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large city, and is adorned with fine public buildings. Among these are the President's residence, which you often hear called. "the White House ", and the Capitol, a large building in which Congress meets.

6. After John Adams had served four years (1797-1801), Thomas Jefferson became President. It was he that drew up the Declaration of Independence. One of the most important events during his term of office was the purchase of Louisiana from the French. Napoleon, then at the head of affairs in France, at first intended to plant a large colony there. But, a quarrel breaking out with England, he needed all the men and money he could raise. So he sold Louisiana to the United States for fifteen millions of dollars, part of which was to be paid to those Americans whose property had been seized by French cruisers upon the ocean.

7. In the north of Africa, on the Mediterranean Sea, lie what are called the Barbary States. For a long time they were the home of pirates, who used to scour the sea, capture merchantvessels, and sell their crews into slavery. For a while the United States paid a yearly tribute to secure its vessels from these outrages. But at last the pirates became so insolent that a fleet was sent out under Commodore Preble to punish them.

8. While reconnoitring the harbor of Trip'-o-li, the Philadelphia, one of the American vessels, struck on a rock. She was immediately taken by the Tripolitans. But Lieutenant De-ca'tur, one of the bravest officers in the service, resolved they should not long enjoy their triumph. One evening, in a little vessel disguised as a coaster, he boldly sailed up to the Philadelphia, and asked permission to moor his boat beside her. Before the Tripolitans found out what was going on, he and his men

government obtain the District of Columbia? Describe the District as it was. What changes have taken place in the District and in Washington City ?-6. Who succeeded John Adams? What is Jefferson noted for having drawn up? What was one of the most important events during his term? State the cir cumstances under which Louisiana was bought. How much was given for it?-7. Where do the Barbary States lie? Of whom were they long the home? What led to a war with Tripoli ?-8. What befell the Philadelphia? What gallant exploit was performed by Decatur in connection with this vessel ?—

1804]

WAR WITH TRIPOLI.

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were on board. After driving off the pirates, they set the ship on fire and made good their retreat.

9. Soon after this, the Americans attacked the Tripolitan fleet and bombarded the city. The gallant Decatur again fought like a lion. In boarding one of the enemy's boats, he was met by the captain, and a desperate struggle ensued. While they were thus engaged, another Tripolitan rushed up with drawn sword and was about to despatch Decatur, when a gallant sailor saved his life by interposing his person and receiving the blow himself. After being pretty severely handled, the bashaw of Tripoli thought it best to come to terms. For some years after this, the American flag was treated with respect.

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9. What did the Americans do soon after this? Tell the story about Decatur. What was the result of the war?

LESSON XLV.

JEFFERSON'S SECOND TERM.-JAMES MADISON.

1. On the 4th of March, 1805, Jefferson entered on his second term. Aaron Burr, who had been Vice-president, was not re-elected. Burr was disappointed, and, journeying through the west, he gave out that he was engaged in some great scheme, and tried to induce the leading men to join him. What his scheme was, never was known. It is thought that he proposed separating the west from the rest of the Union and placing himself at its head.

2. Hearing that he had enlisted several thousand men in his enterprise, the President in 1807 had Burr arrested on a charge of treason. He was committed to jail; and this great man slept for a time in a blanket on the floor among the common criminals. He was tried and acquitted. But people generally believed him guilty; and, though he was one of the best orators and lawyers in the country, he was shunned by all.

3. West of the Rocky Mountains, on the Pacific, lay a province of Mexico called California. North of this was an extensive tract, now forming the state of Oregon and the territory of Washington. Little or nothing was known of this region; and, during Jefferson's term, a party of soldiers and hunters was sent out to explore it. They were gone two years, and met with many adventures. They travelled six thousand miles, and thoroughly explored the valley of the great Columbia River.

