Part 5 — NOTES AND INDEXES
Reading edition
NOTES
"At last they brought him to Meronoco moco, where was Powhatan, their emperor. Here more than two hundred of these grim courtiers stood wondering at him as he had been a monster, till Powhatan and his train had put themselves in their greatest braveries. Before a fire, upon a seat like a bedstead, he sat covered with a great robe, made of Rarowcun skins, and all the tails hanging by. On either hand did sit a young wench of 16 or 18 years, and along on each side of the house, two rows of men, and behind them as many women, with all their heads and shoulders painted red; many of their heads bedecked with the white down of birds; but every one with something: and a great chain of white beads about their necks. At his entrance before the King, all the people gave a great shout. The queen of Appamatuck was appointed to bring him water to wash his hands, and another brought him a bunch of feathers, instead of a towel to dry them: having feasted him after their best barbarous manner they could, a long consultation was held, but the conclusion was, two great stones were brought before Powhatan; then as many as could laid hand on him, dragged him to them, and thereon laid his head, and being ready with their clubs to beat out his brains, Pocahontas, the king's dearest daughter, when no entreaty could prevail, got his head in her arms, and laid her own upon his to save him from death: whereat the emperor was contented he should live to make him hatchets, and her bells, beads, and copper: for they thought him as well of all occupations as themselves. For the king himself will make his own robes, shoes, bows, arrows, pots; plant, hunt, or do anything so well as the rest.
"They say he bore a pleasant show, But sure his heart was sad, For who can pleasant be, and rest, That lives in fear and dread: And having life suspected, doth It still suspected lead."
In spite of which, it is generally agreed among historians that no such incident ever occurred. One can only remark that Smith seems to have had a genius for imaginative detail worthy of Defoe.
It had been thought for many years that both of these ballads were lost, but "The Downfall of Piracy" was discovered by Dr. Edward Everett Hale in a volume entitled "Some Real Sea-Songs," edited by Mr. John Ashton, and published in London. There is, in Dr. Hale's opinion, no doubt that it is one of the Franklin ballads. The news of the fight probably reached Boston about the first of January, 1719, and the ballad was no doubt written soon after. Of "The Lighthouse Tragedy" no trace has been found.
"Concerning the killing of those poor Indians," wrote Robinson of Leyden (December 16, 1623), "of which we heard first by report and since by more certain relation, O how happy a thing had it been, if you had converted some before you had killed any!"
At about the same time, Richelieu sent out an expedition to take formal possession of New France, and named Isaac de Launay de Razilly governor of all Acadia. He made his settlement at La Hève, on the Atlantic coast of Nova Scotia, but died in 1635, and his deputy, Charles de Menou, Chevalier D'Aulnay, asserted his right to command in the colony. Thereupon began between him and Charles de la Tour that famous struggle for the possession of Acadia which forms so romantic a passage in American history.
To manhood he makes a vain pretence Who wants both manly form and sense; 'Tis but the form and not the matter, According to the schoolmen's clatter; From such a creature, Heaven defend her! Each lady cries, no neuter gender! But when a number of such creatures, With women's hearts and manly features, Their country's generous schemes perplex, I own I hate this Middle-sex.
"Whereas the infatuated multitudes, who have long suffered themselves to be conducted by certain well-known incendiaries and traitors, in a fatal progression of crimes against the constitutional authority of the state, have at length proceeded to avowed rebellion, and the good effects which were expected to arise from the patience and lenity of the king's government have been often frustrated, and are now rendered hopeless by the influence of the same evil counsels, it only remains for those who are entrusted with the supreme rule, as well for the punishment of the guilty as the protection of the well-affected, to prove that they do not bear the sword in vain."
"The story of Bunker Hill battle is told as literally in accordance with the best authorities as it would have been if it had been written in prose instead of in verse. I have often been asked what steeple it was from which the little group I speak of looked upon the conflict. To this I answer that I am not prepared to speak authoritatively, but that the reader may take his choice among all the steeples standing at that time in the northern part of the city. Christ Church in Salem Street is the one I always think of, but I do not insist upon its claim. As to the personages who made up the small company that followed the old corporal, it would be hard to identify them, but by ascertaining where the portrait by Copley is now to be found, some light may be thrown on their personality."
