Wells Township (part 3 of 7)

In November, 1808, the celebrated "Orders in Council" were issued by the British government, which prohibited all trade with France and her allies; and, as a retaliatory measure, in December following Bonaparte issued his "Milan Decree," interdicting all trade with England and her colonies - thus subjecting almost every American vessel on the ocean to capture. In requital for these tyrannous proceedings, and that England and France might both feel their injustice, Congress decreed an embargo ; but as this failed to obtain from either power an acknowledgment of our rights, and vvas also ruinous to our commerce with other nations, it was repealed in March, 1809*

Dent

Our national position, especially in regard to England and France, was certainly a very perplexing one when Mr. Madison came to the Presidency. We were not only threatened by enemies abroad, but were harassed by a savage foe on our western frontier, probably urged on by British influence, and led by the famous chief Tecumseh and his brother the Prophet. These last were finally subdued in 1811 ; but our European foes were more troublesome. After all peaceful means had failed to check the aggressions of England, and when at length "patience had ceased to be a virtue," war was declared against that country, June 19, 1812. The events of that war it is not within our province to record ; and it is sufficient to say, that they greatly elevated the American cliaracter in the estimation of both friends and enemies.

Elbridge Gerry, elected Vice-President, attended in the Senate or» the 24th of May, 1813, and exhibited a certificate of his having idk.^ the oath of ofQce prescribed by law, which was read.

The wn.r into which the country had been forced was brought to a close by the treaty of Ghent, which was signed December 24, 1814; but this treaty had scarcely been ratified, when it became necessary to commence another war for the protection of American commerce and seamen against Algerine piracies. In May, 1815, a squadron under Commodore Decatur sailed for the Mediterranean, where the navai force of Algiers was cruising for American vessels. After capturing two of the enemy's best frigates in that sea, Decatur proceeded to tho Bay of Algiers, and there dictated a treaty which secured the United States from any further molestation from that quarter. Similar trear ties wer« also concluded with the other Barbary powers.

Th3 Seminole and a few of the Creek Indians commenced depredations OD the frontiers of Georgia and Alabama towards the close of L817, for whi^ih they were severely chastised by a force under General Jackson, and gladly sued for peace.

In FcbiiKry, 1819, a treaty was negotiated at Washington, by which Spain ceded to the United States East and West Florida and the adjacent islands- In the same year the southern portion of Mis- Bouri territory w^is i^et off under the name of Arkansas, for which a territorial governm^^iit w.^s formed ; and Alabama was constituted a st^ite, and admitted iv^to the Union.

Early in 1820 the pvLV^nce of Maine, whiuh had been connectea with Massachusetts duct i 652, was separated from it, and was admit teU into the Union as «aii t^xfepjndent state. .

Vice-President

Public attention was much occupied in 1824-5 by a visit from the venerable General Lafayette, who, after the lapse of nearly half a century from the period of his military career, Vv'as again welcomed with every token of respect that could be devised for honoring the *' Nation's Guest." He landed in New York in August, 1824, and after rem.aining there a short time, set out on a tour through all the states. Upwards of a year was taken up in accomplishing this gratifying object ; and in September, 1825, he sailed from Washiogton in th« frigate for his native homa

President

Neither candidate for the Presidency having received a majority of the electoral votes, it devolved upon the House of Eepresentatives to choose a President from the three highest on the list of those voted for, which three were Andrew Jackson, John Quincy Adams, and Williaia H. Crawford. Twenty-fonr tellers (one member from each state) were appointed, who, after examining the ballots, announced that the voteii of thirteen states had been given for John Quincy Adams ; the votes of seven states for Andrew Jackson ; and the votes of four states for William H. Crawford. The Speaker then declared that John Quincy Adams, having received a majority of the votes of all the states, waa duly elected President of the United States for four years, commencing on the 4th day of March, 1825 ; on which day Mr. Adams took th« oath of office, and entered upon his duti^.

A series of unfortunate political and social occurrences soon led tG a rupture of that cordiality which had formerly existed between these two distinguished individuals, the consequences of which were peculiarly disastrous to the political aspirations of Mr. Calliou 1, who waa never afterwards regarded with much favor beyond the imm(dic»t6 fimits of his owi state*

Vice-Frksidk.Vt

Early in June, 1833, the President left Washington on a toui* through the Northern states, and was every where received with an enthusiasm that evinced the cordial approval of his administration by the people. One of his first measures, on returning to the seat of government, was the removal of the public moneys from the United States Bank, for which act he encountered the most virulent hostility of a small majority of the Senate, who passed resolutions censuring his course. But this injustice has not been perpetuated ; for on the 16th of January, 1837, these partisan resolutions >\ ere expunged from the records by order of a handsome majority.

Urged by the unprecedented financial embarrassments which were experienced in every branch of industry, and especially by the mercantile class, Mr. Yan Buren's first measure was to convene a special meetin,!^ of Congress early in September, '37, w^hich continued in session forty days, but accomplished very little. A bill authorizing the issue of ^10,000,000 in treasury notes was passed ; but the Independent Treasury bill (the great financial measure of the administration) was then rejected, although afterwards (in 1840') adopted.

Soon after his inauguration, President Harrison issued a proclamation, convening Congress for an extra session on the 31st of May, to consider " sundry weighty and important matters, chiefly growing out of tlie state of the revenue and finances of the country. ' But he did not live to submit his remedial plans - dying, after a very brief illness, on the 4th of April, exactly one month after coming into ofiice. He was the first President who had died during his official term, and a messenger was immediately dispatched with a letter, signed by all the members of the Cabinet, conveying the melancholy intelligence to the Vice President, then at Williamsburg, Ya. By extraordinary means he reached Washington at five o'clock on the morning of the 6th, and at twelve o'clock the Heads of Departments waited upon him, to pay their official and personal respects. After signifying his deep feeling of the public calamity sustained by the death of President Harrison, and expressing his profound sensibility of the heavy responsibilities so suddenly devolved upon himself, he made known his wishes that the several Heads of Departments would continue to fill the places which they then respectively occupied, and his confidence that they would afford all the aid in their power to enable him to carry on the administration of the government successfully. - Mr. Tyler afterwards took and subscribed the following oath of office :

" I do solemnly swear, that I will faithfully execute the office of President of the United States, and will, to the best of my ability, preserve, protect, and defend the Constitution of the United States. JOHN TYLER.

Pursuant to the proclamation of President Harrison, Congress met on the 31st of May, and continued in session until the 13th of September. On the 27th of July a bill for the establishment of "The Fiscal Bank of the United States," passed the Senate by a vote of 26 to 23, and was concurred in by the House of Representatives on the 6th of August - 128 to 91. President Tyler, however, returned the bill on the 16th, with his oly'ections, and it was lost for lack of a constitutional majority. But the friends of a national bank were not to be deterred from their purpose by a single repulse : another bill (about the same in substance) was immediately hurried through both Houses, under the title of " The Fiscal Corporation of the United States," and this also shared the fate of its predecessor.

A Senate bill for the establishment of a uniform system of bankruptcy throughout the United States, was concurred in by the House on the 18th of August, and became a law ; but, meeting with very general condemnation, it was soon after repealed.

A bill was also passed at this extra session for the distribution of the proceeds of the sales of the public lands among the several states, in proportion to population.

In 1842 an important treaty, adjusting the north-eastern boundary of the United States,^ was negotiated at Washington between Mr. Webster, on the part of this country, and Lord Ashburton, on the part of Great Britain.

During the last year of Mr. Tyler's administration mucl excitement prevailed on the proposed annexation of Texas to the Union, which was strongly resisted at the North, on the ground that the South and southern institutions would thereby gain increased power in the Dational councils. A treaty of annexation, signed by the President, was rejected by the Senate, but measures were taken by which Texas was admitted the year following.

Election For The Fifteenth Term

The most important incidents of Mr. Polk's administration were the admission of I'exas and the consequent war with Mexico, the latter of which resulted in extending our territorial boundaries to the Pacific ocean, embracing regions of incalculable value.

Ilectoral Votes

y Zachary Taylor took the oath of office, as President, and entered upon his duties March 4, 1849. He did not, however, long enjoy his honors - death suddenly closing his earthly career, July 9, 1850.

Millard Fillmore took the oath of office, as Yice-President, and entered upon his duties March 4, 1849. Congress being in session at the time President Taylor died, the Yice-President sent a message to both houses on the 10th of July, in which he feelingly announced the melancholy event. On the same day he took the requisite oath, and entered on the execution of the office'^of President.

Electoral Yotes Election For The Seventeenth Term

The oath of office was «idministered to William R. King by a commission while he was on a visit to Cuba for the benefit of his health ; (but he died soon after his return home, and Jesse D. Bright, of Indiana, then President of the Senate, acted as Vice-President, ex officio, during the remainder of tho term.

John P. Hale, of N. Hampshire, and George W. Julian, of Indiana, were nominated by the " Free Democracy " for President and Vice- President, but they did not receive a single electoral vote.

Election For The E Ghteenth Term

* When the Flectoral votes were being counted, in Joint Convention of (lie Penate and House of Representatives, obj'-^c^ons were mane to including- the votes of Wisconsin, because the electors did not meet until the day after that prescribed by law. Tiie {'resident of the Convention slated that he merely announced that James Buchandh had beei; elected President of the United States, without any reference to tiie rotes, and declined expres^sing an opinion ou the subject.

