refused, rushed off to seize the store of arms kept in the Hotel des Invalides. Angered by the report that the guns of the old prison of the Bastile were to be trained on the people, they suddenly gathered around its walls and began an attack. This ancient prison had been the scene of many oppressions in the past. Its foul dungeons and the sufferings of those who were confined there had made it an object of popular hatred. During Louis XVI's reign, however, it had fallen into disuse, and it can not be said that at that time it was worse than any other prison. Nevertheless, to the mob it still stood as the symbol of despotism. The governor of the prison surrendered, but the mob murdered him, together with some others, and carried the heads of their victims on pikes through the streets. The few prisoners that were within were set free. Although were was nothing especially heroic about the taking of the Bastile, the event was of great significance, for it seemed to say that a new age had begun. Throughout Europe it was looked upon as a triumph of the people over despotism, and by the liberals of all countries it was hailed with joy."—Colby, 1899

Bastile

"The taking of the Bastile, July 14, 1789. The Parisian mob, not satisfied with the formation of the…

A marriage under the Republic of the French Revolution.

Republic Marriage

A marriage under the Republic of the French Revolution.

"France under Napoleon. The consulate was the form of government established after the overthrow of the Directory was peculiar. Republican forms were retained, but all the power was in the lands of the first Consul, and the man chosen to fill this office was Napoleon. He had two colleagues, each of whom was called Consul and enjoyed an appearance of authority, but from the first Napoleon as First Consul exercised all the powers of the state. He alone could promulgate the laws, and although there were a Tribunate, a Legislative Body, and a Senate, the men chosen as members of these bodies were Napoleon's friends. This constitution was submitted to the people and approved by a large majority."&mdash;Colby, 1899

Napoleon

"France under Napoleon. The consulate was the form of government established after the overthrow of…

"Garibaldi was a patriot who started up a revolt in Sicily and took possession of the island, then passed over to Naples and overthrew the tyrant. This was done without the consent of Sardinia, but that kingdom profited none the less from its results. About the same time trouble with the papal states had led to the sending of a Sardinian army into the pope's dominions, and the annexation of the greater part of them to Sardinia. Garibaldi, after his success in Naples and Sicily, saluted the Sardinian king as King of Italy, and by a vote of the people Naples and Sicily joined Sardinia. A parliament of united Italy was opened in 1861, but ten years passed before unity was complete."—Colby, 1899

Garibaldi

"Garibaldi was a patriot who started up a revolt in Sicily and took possession of the island, then passed…

"Flag of the Dutch West India Company. When the rights of the company ceased, a new and more powerful company was forced in Holland in 1621, called the West India Company, with full control of New Netherland. It was a trading company like the others, but it was intended also to dispute the Spanish power in America. The Dutch captains, like the English, found a profitable business in capturing Spanish vessels. The West India Company encouraged people to settle on its lands; it explored the North River and the South River, now known as the Delaware; and villages grew up about Fort Orange, and at New Amsterdam, as the Dutch called the settlement on Manhattan Island."—Scudder, 1897

Dutch West India Flag

"Flag of the Dutch West India Company. When the rights of the company ceased, a new and more powerful…

"Stamp from the Stamp Act. The first direct issue of importance between the colonies and England came when Parliament undertook to lay a tax to be collected by officers appointed for the purpose. This was the Stamp Act, by which it was required that a stamp should be affixed to any deed, contract, bill of sale, will, and the like, made in America before it could be legal. These stamps were to be made in England and sent over to American to be sold by the government officers. It was intended that the money thus raised should be used for the support of the king's troops in America. The Stamp Act was passed by Parliament in March, 1765, and as soon as this was known in America, the colonies, from one end of the land to the other, were full of indignation. Parliament, they said, might make laws to regulate the commerce of the empire, and so draw revenue from America; but it had no right to lay a direct tax like this. Only the colonial governments, elected by the people, could lay such a tax."&mdash;Scudder, 1897

Stamp Act

"Stamp from the Stamp Act. The first direct issue of importance between the colonies and England came…

"Stamp from the Stamp Act. The first direct issue of importance between the colonies and England came when Parliament undertook to lay a tax to be collected by officers appointed for the purpose. This was the Stamp Act, by which it was required that a stamp should be affixed to any deed, contract, bill of sale, will, and the like, made in America before it could be legal. These stamps were to be made in England and sent over to American to be sold by the government officers. It was intended that the money thus raised should be used for the support of the king's troops in America. The Stamp Act was passed by Parliament in March, 1765, and as soon as this was known in America, the colonies, from one end of the land to the other, were full of indignation. Parliament, they said, might make laws to regulate the commerce of the empire, and so draw revenue from America; but it had no right to lay a direct tax like this. Only the colonial governments, elected by the people, could lay such a tax."&mdash;Scudder, 1897

Stamp Act

"Stamp from the Stamp Act. The first direct issue of importance between the colonies and England came…