It has been pointed out that the belfry could hardly have been that of Christ Church, since tradition has it that General Gage himself watched the battle from that vantage point.
The poem was first published in 1875, in connection with the centenary of the battle which it describes.
Page 169. Lawyer Close. Washington's aide, Major Lee.
"Sir James Wallace, Admiral Graves, and Captain Montague were British naval officers, employed on our coast. The Viper and Rose were vessels in the service. Lord Dunmore, the last Royal governor of Virginia, had recently, in April, 1775, removed the public stores from Williamsburg, and, in conjunction with a party of adherents, supported by the naval force on the station, was making war on the province. William Tryon, the last Royal governor of New York, discerning the signs of the times, took refuge on board the Halifax packet in the harbor, and left the city in the middle of October, 1775."
David Bushnell, inventor of the American torpedo, constructed the machines, which were so arranged as to explode on coming in contact with anything. Hopkinson's verses, which swept from colony to colony, did much to relieve the strain of those early months of 1778, and were perhaps worth as much, in tonic and inspiration, as the winning of a battle would have been.
When the epic strain was sung, The poet by the neck was hung, And to his cost he finds too late The dung-born tribe decides his fate.
The poem was afterwards published by Rivington as an 8vo of 69 pages.
"The Cow-Chace," in its early editions, had the following explanatory notes:—
Tanner: General Wayne's legal occupation.
Mumps: A disorder prevalent in the Rebel lines.
Yan Van Poop: Who kept a dram-shop.
Jade: A New England name for a horse, mare, or gelding.
Bodies: A cant appellation given among the soldiery to the corps that have the honor to guard his majesty's person.
Cunningham: Provost-Marshal of New York.
The shot will not go thro':
Five Refugees ('tis true) were found Stiff on the block-house floor, But then 'tis thought the shot went round, And in at the back door.
Frost-bit Alexander: Earl of Stirling.
The frantic priest: Caldwell, a minister at Elizabethtown.
One pretty marquis: Lafayette, a French coxcomb in the rebel service.
"In June, 1798, at the request of the 'Massachusetts Charitable Fire Society,' Mr. Paine wrote his celebrated political song of 'Adams and Liberty.' It may appear singular that politics should have any connection with an institution of benevolence: but the great object of the anniversary being to obtain charitable donations, the more various and splendid were the attractions, the more crowded the attendance: and of course, the more ample the accumulation for charity.
"There was, probably, never a political song more sung in America than this; and one of more poetical merit was, perhaps, never written: an anecdote deserves notice respecting one of the best stanzas in it. Mr. Paine had written all he intended; and being in the house of Major Russell, editor of the 'Centinel,' showed him the verses. It was highly approved, but pronounced imperfect; as Washington was omitted. The sideboard was replenished, and Paine was about to help himself; when Major Russell familiarly interfered, and insisted, in his humorous manner, that he should not slake his thirst till he had written an additional stanza, in which Washington should be introduced. Paine marched back and forth a few minutes, and suddenly starting, called for a pen. He immediately wrote the following sublime stanza [the one beginning "Should the tempest of war overshadow our land"].
"The sale of this song yielded him a profit of about seven hundred and fifty dollars. It was read by all; and there was scarcely in New England, a singer, that could not sing this song. Nor was its circulation confined to New England: it was sung at theatres, and on public and private occasions, throughout the United States; and republished and applauded in Great Britain."
"It ["Hail Columbia"] was written in the summer of 1798, when war with France was thought to be inevitable. Congress was then in session in Philadelphia, deliberating upon that important subject, and acts of hostility had actually taken place. The contest between England and France was raging, and the people of the United States were divided into parties for the one side or the other, some thinking that policy and duty required us to espouse the cause of republican France, as she was called; while others were for connecting ourselves with England, under the belief that she was the great preservative power of good principles and safe government. The violation of our rights by both belligerents was forcing us from the just and wise policy of President Washington, which was to do equal justice to both, to take part with neither, but to preserve a strict and honest neutrality between them. The prospect of a rupture with France was exceedingly offensive to the portion of the people who espoused her cause, and the violence of the spirit of party has never risen higher, I think not so high, in our country, as it did at that time, upon that question. The theatre was then open in our city. A young man belonging to it, whose talent was as a singer, was about to take his benefit. I had known him when he was at school. On this acquaintance, he called on me one Saturday afternoon, his benefit being announced for the following Monday. His prospects were very disheartening; but he said that if he could get a patriotic song adapted to the tune of the 'President's March,' he did not doubt of a full house; that the poets of the theatrical corps had been trying to accomplish it, but had not succeeded. I told him I would try what I could do for him. The object of the author was to get up an American spirit, which should be independent of and above the interests, passions, and policy of both belligerents: and look and feel exclusively for our own honour and rights. No allusion is made to France or England, or the quarrel between them: or to the question, which was most at fault in their treatment of us: of course the song found favour with both parties, for both were Americans; at least neither could disavow the sentiments and feelings it inculcated."