Vice Pkesident

Abraham Lincoln took the oath of ofllce as President and entered upon his duties, March 4th, ISGl. Hannibal Hamlin took the oath of office as Vice-President, arid attended in the Senate as its F*resident, on the 4th of March, 1801. The incidents of the aduiinistratiou of Mr. Lincoln are given in detail in another part of this work.

Seal Of Tue United States The Great Seal Of The United States

Is one of peculiar interest, and therefore we feel warranted in giving more details of its design and history than can be allotted to the Seals of the several States. Soon after the declaration of independence, Benjamin Franklin, John Adams, and Thomas Jefferson were appointed a committee to prepare a great seal for the infant republic ; and they employed a French West Indian, named Du Simitiere, not only to furnish designs, but also to sketch such devices as were suggested by themselves. In one of his designs, the artist displayed on a shield the armorial ensigns of the several nations from whence America had been peopled - embracing those of England, Scotland, Ireland, France, Germany, and Holland. On one side was placed Liberty with her cap, and on the other was a rifleman in uniform, with his rifle in one hand and a tomahawk in the other - the dress and weapons being peculiar to America.

Franklin proposed, for the device, Moses lifting his wand, and dividing the Red Sea, and Pharaoh and his hosts overwhelmed with the waters. For a motto, the words of Cromwell, " Rebellion to tyrants is obedience to God."

Adams proposed the Choice of Hercules ; the hero resting on a clnb, Virtue pointing to her rugged mountain on one hand, and persuading him to ascend ; and Sloth, glancing at her flowery paths of pleasure, wantonly reclining on the ground, displaying the charms, both of her eloquence and person, to seduce him into vice.

Jefferson proposed the Children of Israel in the Wilderness, led by a cloud by day 4ind a pillar of fire by night ; and. on the reverse, Hengist and Horsa. the Saxon chiefs, from w^hom we claim the honor of bein^g

Franklin and Adams then requested Jefferson to combine their ideas in a compact description of the proposed great seal, which he did, and that paper, in his handwriting, is now in the office of the Secretary of State at Washington. This design consisted of a shield with six quarterings, parti one, cov/pi two, in heraldic phrase. The first gold, and an enameled rose, red and white, for England ; the second wiiite, with a thistle, in its proper colors, for Scotland ; the third green, with a harp of gold, for Ireland; the fourth blue, with a golden lily-fiovver, for France ; the fifth gold, with the imperial black eagle, for Germany ; and the sixth gold, with the Belgic crowned red lion, for Holland. These denoted the countries from which America had been peopled. He proposed to place the shield within a red border, on which there should be thirteen white escutcheons, linked together by a gold chain, each bearing appropriate initials, in black, of the confederated States. Supporters, the Goddess of Liberty on the right side, in a corslet of armor, in allusion to the then state of war, and holding the spear and cap in her right hand, while her left supported the shield. On the left, the Goddess of Justice, leaning on a sword in her right hand, and in her left a balance. The crest, the eye of Providence in a radiant triangle, whose glory should extend over the shield and beyond the figures Motto: E Pluribus Unum - "Many in one." Aiound the whole, " Seal of the United States of America, MDCCLXXVI." For the reverse, he proposed the device of Pharoah sitting in an open chariot, a crown on his head and a sword in his hand, passing through the divided waters of the Red Sea in pursuit of the Israelites. Rays from a pillar of fire in a cloud, expressive of the Divine presence and command, beaming on Moses, who stands on the shore, and, extending his hand ovtr the sea, causes it to overwhelm Pharoah and his foliowets. Motto : " Rebellion to tyrants is obedience to God."

Jefl'erson's device was highly approved by his coadjutors, and the committee reported on the lOtli of August, 1776 ; but, for some unaccountable reason, their report was neglected, not having been even placed on record ; and the affair was allowed to slumber until the 24th of March, 1779, when Messrs. Lovell, of Massachusetts, Scott, of Virginia, and Houstoun, of Georgia, were appointed a committee to make another device.

On the 10th of May following they reported in favor of a seal four inches in diameter, one side of which should be con] posed of a shield with thirteen diagonal stripes, alternate red and white. Supporters, a warrior, holding a swo^'d, on one side, and on the other the figure of Peace, bearing an olive branch. The crest, a radiant constellation of thirtpen stars. Motto : Bella vel Pace-- - ^'- For War or Peace," and the legend, " Seal of the United States," Qn the reverse, the figure of Liberty, seated in a chair, holding the staff and cap. Motto : Semper - - " Forever " - and underneath, MDCCLXXVI. This report was 7*e-commitied, and again submitted with some slight modilieaiions substituting the figure of an Indian with bow and arrows in his right hand for that of a warrior) just a year afterward ; but it was not accepted, and the matter rested until April, 1782, when Henry Middleton, Elias Boudinot, and Edward Rutledo^e -were appointed a third committee to prepare a Beal. They reported on the 9th of May following, substantially the &ame as the committee of 1779 and 1780 ; but, this not being satisfactory to Congress, on the 13th of June the whole matter was referred to Charles Thomson, its secretary.

He in turn procured several devices, among which was one by William Barton, of Philadelphia, consisting of an escutcheon, with a blue border, spangled with thirteen stars, and divided in the centre, perpendicularly, by a gold bar. On each side of this division, within the bine border, thirteen bars or stripes, alternate red and white, like the American flag adopted on the l4th of June, 1777. Over the gold bar an eye surrounded with a glory, and in the gold bar a Doric column resting on the base of the escutcheon, having a displayed eagle on its summit. The crest, a helmet of burnished gold, damasked, grated with six bars, and surmounted by a red cap of dignity, such as dukes wear, with a black lining, and a cock armed with gaflfe. Supporters, on one side the Genius of America, with loose Auburn tresses, having on her head a radiant crown of gold, encircled with a sky-blue fillet, spangled with silver stars, and clothed in a long, loose, white garment, bordered with grecD. From the right shoulder to the left side, a blue scarf with stars, tl« cinctures being the same as in the border. Around her waist a purpl^ girdle, fringed with gold, and the word Virtue embroidered in white. Her interior hand rested on the escutcheon, and the other held the American standard, on the top of which'a white dove was perched. The supporter on the other side was a man in complete armor; his Bword-belt blue, fi-inged with gold ; his helmet encircled with a wreath of laurel, and crested with one white and two blue plumes ; his left hand supporting the escutcheon, and his right holding a lance with a bloody point. Upon an unfurled green banner was a golden harp with silver strings, a brilliant star, and two lily -flowers, with two crossed Bwords below. The two figures stood upon a scroll, on which was the motto Deo Favente - " With God's Favor " - in allusion to the eye of Providence in the arms. On the crest, in a scroll, was the motto Virtus sola Invicta - " Virtue alone is Invincible."

After vainly striving to perfect a seal which should meet the approval of Congress, Thomson finally received from John Adams, then in London, an exceedingly simple and appropriate device, suggested by Sir John Prestwich, a baronet of the West of England, who was a warm friend of America, and an accomplished antiquarian. It consisted of an escutcheon bearing thirteen perpendicular stripes, white and r<^d, with the chief blue, and spangled with thirteen stars ; and, to give it greater consequence, he proposed to place it on the breast of an American eagle, displayed, without supporters, as emblematic of self-reliance. It met with general approbation, in and out of Congress, and was adopted in June, 1782 : so it is manifest, although the fact is not extensively known, that we are indebted for our national arms to a titled aristocrat of the country with which we were then at war. Eschewing all heraldic technicalities, it may be thus described in plain English : Thirteen perpendicular pieces, white and red ; a blue field ; the escutcheon on the breast of the American eagle displayed, proper, holding in his right talon an olive-branch, and in his left a bundle of thirteen arrows, al| proper, and in his beak a scroll, inscribed with the motto E Pl^rthm E. For the crest, over the head of the eagle, which appears abov^ the escutcheon, a golden glory breaking through a <^1««^'. P^^'^'nn^ surrounding thirteen stars, forming a constellation of white stars on a blue field.

Reverse. - A pyramid unfinished. In the zenith, an eye in a triangle, surroun'ded with a glory, proper. Over the eye, the words Annuit CcBptis - " God has favored the undertaking." On the base of the pyramid, are the numeral Roman letters MDCCLXXVI. ; and undeath the motto, Novus Ordo Seclorum - "A new- Series of Ages" - denoting that a new order of things had commenced in the Western hemisphere. Thus, after many fruitless efforts, for nearly six

Seals Of The Several States Arranged In Chronological Order

On a white or silver field the Goddess of Virtue, the genius of the commonwealth, is represented, dressed like an Amazon, resting on a spear with one hand, and holding a sword in the other. She is in the act of trampling on Tyranny, represented by a man prostrate, a crown fallen from his head, a broken chain in his left hand, and a scourge in his right. On » label above the figure is the word " Virginia ;" and beneath them is the motto, Sic semper tyrannis - "Thus we serve tyrants."

Settled By The English, 1607 New-York

A shield, or escutcheon, on which is represented the rising sun, with a range of hills and water in the foreground. Above the shield, for the crest, is a wreath surmounted by a half globe, on which rests a startled eagle, with wings outstretched. For the supporters of the shield, on the right is represented the figure of Justice, with the sword in one hand and the scales in the other ; and on the left the Goddess of Liberty, with the wand and cap in her left hand, and the olive branch of peace in her right. Below the shield is the motto. Excelsior - " More elevated " - denoting that the course of the State is onward and higher. Around the border of the seal, between two plain lines, is the inscription, in Roman capitals, " The Great Seal of the State of New- York."