4. Jefferson's second term was distinguished by one of the greatest inventions ever made,-that of the steamboat. When you see our rivers covered with floating palaces, remember that the first steamboat in the world was built by Robert Fulton, a

1. When did Jefferson commence his second term? What is said of Aaron Burr? What is Burr's scheme thought to have been?-2. How did the President put a stop to Burr's movements? How did Burr's trial result?-3. What lay west of the Rocky Mountains, on the Pacific? What lay north of California? What measures were taken to explore this region? What is said of the exploring party?-4. By what was Jefferson's second term distinguished? By

1807]

TROUBLE WITH ENGLAND.

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It

Pennsylvanian, and plied on the Hudson River in 1807. made the trip between New York and Albany in thirty-six hours, and was a great improvement on the river sloops, which took a week or more to perform the passage. This little boat of Fulton's led the way for the splendid steamers that have since become so common.

5. Great Britain still seemed to feel sore at the loss of her colonies. She was the strongest of all countries on the ocean, and took advantage of her power to stop American vessels and search them. She claimed the right of seizing British seamen, wherever they could be found, and carrying them off to serve on her own ships. And, worst of all, she took the liberty of deciding for herself who were British seamen, and sometimes seized Americans in stead.

6. The American vessels were often too weak to resist. This was the case with the Chesapeake. Sailing out of port, unprepared for battle, she was overhauled by a British ship, which fired on her, killed several of her crew, and carried off four men claimed as deserters. This news produced great excitement throughout the country. But the British were not always so fortunate. Several years after this, the Little Belt gave chase to the American ship President. After a time, however, she changed her course, and then it was the President's turn to chase. The Little Belt commenced the action as the American ship approached, but soon gave it up with the loss of thirty men.

7. It was clear that unless such outrages ceased war would follow. In the midst of the excitement, Jefferson's second term expired. He was succeeded by James Madison. Madison served two terms, from 1809 to 1817. They were signalized by two wars; one with the Indians of the west, and the other with Great Britain.

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whom was the first steamboat constructed? Where did it ply? How did its speed compare with that of the river sloops? For what did this little boat of Fulton's lead the way?-5. What arrogant claim did Great Britain make and act upon, to the injury of American commerce ?-6. Give an account of the outrage committed on the Chesapeake. What took place between the Little Belt and the President?-7. In the midst of the excitement, who became President? How long did Madison serve? By what was his administration signalized ?—

8. The west was now rapidly filling up with settlers. The Indians, again alarmed and forgetting the lesson Wayne had taught them, were ready once more to dig up the tomahawk against the United States. At their head was Tecumseh, the most formidable Indian warrior that ever fought against our country, crafty, eloquent, and a giant in strength. Tecumseh's brother was a noted prophet, and both had great influence among the frontier tribes. They refused to keep the treaty that had been made with the United States, and planned a general rising against the whites.

9. British agents encouraged Tecumseh and his brother to carry out their scheme. The Indians generally were ready to listen to them. While Tecumseh was away, visiting distant tribes, the prophet's head-quarters were fixed at the mouth of the Tippecanoe River, in what is now the western part of IndiHere his followers gathered around him and built a town.

ana.

LESSON XLVI.

BATTLE OF TIPPECANOE.--WAR WITH ENGLAND.

1. The territory of Indiana was at this time governed by William Henry Harrison, afterwards President of the United States. The crafty Tecumseh thought he would commence the war by striking a blow at Governor Harrison. So, going to the capital of the territory with several hundred warriors, he asked for an interview. On a given signal, his men were to fall upon the whites who were present, and let none escape, Governor Harrison met him as desired, but, suspecting treachery, took such precautions that Tecumseh, bold as he was, durst not give the signal.

8. What troubles assumed a threatening aspect in the west? Who was at the head of the Indians? What is said of Tecumseh? Of his brother? What did they do?-9. Where did the prophet fix his head-quarters?

1. Who was governor of the territory of Indiana at this time? How did Tecumseh think he would commence the war? How did Harrison defeat his

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