Mr. Samuel Roads, Jr., in his "History of Marblehead," contended that Ireson was in no way responsible for the abandonment of the disabled ship, and Whittier, in writing to Mr. Roads, says: "I have now no doubt that thy version of Skipper Ireson's ride is the correct one. My verse was founded solely on a fragment of rhyme which I heard from one of my early schoolmates, a native of Marblehead. I supposed the story to which it referred dated back at least a century. I knew nothing of the participants, and the narrative of the ballad was pure fancy. I am glad for the sake of truth and justice that the real facts are given in thy book. I certainly would not knowingly do injustice to any one, dead or living."
The use of dialect in the refrain was suggested by Lowell, the editor of the "Atlantic" at the time.
When our land is illumined with liberty's smile, If a foe from within strike a blow at her glory, Down, down with the traitor who dares to defile The flag of her stars and the page of her story! By the millions unchained Who their birthright have gained We will keep her bright blazon forever unstained; And the star-spangled banner in triumph shall wave While the land of the free is the home of the brave.
I see thee ever in my dreams, Karaman! Thy hundred hills, thy thousand streams, Karaman, O Karaman!
It was wedded to the old college air "Lauriger Horatius," by Miss Hattie Cary, of Baltimore.
In affecting contrast to the reception given the Sixth Massachusetts in 1861 was that given it in 1898, when it passed through Baltimore on its way to Cuba. The historic regiment was met at the station by the mayor; school children drawn up along the line of march pelted the soldiers with flowers; each soldier was given a little box containing cake, fruit, and a love-letter; and a great motto was strung across the streets reading, "Let the welcome of '98 efface the memory of '61."
At the close of the war, the eagle was presented to Governor Lewis, of Wisconsin, and provided with a suite of rooms in the State House Park at Madison.
Admiral Farragut was so impressed with Brownell's poem that he sought out the author and a warm friendship followed. When Mobile was captured, Brownell was a guest of the Admiral on board his flagship, the Hartford, and the result was another spirited poem, "The Bay Fight," which appears elsewhere in this collection.
WHEN THIS CRUEL WAR IS OVER
Dearest love, do you remember When we last did meet, How you told me that you loved me, Kneeling at my feet? Oh, how proud you stood before me, In your suit of blue, When you vowed to me and country Ever to be true. Chorus—Weeping, sad and lonely, Hopes and fears how vain; Yet praying when this cruel war is over, Praying that we meet again. When the summer breeze is sighing Mournfully along, Or when autumn leaves are falling, Sadly breathes the song. Oft in dreams I see thee lying On the battle plain, Lonely, wounded, even dying, Calling, but in vain. If, amid the din of battle, Nobly you should fall, Far away from those who love you, None to hear you call, Who would whisper words of comfort? Who would soothe your pain? Ah, the many cruel fancies Ever in my brain! But our country called you, darling, Angels cheer your way! When our nation's sons are fighting, We can only pray. Nobly strike for God and country, Let all nations see How we love the starry banner, Emblem of the free. Charles Carroll Sawyer.
Farragut's fleet was the most formidable collection of war vessels that had ever been assembled under command of one man. It surpassed in power for destruction the combined English, French, and Spanish fleets at Trafalgar. Yet, in spite of the desperate nature of the struggle which followed, the loss was less than in many a skirmish on land, that in the Union fleet being 52 killed and 170 wounded, besides 93 drowned in the Tecumseh, while the Confederate loss was only 12 killed and 20 wounded.