On the blue ground of an irregularlyformed shield an Indian is represented, dressed with belted hunting-shirt and moccassins. In his right hand is a golden bow, and in his left an arrow with the point downward. A silver star on the right denotes one of the United States of America. A wreath forms- the crest of the escutcheon, from which extends a right arm, clothed and ruffed, the hand grasping a broad-sword, the pommel and hilt of which are of gold. Around the escutcheon, on a waving band or label, are the words, Ease petit placidam sub lihertate quietem - " By the sword she seeks peace under liberty." jQg

Settled By The Puritans

A circular field, surrounded by a laurel wreath, encompassed by the words, in Roman capitals, *' Sigillam Rcipublica Neo Hantunit:nsis :''' "The Seal of the State of New- Hampshire," with the date, 1784, indicating the time of the adoption of the State Constitution. Land and water are represented in the foreground, with the trunk of a tree on which the hardy woodman is yetengagei!, embracing a scene of busy life, signiticant of the industrious habits of ^»e people ; and a ship on the stocks, just ready for launching, with the American banner displaye<l, is figurative of readiness to embark on the sea of pobtical existence. The sui», just emerging above the horizon, symbolizes the rising destiny of the State.

three ploughs, indicating that the chief reliance of the people is upon agriculture. The crest is a horse's h< ad. supported by a full-face, six-barred helmet, resting on a vase - the latter resting on the top of the escutcheon. The supporters are tiie Goddess of Liberty on the right, with her wand and cap, her left arm resting on the escutcheon ; and Ceres on the left, her right hand resting on the escutcheon and her left supporting a cornucopia, filled with fruits and flowers. Around the border of the sea are the words, in Eoman capitals, "The Great Seal of the State of New Jersev," and at the base the date of its adoption, in numeral let' ters, MDCCLXXVI., (1776.)

An azure shield, or escutcheon, divided into two equal parts by a white band or girdle. A cow is represented in the lower part of the shield, and in the upper part are two symbols, designed probably to represent the agricultund productions of the State - grain and tobacco. The crest (a wreath) supports a ship under full sail, displaying the American banner. On a white field around the escutcheon were formei'ly wreaths of flowers, branches of the oliv^e, and other symbols, but these have been displaced for two figures, representing a mariner and a hunter. At the bottom of the seal, in numeral letters, is the date of its adoption, MDC ;XCIII. (1793), and around the border, in Roman capitals, are the words '* Great

Ittlbd By The Irish Catholics, 1635

On a white or silver field the fignw ol Justice is seen prominent in the centre of the foreground, grasping an olive branch, and a sword in her right hand, while her left is elevating her well-ballanced scales above her head. At her feet is a laurel wreath, the fasces and a cornucopia, with an uninscribed white label waving loosely from their midst. In the distance, on the right, is a view of the ocean, with a ship under full sail in the perspective, bounded by a clear horizon. On the left are some hogsheads of tobacco, symbolical of the principal products, and a ship with its sails partly unfurled, indi« cative of commercial enterprise.

The original seal is of an oval form, without any ornamental device-s, and on the field are delineated three grape-vines, each winding around and sustained by an upright support, the whole representing the three settlements (Hartford, Windsor, and Wethersfield") which formed the early colony. On a label waving around the lower vine is the motto Qui Transtulit Sustinet - ''Pie who planteth still sustains." Around the margin of the field are the words, -' SipiiJ'um ReipuhliccE Connee He u ten sis :^^ "The Seal of the State of Connecticut." [The Colonial seal had fifteen grape-vines, with a hand protruding above them, grasping the label and motto, r ; but that seal has been broken, and the

A white or silver shield, on which is an anchor with two flukes, and a cable attached. Above the shield, in Roman capitals, is the word HOPE, and from each upper corner of the ehield is suspended an unlettered label. The device symbolizes those principles of civil and religions liberty which led to the founding of this colony, and in which the faith of the citizens of the State is still deeply anchored. The motto, HOPE, above the shield, directs the mind to the uncertain future, anticipating the growing prosperity of the State, and the perpetuity of its free ' institutions ; while the unlettered label 1 progressing in the march ef Time, and

Settled By Bogsr Williams, 16 '6

In the original seal, which differs somewhat from the margin, on a white op silver field are represented the Goddess of Liberty on the right, and Ceres, the Goddess of corn and of harvests, on the left. In the right hand of the former is a scroll, representing the Declaration of Independence, and the left supports her wand, snrmonnted by the cap of hberty. Ceres has in her right hand three heads or ears of wheat, and in her left the cornucopia or horn of plenty, filled with the products of the earth. In the background is a marine view, indicative of the commercial resources of the State. Around the outer

North Carolina Settled By The English, 1650

In the centre of the white or silver field is the device of a palmetto-tree (a species of the date), with its topmost branches denoting a vigorous growth, emblematical of the prosperous progress of the State. Near the base of the tree are two crosspieces ; composed of bundles of spears, at the crossing of which is attached a scroll or label, with the motto, Animis opihusque parati - " Ready [to defend it] with our lives and property," which motto, by the way, is more generally put around the lower half of the outer circle, v/ith the words " South Carolina" occupying the upper half, preceded by a single star.

South Carolina

On a white field is an escutcheon parted by a yellow or golden band or girdle, on which is represented a plough in its natural color. In the upper part of the shield, a ship undei^ill sail is gliding smoothly over the waves of the sea, which are surmounted by an azure sky. At the lower part, on a green ground, are three golden sheaves of wheat, denoting that agriculture as well as commerce, is one of the primary reliances of the State. On the

Pennsylvania Settled By William Penn, 1682

Eerched a bald eagle, with wings extended, olding in its beak a label, with the motto, "Virtue, Liberty, and Independence." Around the margin of tiie seal aro the words, '' Seal of the State of Pennsylvania " 1 QQ

GEOROIA. In the centre of a circular white or silver field are three pillars, supporting an arch, around which are emblazoned the word " Constitution." The pillars are symbolical of the three departments of the State government - the Legislative, the Judiciary, and the Executive : and on the one at the right, representing the Legislative, is the word ''Wisdom;" on the second, representing the Judiciary, is the word "Justice ;" and on the tliir(^, representing the Executive, is the word " Moderation." Near the right pillar is the figure of an officer with a drawn sword, denoting that the aid of the military is always ready to enforce respect and obedience to law. Around the margin of the circle are the words, " State of Georgia. 1799."

Admitted Into The Union

A circular field, in the middle of w^liich is a tall evergreen with fourteen branches - thirteen representing the original States, and the fourteenth or topmost the State of Vermont, supported by the others. Beneath a cloudless firmament, the Green Mountains are seen towering in the distance, and in the foreground are sheaves of wheat and a cow, indicative of an agricultural and grazing country, affording the true sources of thrift and independence for an industrious population. The Green Mountains have ever been considered characteristic of the hardy race which inhabits that region. Around the margin of the field, in Roman capitals, the word " Vermont" occupies the upper half circle, and the words " Freedom and Unity" occupy the l(ivver half.

KENTUCKY. Althougli the seal of this State is apparently and really among the most simple in its design, yet it embodies a significance which should commend itself to the serious consideration oi ail who are disposed to place a slight value upon the union of the States. In the centre of a circular white or silver field, two friends are seen grasping one hand of each other in a firm and cordial embrace, while the other is extended to each other's back, significant of encouragement and support. Below them is the ex. ressiv*^ motto, ADMITTED INTO THE UNION. 1792. " United wc staud ; dividcd wc fall." Ali

A white or silver circular field, the tipper half of which is occupied on the right by a plough, in the centre by a sheaf of wheat, and on the left by a stalk of cotton. Underneath these emblems, extending across the entire middle of the field, is the word "Agriculture," denoting that the first reliance of the State should be upon the productions of the soil. The lower half is occupied by a loaded barge, with the word " Commerce" below the water, indicating that the prosperity of all may be promoted through this means. Over

In a circular field are several devices, significant of the general surface, business, and prospects of the State. The central portion represents a cultivated country, with the emblem of agriculture (a wheat-sheaf) on the right, and on the left a bundle of seventeen arrows, indicating the number of States then constituting the Union. In the distance is a range 'of mountains, the base skirted by a tract of woodland. The ri&ing sun, which is just becoming visible above the mountains, betokens the rising glory of the State. The foreground is an expanse of water, with a keel -boat on its surface, indicative of inland trade. Around the border

Louisiana

On a white or silver circular field is represented a pelican, standing by her nest filled with young ones, in the attitude of *' protection and defence," and in the act of feeding them - all sharing alike her maternal assiduity. The n^ other- bird symbolizes the general government of the Union ; while the birds in the nest represent the several States. Above are the scales of Justice, which, taken in connection with the emblems beneath, signify that " equal and exact justice" must be extended to all the members of the confederacy. The semi-circle of eighteen stars indicates the number of States at the time of admission. In the upper portion of the external circle are the words, *' State of Louisiana," and in the lower, the words, " Union and C©nSdenoe." 108 is represented a scene of prairie and woodland, with the surface gently undulating - descriptive of the predominant features of the State In the f ;reground is a buffalo, an animal once aV^ounding in great numbers in this region, apparently startled by the axe of the woodman or pioneer, who is seen on the left, felling the trees of the forest, denoting the march of ciyilization westward. In the distance, on the right, is seen the sun, just appearing above the verge of the horizon. In a half-circle, spanning the expressive scene beneath, are the words " Indiana State

