can at heart, and his histories breathe the spirit of liberty. He deserves to be classed with the best historians of Europe both in subject-matter and manner of presentation.

Francis Parkman [1823-1893], the last of our great historians in point of time, was born in Boston in 1823. He graduated from Harvard in 1844, having as early as his junior year decided upon the writing of history as his life's work. He chose for his theme the struggle between the French and English in North America. Like Prescott, he worked under unusual difficulties, suffering from a disease of the eyes that almost deprived him of their use. In spite of this disability during the fifty years of his labor, he wrote many books of the liveliest interest. In 1846 he went to the Rocky Mountains for his health, and to make a study of Indian life. He visited the Dakotah Indians and lived among them for several months, acquiring a vast fund of information. Parkman is unquestionably the best historical authority upon the Indians as they were fifty years ago. He visited all the scenes of his books, basing his statements upon his own personal observation as authority. His descriptions are very picturesque, though faithful and entirely trustworthy. Of all our historians he is the most skillful word painter. He gives us a very vivid picture of the Indians before the advance of civili

zation had forced them from their native wilds. The subject was interesting, and Parkman possessed marvelous patience in collecting and sifting material, and an enthusiastic love for his work. The mere titles of his histories are suggestive of lively interest: The Oregon Trail, The Conspiracy of Pontiac, Pioneers of France in the New World, The Jesuits in North America, La Salle, The Old Régime in Canada, Count Frontenac, A Half Century of Conflict, and Montcalm and Wolfe.

Richard Hildreth [1807-1865] is the author of a history of the United States, which at one time was regarded much more highly than it is now. It was written from the Federalist standpoint, and was partisan in its views. While Bancroft's history ended with the year 1789, Hildreth brought his down to 1821. His style is dry and entirely devoid of the picturesque element so characteristic of many of our historians.

John Palfrey [1796-1881] deserves to be mentioned for his concise and interesting History of New England, of which Lowell says: -

"It is little to say that his work is the only one of its kind. He has done it so well that it is likely to remain so."

Palfrey was associated with Harvard as professor of biblical literature.

George Ticknor [1791-1871] is to be remem

bered for his literary History of Spanish Literature, of which Richardson speaks with considerable praise :

"In perspective, in justice of critical praise and blame, and in accuracy of statement, Ticknor's History of Spanish Literature is, in some respects, the best literary record devoted by a foreigner to the books of any country. Inferior to Taine's English Literature in brilliancy and beauty of style, it easily surpasses that most famous of recent criticisms in its candor and impartiality of thought and judgment and in its evenness of execution."

John Fiske [1842-1901] attained high rank among historians not only because of his skill as an investigator, but by reason of his wise judgment and fascinating style. His volumes possess a lively interest not only for the students of history, but for the general reader. Among them may be mentioned: The Discovery of America, The Beginnings of New England, Old Virginia and her Neighbors, The Dutch and Quaker Colonies, The American Revolution, and The Critical Period of American History. Fiske was the author of Outlines of Cosmic Philosophy, which gives a thorough exposition of Herbert Spencer's philosophical system.

SUCH men as Samuel Adams, John Hancock, James Otis, and Josiah Quincy, whose words of fiery eloquence startled two continents, wielded a powerful influence in advancing the day of freedom. Following these, Daniel Webster, Henry Clay, and John C. Calhoun were the stalwart

leaders of their parties and swayed the minds of multitudes by their splendid oratory. The day of great orators seems to be over, but a sketch of American literature would not be complete unless at least a brief mention were made of some few of America's eloquent speakers, whose words have not only influenced men to do their will, but have served to enrich our literature.

Patrick Henry [1736–1799], one of the greatest of our pre-Revolutionary orators, was born in Virginia in 1736 and died in the same state in 1799. His father was a Scotchman of some ability, who conducted the education of his son until the lad had reached the age of fifteen. Patrick Henry's life was devoted to trading and farming until his twenty-fourth year, when he decided to study law. After a brief course of study he was admitted to the bar, and in time gained a large practice and a comfortable income. In 1765 he was elected to the House of Burgesses, the year in which he delivered his famous speech on the Stamp Act, when he made use of these memorable words amid cries of treason:

"Cæsar had his Brutus, Charles the First his Cromwell, and George the Third-may profit by their example. If this be treason, make the most of it."

Ten years later he delivered a famous speech before the Virginia convention on the Resolution