MISSISSIPPI. In the centre of a white or silver circular field is the American eagle, with widespread wings, occupying the entire surface ; which may be considered as d-enoting that all the people of the State, from whatever clime or country the}^ may have come, . are purely American in feeling, and are content to repose their trust under the broad wings of the "bird of liberty." In the right talon of the eagle is a bundle of four arrows, signiricant of power to sustain the prineiples of government, and to repel the assaults of an enemy ; while an olive branch in the left betokens a disposition to maintain peace. Around the

In the centre of a white or silver escutcheon is a representation of the American eagle, its wings spread so as to touch the inner margin of the shield. In its right talon is the emblem of peace, an olive branch ; v%^hile three aiTows are grasped in the left, denoting its readiness to sustain the three great brandies of government. On its breast is an escutcheon, the lower half of which is represented of a red color, and the upper half blue, the latter bearing three white or silver stars. From its beak extends a label, waving in the air above it, wdth the inscription "State Sovereignty : National In the upper part of a circle enclosing the shield are the

Admitted Into The Union, 1817 Illinois

Nearly tlie entire of a circular field is occupied witli the representation of a map, embracing the names and localities of tlie principal rivers and towns, as they existed ac the time when the territorial government was established, 1817, A portion of East Florida, embracing the line of surface as far as Pensacola, is included in the map, as also a small portion of Tennessee, sufficient to show the boundaries on either side. Around the circle, between two parallel lines, are the words, in Roman capitals, " Alabama. Executive office."

represented a piiie-tree, with a moose-deer recumbent at its base - emblematical of the valuable timber of the State, and of the security and repose enjoyed by the animals which range its immense forests. The " supporters" are a mariner resting on his anchor, and a husbandman with his scythe - denoting that commerce and agriculture are each primary resources of the State. Above the shield is the North Star, beneath which is the motto, Dirigo - " I direct ;" and under the shield is the name of the State, in Roman capitals ; "while sea and land compose the foreground. On the left, the tall masts of a ship are perceptible in the distance, the sails spread, denoting a readiness for commercial enterprise.

Admitted Into The Union, 1820

a perpendicular line, is a red field on the right side, in v%^hich is the white or grizzly bear of Missouri. Above, separated by a wavy or curved line, is a white or silver crescent, in an azure field. On the left, on a white field, are the arras of the United States. A band surrounds the escutcheon, on which are the words, " United we stand, divided we fall." For the crest, over a yellow or goldon helmet, full faced and grated with six bars, is a silver star ; and above it, a constellation of twenty-three emaller stars. The supporters are two grizzly bears, standing on a scroll inscribed, Saliis populi svprema lex esto - " The public safety is the supreme law." Underneath are the numerals MDCCCXX.', and around the circle the words, "The Great Seal of the State of Missouri." (110) star on a bhie field, representing the State. In the middle portion is a bee-hive, signifying industry,, and a plougli, denoting agriculture ; while a steamboat, emblematic of commerce, fills the upper part. For the crest, the goddess of liberty is represented with her wand and cap in one hand, aud a wreath of laurel in the other, surrounded by a constellation of stars, indicating the States. The supporters two eagles, one grasping a bundle of arrows, and the other an olive branch ; a lalel extending from the 'claw of each, with the motto Regnant Populi - "The People rule." On either side, of the base is a cornucopia, and around the circle which encloses the ,the whole are the words, "Seal of the State of Arkansas."

On an escutcheon in the centre of a white field is the representation of a peninsula extenduig into a lake, a man with his gun, and the rising sun. On the upper part is the word Tuebor - " I will defend it ;" and on a label extending across the lower part is the motto, iSi quarris pininsularn amcenam circumspice - '' If you seek a delightful country (peninsula), behold it." The supporters are a common deer on the right, and a moose on the left, both abounding in the forests of Michigan. For the crest, is the American ea^ie ; above which, on a label waving ADMITTED INTO THE UNION. 1837. ^bove all, is thc motto, E PluHbus Uuum. Around the outer circle, between two parallel lines, are the words, ** The Great Seal of the State of Michigan, A.D. MDCCCXXXYII."

the territory of Florida, although not formally adopted as that of the State, has been continued ever since, and of course retains all its legal force. In the centre of a circular white or silver field is represented the American eagle, "the bird of liberty," grasping the emblem of peace, an olive branch, in its left talon ; and in its right a bundle of three arrows, significant of the three principal reliances of good government - the executive, the legislative, and the judicial. Above are arranged in a semi-circle thirteen stars, emblematic of the thirteen original states, a;fd below, th i ground is represented as covered with the prickly pear, a fruit comm >n to the oy^untry, and for which an appropriate motto literally independent or isolated existence previous to its admission into the Union. Duriog its struggle with Mexico, it adopted as an official seal a white or silver star of five points on an azuie field, encircled by branches of the- live oak and olive. Around the outer circle were the words, ''Republic of Texas "in Roniati capital letters. With the exception of the wo^ds around the margin, which is now blank, exc«pt the word "Texas" in the upper half-circle, the former seal has been adopted since by the State. The live oak {querciis vircns), which abounds in the forests admitted into the union, 1845. of Texas, is a strong and durable timber, much used in ship- buildings and forming an important article of export.

Like some of the other States which enjoyed a territorial existence for a length of time before they were invested with the. dignity of States, Iowa still retains her original seal, the device of which is perhaps more simple and expressive than that of any other State. In the centre of a white or silver circular field is an eagle in the attitude of flight, grasping in his right talon a bow, its left talon just visible within the inner circle around the field, and holding in its beak a single arrow. Tiie words, " Seal of the Territory of Iowa," form nearly a complete circle around tlie field, leaving a blank space at admitted into the union, 1846. the lower part, and these again are surrounded by white circular dots, on a black ground.

A large portion of the field is occupied by land and water scenery, denoting the agricultural, commercial, and mining interests of the State. In the foreground is a man ploughing with a span of horses ; in the middle is a pile of lead iii bars, a barrel, a rake, a sheaf of wheat, an anchor, and a cornucopia Lakes Michigan and Superior are represented, with a sloop on the former, and a steaixhoat on the latter, towards which an Indian on the shore is pointing. In the distance is a level pniirie, skirted by a range of woodland - a light-house and school-house on the left, and the State-house in the centre, admitted into the union, 1847. In a semi-circle above are the words, Civilitas successit Barbarutn - " CivilizalL''n has succeeded Barbarism." At the bottom is tlie date when a territorial government^ was formed, " Fourth of July, 1836 ;" and around the whole are the words " The Great Seal of the Territory of Wisconsin which has not yet been changed. (112) is seated on a rock, near the bank of an extensive bay or river, which winds its course among the majestic mountains on either side. Her spear is grasped in the right hand, while the left rests on the top pf her shield by her side, near which is a grizzly bear, significant of the snwy region round about. On the right is a hardy miner with his pick, seeking the golden ti-easures secreted among the rocks. Along the centre is seen a maj< stic bay, with two clippers in full view, indicating that commerce is one of the chief ADMITTED INTO THE UNION, 1850. reHances of the people Above the snowcovered mountains, which bound the view, is the Greek word Eureka - " I have fonnd."

peculiar circumstances under which it was originally settled, when the white man first undertook to convert its compai»a.tive deserts into productive agricultural fields. In the distance, an Indian is seen mounted on a swift steed, retivatirg from the haunts where he had long becv accustomed to enjoy unmolested the sports of the chase, and to roam uninterruptedly amidst his native forests. In the foreground is seen the new settler, preparing for his future subsistence by turning up the furrow, preparatory to sowing seed for the harvest. His gun and ammunition are lying behind "him. ready to repel the assaults of savage foes, to which he is constantly exposed. The motto, VEtoile du Nord, (the Star of the ISTorth,) is expressive of the bright future which this State is destined to realize.

of the circular ground, are indicative of the advantages to be derived from a wild and mountainous country, through the medium of commerce, which are symbol-" ized by the range of mountains depicted in the lower, and by the ship occupying the upper portion of the escutcheon. The right supporter is a representative of that unfortunate race who once entirely possessed the country, but who have been compelled to yield their heritage in part to the power of that enterprising people whose emblem is the eagle, here used as the left supporter. The crest, a beaver,

Admitted Into The Union, 1857

In the background the Rocky Mountains with the sun setting bej^ond them and a single bright star above. Nearer, forests along the banks of the Missouri, on which a large steamer is plowing its way. Still nearer, a' vast plain on which a party of hunters are pursuing the buffalo. Toward the foreground a log-cabin and a train of emigrant wagons, and in the immediate foreground a farmer plowing with a two-horse team. The motto is Ad Astra per Aspera^ Through rough ways to the Stars.

Utah

The simple device adopted for this territory is sufficiently expressive, and requires no lengthened explanation of what it is intended to symbolize. The beehive, in all ages, has been regarded as the embh'iu of industry, and the position in which it is here represented, as resting on a substantial foundation, implies that it is the certain harbinger of success in every important undertaking. The representations of vegetation in the background, imply that these productions of the soil are to be obtained by well-applied skill and industry, and upon these are the people to rely for a prosperous future. Perhaps, if we take into consideration the social condition of the original settlers of this territory, the bee-hive may be regarded as significant of the unity of interests at that bime predominant. The dates at the top and bottom indicate the first formation of a territorial government.

of the settlers who have adopted this territory as their future home. Representatives of the two principal classes of people (agricultural and mechanical) are seen in the act of upholding the Constitution, over which the American flag is gathered, in token of its care and protection. The steamboat, seen in the distance on the right, indicates that the State possesses many resources for extensive commerce, which may be materially aided by railroads and other internal improvements, which are shadowed out on the left The plow and the anvil are emblems of the immense agricultural and mineral advantages which abound in every direction, and whose developement is certain to secure for this territory ah eminent degree ol wealth and prosperity. The motto, "Popular So rereignty," expresses the will of the people to govern themselves, and is only the embodimeiit of a sentiment almost universally prevalent.

The Congress Of The United States

Consists of a Senate and House of Kepresentatives, and must assemble at least once every year, on the first Monday of December, unless otherwise provided by law.

The Vice-President of the United States is ex officio President of fhe Senate, and has a casting vote in case of an equal division. In his absence, a President pro tern, is chosen from among the members.

The Senate comprises two members from each state, (now numbering of course 62,) who are chosen by the state legislatures for the term of six years - one-third biennially.

The members of the House of Representatives (limited by law to the number of 233) are elected by the people for the term of two years, and are apportioned among the different states, according to population, in the following manner : After each decennial enumeration, the aggregate representative population of the United States is ascertained by the Secretary of the Interior, by adding to the whole number of free persons in all the states, including those bound to service for a term of years, and excluding Indians not taxed, threefifths of all other persons. Tnis aggregate is divided by 233, and the quotient, rejecting fractions, if any, is the rates of apportionment. The representative population of each state is then ascertained in the same manner, and is divided by the above-named ratio, the quotient giving the apportionment of representatives to each state. Hie loss by fractions is compensated for by assigning to as many states having the largest fractiocs as may be necessary to make the whole number of representatives 233, one additional member each for its fraction. If, after the apportionment, new states are admitted, representatives are assigned to such states on the above basis, in addition to the limited number of 233 ; but such excess continues only until the next apportionment under the succeeding census. When the apportionment is completed, the Secretary sends a certificate thereof to the House of Representatives, and to the Governors of the states a certificate of the number apportioned to each state.

The present number of representatives is 234, an additional one Deing assigned to California by the act of July 30, 1852. There are, besides, seven delegates - one each from Oregon, Minnesota, Utah, New Mexico, Washington, Kansas, and Nebraska - who have a right to speak, but no vote.

Since the 4th of March, 1817, the compensation of senators and representatives has been $8 a-day duringthe period of attendance in Congress, without deduction in case of sickness ; and $8 for every ' twenty miles' travel, in the usual road, in going to or returning from the seat of government. The President of the S.enate, pro tern, and the Speaker of the House of Representatives, each receive double thif sum. At the first session of the Thirty-Fourth Congress, however, an act was passed, fixing the pay of members at $3,000 per annum, buX tht rates of mileasre were left undisturbed.

The most exemplary character, perhaps, that ever adorned any era in history, and who received in his life-time the noble appellations of " the Founder of a Republic," and " the Father of his Country," was born in the county of Westmoreland, Virginia, on the 22d day of February, 1732. His early instruction was domestic and scanty, bui full of good discipline and sound principles; and as his father died when he was only ton years old, he had no subsequent opportunities for acquiring a thorough literary or scientific education. Howevei as His mind was natu-ally mathematical and philosophical, he prepared himself to be useful to his fellow-citizens as a civil engineer ; and as the country was wild, and much of it then unsurveyed, he occasion sllj found agreeable and profitable employment in surveying dififereot parts of l^is native state. He also directed much of his atten'KoQ to the science of arms, in the use of which every young man was instructed, in order to repel the incursions of the Indians, who were often led on by skillful Frenchmen. At the age of nineteen he appointed one of the adjutant-generals of Virginia, which gave him the rank of major, and soon after he was advanced to a colonelcy, and sent by Gov. Dinwiddle to the Ohio with despatches to the French commander, who was erecting fortifications from Canada to New Orleans, in violation of existing treaties. The Governor was so much pleased with the faithful discharge of this duty, that he ordered hia journal, w^hich extended to only eighty days, to be printed ; but, small as it was, it aflPorded evidence of great sagacity, fortitude, and a sound judgment, and firmly laid the foundation of his future fame.

In the spring of 1755, Washington was persuaded to accompany General Braddock as an aid, with the rank of colonel, in his disastrous expedition against Fort Du Quesne ; and had his advice been followed on that occasion, the result would have been very different.

Three years afterwards (1758) Washington commanded the Virginians in another expedition against the fort, which terminated successfully. At the close of this campaign he left the army, and wag soon after married to Mrs. Martha Custis, (the widow of Col. Daniel Parke Custis,) who&e maiden name was Dandridge, and whose intelligent and patriotic conduct, as wife and widow, will ever be gratefully remembered in American annals.

In 1759 he was elected to the House of Burgesses, and continued to be returned to that body, with the exception of occasional intervals, until 1774, when he was sent to represent Virginia in the Continental Congress. His well-tempered zeal and his military skill, which enabled him tc suggest the most proper means for national defence, if the country were urged to extremities, soon fixed all eyes upon him, as one well qualified to direct in the hour of peril ; and accordingly, after the first scene of the revolutionary drama was opened at Lexington and Concord, and an army had concentrated at Cambridge, he was, on the 15th of June, 1775, unanimously appointed commander-in-chief of the American forces. The self sacrificing spirit which governed his future course is too well known to require any elucidation.

After bringing the war to a successful termination, he hastened to Annapolis, where Congress were then in session, and on the 23d of December, 1783, formally resigned his commission.

In May, 1787, he was elected to the Convention which met at Philadelphia for the purpose of forming a Constitution, and was at once called upon to preside over its deliberations. After that admirable instrument was adopted by the people, he was unanimously elected the first President of the United States for four years ; at the expiration of which, he was unanimously re-elected for a second term.

On the 12th of December, 1799, he was seized with an inflammation in the throat, which grew worse the next day, and terminated his life on the 14th, in the 681 h year of his age.

And whose fame as a patriot and statesman is imperishable, wag born at Brain tree, Mass., October 19, 1735. He early displayed superior capacity for learning, and graduated at Cambridge college "^Hh PT(?.at p^rodit. After qualifying himself for the legal professioa, he was admitted ta practice in 1761, and soon attained tliat distinction to which his talents were entitled. From the commencement of the troubles with Great Britain, in 1769, he was among the most active in securing the freedom of his country. Being elected to the first Continental Congress, he took a prominent part in all the war measures that were then originated ; and subsequently suggested the appoint ment of Washington as commander-in-chief of the army. He was one of the committee which reported the Declaration of Independence in 1776, and the next year visited France is commissioner to form a treaty of alliance and commerce with that country. Although the object had been accomplished*before his arrival, his visit had otherwise a favorable effect on the existing position of affairs ; and he was aftervvards appointed to negotiate a treaty of peace with Great Britain, which, after many laborious and fruitless efforts, was finally accomplished in 1783. In 1785, he was sent to England as the first minister kom this country, and on his return was elected first Yice- President, in which office he served two terms, and was then, in 1797, elected to succeed Washington as President. Many occurrences tended to embarrass his administration, and to render it unpopular ; but it is now gei^rally admitted to have been characterized by patriotism and vigor equal to the emergencies which then existed. His political opponents, however, managed to defeat his re-election, and he was succeeded in the presidency by Mr. Jefferson, in 1801 ; after which, he retired to his farm at Quincy, where his declining years were passed in the gratification of his unabated love for reading and contemplation, and where he was constantly clieered by an interesting circle of friendship and affection. The semi-centennial anniversary of American Independence (July 4, 1826,) was remarkable, not merely for the event which it commemorated, but for the decease of two of the most active participants in the measures by which independence was achieved. On that day, Adams and Jefferson were both gathered to their fathers, within about four hours of each other, " cheered by the benediction of their country, to whom they left the inheritance of their fame, and the memory of their bright example."

As has been noticed elsewhere, Mr. Adams deemed it prudent, in the early part of his administration, when impending difficulties with France seemed to render war inevitable, to offer Washington the comnission of lieutenant-general and commander-in-chief of the army, *hich he accepted as a matter of duty, and held until his death, but ilrfrtui^ately never found it necessary to take the field.

Thomas Jj3Fpers0N The Third President Of The United States

Was born at ShadweM, Albemarle county, Ya., (near Monticello, the seat where he died,) April 13, 1743. He was educated at William and Mary's college, and graduated with distinction when quite young. He was a great lover of learning, and particularly of natural philosophy. With the celebrated George Wythe, he commenced the study of the law, and became a favorite pupil. Mr. Jefferson was never distinguished as an advocate, but was considered a good lawyer. Soon after he came to the bar, he was elected a member of the House of Burgesses, and ik that body was duly appreciated for his learning and aptitude for businesSi He at once took fire at British oppression ; and in 1774, he employed his pen in discussing the whole course of the British ministry. The work was admired, and made a text-book by his countrymen. In June, 1775, he took his seat in the Continental Congress, from Virginia. In this body he soon became conspicuous, and was considered a firm friend to American liberty. In 1776, he was chosen chairman of the committee that drafted the Declaration of Independence. This instrument is nearly all his own, and was sanctioned by his coadjutors with few alterations. In 1778, Mr. Jefferson was appointed ambassador to France, to form a treaty with that government, but ill health prevented his accepting of this office. He succeeded Patrick Henry, in 1779, as Governor of Virginia, and continued in that station two years. In 1781, he composed his notes on Virginia. In 1783, he was sent to France, to join the ministers of our country, Mr. Adams and Dr. Franklin. In 1785, he succeeded Dr Franklin as ambassador, and continued performing the duties of that office for two years, when he retired, and returned home. In 1789, he was made secretary of state, under Washington, in which situation he was highly distinguished for his talents. This station he resigned in 1793, and retired to private life. In 1797, he was elected Vice-President of the United States, and took his seat as President of the Senate, on the following 4th of March. In 1801, he was elected President of the United States, which office he held for eight years. After completing his second term, he retired to private life, in which he spent his days in philosophical pursuits, until the 4th of July, 1826, when he expired, just fifty years after penning the Declaration of Independence. His course was one of his own. Never lived there a politician, who did more thaa Thomas Jeffersoc, to bring his fellow-citizens to his own opiniooa.

James Madison The Fourth President Of The United States

' Was born in Orange county, Ya., March 16, 1751. His studies, preparatory to entering Princeton College, were pursued under the most favorable circumstances, he being provided with the most accomplished instructors, and he graduated with hi h honor in 177]. On

In 1776, he was elected to the General Assembly of Yirginia; and from this period, for more than forty years, he was continually in oflQce, serving his state and his country in various capacities, from that of a state legislator to that of President.

In 1778, he was elected by the legislature to the executive council of the state, where he rendered important aid to Henry and Jefferson, governors of Virginia, during the time he held a seat in the council ; and by his probity of character, faithfulness in the discharge of dfUty, and amiableness of deportment, he won the approbation of these great men. In the winter of 1779-80, he took his seat in the Continental Congress, and became immediately an active and leading member, aa the journal of that body abundantly testifies.

In 1784, '5, '6, he was a member of the legislature of Yirginia. In 1787, he became a member of the Convention held in Philadelphia, for the purpose of preparing a Constitution for the government of the United States. Perhaps no member of that body had more to do with the formation of that noble instrument, the " Constitution of the United States of America," than Mr. Madison.

It was during the recess between the proposition of the Constitution by the Convention of 1787, and its adoption by the states, that that celebrated work, " The Federalist," made its appearance. This i3 known to be the joint production of Alexander Hamilton, John Jay, and James Madison. This same year he was elected to Congress, and held his seat until the Continental Congress passed away among the things that were. He was a member of the state convention of Yirginia which met to adopt the Constitution, and on the establishment of the new Congress under the Constitution, he was chosen a member, retaining his seat until the close of Washington's administration.

In 1801, as one of the presidential electors, he had the gratification of voting for his illustrious friend Jefierson, who immediately offered him a place in his cabinet, which was accepted. Accordingly he entered on the discharge of his duties as Secretary of State, which duties he continued to perform during the whole of Mr. Jefferson's administration, and on the retirement of that great statesman, in 1809, he succeeded to the Presidency, in which office he served two terms.

Mr. Madison then retired to his peaceful home in Yirginia, where he passed the remainder of his days in favorite pastimes, loved by the many and respected by all, until the 28th day of June, 1826, wheg the last survivor of the fraraers of oui ConstitutioE was gathered tl) his fethers, full ^f years an d glorVc

One of the few exalted characters that served his country in both a civil and military capacity, was born in Westmoreland county, Ya., April 28, 1758, and was educated at William and Mary's college, whence he graduated in 1776, and commenced the study of the law. Anxious to aid in the struggle for independence, which had tKen just began, he abandoned his studies, and entered the amy as a cadet - joining a corps under the gallant General Mercer. He soon distinguished himself in several well-fought battles, and rapid promjotioa followed, until he reached the rank of captain. He was at Harlem Heights and White Plains, and shared the perils and fatigues of the distressing retreat of Washington througli New Jersey, as well as the glory of the victory over the Hessians at Trenton, where he received a musket-ball in the shoulder ; notwithstanding which, he valiantly " fought out the fight." He subsequently accepted the post of an aid to Lord Stirling, with the rank of major, in which position he saw much hard service - being engaged in almost every conflict for the two succeeding campaigns, and displaying great courage and coolness at the bloody battles of Brandywine, Germantown, and Monmouth.

Aspiring to a separate command, he obtained permission to raise a regiment in his native state ; for which purpose he left the army, and returned to Virginia, where he encountered so many unexpected and discouraging obstacles, that he finally relinquished the enterprise, and resumed his law studies in the office of Mr. Jefferson.

In 1780 he was elected to the Virginia legislature, and in the following year was made one of Governor JefiPerson's council, in which he continued until 1783, when, at the age of twenty-four years, he became a member of the Continental Congress. After serving three years in that body, he was again returned to the state legislature.

In 1788, while a member of the Convention to decide upon the adoption of the new Constitution, he voted in the minority against that instrument; but this vote did not at all affect his popularity Two years afterwards he was elected United States' senator, and in 1794 he was sent envoy extraordinary and minister plenipotentiary to the court of Versailles. After settling the cession of Louisiana to the United States, he went to England to succeed Mr. King as minister at the court of St. James. The affair of the frigate Chesapeake placing him in en uncomfortable situation, he returned to the United States, and, in 1810, was once more elected to the Virginia legislature. He was soon after chosen governor of that state, in which office be remained until Mr. Madison called him to assume the duties of Secre-, tary of State in his cabinet. In 1817, he was elected President of the United States, and in 1821 was unanimously re-elected, with the exception of a single vote in New Hampshire. His administration was a prosperous and quiet one.

He united with Jefferson and Madison in founding the universit^of Virginia ; and when the convention was formed for the revision of the constitution of his state, he was called to preside over its action. Not long after this, he went to reside with a beloved daughter (the wife of Samuel L. Gouverneur, Esq.) in New York city, where he lived until the anniversary of independence in 1831, when, "amidst the pealing joy and congrav';ulations of that proud day, he passed quietly and in glory away."

Was born at Quincy, Mass., Jyily 11, 1767, and received the advantages of a pretty thorough education before entering Harvard college, which was not until the year 1786. After graduating with marked credit, he commenced the study of law at ISTewburyport, in the

128 JOHN QUINCT ADAMSoffice * of the He n. Theophilus Parsons, for -many years afterwards chief justice of Massachusetts. While pursuing his studies he found leisure to write several newspaper essays, which attracted much attention, and displayed a maturity of taste and judgment seldom attained BO early in life. In 1794 Washington appointed him minister to the Netherlands, and subsequently transferred him to Portugal. He was afterwards, at different periods, minister to Prussia, Eussia, and England ; and was one of the commissioners who negotiated the treaty of peace with Great Britain at Ghent in 1815. In 1817 he waa appointed Secretary of State, in which office he continued during Mr. llonroe's administration, eight years ; when he was elected by the House of Representatives President of the United States - the people Having failed in making a choice. Like his father, he encountered strong opposition, and only served one term in this office, being defeated in a re-election by General Jackson. He then retired to his farm at Quincy, but did not long remain in private life ; for two years afterwards, he was chosen representative in Congress, and continued to be re-elected until his death, which occurred in the capitol at Washington, February 23, 1848. Two days previous to this sad event, while engaged in his duties in the House of Representatives, he received a paralytic stroke, which apparently deprived him of all consciousness. He was borne to the Speaker's room, where he received every attention that could be bestowed by anxious and devoted friends, but all in vain - his hour was come. The last words he was heard to utter were, " This is the last of earth !"

Mr. Adams was a man of rare gifts and rich acquisitions. A diligent student, and economical of his time, he found opportunity, amidst all his public cares, to cultivate his tastes for literature and the sciences. He was one of the finest classical and belles-lettres scholars of his time, and filled the chair of Professor of Rhetoric and Belles- Lettres in Harvard college for several years. Even in his old age, h** often astonished his hearers with the elegant classical allusions and rhetorical tropes with which he enriched and embellished bis own productions.

Andrew Jacksok Andrew Jackson

A STATESMAN of rare integrity, and a general of invincible skill and courage, was born at Waxliaw, Lancaster county. S. C, in 1767, and while yet a mere lad, did something towards achieving the independence of his country. It is said that he commenced his military career at the age of fourteen years, and was soon after taken prisoner, together with an elder brother. During Ms captivity, he was ordered by a British officer to perform some menial service, wliicli he promptly refused, and for this refusal he was " severely wounded with the sword which the Englishman disgraced." He was educated for the bar, and commenced practice at Nashville, Tenn., but relinquished his legal pursuits to " gain a name in arms." In the early part of the war of 1812, Congress having voted to accept fifty thousand volunteers, General Jackson appealed to the mihtia of Tennessee, when twentyfive hundred enrolled their names, and presented themselves to Congress, with Jackson at their head. They were accepted, and ordertd to Natchez, to watch the operations of the British m lower Mississippi. Not long after, he received orders from head-quarters, to disband his men, and send them to their homes. To obey, he foresaw, would be an act of great injustice to hi$ command, and reflect disgrace on the country, and he resolved to disobey. He accordingly broke up his camp, and returned to Nashville, bringing all his sick with him, whose wants on the way he relieved with his private means, and there disbanded his troops in the midst of their hemes.

He was soon called to the field once more, and his commission marked out his course of duty on the field of Indian warfare. Here for years he labored, and fought, and diplomatized, with the most consummate wisdom and undaunted courage. It , Was about this time that the treaty of the " Hickory Ground " occurred, w^hich gave him the familiar sobriquet of '* Old Hickory." ^^

The crowning glory of his whole military career was the battle of N'ew Orleans ; which will ever occupy one of the brightest pages in A-merican history.

At the close of the war he returned to his home in Nashville ; but in 1818 was again called on by his country to render his military services in the expulsion of the Seminoles. . His conduct during this campaign has been both bitterly condemned and highly applauded. An attempt in the House of Eepresentatives to inflict a censure on the old hero for the irregularities of this campaign, after a long and bitter debate, was defeated by a large majority.

In 1828, and again in 1832, General Jackson w^as elected to fiU thQ presidential chair ; thus occupying that elevated position for eighi guccessive years. He then retired to his hospitable mansion (" The Hermitage") near Nashville, "loaded with wealth and honors, bravely won," where he continued to realize all the enjoyments that are inseparable from a well-spent life, until death translated hira to those higher rewards, which " earth can neither give nor take away." He died Jure 8, 1845, and his last hours were soothed by a trustful reliance on ithe Saviour of the world for salvation.

Was born in the flouiisliing town of Kinderhook, New York, September 5, 1782, and early received the best education that could then be obta<ined in the schools in his immediate vicinity. Having sufficiently prepared himself for the study of law, he entered the office of Francis Hylvester, iu hia nativ;^ town, where he reniaiiiod about siz years. Bat law did not engross his whole time : he found leisure occasionally to peer into the mysteries of political economy, and finally arrired at the conclusion that his chances for fame and fortune were at least equal in the arena of politics to anything he might accomplish by a strict adherence to legal pursuits. Fully impressed with this idea, he early set about cultivating what little popularity could be gained in his limited sphere, and so won upon the confidence of hia neighbors and friends as to be appointed, while yet in his teen^, a delegate to a convention in his native county, in which important political measures were to be acted upon.

In 1808 he was appointed surrogate of Columbia county, the first public oflBce he ever held; and in 1812 and 1816 he was elected to the state senate, in which body he became a distinguished leader of the Madison party, and one of its most eloquent supporters.

In 1821 he was elected to the United States Senate, in which he held his seat for nearly eight years, and became remarkable not only for his close attention to business, but also for his devotion to the great principles of the democratic party.

In 1828 he was elected Governor of his native state, and entered upon the duties of that office on the first of January, 1829 ; but he filled the guberhatorial chair for only a few weeks. In March following, when General Jackson was elevated to the Presidency, he tendered Mr. Yan Buren the post of Secretary of State, which was. accepted. At the expiration of two years he resigned his seat in the Cabinet, and was immediately appointed minister to England ; but when his nomination was submitted to the Senate, (June 25, 1831,) it was rejected by the casting vote of the Vice-President, (Mr. Calhoun,) and of course he was recalled. As his friends attributed his rejection entirely to personal and political rancor, it only served to raise Mr. Van Buren in the estimation of his political adherents ; and the result was, that in May following he was nominated with great unanimity for the V%@§-Presidency by the Democratic Convention at Baltimore. His triumphant election was regarded not merely as a high compliment to himself, but as a wholesome rebuke to his opponents.

In 1836 he was put in nomination for the chief magistracy, to which he was elected by a large majority over General Harrison ; but at the Presidential election, the tables were turned, and he only received sixty votes out of two hundred and ninety-four.

After his defeat, he returned to Kinderhook, where he remained some time, and then visited Europe, with one of his sons, whose restoration to health was the principal object of his journey.

Not long after his return, he consented to become once more a candidate for the Presidency, and in 1848 received the nomination of the Free-soil party ; but he did not secure a single electoral vote. Since then, he has had little to do with political affairs ; yet it has been recently manifested that his opinions have undergone some modificj*- tion, and he is now avowedly favorable to the election of the democratic nominee, James Buchanan, to tjie office of Presidejit.

Was born in Charles City county, Ya., February 9, 1773, and was educated fbr the medical profession at Hampden Sydney college. He graduated at a time when our north-western frontier was suffering much fr(X?i the neighboring Indians ; and believing that he could ba of greater h;ervice in repelling the savage invaders than in pursuing his Btjadies, he accepted an ensign's commission from Presidt^nt Washing ton, and joined the army. He was promoted to a lieutenancy in 1792, and his skill and bravery were highly commended by General Wayne, under whose command he was engaged in several actions. After the bloody battle of Miami Rapids, he was rewarded with the rank of captain, and immediately placed in command of Fort Washington. In 1797 he resigned his commission, for the purpose of accepting the office of secretary of the North-west Territory, from which he was elected a delegate to Congress in 1799.

When a territorial government was formed for Indiana, he was appointed the first governor, and continued in that office till 1813. To his civil and military duties he added those of commiissioner and superintendent of Indian affairs ; and, in the course of his adrainistrortion, he concluded tliirteen important treaties with the different tribes. ^n the 7th of November, 1811, he gained the celebrated battle of Tippecanoe, tlie nev/s of which was received throughout the country with a burst of enthusiasm. During the war of 1812 he was made commander of the north-western army of the United States, and he bore a conspicuous part in the leading events in the campaign of 1812-13, the defence of Fort Meigs, and the victory of the Thames. In 1814, he was appointed, in conjunction with his companions in arms, Governor Shelby and General Cass, to treat with the Indians in the north-w^est, at Greenville ; and, in the following year, he was placed at the head of a commission to treat with various c^her important tribes.

In 1816, he was elected a member of Congress from Ohio ; and, in 1828, he w^as sent minister plenipotentiary to the republic of Colombia. On his return, he took up his residence at North Bend, on the Ohio, where he lived upon his farm, in comparative retirement, till 1837, when he became a candidate for the Presidency ; and although defeated on the first trial, four years afterwards he was elected by a large majority, and inaugurated in 1841. But he did not long survive this crowning honor, as he died on the 4th of April, just one month after entering upon his duties. His funeral obsequies were performed on the 7th, and an immense concourse assembled to pay their testimony of respect. Funeral services and processions also look place in most of the principal cities throughout the country. A^ General Harrison was the first President who died while in office, his successor Mr. Tyler, recommended that the 14th of May be observed as a day of fasting and prayer, and accordingly it was so observea.

John Tyler Johx Tyler

Was born at Williamsbiiro:. Ya., March 29, 1790, and at the age of twelve years entered William and Mary's college, where he graduated with distinguished merit five years afterwards. Few have commenced life at so early a period as Mr. Tyler - he having been admitted to the bar when only nineteen, and elected to the Yirginia legislature before attaining his twen'y-second year. In 1816 he was sent to Congress ; in 1825, elected Governor of Virginia, and in 1827 became United States senator ; in which capacity he firmly supported the administration of General Jackson - voting against the tariff bill of 1828, and against re-chartering the United States Bank. Notwitb standing tliis last vote, the friends of the bank, presuming upon liia well-known conservatism, at the special session of Congress called by his predecessor, introduced a bill for the establishment of the " Fiscal Bank of the United States," which passed both houses by small majorities, and which Mr. Tyler felt bound to veto. But this did not dishearten the friends of the measure, who modified and rechristened their financial plan, which, under the name of "Fiscal Corporation of the United States," again passed both houses of Congress, and was again vetoed by the President. Of course, a large portion of the party that elected him were greatly dissatisfied with his course, and their denunciations of his alleged faithlessness were " loud and deep." To add to the embarrassments which were accumulating around him," the members of his Cabinet, with the exception of Mr. Webster, resigned their places ; but even this implied rebuke did not shake his integrity of purpose. An equally eflScient phalanx of talent was called to his aid, and he had the satisfaction of seeing that his views were endorsed by a large number of leading statesmen. It has been often asserted that Mr. T. had pledged himself to sustain the financial schemes of the bank and its friends ; but this has always been denied, and circumstances certainly warrant the conclusion that the assertion is unfounded. So gross and bitter were the assaults made upon him, that he felt called upon to defend himself from their violence ; and, after declaring his determination to do his duty, regardless of party ties, he said : " I appeal from the vituperation of the present day to the pen of impartial History, in confidence that neither my motives nor my acts will bear the interpretation which, for sinister motives, has been placed upon them." On tlie expiration of his official term, he retired to his estate at Williamsburg, where he still continues to reside, secure in the respect of a large cir<;le of friends, and far aloof from ike troublous vortex of political life.

James Knox Polk

Was born at Mecklenburg, N. C, November 2, 1795, and ther« received the rudiments of bis early education. In 1806 bis father removed to Nashville, Tenn., taking his family with him, and hei:e it was that Mr. Polk pursued those preliminary studies which were requisite to qualify him for the legal profession. After due preparation, he entered the office of the Hon. Felix Grundy, under whose able instruction he made such rapid progress, that he was admitted to practice in 1820. His duties at the bar did not prevent him from taking part in the political affairs of the day ; and in this sphere his comprehensive views and zealous devotion to democracy soon secured him a widely-extended popularity, which resulted in his*^ election to the legislature of Tennessse in 1823. In 1825, while yet in his thirtieth year, he was chosen a member of Congress, in which body he remained fourteen years - being honored with the Speakership for several sessions. So well satisfied were his constituents with his congressional course, that he was elected Governor by a large majority, but some questions of local policy subsequently defeated his re-election. I In 1844 he was unexpectedly nominated for the office of President of the United States by the Democratic Convention at Baltimore and, having received sixty-five electoral votes more than his rival candidate, Mr. Clay, be was inaugurated on the 4th of March, 1845.

Soon after Mr. Folk assumed the reins of government, the country became involved in a war with Mexico, which was little mare than a series of victories wherever the American banner was displayed, and which resulted in important territorial acquisitions. The ostensible ground for this war, on the part of Mexico, was tTie admission of Texas into the Union, which was one of the first acts of Mr. Polk's administration. The Mexicans, however, paid dearly for asserting their frivolous claims to Texas as a revolted province, and the prompt and energetic course pursued by Mr. Polk was sanctioned and sustained by a large majority of the people.

But notwithstanding the advantageous issue of the war, the acquisition of Texas, and the satisfactory settlement of several vexed questions ©f long standing, Mr. Polk was not nominated for a second term - tario^is extraneous matters leading to the selection of another candidate. Perhaps it was fortunate for the country and for himself that he waf permitted to retire to the more congenial enjoyment of private life ; for hi? health had become Tcry much impaired, and he did not long surviv ) after reaching: ^is horae in Nashville. He died Jane 15, 1849.

The Fleventh President Of The United States

Was born in Orange county, Ya., November 24, 1790, and, after receiving an indifferent education, passed a considerable portion of his boyhood amid the stirring scenes which were being enacted at that me on our western border. la 1£08 he was appointed a lieutenant in the -United States infantry, and subsequently was promoted to % captaincy for his efficient services against the Indians. Soon after the declaration of war in 1812 he was placed in command of Fort Harrison, which he so gallantly defended with a handful of men against the attack of a large body of savages, as to win Ihe brevet rank of major. So familiar did he become with the Indian character, and with the mode of warfare of that wily foe^ that his services at the West and South were deemed indispensable in the subjugation and removal of several hostile tribes. While effecting these desirable objects, he was occasionally rewarded for his toils and sacrifices by gradual promotion, and in 1840 attained the rank of brigadier-general. At the commencement of the troubles with Mexico, in 1845, he was ordered to occupy a position on the American side of the Rio Grande, but not to cross that river unless attacked by the Mexicans. He was not, however, allowed to remain long in repose : the enemy, by attacking Fort Brown, which he had built on the Rio Grande, opposite Matamoras, soon afforded him an opportunity to display his skill and valor, and gloriously did he improve it. The brilliant battles of Palo Alto and Resaca de la Palma, where he contended successfully against fearful odds, were precursors to a series of victories which have few parallels in military annals. The attack on Matamoras, the storming of Monterey, the sanguinary contest at Buena Yista, and the numerous skirmishes in which he was engaged, excited universal admiration ; and on his return home, after so signally aiding to " conquer a peace" with Mexico, he was everywhere received with the most gratifying demonstrations of respect and affection. In 1848 General Taylor received the nomination of the whig party for the office of President of the United States, and, being elected, was inaugurated the year following. But the cares and responsibilities of this position were greater than his constitution could endure, hardened as it had been both in Indian and civilized warfare. After the lapse of little more than a year from the time he entered upon his new career, he sunk under its complicated trials, and his noble spirit sought refuge in a more congenial sphere, July 9, 1850.

The Successor Of Gen. Taylor, As President

Was born at Stimmer Hill, Cayuga county, N.Y., January 7, 1800, and did not enjoy the advantages of any other education than what he derived from the then inefficient common schools of the county. At an early age he was sent into the wilds of Livingston county to learn a trade, and here he soon attracted the attention of a friend, who placed him in a lawyer's office - thus opening a new, and what was destined to be a most honorable and distinguished career. In 1827 he was admitted as an attorney, and two years afterwards as counsellor in the Supreme Court Soon attracting attention, h«

His first entrance into public life was in January, 1829, when he took his seat as a member of the Assembly from Erie county. At this time he distinguished himself for his untiring opposition to imprisonment for debt, and to this are the people indebted in a great degree for the expunging of this relic of barbarism from the statute book. Having gained a high reputation for legislative capacity, in 1833 he was elected a member of the national House of Representatives ; and on the assembling of the Twenty-seventh Congress, to which he was re-elected by a larger majority than was ever given to any person in his district, he was placed in the arduous position of Chairman of the Committee of Ways and Means. The measures he brought forward and sustained with matchless ability, speedily relieved the government from its existing pecuniary embarrassments. In 1847 he was elected Comptroller of the state of New York by a larger majority than had been given to any state office for many years. In 1848 he was selected as candidate for Vice-President, General Taylor heading the ticket. On his election to that high office, he resigned his position as Comptroller, and entered upon his duties as President of the United States Senate. The courtesy, ability, and dignity exhibited by him, while presiding over the deliberations of that body, received general commendation. Upon the sudden death of General Taylor, he became President, and promptly selected a cabinet, distinguished for Hs ability, patriotism, and devotion to the Union, and possessing in an eminent degree the confidence of the country.

After serving out the constitutional term, Mr. Fillmore returned to Buffalo, and again resumed those pursuits which had prepared the way to the elevated position from which he had just retired. He was welcomed home by troops of friends, with whom he still continues to tnjoy an unabated popularity.

It should be borne in mind by every aspiring young man, that Mr. Fillmore i^ entirely indebted to his own exertions for his success in life. From a very humble origin, he attained the highest office in the world, climbing the rugged steep of fame step by step, with indefatigable industry and untiring perseverance, until he at length gained Sie summit, where he is long likely to enjoy his well-earned position.

The Twelfth President Of The United States

^ular qoUegiate course at Bowdoin college, which he entered at the ifcge of sixteen, he became a law student in the ofiBce of Judge Woodbury at Portsmouth, whence he was transferred to the law school at

Northampton, where he remained two years, and then finished hia studies with Judge Parker at Amherst. Although his rise at the bar was not rapid, by degrees he attained the highest rank as a lawyer and advocate.

In 1829 he was elected to represent his native town in the state legislature, where he served four years, during the two last of which ho held the speakership, and discharged the duties with universal satisfaction.

From 1833 to 1837 he represented his state in Congress, and was then elected to the United States Senate, having barely reached the requisite age to qualify him for a seat in that body.

In 1834 he married Miss Jane Means, daughter of the Rev. Dt Appleton, formerly President of Bowdoin college - soon after which he removed to Concord, where he still holds a residence. He was re-elected at the expiration of his senatorial term, but resigned his seat the year following, for the purpose of devoting himself exclusively to his legal business, which had become so extensive as to require all. his attention.

In 1846 he declined the oflSce of Attorney-General, tendered to him by President Polk ; but when the war with Mexico broke out, he waa active in raising the New England regiment of volunteers ; and after, wards accepted the commission of brigadier-general, with which he at once repaired to the field of operations, where he distinguished himself in several hard-fought battles. At Cerro-Gordo and at Chapultapec he displayed an ardor in his country's cause which extorted praise from his most inveterate poKtical opponents ; and on his return home he was everywhere received with gratifying evidences that his services were held in grateful remembrance by the people.

At the Democratic Convention held in Baltimore in 1852, after trying in vain to concentrate their votes on a more prominent candidate, that body unexpectedly nominated GenerrJ Pierce for the oflSce of President of the United States, to which he was elected by an unprecedented majority over his rival. General Scott - receiving 254 votes out of 296. He was duly inaugurated on the 4th of March, 1853, and his administration has been more remarkable for its futile attempts to reconcile conflicting interests, than for the achievement of any particular measure of great public utility.- However, it wiU better become his future than his present biographer to " speak of him as he is ; nor aught extenuate, nor aught set down in malice."

For the high position he has so long maintained in the political affairs of this country, Mr. Buchanan is not alone indebted to his early and thorough education, but his entire devot-ion to whatever he undertakes, and his perseverance in surmonnting obstacles which would intimidate less determined minds, has had a large share in promoting his advancement. He is of Irish parentage, and was born at Stony Batter, Franklin county, Pa., April 23, 1791. At the age of seven years he removed with his father's family to Mercersburg, and there received an education that fitted him for entering Dickinson college in 1805, where he graduated two years afterwards with the highest honors. He then studied law with James Hopkins, of Lancaster, and in 1812 was admitted to the bar, at which he attained a high rank and commanded an extensive practice.

In 1814 he commenced political life as a member of the Pennsylvania state legislature, and in 1820 was sent as representative to Congress, where he remained for ten years - at the expiration of which, he declined a re-nomination.

In 1831 he was appointed minister to Eussia by President Jackson, of whom he was always the consistent friend and supporter, and he negotiated a commercial treaty which proved of great advantage to American commerce.

In December, 1834, having been elected to the United States Senate, he took his seat in that body, and continued one of its most efficient members until 1845, when he accepted the ofiSce of Secretary of State under Mr. Polk. He held this responsible place until the expiration of Mr. Polk's term of service, when he returned home to repose awhile. But he did not by any means become an idle spectator in passing events : his letters and speeches show that he was no less vigilant as a private citizen, than as a counsellor in the Cabinet, or a representative and senator in Congress.

On the accession of Mr. Pierce to the Presidency, in 1853, Mr Buchanan was appointed minister to England, with which country questions were then pending that required great prudence and discrimination for their satisfactory adjustment. In his intercourse with the British diplomatists he was not only discreet, but displayed sound sense, courtly forbearance, a just assertion of our rights, and the true dignity of the American character. So entirely unexceptionable was his whole course while abroad, that on his return to this country last April - he landed in New York on the sixty-fifth anniversary of his birth-day - he was received with an almost universal enthusiasm, seldom accorded to political men.

In June, 1856, Mr. Buchanan was nominated by the Democratic Convention at Cincinnati as a candidate for the Presidency ; and although there were powerful political elements arrayed against him in the succeeding campaign, he was triumphantly elected to that responsible and honorable office.

Was born in Hardin County, Kentucky, February 12th, 1809. The record of his boyhood and youth, so far as we have been able to trace it, is not distinguished by anything more remarkable than the usual experience of children of pioneers in a new country. In 1816 he removed with his parents to what is now